Help, I Can't Play Fast! Avoiding The Most Inefficient Motion In Picking

Introduction

If you're struggling to play fast on the guitar and find your maximum picking speed is limited, you're not alone. Many players face this issue, often due to inefficient picking techniques known as stringhopping. This tutorial will guide you through understanding stringhopping, its mechanics, and how to overcome it to achieve faster playing speeds.

Step 1: Identify Stringhopping

• What is stringhopping?
  • Stringhopping occurs when your picking motion is too vertical and relies heavily on bouncing between strings rather than a smooth, controlled motion.
• How to recognize it:
  • Pay attention to your picking hand. If you notice excessive vertical motion or difficulty in transitioning between strings, you may be stringhopping.
• Common symptoms:
  • Inability to maintain speed above 150 beats per minute for sixteenth notes.
  • A feeling of disconnection or clumsiness when changing strings.

Step 2: Understand Why Stringhopping Doesn't Work

• Inefficiency of stringhopping:
  • Stringhopping leads to wasted motion and energy. Instead of using a fluid motion, the technique results in a jerky, inefficient playing style.
• Consequences:
  • This inefficiency can prevent you from reaching your full speed potential and can cause fatigue during longer playing sessions.

Step 3: Learn from Eric Johnson's Technique

• Bounce Technique:
  • Eric Johnson utilizes a controlled bounce technique that allows him to achieve speed without stringhopping.
• How to practice this technique:
  • Focus on a relaxed wrist and a smooth motion where the pick glides over the strings rather than bouncing off them.
  • Practice scales or short phrases slowly, ensuring that your picking motion is consistent and fluid.

Step 4: Solve Stringhopping Motion

• Correcting your form:
  • Start by reducing the vertical motion in your picking hand. Aim for a more horizontal, angled motion that allows for smooth transitions between strings.
• Exercises to improve motion:
  • Single String Practice:
    • Play a single string with a metronome, focusing on maintaining a consistent motion without stringhopping.
  • Two String Exercise:
    • Play between two adjacent strings, ensuring a smooth transition. Start slow and gradually increase speed.
• Check your wrist position:
  • Ensure your wrist is relaxed and not overly tense, which can contribute to stringhopping.

Step 5: Distinguish Between Motion Correctness and Musical Correctness

• Focus on motion:
  • Prioritize practicing the correct picking motion over trying to play musical phrases perfectly.
• Incorporate musical elements gradually:
  • Once comfortable with the motion, begin incorporating musical phrases to reinforce your new technique.

Step 6: Further Learning

• Resources for improvement:
  • Explore the "Pickslanting Primer" and "Cracking the Code" for in-depth studies and exercises to enhance your picking technique.
• Practice consistently:
  • Regular practice with a focus on proper technique will lead to improvements in your playing speed and overall comfort on the guitar.

Conclusion

Breaking free from stringhopping is crucial for improving your picking speed. By identifying the issue, understanding its mechanics, and practicing efficient techniques, you can enhance your playing ability. Remember to focus on motion correctness before integrating musical elements into your practice. With time and dedication, you'll unlock your true picking potential. Happy playing!