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This has helped me enormously. I have been a jazz player for 40 years, at times professional, at others, not pro. The one thing that has held me back all these years has been my right hand. There seemed to be no way I could emulate Charlie Parker's alto. He was so fast. As you know,jazz guitar uses a lot of picked notes. I have been so disheartened at times because of my slow right hand. (Don't misunderstand, I can play at pro tempos but even this isn't near the lightening speeds of guys like Parker, Sonny Stitt etc) Thanks to this instruction I believe I might have found the breakthrough that I have wanted for so long. I have only been practicing this 'speed' picking for 2 weeks, and only about 10 minutes per day. I can't play anything useful with the technique but what I have noticed is that my regular picking has gotten faster; I seem to be using more of my wrist when I play. This is something you didn't mention. It's a good spinoff. By practicing the speed picking my regular picking has loosened up and has become faster. Noticeably so. Thanks for posting this wonderful video. At the age of 55, after playing for 40 years or so, at a time when I thought I was plateaued out for good, I have a new life in my playing. Thank you. I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me.
Hardtop Harry This is a great comment and put a smile on my face. Good for you, man. I haven’t lived quite as many years as you have, but at the age of 32, this video helped me MASSIVELY with the very same plateau in my skill/playing that you speak of. I’ve played professionally and played with bands since I was a young kid....a child actually. I’ve been stuck in the same place of ‘really good’, but not ‘great’, or, ‘moderately fast’ but not ‘awesome’, hahaha. I hope to be rocking and playing music with the same intensity when I’m 55. I rarely comment on UA-cam videos, but just couldn’t pass up the opportunity respond to your comment. Take care and jam on, brother! Best wishes....
i know this is like 2 years old but if you want to use speed picking(tremolo picking) in a meaningful way you could always learn a black metal song like Transylvanian Hunger by darkthrone. it uses this in the bulk of the song, and with how chromatic black metal is im sure you could find jazz chord shapes in there so you could string skip or incorporate jazz chords
Chris Manzi I used to have the same problem bcs I would only practice sitting down and I was almost useless standing up. But just practice 10-15 minutes sitting then 10-15 minutes standing. I now practice just as much standing as I do sitting. It’ll make a huge difference. Also you’re body language whilst standing will improve and you’ll feel loose and comfortable doing it.
Thanks, Carlos! Just wanted to let you know, if you like Steve's UA-cam videos, make sure you check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership: guitarzoom.com/join When you join, you get unlimited streaming over 40 of Steve's best guitar courses (including his best-selling course Acoustic Guitar), and new courses are being added regularly. Courses cover a wide range of topics, and there are courses for every skill-level. Which means, members always have something new to learn and apply to their guitar playing. :-) Thanks for watching! Be sure to check out the membership, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom
I had given up the electric guitar and had decided to stick with acoustic only - until I came across your channel. Thank you so much Steve, you show that with effort and dedication ANYONE can do it.
How to hold the pick, what parts of the arm, wrist, and hand to use/not use, pick type, and just general relaxed muscles are just some of the things I picked up from this vid.... I'm playin better already! Wish I would have had a guitar technique teacher a long time ago. Great vid!
I’ve been watching dozens of picking videos the last few weeks. This one was suggested. Have to say it’s the most most useful and info packed I’ve come across. Many thanks.
Thank YOU for watching, sir! :-) If you're interested in checking out more of Steve's stuff, go here: guitarzoom.com/join When you become a GuitarZoom Member, you get instant access to more than 40 of Steve’s best guitar courses. You get soloing courses, music theory courses, licks courses, fretboard courses, chords courses, and more. Plus access to new GuitarZoom courses as long as you’re a member. Check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom
Been trying to play guitar for 14 years. I knew about the tremolo necessary to play fast and practice by playing slow the way you play fast then so on (from MAB). Have not been able to slow my tremolo down in order to practice so gave up on picking and opted for just legato. Was too awkward. Watching your video actually inspired me because of your depth of explanation - I "picked" up on my errors that also limited my playing all these years... gawd it helps having a teacher! Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words! :-) Just wanted to let you know, the special sale for Steve’s brand new course Guitar Practice Made Easy Ends tonight (10/8) at midnight ► guitarzoom.com/guitarpracticemadeeasy/promo/ Right now, you can get $80-Off plus these free bonuses: ✔️ Ultimate Licks Bundle ($117 Value) ✔️ Fretboard Mastery ($99 Value) ✔️ Blues Soloing ($99 Value) ✔️ Strength and Speed Builder ($39 Value) ✔️ Guitar Tone ($39 Value) ✔️ Blues Jam Tracks ($39 Value)` ...but it all ends at midnight. So if you want a structured plan to take your guitar playing to the next level, be sure to check it out. :-) Thanks again for watching, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Go here to check out video reviews from real GuitarZoom Members → guitarzoom.com/reviews
Your strumming and picking videos helped me immensely. I started to try to go for a metal strum and needed to change my strumming hands position to be able to also seamlessly palm mute. I immediately needed to adjust how I held the pick and needed a smaller pick that was thicker. I went from a standard sized 1mm Dunlop to the 3mm stubby that is pretty small and it makes speed strumming much easier.
I have been playing over a decade now and made huge gains in the guitar but this by far has given me a huge bump in progress. My finger independence has gone way up. I don’t twitch my pinky when moving my ring finger anymore. My chugs are consistently fast. Thank you sir.
Steve, thanks so much! You're my favorite channel! This helped so much. The shaking the water off your hand analogy was perfect. I also saw how you were holding the pick. Looks like you keep your index finger bent at the middle knuckle only. I have been bending it there and also bending it at the end knuckle, if that makes sense. So my index finger is folder up, if you will. This might be causing me to go slower. I'm rusty and I haven't been playing due to frustration. I know it takes time and I need to put effort in. I stopped playing for years and am trying to get back into it. THANKS!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience, Rotter! :-) Re holding the pick, something Steve says all the time is that if he's doing something that isn't comfortable for you, or if you're more comfortable doing something a little differently than he does, that is 100% fine. Because if you're not comfortable and relaxed when you're playing, you're not going to play your best. Hope this helps! :-) Just wanted to let you know, there’s a special sale happening tomorrow (August 27). Steve’s Greatest Licks Bundle is going on sale at 6 AM Pacific. You get 10 of Steve’s best guitar licks courses for as little as $19.95. That’s hundreds of guitar licks in a wide variety of styles, and these 10 courses sold separately would cost hundreds of dollars. So if you want to take your lead guitar playing to the next level, or just have a blast playing some killer guitar licks, you should definitely check it out. :-) Go here for all the details → www.guitarzoom.com/greatestlicksbundle/promo/ Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. You can go here to watch preview videos from the Greatest Licks Bundle → ua-cam.com/play/PLXsgqaRTz85VtZY8dTnVeIX4M7KbXuPUl.html
Glad to hear it, David! If you want to check out more of Steve's stuff, go here: guitarzoom.com/join When you become a GuitarZoom Member, you get instant access to over 40 of Steve's best guitar courses. These courses cover everything from basic chords and strumming to advanced soloing techniques. So you can make steady progress in all aspects of your playing, no matter your skill level. Check it out, thanks for the kind words, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom
Hey Steve, Great lesson. Something you said reminded me of my grandfather who had really big hands, and he always played guitar with those, big-o Fender triangle picks. One good thing I can say about them is, If one corner wore down, you still have two more! I've found out too, if I pick the high E,B strings over the bridge pick-up where the string has the most tension I can gain a little more speed there too! Sometimes I'll use a fingernail file and sharpen and dress the tip of the pick! That has worked for me in the past. Thanks again for another good lesson, your a talented guitar player a great teacher! See you in the next video! Thanks Todd P.
Your videos are the best. To be able to play the riffs of Megadeth, Metallica etc is hard. But to explain so clearly to others and to demonstrate so well.... Is the mark of a master.
James Hetfield's Blag Fang picks are pretty damned good. They're sharp like the Dunlop Jazz III's but sized like a normal pick. They have different gauges, too!
Thanks for this lesson! Recently realised I have been Benson picking for 3 years, even though I'm a rock player. This video was helpful in understanding the right hand more :)
Thanks for the kind words, Jordan! :-) By the way, Steve's giving away a FREE 13-page tab book that reveals 9 guitar soloing shortcuts to create awe-inspiring solos that make heads turn. Go here to grab your copy → pages.guitarzoom.com/9-guitar-soloing-shortcuts/ You'll discover... ✅ The exact scales you need to play solos you love, so you don’t have to learn every single scale before playing great solos. ✅ Steve’s “Real World Soloing Chart” strategy to play solos based on tones, so you don’t have to do the guesswork and play the right solos for the right situation. ✅ Real-world examples that will build your soloing chops and gain the confidence to jam with any group of musicians. Go here to check it out → pages.guitarzoom.com/9-guitar-soloing-shortcuts/ …and no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews
Hi Richard. My pleasure. The pick is definitely part of the whole process. I'd say it's actually where the system starts. The very basic. Glad to know this has been helpful and any questions please feel free to ask anytime!
Hey Steve, I know this is an older vid, but it will always be relevant. My problem for years has been speed picking when you add palm muting to the equation, it changes the angles for me and I battle with it constantly; any tips on that? Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words, Richard! And thanks for watching and subscribing! :-) Just wanted to give you a heads-up, Steve Stine’s 6-Week Soloing Challenge starts Monday, May 2. To join the challenge, go here: guitarzoom.com/6weeksoloingchallenge/promo-2/? If you want to play guitar solos with complete confidence, that sound more fluid and musical than you ever thought possible, you should definitely check it out. When you join the Challenge, you get lifetime access to two of Steve’s all-time best-selling courses, Essential Techniques and Music Theory Made Easy 2.0. With Essential Techniques, you’ll learn the secrets of building your picking speed and accuracy, strumming, bends, harmonics, and whammy bar tricks to spice up your guitar solos, and dozens of licks that will sound awesome in your solos. And with Music Theory Made Easy 2.0. you’ll discover all the music theory shortcuts you need to play freely across the entire fretboard and really get creative when it comes time to solo. Each of those courses can take your guitar playing to a much higher level. But they’re only part of Steve’s 6-Week Soloing Challenge. Because Steve’s holding 6 special live sessions, one for each week of the Challenge. There’s also a special Facebook group you can join, so you can share your progress with other guitarists. For details, go here → guitarzoom.com/6weeksoloingchallenge/promo-2/? And no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews
Thanks for emphasizing intuition and looking inward... just the very ways to look at life and its majesties. I've watched about 4 of your videos today. I appreciate your enthusiasm and honesty. I also notice your customizations on that Ibanez and they're great!
Nice video. Thanks! I am wondering about something, and maybe others would like to weigh in. It seems to me, that even if you think you are using your wrist, you still have to use your arm. It's nearly impossible to keep the arm still. If you move your wrist to pick the string, there is resistance against your wrist. That resistance transfers into your arm. So really, you are always using your arm. When he picks slowly, he is using mostly his wrist, but when goes into tremolo, he is moving his arm more up and down. His wrist is definitely moving, but if you look at his tattoos, you can see that his arm is also moving up and down. It's very subtle. I actually play acoustic guitar most of the time, so the resistance may be more apparent. I think the resistance is still there, even with lighter strings. I m starting to think that arm movement is more important than I was aware of. The wrist has weak slow muscles in it, and if you move too far in one direction or the other (which has been one of my problems) you don't have the speed or coordination to move faster and cover more distance. These are great tips. I have to think about smaller wrist motions and reevaluate my picks. I think they may be too dull.
My picking definitely improved when I changed gauge of pick , have used both the petrucci and jazz iii nylon max grip and recommend both. Have smaller thicker hands so those type of picks suit me
Thanks for watching, Niall D! And thanks for sharing your experience with guitar picks! :-) Just wanted to let you know, this Saturday (January 22) at 10 AM Pacific, Steve’s holding a Blues Jam Workshop for any guitarist who wants to take their guitar playing to the next level. Go here to sign up: guitarzoom.com/bluesmasterclass/webinar/registration/ The Blues Jam Workshop includes: - Tips to Turbocharge Your Blues Solos - How to Break Out of the Typical Blues Boxes for Better Solos - Tips to Solo Over Each Blues Chord | Give Your Blues Solos Direction - Learn to Make Your Guitar Sing Click the link to sign up ASAP, because spots are limited. Hope to see you there, and no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Go here to check out Steve’s NEW Blues Masterclass: guitarzoom.com/bluesmasterclass/promo/
So Steve, what is the very first episode that you put out so that I might look it up and start from the beginning. Your approach to learning guitar just blows my mind and that I really understand it better then anyone had ever tried to teach me. I'd appreciate the help. Fred
Thanks so much for bringing up the subject of plectrums. I been after some tips on picks and been wanting a professional to discuss this topic for a long time. This is extremely helpful to me and I’m sure any guitarist that wants an extra boost to their picking speed then they’ll find this very helpful. Thanks, Great stuff!!
I have been playing for years, just returning to learn how to be better, and wish I would have found Steve's Video in 2016. Man this is a game changer for speed picking. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!
Thank YOU for watching, Robert! And thanks for the kind words! :-) Just a heads-up, if you want to spice up your leads and create killer guitar solos from scratch, make sure you check out Steve’s Greatest Licks Bundle. It’s 10 of Steve’s best licks courses in one bundle. And the bundle price is less than what some of the individual courses normally cost. Go here for details → guitarzoom.com/greatestlicksbundle/promo-new/ Make sure you check it out, because it ends tonight. And no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews
Great topic about "pick wearing"... likely overlooked and I've noticed my jazz3's get a shaved look to them...although this vid is from 2016, it came up in a search and found your explanation spot on which is still relevant today.
Thanks for the kind words, Alan! And thanks for watching! :-) Just wanted to give a heads-up about the GuitarZoom Black Friday Sale… Right now, you can get the Music Theory For Life Black Friday Bundle 60%-off the regular price, plus some awesome bonuses. You get… ✅ Steve’s top-selling Music Theory For Life Masterclass on 4 DVDs (online version included) ✅ Fast Action Bonus #1: Ceramic GuitarZoom coffee mug ✅ Fast Action Bonus #2: Surprise DVD ✅ Fast Action Bonus #3: GuitarZoom Decal ✅ Fast Action Bonus #4: 10 GuitarZoom Picks ✅ Fast Action Bonus #5: Modes Masterclass (online version) ...and more. Go here for all the details → guitarzoom.com/musictheoryforlife/promo/ Shipping is FREE to the US and Canada. Don’t miss out, because supplies are limited. Be sure to check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. More amazing Black Friday offers are coming, including a Secret Sale and up to 94%-off select courses. Go here to get your name on the list → guitarzoom.com/blackfriday/2021/
Thanks for the kind words, Ariel! :-) Just wanted to let you know, the special Labor Day Sale was extended by popular demand. Which means, you can still get a 6 month GuitarZoom Premium Membership for only $59, plus you get a limited edition GuitarZoom coffee mug as a free gift. The GuitarZoom Premium Membership gives you unlimited streaming of over 40 of Steve Stine’s best guitar courses, including top sellers like Music Theory Made Easy, Guitar in 8 Weeks, Unlocking the Fretboard Connection, CAGED Made Simple, Ear Training 2.0, Acoustic Guitar, and Play Guitar For Life. So if you like Steve’s UA-cam videos, you should definitely check it out. :-) The courses include tab for every lesson, as well as jam tracks. So you can play with a full band backing you up, make more progress in less time, and have more fun with your guitar. Membership gives you access to all of that for less than $10 a month. And if you order now, you get a free limited edition GuitarZoom coffee mug. :-) Go here for details → guitarzoom.com/membership-promo-59/ Be sure to check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! 🎸 -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews
Brian May uses a reshaped sixpence coin. These contain silver. They no longer strike six-pence coins, but you can still find them. May actually sells a line of metal picks based on his pick. Others have copied the idea and you can buy them online.
Thanks, Kyle! :-) Just wanted to let you know, if you enjoy Steve’s UA-cam videos, you should definitely check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join Members get unlimited streaming of more than 40 of Steve’s best guitar courses, like CAGED Made Simple, Music Theory Made Easy, Play Guitar For Life, Blues Guitar, Rock Licks, Acoustic Guitar, and many more. If you want to play better guitar solos, Creative Soloing would be a perfect place to start. Go here to check it out: guitarzoom.com/products/creative-soloing-3 The courses cover a wide variety of topics, and there are courses designed for all skill-levels. So wherever you are in your guitar journey, you can get to the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-) Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom
Thanks for watching! And thanks for the kind words. :-) Just wanted to let you know, if you enjoy Steve’s UA-cam videos, you should definitely check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join Members get unlimited streaming of more than 40 of Steve’s best guitar courses, like CAGED Made Simple, Music Theory Made Easy, Play Guitar For Life, Blues Guitar, Rock Licks, Acoustic Guitar, and many more. If you want to play faster and more smoothly, Ultimate Chops Builder would be a perfect place to start. Go here to check it out: guitarzoom.com/products/ultimate-chops-builder-2 The courses cover a wide variety of topics, and there are courses designed for all skill-levels. So wherever you are in your guitar journey, you can get to the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-) Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom
I noticed the use of the neck pickup . Most, but not all shredfasters seem to prefer the rounder tone verses the bite of the bridge. I'm going to start incorporating the neck pick up more often.
I used to play with the JP signature jazz exclusively, but now I don't play with anything except the John Petrucci Flow picks. They are amazing for speed picking and transitioning like in economy picking.
Hi. Thanks for commenting and sharing. Picks are such a personal choice and we change quite a few along our guitar journey. I like smaller picks myself. Used jazz 3 dunlops for a long time, now I'm using Petrucci also from dunlop. Thanks again for your comment! 👍
Yes! Master Stine is also a member of _The Cult of Jazz III_ ! The John Petrucci picks are technically called _Dunlop Ultex Jazz III John Petrucci_ and are also a part of that family ;) Edit: By that way, I know this video is from 2016, but you may want to try out the carbon version of Jazz III, as they last significantly longer than the regular nylon version.
Thank you for acknowledging me about the importance of angle while picking, sirr.. that was where I lost majority of my speed.. once again, thank you!!
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ua-cam.com/video/CpJNUGHxC3M/v-deo.html
How lucky we are !!! ... get free this kind of lesson just by one click. Thanks Steve you are the ONE super man.
This has helped me enormously. I have been a jazz player for 40 years, at times professional, at others, not pro. The one thing that has held me back all these years has been my right hand. There seemed to be no way I could emulate Charlie Parker's alto. He was so fast. As you know,jazz guitar uses a lot of picked notes. I have been so disheartened at times because of my slow right hand. (Don't misunderstand, I can play at pro tempos but even this isn't near the lightening speeds of guys like Parker, Sonny Stitt etc)
Thanks to this instruction I believe I might have found the breakthrough that I have wanted for so long. I have only been practicing this 'speed' picking for 2 weeks, and only about 10 minutes per day. I can't play anything useful with the technique but what I have noticed is that my regular picking has gotten faster; I seem to be using more of my wrist when I play.
This is something you didn't mention. It's a good spinoff. By practicing the speed picking my regular picking has loosened up and has become faster. Noticeably so.
Thanks for posting this wonderful video. At the age of 55, after playing for 40 years or so, at a time when I thought I was plateaued out for good, I have a new life in my playing.
Thank you. I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me.
Hardtop Harry This is a great comment and put a smile on my face. Good for you, man. I haven’t lived quite as many years as you have, but at the age of 32, this video helped me MASSIVELY with the very same plateau in my skill/playing that you speak of. I’ve played professionally and played with bands since I was a young kid....a child actually. I’ve been stuck in the same place of ‘really good’, but not ‘great’, or, ‘moderately fast’ but not ‘awesome’, hahaha. I hope to be rocking and playing music with the same intensity when I’m 55. I rarely comment on UA-cam videos, but just couldn’t pass up the opportunity respond to your comment. Take care and jam on, brother! Best wishes....
i know this is like 2 years old but if you want to use speed picking(tremolo picking) in a meaningful way you could always learn a black metal song like Transylvanian Hunger by darkthrone. it uses this in the bulk of the song, and with how chromatic black metal is im sure you could find jazz chord shapes in there so you could string skip or incorporate jazz chords
Chris Manzi I used to have the same problem bcs I would only practice sitting down and I was almost useless standing up. But just practice 10-15 minutes sitting then 10-15 minutes standing. I now practice just as much standing as I do sitting. It’ll make a huge difference. Also you’re body language whilst standing will improve and you’ll feel loose and comfortable doing it.
As a jazz trained guitarist and jazz fusion lover, I second all that!
Love this comment!
This guy has got to be the nicest and most helpful teacher on the planet. So helpful and pleasant.
Steve is an amazing teacher, I love watching these videos.
Thanks, Carlos! Just wanted to let you know, if you like Steve's UA-cam videos, make sure you check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership: guitarzoom.com/join
When you join, you get unlimited streaming over 40 of Steve's best guitar courses (including his best-selling course Acoustic Guitar), and new courses are being added regularly. Courses cover a wide range of topics, and there are courses for every skill-level.
Which means, members always have something new to learn and apply to their guitar playing. :-)
Thanks for watching! Be sure to check out the membership, and no matter what, keep playing!
-- Mike from GuitarZoom
The more of Steve i watch, the more i love the lessons! Really getting into my guitar again and thank you for the amazing videos and the inspiration!
I had given up the electric guitar and had decided to stick with acoustic only - until I came across your channel. Thank you so much Steve, you show that with effort and dedication ANYONE can do it.
Finally! A man who is on the same page with the heavy pick. Great lesson!
I can't believe how many great guitar instructors there are on youtube now. You are one of the best! Thank you!!!
How to hold the pick, what parts of the arm, wrist, and hand to use/not use, pick type, and just general relaxed muscles are just some of the things I picked up from this vid.... I'm playin better already! Wish I would have had a guitar technique teacher a long time ago. Great vid!
I’ve been watching dozens of picking videos the last few weeks. This one was suggested. Have to say it’s the most most useful and info packed I’ve come across. Many thanks.
Hi Andrew! Thanks for your comment and kind words! Glad to know this has been useful to you. Any questions feel free to ask anytime!
Nice lesson dude. Speed picking is the culprit of metal guitar!
Best channel to learn everything about guitars. Thanks sir!
Thank YOU for watching, sir! :-)
If you're interested in checking out more of Steve's stuff, go here: guitarzoom.com/join
When you become a GuitarZoom Member, you get instant access to more than 40 of Steve’s best guitar courses. You get soloing courses, music theory courses, licks courses, fretboard courses, chords courses, and more.
Plus access to new GuitarZoom courses as long as you’re a member.
Check it out, and no matter what, keep playing!
-- Mike from GuitarZoom
You’re so awesome dude you’re so well spoken and explain things in such an easily understandable way, thank you!
Been trying to play guitar for 14 years. I knew about the tremolo necessary to play fast and practice by playing slow the way you play fast then so on (from MAB). Have not been able to slow my tremolo down in order to practice so gave up on picking and opted for just legato. Was too awkward. Watching your video actually inspired me because of your depth of explanation - I "picked" up on my errors that also limited my playing all these years... gawd it helps having a teacher! Cheers!
Steve, I have watched several of your videos over the last few days and I just wanted to tell you that they are very helpful. Thanks so much!
This is literally some of the best advice I've ever seen/heard.
Thank you for your help!
Thanks for the kind words! :-)
Just wanted to let you know, the special sale for Steve’s brand new course Guitar Practice Made Easy Ends tonight (10/8) at midnight ► guitarzoom.com/guitarpracticemadeeasy/promo/
Right now, you can get $80-Off plus these free bonuses:
✔️ Ultimate Licks Bundle ($117 Value)
✔️ Fretboard Mastery ($99 Value)
✔️ Blues Soloing ($99 Value)
✔️ Strength and Speed Builder ($39 Value)
✔️ Guitar Tone ($39 Value)
✔️ Blues Jam Tracks ($39 Value)`
...but it all ends at midnight. So if you want a structured plan to take your guitar playing to the next level, be sure to check it out. :-)
Thanks again for watching, and no matter what, keep playing!
-- Mike from GuitarZoom
P.S. Go here to check out video reviews from real GuitarZoom Members → guitarzoom.com/reviews
Your strumming and picking videos helped me immensely. I started to try to go for a metal strum and needed to change my strumming hands position to be able to also seamlessly palm mute. I immediately needed to adjust how I held the pick and needed a smaller pick that was thicker. I went from a standard sized 1mm Dunlop to the 3mm stubby that is pretty small and it makes speed strumming much easier.
Agree. i have to unlearn now my novice skill in picking and it really matters with the sound
Some of THE best lessons on UA-cam. Love your delivery, man. Very well done 👍 thank you
Thank you, Jake!
Steve
You think your hands are small? Hold my juice box
Thanks steve for this compliment you made me alert everytime i tried for dis technique MORE ENERGY to you!!!!!
I have been playing over a decade now and made huge gains in the guitar but this by far has given me a huge bump in progress. My finger independence has gone way up. I don’t twitch my pinky when moving my ring finger anymore. My chugs are consistently fast. Thank you sir.
I trust you with my life. That’s how much I trust you. You’re awesome
Sir..You're a great teacher
Thank you so much, I’m a guitar player that just started playing about a week ago and this video jump started me very fast on this
I'd love to have u as my teacher man, it's like u have a gift for communication, just love every video u currently have
Steve, thanks so much! You're my favorite channel! This helped so much. The shaking the water off your hand analogy was perfect. I also saw how you were holding the pick. Looks like you keep your index finger bent at the middle knuckle only. I have been bending it there and also bending it at the end knuckle, if that makes sense. So my index finger is folder up, if you will. This might be causing me to go slower. I'm rusty and I haven't been playing due to frustration. I know it takes time and I need to put effort in. I stopped playing for years and am trying to get back into it. THANKS!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience, Rotter! :-)
Re holding the pick, something Steve says all the time is that if he's doing something that isn't comfortable for you, or if you're more comfortable doing something a little differently than he does, that is 100% fine. Because if you're not comfortable and relaxed when you're playing, you're not going to play your best.
Hope this helps! :-)
Just wanted to let you know, there’s a special sale happening tomorrow (August 27).
Steve’s Greatest Licks Bundle is going on sale at 6 AM Pacific. You get 10 of Steve’s best guitar licks courses for as little as $19.95.
That’s hundreds of guitar licks in a wide variety of styles, and these 10 courses sold separately would cost hundreds of dollars.
So if you want to take your lead guitar playing to the next level, or just have a blast playing some killer guitar licks, you should definitely check it out. :-)
Go here for all the details → www.guitarzoom.com/greatestlicksbundle/promo/
Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing!
-- Mike from GuitarZoom
P.S. You can go here to watch preview videos from the Greatest Licks Bundle → ua-cam.com/play/PLXsgqaRTz85VtZY8dTnVeIX4M7KbXuPUl.html
Couldn’t agree more.
I’m a drum tutor of 30 year’s…. You’re a superb teacher/mentor Steve. Thanks.
My pleasure! Thanks so much for the comment and kind words! 🙂
perfect, thank u master for this great toturial
Steve is an amazing guitar player.
And an even better teacher
Thank you so much for this lesson sir.. i learned fast picking because of your lessons
You're the man Steve!!! I can't explain how much you have helped clean up speed up my playing!! I appreciate what you're doing man!!!
Top quality lessons! Big fan! You’ve helped me progress further and further as a guitarist. Thank you!
Steve teaching is always the best of all the lessons I got.
Thanks Steve.
Thanks for doing this lesson. This will definitely help me.
Glad to hear it, David! If you want to check out more of Steve's stuff, go here: guitarzoom.com/join
When you become a GuitarZoom Member, you get instant access to over 40 of Steve's best guitar courses. These courses cover everything from basic chords and strumming to advanced soloing techniques. So you can make steady progress in all aspects of your playing, no matter your skill level.
Check it out, thanks for the kind words, and no matter what, keep playing!
-- Mike from GuitarZoom
Hey Steve, Great lesson. Something you said reminded me of my grandfather who had really big hands, and he always played guitar with those, big-o Fender triangle picks. One good thing I can say about them is, If one corner wore down, you still have two more! I've found out too, if I pick the high E,B strings over the bridge pick-up where the string has the most tension I can gain a little more speed there too! Sometimes I'll use a fingernail file and sharpen and dress the tip of the pick! That has worked for me in the past.
Thanks again for another good lesson, your a talented guitar player a great teacher!
See you in the next video!
Thanks
Todd P.
Your videos are the best. To be able to play the riffs of Megadeth, Metallica etc is hard. But to explain so clearly to others and to demonstrate so well.... Is the mark of a master.
your lessons are awesome i am 50 years old but enjoy playing alot and your lessons always bring me to the next level thanks
Very very good tips for beginners. Its one of good guitar teacher very well
You are the on line teacher I would most want to sit and have a beer with. I'll buy.
Exactly! I'll have to discard it. Good on pick lesson. Thanks!
The giant triangle picks are best used as paperweights and kindling.
I bought a guitar from a pawn shop and the case had 3 of those huge triangle picks. No wonder they gave up and pawned it!
covered all the bases, very good tips
James Hetfield's Blag Fang picks are pretty damned good. They're sharp like the Dunlop Jazz III's but sized like a normal pick. They have different gauges, too!
Yeah , it is just Ultex sharp pick in black, those are mine favorite picks (I use 2 mm)
Thanks Steve, your explaination is so enjoyable. I learn something new from you
Thanks for this lesson! Recently realised I have been Benson picking for 3 years, even though I'm a rock player. This video was helpful in understanding the right hand more :)
canNOT thank you enough STEVE ! your advice is gold
Thanks for the kind words, Jordan! :-)
By the way, Steve's giving away a FREE 13-page tab book that reveals 9 guitar soloing shortcuts to create awe-inspiring solos that make heads turn. Go here to grab your copy → pages.guitarzoom.com/9-guitar-soloing-shortcuts/
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…and no matter what, keep playing!
- Mike from GuitarZoom
P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. This the first video I've found that details the other end of the system which is the pick itself..........
Hi Richard. My pleasure. The pick is definitely part of the whole process. I'd say it's actually where the system starts. The very basic. Glad to know this has been helpful and any questions please feel free to ask anytime!
Jesus, man, this was an excellent video. Such an awesome instructor too.
Hey Steve, I know this is an older vid, but it will always be relevant. My problem for years has been speed picking when you add palm muting to the equation, it changes the angles for me and I battle with it constantly; any tips on that? Thanks!
Your hands down the go to guitar guy on UA-cam!
Thanks for the kind words, Richard! And thanks for watching and subscribing! :-)
Just wanted to give you a heads-up, Steve Stine’s 6-Week Soloing Challenge starts Monday, May 2. To join the challenge, go here:
guitarzoom.com/6weeksoloingchallenge/promo-2/?
If you want to play guitar solos with complete confidence, that sound more fluid and musical than you ever thought possible, you should definitely check it out.
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Each of those courses can take your guitar playing to a much higher level. But they’re only part of Steve’s 6-Week Soloing Challenge. Because Steve’s holding 6 special live sessions, one for each week of the Challenge.
There’s also a special Facebook group you can join, so you can share your progress with other guitarists. For details, go here → guitarzoom.com/6weeksoloingchallenge/promo-2/?
And no matter what, keep playing!
- Mike from GuitarZoom
P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews
One of the most useful vids I've seen on you tube! Thanks!
Hi. My pleasure! Thanks so much for your comment and kind words. Great to have you around. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for emphasizing intuition and looking inward... just the very ways to look at life and its majesties. I've watched about 4 of your videos today. I appreciate your enthusiasm and honesty.
I also notice your customizations on that Ibanez and they're great!
Very, very helping. Thank you.
you are the best steve!!!!
Fantastic video as always, thanks for the information And encouragement, Steve
Nice video. Thanks! I am wondering about something, and maybe others would like to weigh in. It seems to me, that even if you think you are using your wrist, you still have to use your arm. It's nearly impossible to keep the arm still. If you move your wrist to pick the string, there is resistance against your wrist. That resistance transfers into your arm. So really, you are always using your arm. When he picks slowly, he is using mostly his wrist, but when goes into tremolo, he is moving his arm more up and down. His wrist is definitely moving, but if you look at his tattoos, you can see that his arm is also moving up and down. It's very subtle. I actually play acoustic guitar most of the time, so the resistance may be more apparent. I think the resistance is still there, even with lighter strings. I m starting to think that arm movement is more important than I was aware of. The wrist has weak slow muscles in it, and if you move too far in one direction or the other (which has been one of my problems) you don't have the speed or coordination to move faster and cover more distance.
These are great tips. I have to think about smaller wrist motions and reevaluate my picks. I think they may be too dull.
Very interesting information Steve.
Thank you.
Steve is a genius. Thanks again
Great video! Thank you so so much! Gonna keep practicing :)
Actually you can rub the edges of a pick on a carpet a couple times to sharpen it again, it has the same effect as sanding it.
My picking definitely improved when I changed gauge of pick , have used both the petrucci and jazz iii nylon max grip and recommend both. Have smaller thicker hands so those type of picks suit me
Thanks for watching, Niall D! And thanks for sharing your experience with guitar picks! :-)
Just wanted to let you know, this Saturday (January 22) at 10 AM Pacific, Steve’s holding a Blues Jam Workshop for any guitarist who wants to take their guitar playing to the next level.
Go here to sign up: guitarzoom.com/bluesmasterclass/webinar/registration/
The Blues Jam Workshop includes:
- Tips to Turbocharge Your Blues Solos
- How to Break Out of the Typical Blues Boxes for Better Solos
- Tips to Solo Over Each Blues Chord | Give Your Blues Solos Direction
- Learn to Make Your Guitar Sing
Click the link to sign up ASAP, because spots are limited. Hope to see you there, and no matter what, keep playing!
- Mike from GuitarZoom
P.S. Go here to check out Steve’s NEW Blues Masterclass: guitarzoom.com/bluesmasterclass/promo/
So Steve, what is the very first episode that you put out so that I might look it up and start from the beginning. Your approach to learning guitar just blows my mind and that I really understand it better then anyone had ever tried to teach me. I'd appreciate the help.
Fred
Thanks so much for bringing up the subject of plectrums. I been after some tips on picks and been wanting a professional to discuss this topic for a long time. This is extremely helpful to me and I’m sure any guitarist that wants an extra boost to their picking speed then they’ll find this very helpful. Thanks, Great stuff!!
Wonderful video, thank you so much!
Charm, ideas, approach, giving hope that everyone devoted to learnin playin can do it-God s gift you got Steve, wush you all the luck in the world
Very generous. Good advice.
I have been playing for years, just returning to learn how to be better, and wish I would have found Steve's Video in 2016. Man this is a game changer for speed picking. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!
Thank YOU for watching, Robert! And thanks for the kind words! :-)
Just a heads-up, if you want to spice up your leads and create killer guitar solos from scratch, make sure you check out Steve’s Greatest Licks Bundle.
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Make sure you check it out, because it ends tonight. And no matter what, keep playing!
- Mike from GuitarZoom
P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews
Nice approach and great advice
I have seen a lot of alternate picking videos, but this one is the best so far!
U can use your fingers for fast picking. Also
But u must practice certain exercises
Great topic about "pick wearing"... likely overlooked and I've noticed my jazz3's get a shaved look to them...although this vid is from 2016, it came up in a search and found your explanation spot on which is still relevant today.
Thanks for the kind words, Alan! And thanks for watching! :-)
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mandolin style picking!.thankkss for lesson.ciao
My pleasure!
I really enjoy your lessons
Thanks for the kind words, Ariel! :-)
Just wanted to let you know, the special Labor Day Sale was extended by popular demand.
Which means, you can still get a 6 month GuitarZoom Premium Membership for only $59, plus you get a limited edition GuitarZoom coffee mug as a free gift.
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P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews
Brian May uses a reshaped sixpence coin. These contain silver. They no longer strike six-pence coins, but you can still find them. May actually sells a line of metal picks based on his pick. Others have copied the idea and you can buy them online.
I recently shifted from a Jazz III to an Acoustik Attak Stealth. What a difference!
You the man Steve ! Hope all is well
Thanks, Kyle! :-)
Just wanted to let you know, if you enjoy Steve’s UA-cam videos, you should definitely check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join
Members get unlimited streaming of more than 40 of Steve’s best guitar courses, like CAGED Made Simple, Music Theory Made Easy, Play Guitar For Life, Blues Guitar, Rock Licks, Acoustic Guitar, and many more.
If you want to play better guitar solos, Creative Soloing would be a perfect place to start. Go here to check it out: guitarzoom.com/products/creative-soloing-3
The courses cover a wide variety of topics, and there are courses designed for all skill-levels. So wherever you are in your guitar journey, you can get to the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-)
Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing!
-- Mike from GuitarZoom
This is such a great video! Very helpful and very thorough
Thanks for watching! And thanks for the kind words. :-)
Just wanted to let you know, if you enjoy Steve’s UA-cam videos, you should definitely check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join
Members get unlimited streaming of more than 40 of Steve’s best guitar courses, like CAGED Made Simple, Music Theory Made Easy, Play Guitar For Life, Blues Guitar, Rock Licks, Acoustic Guitar, and many more.
If you want to play faster and more smoothly, Ultimate Chops Builder would be a perfect place to start. Go here to check it out: guitarzoom.com/products/ultimate-chops-builder-2
The courses cover a wide variety of topics, and there are courses designed for all skill-levels. So wherever you are in your guitar journey, you can get to the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-)
Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing!
-- Mike from GuitarZoom
I noticed the use of the neck pickup . Most, but not all shredfasters seem to prefer the rounder tone verses the bite of the bridge. I'm going to start incorporating the neck pick up more often.
I used to play with the JP signature jazz exclusively, but now I don't play with anything except the John Petrucci Flow picks. They are amazing for speed picking and transitioning like in economy picking.
Thank you. Love it.
Jazz III changed my life!!!
Excellent video about right hand technique thank you!!!
Great info Thank You
I appreciate the tips!
Hi Darin! My pleasure! Glad to know the tips are helpful. Any questions feel free to ask anytime!
Awesome video. Great technique starts with great mechanics. With good mechanics, speed comes naturally.
finally a nice in depth video on how to strum, thanks a million!
I really like the hetfield white fang picks. Just a little bit smaller than regular picks but pointed like a jazz pick
Hi. Thanks for commenting and sharing. Picks are such a personal choice and we change quite a few along our guitar journey. I like smaller picks myself. Used jazz 3 dunlops for a long time, now I'm using Petrucci also from dunlop. Thanks again for your comment! 👍
Awesome teacher. Every video ive watched has teached me something.
Thank you Steve, awesome !
Amazing thank you!
Your the brain specialist of guitars man,thanks for your lessons, as always,keep Rockn man 🤘🤘🤘
wow I learn so much I finding out loads Im doing wrong. Thanks
Glad to hear it
Yes! Master Stine is also a member of _The Cult of Jazz III_ ! The John Petrucci picks are technically called _Dunlop Ultex Jazz III John Petrucci_ and are also a part of that family ;)
Edit: By that way, I know this video is from 2016, but you may want to try out the carbon version of Jazz III, as they last significantly longer than the regular nylon version.
amazing vid. thanks!
9:15, A little nod to David Bowie there haha
Thanks Steve
Love that guitar
Thank you for acknowledging me about the importance of angle while picking, sirr.. that was where I lost majority of my speed.. once again, thank you!!
Love your channel bro awesome teach and have helped me understand some things I was stuck on thanks!!!
great lesson thanks a lot...