I have no rythm when I play fast /w picks :/

[Albini_Fan]

I just can't seem to pick consistantly enough to stay with the rythm while playing speed punk stuff. Esp while playing 1 note real fast, it seems as my string just can't take it and flops out of control.

Do I just suck?

[JMX]

I feel that it helps to use a thinner pick to balance against the thicker strings (compared to guitar) - at least when you're starting out.
Also, try to minimize movement and strength - the movement should come from the wrist or even only the fingers, not the whole arm IMO, less movement - more precision.

[vinski]

Yeah, I'd have to agree with the last person who posted. For speed and accuracy with a pick, move more from the wrist. Even when changing strings, it helps if you do minimal arm movement, to me, the whole big arm movement thing is for show.

Don't worry, ya don't suck! If it makes you feel any better, my rhythm takes a dive when I slap. :P

[Trevorus]

as always, get a metronome and PRACTICE. It's the only way to really get it.

[vinski]

Only too true. Metronomes are good like that.

[BassPanther]

The key I've found to this is to think of your picking within the rhythm. Any time you strum down, it's on the beat or click. and up pick is on the up beat.

Example
Eigth Note Beat-
Metronome: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
Picking: d u d u d u d u

For sixteenth notes, just double up on picking, this time the "and" is treated as a downbeat.

Sixtenth Note Beat-
Met: 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a
Pick: d u d u d u d u d u d u d u & u

Triplets are tricky though because you'll have to switch the downbeat/upbeat. That's something you'll just have to practice.

One technique I've read about is to also use your hand like a pendulum and keep your hand moving with the rhythm even if your not playing the note. Example

Eigth note rhythm0
(whole note rest)
Met: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
pick d u d u d u (d u) don't play these notes just move your hand is if you were playing them).


But as everyone else said..it takes practice with a metronome. Hope this helps conceptualize it for you though.

[BehindTheMoon]

I'd hate to repeat the TB Metronome/Practice mantra for the nth time, but...

Metronome! Practice!

I find I can pick rapidly very easily by lifting the coin (I use a coin) a little with my fingers so it's in the same plane as my palm, and then using the wrist to do everything. I needed a little metronome practice ( ) to get with it, but that's a good thing.

[word]

ive never used a metronome, but if youre just starting out i would suggest it....simply because it just makes sense. if you play in a band, just listen to the drummer and find your rythm there. once you advance, let him find it from you.

i personally move my whole arm when i play, but i play on stages, and it is just for show. sometimes it can even be a flaw in my performance.