Alternate
Picking
This concept is simple and elegant: alternating between down and up strokes in a consistent motion. A proven technique relevant to any style, ranging from simple guitar riffs to ultra-fast solos.
the art of uniformity
Infinite diversity
Chart Your Progress
You've explored the foundations and seen the potential of alternate picking in action. But how do you measure your own journey? We make progress tangible through a structured approach with progressive milestones, providing a clear set of goals for every step. With these training plans, you'll always know exactly what to improve, making it easier to push forward with confidence.
STARTER MILESTONES
INTERMEDIATE MILESTONES
INITIAL REPORT
Explore Training Plans Available
Take your technique to the next level with our meticulously designed training plans. Our structured learning paths are built to guide you efficiently toward your goals.
Embassadors
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Renowned for his exceptional alternate picking technique, which plays a pivotal role in his distinctive sound and virtuosic performances. This style allows him to achieve a fluid and rapid articulation, enabling the execution of intricate patterns and fast-paced solos that are both precise and dynamic.
Speed and Precision: Di Meola's alternate picking contributes to his ability to play complex lines at high speeds without losing clarity.
Control: His mastery of the technique allows for an exceptional level of control, creating nuances in phrasing and dynamics.
Versatility: The style applies to various genres, including jazz, fusion, and world music, showcasing his adaptability as a guitarist.
Finger Coordination: His use of alternate picking necessitates superior finger coordination and timing, setting a benchmark for aspiring guitarists.
Influence: Di Meola’s approach to alternate picking has inspired countless musicians, making it a key aspect of modern guitar playing.
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Renowned for his exceptional alternate picking technique, which allows him to achieve remarkable speed and precision while maintaining clarity in his playing. His technique enables fluidity in various musical contexts, from intricate solos to rapid-fire riffs. Petrucci's mastery of alternate picking sets him apart as a guitarist, often inspiring many to emulate his style in their own practice.
Emphasis on clean execution and note separation.
Utilises a combination of wrist and arm motion for optimal control.
Frequently integrates alternate picking into complex time signatures and key changes in his compositions.
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Widely recognized for his exceptional alternate picking technique, which is a cornerstone of his fluid and articulate playing style. His approach to this technique combines precision with speed, allowing him to execute complex patterns effortlessly. Moore often emphasizes the importance of hand synchronization, ensuring that both the picking hand and fretting hand work cohesively to produce a seamless musical flow. His unique sound and technical prowess have made him a significant influence in the world of rock guitar.
Emphasizes hand synchronization for smooth execution.
Utilizes a consistent picking motion to enhance speed and clarity.
Incorporates various rhythmic patterns to add musicality.
Alternate picking in solos and riffs is frequently applied to create dynamic phrases.
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Renowned for his mastery of alternate picking. This method allows for increased speed and precision, contributing to his distinct sound and technical proficiency. Gilbert's approach combines strict timing with an emphasis on control, enabling him to execute intricate riffs and solos with clarity. His influential style has inspired countless guitarists and continues to be a pivotal element in modern rock and metal music.
Emphasizes a clean, consistent motion of the pick.
Utilizes a relaxed hand and wrist to maintain speed without tension.
Incorporates variations in dynamics and accents to enhance phrasing.
Demonstrates the technique through a variety of musical genres, showcasing versatility.
Speak up.
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We understand. Trust us; we once sought to play as fast as possible.
So what is the fastest way to get there?
Well, lock your shoulder in place, allowing you to pick fast instead of using the wrist*
That's it; enjoy!
*Oh wait. There are a few drawbacks...Alternate Picking is all about control, and consistent picking motion, no matter what (fast) pattern you're playing. It's that clarity and note definition you should be looking for.
Locking your shoulder is not the recommended approach. It puts both muscles, responsible for opposite movement, under tension. This leads to problems, it will hit you eventually. So use only at high speed, for a short period, and train lightly in this state.
It may seem impressive initially, but as you become a better guitar player, you'll find that fast picking without control and expressivity is dumb music.
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Each training plan introduces new techniques starting with basic mechanics such as single strings patterns with more straightforward finger motion up to higher fretboard coverage.
Each week, new patterns are built on top of last week's learning and add complexity to evolve the technique.
Your weekly practice board is also progressive, from the initial essential exercise to properly isolate the technique to applying actual patterns on a backing track on which you'll be playing rhythm and lead guitar.
Even seasoned players will find value in increasing their understanding of the technique and reaching higher speed with consistent results.
We've worked hard to avoid boring exercises and apply them as much as possible in real context so you can incorporate these patterns as musical phrases instead of theoretical linear scales or dull exercises.
We also provide references to artists/songs using similar patterns.
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In one word: Consistency
One (longer) weekly practice is a sure way to have a negligible effect, slow progress that leads to frustration and loss of motivation.
We've seen this countless times with traditional, in-person tuition. Students who practice 3 hours just before their weekly lesson make significantly less progress than the ones who focus on daily practice. They also struggle by trying to focus on too many elements simultaneously, resulting in weak technique, not adequately built and incorporated.
Remember that it's making the practice habit that matters. What's left once you've reached your goal? That's right, a healthy habit to keep pushing and reach even higher.
Although it's equivalent to time spent in both cases, your body and brain will adapt faster with short and consistent daily practice.
That's what we are providing here with our training plans, the best way to get results and enjoy your journey.