Master Alternate Picking: Your Journey Begins Here

About the Course

Welcome to the world of alternate picking, where precision meets speed and creativity. This course is designed to take you from the basics to mastering alternate picking techniques, all within the supportive environment of the Gibson App. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, you'll find that alternate picking opens up a new realm of musical possibilities. With each chapter, you'll gain confidence and control, transforming your playing style.

Chapter 1 is your gateway to this journey, laying the foundation for everything that follows. You'll learn essential techniques that will become second nature, allowing you to express yourself more freely on the guitar. As you progress through the course, you'll be surprised at how quickly these skills become part of your musical vocabulary. Dive in and discover the joy of alternate picking!

Chapter 1

Intro To This Course

Setting the Stage

In this series of videos, you'll embark on a journey to master alternate picking. We'll start by positioning your right hand on the guitar, discussing how to hold the pick correctly, and exploring different angles of the pick. You'll also learn about left-hand fingerings, groupings, and the independence between your left and right hands. Muting techniques will ensure everything sounds clean and precise.

Exercises and Techniques

We'll begin with exercises in the pentatonic and minor scales, focusing on position changes and using all four fingers on the frets. As you progress, you'll work towards playing a full track featuring riffs that utilize alternate picking, along with additional techniques like bending and vibrato. Let's dive into these exercises and get ready to play some alternate picking!

What Is Alternate Picking?

The Basics of Motion

Alternate picking involves continuously alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. The right hand's position is crucial, with the forearm resting on the guitar body and the back of the palm touching the strings near the bridge. This helps mute unwanted string noise. Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger, ensuring a slight gap to allow for fluid motion.

Exploring Angles

The angle of the pick relative to the strings can vary. Playing parallel to the strings offers a different tone compared to using an angled approach, which can sound more aggressive. Experiment with both to find what feels comfortable and sounds best to you. Remember these key points: forearm position, palm placement, pick grip, and pick angle. Practice the down-up motion continuously to master alternate picking.

Quarter Notes vs 8th Notes

Understanding Rhythms

Alternate picking is essential for gaining speed, especially when playing faster passages. For quarter notes, which are one note per click, downstrokes are typically used. However, when playing eighth notes, which are two notes per beat, alternate picking becomes crucial. The downbeat is played with a downstroke, and the upbeat with an upstroke.

Perfecting the Motion

The right hand's motion is not entirely straight; it involves a slight curve to maintain contact with the strings. This circular motion, combined with wrist movement, allows for efficient alternate picking. Practice transitioning between quarter and eighth notes to understand the difference in sound and feel. Don't be afraid to hit the strings with confidence to fully experience the movement of alternate picking.

Tips On Position Changes

Navigating the Neck

Switching positions on the neck is a vital skill. For example, moving from frets 7, 8, 10 to 8, 10, 12 on the B string requires careful fingering. The index finger acts as the leading finger, guiding the hand to the next position. It's important not to press down on notes you're not playing, allowing your left hand the freedom to move.

The Spider Exercise

A useful exercise for developing finger strength and independence is the spider exercise. This involves using all four fingers on the left hand across the frets, helping to warm up and strengthen your fingers. Practice this exercise to improve your ability to switch positions smoothly and efficiently.

The Full Course

Chapter 1: 1 String

In Chapter 1, you'll lay the groundwork for alternate picking by focusing on one string. You'll learn the basics of hand positioning, pick angles, and rhythmic variations. This chapter sets the stage for more complex techniques, ensuring you have a solid foundation to build upon.

Chapter 2: 2 Strings

Chapter 2 introduces alternate picking across two strings, incorporating outside and inside picking techniques. You'll practice exercises that help you navigate the distance between strings, refining your right-hand motion and coordination. This chapter is crucial for developing fluidity and precision.

Chapter 3: 3 - 4 Strings

As you progress to three and four strings, you'll explore string skipping and scale patterns. This chapter challenges your right hand to manage more strings, enhancing your ability to play complex passages with ease. You'll discover how to create cascading patterns and develop your musicality.

Chapter 4: 6 Strings

In Chapter 4, you'll apply alternate picking across all six strings using the A and E minor pentatonic scales. This chapter focuses on expanding your range and mastering string skipping, allowing you to play intricate patterns with confidence. You'll learn to adjust your right-hand position for optimal performance.

Chapter 5: Alternate Picking Riffs

Chapter 5 dives into rhythm playing with alternate picking riffs. You'll learn three riffs inspired by iconic rock and metal bands, incorporating palm muting and galloping techniques. This chapter emphasizes the importance of rhythm and timing in alternate picking.

Chapter 6: Alternate Picking Licks

In Chapter 6, you'll practice five licks built from previous exercises, combining them into a full solo. This chapter encourages you to apply expressive techniques like vibrato and bends, transforming exercises into musical phrases. You'll gain confidence in improvisation and soloing.

Chapter 7: Full Song

The final chapter brings everything together, allowing you to play a full song focusing on alternate picking. You'll integrate riffs and licks from previous chapters, showcasing your newfound skills. This chapter is the culmination of your journey, highlighting your growth as a guitarist.

By the end of this course, you'll have a deep understanding of alternate picking and its applications. You'll feel empowered to explore new musical territories, confident in your ability to express yourself through your guitar. Each chapter builds upon the last, creating a comprehensive learning experience that transforms your playing style.