ABILITY RATING
Moderate
Info
Key G
Tempo 160bpm
CD TRACKS 43-50
Will improve your…
Expressive delivery
Raking and sweeping technique
Stylistic awareness
Many young electric guitar players consider ‘sweep’ or ‘economy’ picking to be a relatively modern technique often associated with virtuoso shredders such as Yngwie Malmsteen or the amazing Australian fusion guitarist, Frank Gambale. It often comes as a surprise to discover early jazz, blues and rock and roll guitarists exploiting sweep picking ideas, essentially the concept of using a consecutive follow-through directional sweep of the pick to articulate multiple notes with one movement, a good half a century or so earlier.
Alternate picking is a great technique for achieving a balanced and even tone and for defining a strong rhythmic pulse to your playing. It does have its limitations, however. If you’re not familiar with the idea of sweeping, try the following exercise:
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