Karl Golden - ONLINE MUSIC EDUCATION

What is Alternate Picking?

At its core, alternate picking involves continuous down-and-up strokes with your pick. This consistent motion helps achieve a smooth, rhythmic flow, crucial for fast passages and intricate solos. For instance, using the A minor pentatonic scale, you maintain the pattern: down, up, down, up—ensuring the strokes alternate seamlessly across notes and strings.

The Difference Between Alternate Picking and Tremolo Picking

You may have heard of tremolo picking, a similar technique emphasizing rapid down-and-up strokes, typically on a single string. While alternate picking is used across scales and arpeggios, tremolo picking focuses on speed and consistency within a narrow scope.

Setting Up Your Technique

Choosing the Right Pick: Jazz-style picks, such as Max Grip Jazz picks, are excellent for alternate picking. These small, grippy picks help you maintain control during fast movements, making them ideal for lead guitar techniques.

Pick Angle: Position your pick at a slight angle to the strings rather than parallel. This helps avoid the pick getting stuck on the strings, ensuring smooth transitions. Players like Troy Grady have explored this concept extensively, emphasizing its importance for efficient string changes.

Pick Grip: Hold the pick as if you're forming a "gun" with your hand. Place the pick on your index finger and secure it with your thumb, leaving just the tip exposed.

Practicing Alternate Picking

Step 1: Start Slow

• Use a metronome set to 60 BPM and practice triplets in the A minor scale across three octaves.
• Count: "One and two and three and four and," ensuring each string shift lands on the correct stroke.

Step 2: Double Note Values

• Gradually increase to 16th note triplets. This doubles the speed of your picking, challenging your precision and rhythm.

Step 3: Experiment with Straight Notes

• Practice straight eighth notes and 16th notes. This variation places string changes in unexpected parts of the bar, improving your adaptability and right-hand control.

Addressing Challenges with Scales and String Transitions

• Three-Note-Per-String Scales: These scales can be tricky due to the odd number of notes per string. A useful trick is to double the first note on each string, ensuring your strokes always alternate correctly.
• Pentatonic Scales: With two notes per string, alternate picking feels natural and effortless. Incorporate this scale into your practice to build confidence.
• Blues Scales: The added "blue note" introduces complexity. Consider combining alternate and economy picking for smoother transitions.

Advanced Practice Ideas

For those looking to push boundaries:

• Attempt 32nd-note triplets. Though challenging, they are achievable with consistent practice and analysis of difficult passages.
• Focus on descending patterns, which are often easier to execute than ascending ones.
• Analyze your struggles. Pay close attention to specific string transitions or mental blocks, and isolate them in your practice.

Tips for Success

• Relax Your Picking Hand: Avoid tension to prevent fatigue and injuries.
• Use Proper Tools: Small, grippy picks encourage light, controlled movements.
• Gradual Tempo Increases: Progress slowly to higher speeds, focusing on accuracy.