Testing Punk's GREATEST Guitar Technique

[@SugarpillProd]

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[@Jydmd]

Downstrokes just sound right for this type of music. It’s even more pronounced with palm mutes.

[@SugarpillProd]

100%.

[@joa1232]

The reason why I like use alternate picking: It's less exhausting for the hand and it's much easier to get the rhythm right, especially when the rhythm is a little more complex.

[@SugarpillProd]

For sure, they both have their uses - just depends on the song and the sound you're going for!

[@twobarsfourstars]

I like how you show how both techniques have their own value in the mix, it’s not a competition! For example I could see using downstrokes for melodies and choruses and then alternate for verses and sections with other instruments taking focus as a way to move dynamically through the mix without changing volume (which seems to be the real trick). At the very least makes me think more about them as a choice 😊 thank you!!

[@SugarpillProd]

For sure, any time you can add in small dynamic variations like that, it's totally worth it - especially if you're recording everything yourself. It helps to introduce dynamic shifts naturally, without having to artificially create everything from scratch!

[@Chazzs]

I think Johnny Ramone does it the best, it has this amazing pulsating sound from using all barre chords and bouncing between the low and high strings on the guitar. It really makes the mix sound a lot fuller.

[@paulkerriage4470]

Something else CJ Ramone said one time: it's easier to do fast downstrokes if you sling the guitar low and pick from the wrist not the elbow (i.e. much less arm movement). Almost the first thing he did when he joined the Ramones was lower his bass. I also find downstrokes more difficult if playing while sat down. YMMV.

[@SugarpillProd]

Haha yeah he talks about that earlier in the clip I used. It's a great tip 🤘

[@uxartmusicvideo-andphotogr2043]

Power chords sound great when down picked, but alternate picking gives more rhythmic possibilities and makes the song more life full

[@HardlyRamone]

Excellent video! Speaking as a music producer rather than just a guitarist in this case, I have to say, creating a good and powerful band sounds involves getting a million little things right. Stuff like fresh strings, good pickups, premium cymbals, good snare wires, a premium bass cab, and yes /downstrokes/ etc. all seem like very SMALL differences on their own. But really, the cumulative effect of small things like this is precisely what makes stuff sound SIGNIFICANTLY better than something else, once you put it all together. Music production is the same way, you have to do a lot of things that seem deceptively insignificant, all for cumulative effect. If you want to sound as good as possible, you're going to find every possible thing you can do for enhancing your sound. Fifty small differences make one huge difference.
If you want to sound aggressive, and downstrokes make you sound ANY amount more aggressive, they're as worth doing as anything else. You can't write off downstrokes and then get picky about your string brand and guitar wood. You can't be the cream of the crop without embracing every tool at your disposal, and trusting that it will all come together.

[@vicarious_cringe]

i feel like the upstroke really makes a difference with chords as it begins with the brighter sounds first but i feel like single not lines can be played either way with the same tone depending on how you hold your pick. awesome content btw thank you

[@BeersAndBeatsPDX]

I can play faster and more precise when alternate picking. Plus i feel that it gives a little more sparkle when with hitting the higher strings first. You get a bit of aggressiveness from the down stroke and a little more definition from the up stroke.

[@SugarpillProd]

🤘

[@toddpacker4683]

For ramonescore or palm muted parts I like downstrokes, for skate punk I like alternate picking

[@SugarpillProd]

Makes sense 👍

[@rileycronin-schneider8101]

Great video as always! I think you really hear the difference in the two picking techniques when you play something that is constant eighth notes, like a Ramones song.

[@SugarpillProd]

For sure, but I think the accents also help, as that's a big difference between the two picking styles. Maybe having both that and a straight 8th note pattern would have been good.

[@rileycronin-schneider8101]

@@SugarpillProd yeah I hear you. But like with the way Johnny Ramone played he put accents in all of his playing, even when it was just straight eighth notes. He would accent the first note of a sequence and then leave a quick space before his next strum. Anyways just nitpicking haha, love your vids!

[@zedricquick6793]

You should make a video on Doyle Wolfgang's downstrokes and playing style. I've never seen anything like it.

[@SugarpillProd]

I might do in the future 🤘

[@zedricquick6793]

@@SugarpillProd sweet. Bobby Steele would be cool too(original guitar player of misfits) since him and Doyle have different playing styles.

[@Uncrushed04]

It makes all the picking sound the same, which is important for punk which is not supposed to alternate during the riff. You should try it with all upstrokes just to test that idea.

[@a.vericker4410]

I never really learned alternate picking or holding my pick correctly, and then I realized that James Hetfield does all downstrokes (at least on palm mutes) and holds his pick the same way I do. I figured if it worked for him, it would work for me too.

[@SugarpillProd]

🤘

[@calebryhal293]

I hold the pick that way too, except for sweeping.

[@Jydmd]

What about both at the same time? I saw a clip of Masked Intruders where the singer used alternate picking, but the guitarist and bassist played downstrokes.

[@SugarpillProd]

Could be a cool sound 👍

[@SonOvLaw]

The Ramones played everything twice as fast live. Johnny did in fact have to strum/alternate pick. Don't believe me? Go watch the video of them playing Warthog on The Old Grey Whistle Test. See for yourself.

[@blameitonben]

The timing is slightly different on the downpicking which accentuates the forward momentum of the music. It makes it all sound like it has a little staccato or emphasis.

[@SugarpillProd]

Definitely, I think that's where the "aggression" comes from!

[@andrewblawson]

The difference is more apparent to to me with palm muted chords.

[@SugarpillProd]

🤘

[@d4rkblu386]

The general idea is that you always hit the lower strings first. Punchier sound

[@SugarpillProd]

🤘

[@kotyk_saber]

It's all good up to a certain speed.
At some point (somewhere above 140bpm pedaling) you either go j.hetfield/jeff watters mode and make it full metal or you just kill your forearm trying to keep up with the tempo

[@SugarpillProd]

For sure. I think it also depends on the player, some people are just gifted at certain techniques, whether that's downpicking, fingerpicking on bass, etc.

[@jarrettevans2992]

who's the band after it says downstrokes in the beginning, I recognize them but can't quite put my finger on it

[@SugarpillProd]

The Descendents 👍

[@chrisharris7205]

There is a mildly quantifiable difference between the two techniques demonstrated here, within the context presented…..ie; one lone person seated in a chair playing a soulless piece.
Change this context to a band setting in a recording studio…standing together…playing songs with heart and soul that they created…and you start to now “feel the spirit” of the music and the technique…place this now into a concert setting and down picking vs alternate picking will bring out two entirely different experiences to the audience.
What this long winded comment is saying, is that I wholeheartedly believe and feel the difference between the two techniques.

[@Travis-guy-247]

The sound difference is so subtle that it's really not worth the carpal tunnel syndrome lol

[@cepopeye]

How come I can tune accoustic guitars fine, by ear, but when I try to record electric I’m always horrifically out of tune
When I pull up the tuner in the Daw and try to get my notes all exact, it’s sounds even worse :(

[@SugarpillProd]

Sounds like it could be an issue with your intonation. If I'm just doing a part where I don't need to move around the neck, I'll often tune to the fretted notes, instead of the open ones, but what you're describing sounds more like a hardware issue.
I'd consider either paying someone to help you set the guitar up properly - or look online for how to do this yourself. It's fairly straightforward and doesn't really require any specialist tools to do so. Hope that helps!

[@cepopeye]

@@SugarpillProdokay I’ll look that up lol thanks 🙏 I’ll use your channel more when I can make basic noises 😂

[@SugarpillProd]

@@cepopeye Haha sure thing!

[@kintaro_f]

nice bass tone, whats the signal chain here?

[@SugarpillProd]

Thanks! It's just my usual preset I use on my Axe FX. It's a mix of two amps - one is a SVT style, and the other is based on an Orange bass amp. The SVT is more for the low end, and the Orange is for the distortion. Hope that helps!

[@matthathaway5015]

It’s so silly when people use words like “right” and “wrong” when it comes to style. Just play in a way that’s comfortable and sounds good to you!
I use alternate picking because it feels natural to me. I might not sound like the Ramones or whoever else, but I’m not them so that’s fine

[@SugarpillProd]

For sure, unless you're specifically trying to imitate a certain style, it makes more sense the just default to what you find most comfortable 👍

[@JunKatsu808]

I think the only way to play punk rock wrong is to try to play it "right."
Just plug in and GO!

[@thewillformerlyknownasartist]

eh, yeah and no. sometimes the “plug in and go” mentality just paves the way for many forgettable bands and crude musicianship. it’s possible to have that mentality and not suck at it, and it’s okay to care about your music. it’s not cool to suck

[@RaulRieraS]

I like alternate picking more. There, I said it

[@SugarpillProd]

I'll show you out 🚪

[@diejom8232]

Good vid!! Whats the song on 0:11?

[@SugarpillProd]

"Thank You" by the Descendents.

[@sonicrichardsrb]

Close your eyes and listen to the difference between a and b, its INSANE

[@SugarpillProd]

🤯

[@JiggyWilson]

Gotta down pick the verse, alternate pick the chorus.

[@Thirteen31Music]

Downpicking makes it sound like you fucking mean it. Don’t know why or the science behind the difference in sound but it is a thing and they are noticeably different. I think even a non musician could tell the difference in a blind A/B test.

[@ThePlaySpace-CurtainCall]

Yes, you can hear the difference. The ONLY down picking people sound sloppier. If that's what you want, then do that. I'm not criticizing. Personally, I like it to sound "skilled sloppy," like AC/DC or MC5 or Mott the Hoople, who all, mostly, went up and down with technique. The Ramones were cool, but really just because they were stupid, yet had excellent taste. I wouldn't let them put gas in my car, much less fix it. Like, you're a cool guy, and I like what you have to say. But, I wouldn't loan you my lap top. You might break it trying to insert something into a port. But we can still be friends.

[@eLiBoBBer]

Descendents one love❤

[@SugarpillProd]

❤️

[@punkorona]

DOWNSTROKES ALL THE WAY!!!

[@Cookies2132]

All Pop Punk bands play are power chords. How can you play power chords wrong?

[@SugarpillProd]

That's just a misconception. If you actually listen to a lot of different pop punk bands, they play far more than just power chords.

[@tfeerick]

Downstroke the guitars and alternate the bass

[@SugarpillProd]

👍

[@dvgkvlyn2256]

down all day

[@SugarpillProd]

🤘

[@kegsofvomitspit]

You’re probably not very punk if you’re trying it tell other people how they should play punk guitar.

[@SugarpillProd]

It's just a title my dude. I'm pretty sure if you watch the video you can see I'm not "telling" anyone what to do, haha.