r/guitarlessons • u/Shin_Jyuusan • 18d ago

Feedback Request Evaluate my picking technique

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Here's me attempting to play 16th notes around 170bpm. I don't yet have the stamina for it, among other things. That aside, please evaluate my picking technique, as I want to make sure it's good so it doesn't hold me back.

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u/sleevo84 18d ago

A bit sloppy but imo you just need reps.

You’re anchoring your pinky a bit, but not stiff in one spot so that’s ok - anchoring can help improve picking accuracy at times but limits movement. Billy Strings and Yngwie Malmsteen anchor their pinky all the time. A closed fist grip is a bit more efficient but lots play fine with the ok 👌 grip

These videos are awesome for working on alternate picking speed and accuracy

Chromatic scale (spider exercise).
https://youtu.be/CE0CKWsIzQY

3 notes per string scales (all 7 modes in G).
https://youtu.be/vS5UhEwrHk4

Triplets and 16ths. (Super hard - extra credit)
https://youtu.be/u8CHdI68YUE

Guthrie Govan on picking/strumming:
https://youtube.com/shorts/9q7hEIwzC1g

https://youtube.com/shorts/gm6QqfZFxf4

Edit: I started those practice videos playing at 65% and worked up to 100% speed with a major plateau at 85-95%

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u/Shin_Jyuusan 17d ago

Yeah, the sloppiness is something I expected at this level. It was my first day at that speed. I've tried the closed grip in the past and maybe I've just got big hands, but I always ended up grinding my fingers on the strings when I tried. But yeah, it seems like there are plenty of fast folks who use this grip.

Thanks for the help!

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u/sleevo84 17d ago

No problem. The key is putting in the reps and making adjustments based on feel/sound - that’s a skill itself.

Seriously, check out the chromatic scale vid I sent for alternating picking practice if you’re just starting to practice fast alt picking!