My #1 Alternate Picking hack

 Example tab:

Download the Guitar Pro file here.

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Is it possible to introduce just a slight change to your picking technique and see immediate improvement in speed and accuracy? Whether you've been practicing pentatonic picking or you're new to alternate picking, what I'm going to share with you today can elevate your playing to the next level.

Most people who have practiced alternate picking are familiar with the mechanics of wrist movement. It's often perceived as the key to achieving speed. And while that's true to some extent, there's another movement that often goes unnoticed: the thumb joint movement.

The thumb joint movement serves as the oil in the machinery of your picking technique. It adds precision and efficiency to your movements, ensuring that you're not wasting energy on unnecessary motion. And here's the thing: you're probably already using it to some extent without even realizing it.

So how do you practice this movement? The key is to isolate it from the wrist movement. Anchor your fingers on the guitar's body to prevent wrist movement, then focus on the subtle movement of your thumb joint as you pick a single note on the string.

Start with a larger movement to get the hang of it, then gradually minimize the movement until it becomes consistent and efficient. This movement might feel unnatural at first, but with practice, it will become second nature.

But why is this movement so important? Well, aside from adding precision to your picking, it can also boost your speed. By combining the thumb joint movement with wrist movement, you can achieve faster and more controlled picking patterns.

To get started, try incorporating the thumb joint movement into simple picking exercises, like the pentatonic pattern I demonstrated earlier. Focus on using two consecutive upstrokes to highlight the benefits of this movement.

Remember, it's not about completely changing your picking technique overnight. It's about adding another tool to your arsenal and refining your existing technique. So give it a try, practice consistently, and watch as your speed and accuracy skyrocket.

Check out the link below for a tab of the exercise I demonstrated, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thanks for tuning in, and happy shredding!

Cheers,
Kris