Fast Picking?

BassElement · #1 02-09-2007, 08:15 PM

Hello!

I want to learn how to use a pick faster, I have been playing for about a year and it hasn't really bothered me untill now since I have converted to hardcore music and I can't progress much futher untill I can pick fast so...

I pretty much want to play at the speed of the bass at the start of BYOB = System of a Down

Any help on what I can do?

Thanks!

-Mark

BassElement · #2 02-10-2007, 01:37 AM

Anyone?

Jazz Ad · #3 02-10-2007, 01:52 AM

To play fast you need to be relaxed. If you contract muscles you slow down.
You also want a very light touch.
Moving the hand rather than the whole arm is also a good idea.

K2000 · #4 02-10-2007, 02:03 AM

Experiment with picking closer to the bridge. There's more string tension there. When strings are floppy, that tends to slow your picking down. So try repositioning your picking hand a bit closer to the bridge.

Also, just use the tip of your pick. You don't need to slam the string with a large area of the pick. Just using the tip will decrease drag and therefore allow more potential speed.

BassElement · #5 02-10-2007, 04:16 AM

So, do I pick up and down really fast?

(dumb question I know)

**mr sprocket** · #6 02-10-2007, 11:22 AM

Yes up is one stroke or beat and down in another. Beside playing closer to the bridge try strapping the bass different and trying different arm and hand placements to find what works well and is relaxed.

Sarbecue Boss · #7 02-10-2007, 12:31 PM

pick speed doesn't come from your arm, it comes from your wrist, in order to play truly fast, you have to be relaxed and conserve you movement

BassElement · #8 02-10-2007, 11:34 PM

Thanks!

I can get it going fast but can't keep ryhtmn D=

lemur821 · #9 02-11-2007, 12:11 PM

Have you gotten your metronome out?

I find that at high speeds it can help to play notes in pairs rather than trying to do it one at a time. So 16ths at 250 bpm come out as eight down/up plucks rather than sixteen hard-to-count downs and ups.

TheApostlePaul · #10 02-11-2007, 12:17 PM

practice, practice, practice

Chriso21 · #11 02-13-2007, 11:50 AM

downpicking is a punk snob value thing - its good when you need every note to sound EXACTLY the same eg: (da,da,da,da) instead of (da,di,da,di,da,di) - Master of puppets for example. just do something everyday and you'll get there eventually. it doesn't happen over night mind - took me ages after playing fingers for about 4 years. check out the david ellefson (megadeth) bass tuition dvd if poss - its all about speed metal bass style of playing.