As a video that was meant to help guitar players, it came across as just frustrating to watch. I would ask if possible do a "follow up" video of this with tabs on screen of whats going on and more close up of the finger where you Robert Baker are talking to us the viewer so it feels more 1 on 1. This was a video of watching Robert Baker getting a guitar lesson with a minor close up here or there whilst the actual audience is trying to look through the spy whole gather as much information as possible from vague blocks. Or in your analogy instead of a perfectly executed Flying Elbow Drop from the top, a botch drop kick whilst breaking your own wrist on break fall from said drop kick.
Look at us just a couple of young pups pickin their life away. The burst picking has been going great already seeing improvements thanks again for the vid buddy.
That’s a great point! I watch these thinking, man, I’m glad I grew up in the era of shredders, late 80s. We learned great technique, from great teachers. Then along the way, it became cool to get a band going, even playing gigs, before ever learning the craft, ha ha. Nirvana is a great example of that. And a huge exception, as their legendary status denotes. Yeah, all that cracking the code, or this vid, os something I’ve always done-and learned from my great teacher back in the day. People can get by, and very few can even be great, with seemingly terrible or unorthodox technique. So that is cool. But nothing wrong with getting lessons, learning your craft. All this will help your creativity, and decrease frustration. And I t sure looks a lot cooler, ha ha. So yeah, like we’ve always said, learn the rules before you break them. Or like I always say, learn from others mistakes. You don’t have to make them all yourself.😝🤘🏻🎸🇺🇸
@@dtread9543 as someone pointed, it's no fault of the information given, it wasn't presented well, no tab no close up. No after thought, and just promotes the fact online lessons are just beyond awful whilst face to face is needed.
@@jasmith85it was presented very well and you shouldn’t need a tab to improve your picking technique. If you didn’t get anything from the video watch some more basic lessons and learn some music theory.
As a 33 year old who's just now started addressing his picking technique after 20 years of stubbornly being like "I brute force some sort of speed out of whatever technique I've got," this was refreshing. It's not every day you see someone who's objectively a good guitar player already admit to a limitation and start working to overcome it. Kudos to you Robert!
@@danteravenveren1278 hahaha. Ok, research what? I watched a few of his videos on picking and it helped. What do I need to find out about him to negate that? And one of his "slaves?" Haha. I don't even know what this means. So, finding videos that helped, and sharing that requires me to research him or I'm his slave? Get help, my guy. Seriously.
To acknowledge a weakness, even a tiny one, and then to take in some pointers in real time is a very brave and modest thing to do. That in itself is maybe the greatest lesson of this video. It helps explain why you, sir, are such a great player and teacher.
That was awesome, I totally get the pick trajectory and all the points. I’m not a fast picker at all so I’m gonna have a go at this adjustment and see how I get on. 🤘🏻
Uncle Ben is awsome, been a fan of his forever! Two great masters of guitar prowess. Both these guys are my absolute favorites, plus Dave at late night lessons.
This video actually teaches an important philosophical lesson, in addition to the excellent picking instruction. Humility is the only way to improve. Admit you need to grow, and pursue that growth with humility, and the world is yours! Bravo, and thank you.
Are there must watch videos of he's to get started? Or do I just need to consume all his content and let it absorb over time as I implement his teachings?
@@stiman1 just go through cracking the code episodes on YT and join his CtC community if you want full access to his breakdowns and content. Ive been a subscriber on and off when I want to revisit some stuff with more guidance. I also can recommend Chris brooks guitar books. He has two books on learning yngwie style picking and sweeping that I love, neoclassical speed strategies. Also shout out to Ben eller!
@@stiman1 also I think the overall concept of Troy's material is that you probably already slant the pick in some way and it's more about seeing how the greats navigate fast picking with string changes... simply being aware of certain terminology and mechanics that Troy "uncovered" and catalogued will allow you to hone your own unique picking style...
I've learned countless exercises, licks, songs Etc... From both of you. I have so much respect for everything you both have done for us musicians!!! Very grateful for the time & knowledge both of you have given me!!! Your channels are the top ones on UA-cam! 🤘🤘🤘
I began working those speed bursts a few years ago and it did wonders for my playing. You start looking at those phrases as one single motion(s) and it works into other areas of your playing. Really wakes up part of the brain that comprehends what is possible, ya know? I mean, everything about the execution of playing is really just a big trust factor. You have to believe in what you are doing.
I could watch these kinds of lessons 24/7... so much collective experience yet hearing about how certain things were a challenge (or even continue to be) is actually super encouraging to all of us struggling with our own roadblocks...
Awesome lesson. I like how Ben cuts straight to the picking issues and fixes them. He is honest, clear and demystifies. Some guys are great shredders, but Ben is that and a great teacher too. He gets what we don't get. Super!
Two of my favorite UA-cam guitarists in the same video. Awesome! Uncle Ben's Walk This Way tutorial showed me how to play this song after 40 Years of trying
I commented on a different video that I was going through a picking change with more of a closed hand and Ben Ellers videos is where I was getting the instruction! He is a great teacher and guitarist!
Thanks for showing the one closeup of his picking hand because I was lost. Not sure if he was angling the pick towards his face 45 degrees or towards his leg at 45 degrees. But, does he also slant the pick so it's not pointing directly at the strings (picking not with the point of the pick?)
Troy Grady's picking mechanics saved my life of guitar playing. I was even picking from the back of the pick instead of the front of it. Phenomenal stuff thank you.
Man!! My two favorites. This is like when Daredevil and Punisher appeared in each others comic books pursuing the same criminal. Except that there was fighting, misunderstanding and little to no guitar talk.
Thank you, Guys! I never considered the “escape angle, as Ben puts it. I would constantly get tripped up on fast runs and now I see my pick is getting caught between strings. Feel like my eyes have been opened!
Its great seeing 2 awesome players discussing their weakness on guitar, it really helps us all to learn and have confidence to get better, great lesson.
Great!! I'm not a shredder but as I've gotten older I've noticed how my pick accuracy has not kept up with my fingering on faster required runs. I do exactly the wrong motions (angle) as discussed. I'll soon find out if this old dog can learn new techniques. This video was spot on !! Robert and Ben Thanks and Cheers!!!
Uncle Ben and Robert Baker!!! two of the guitarist I love so much I support their work and take lessons/courses from! Outstanding! You guys are awesome! 🤘👍
Ben is my favorite person to learn guitar solos from. If it weren't for him I doubt I would ever have learned tornado of souls. I play it almost every day.
Interesting tips in this Robert and Ben. I've made it a mission to strengthen my up stroked descending patterns for years, but lapse into lazy. I sweep pick with pull-offs. I also modify my picks to compensate for that ramped attack by giving them a forward bend. I've done this consciously for a very long time and now realize why. I have a vid up on arpeggios with a variety of picking attack to inspire my viewers. For myself, I tend to focus on weaknesses in my technique, and try to fix them. After almost 50 years of playing guitar, I'm ok to admit I'm still learning.
Hi, my name is Antonio, and I am - I was (until I saw this video) a thumb wiggler. I couldn't figure out why I always had trouble with the B and high E on occasion when playing the intro to Sweet Child - and it was because my thumb was wiggling the pick out of position, away from the string. I knew I was doing it, but I figured I must be able to adjust everything else to compensate for it, because thumb wiggling gives me more flexibility - right? Wrong! It gave me less ability to aim - and the wrist is a much bigger & better muscle group than the thumb joint to control the pick - so, thanks again for another very useful lesson! Edit : After playing around for an hour and half, paying attention to the thumb, I'm catching myself doing it all the time - and as I mentioned earlier, on the Sweet Child intro, I had been missing the B and high E on occasion - and now I know exactly what the problem was - that thumb knuckle is usually a little bent, but to hit the B and high E, the knuckle was straightening, as if to try to push the thumb in more, which ended up also turning the index finger, which ultimately just pushed the pick down and away from the strings, in an arc. It is so clear now - no more twitchy thumb here = much better playing! This is pretty exciting, as this was holding me back - and this is one of those things that solves a problem across the board, and takes me to the next level, so thanks again 🙂
Ascending with odd numbers of notes per string is way easier than descending also because of "swiping", that is breaking free with the trapped downstroke by plucking the next string while plan muting it. Troy talks about this too. Great video guys!
I think picking is one of the most overlooked aspects of guitar playing… once most people get “good enough” they move on because there’s so much for the left hand to do… but eventually everyone must submit to the alter of alternate picking…
Holy crap! Robert and Ben with a crazy helpful free lesson! This is what makes YT great. It would be interesting to see the crossover between the two of y'all's (that's Southern Speak, Robert, you'll get used to it .. ask Ben) channels. I bet it's a fairly large. \m/
My two favorite guitar content creators! Wow! Love it! 10 stars of 10 starts in quality teachers, players and humans. Greatness 360 degrees. Thank you!
This is great. By the way, Paul Gilbert said in one of his teaching videos that he liked starting licks on upstrokes and had no idea why. It's amazing such great players kept at whatever worked for them but without much digging into the mechanics. FWIW, had pick and thumb 'waggle' issues until I changed my pick grip to make sure the index finger is in line with the thumb, not pointing down to the point of the pick. It helps lock the pick and thumb angle better.
The Yng-way is alternate picking ascending, and on descending 3s is to start on a down stroke for the first note, up pick for second note, hammer on with the 3rd note, which gives you time to move to the next string with the picking hand to set up for the next 3 notes ,starting again on a downstroke. That's how Yngwie manages fast string changes. Chris Brookes has many lessons on it and circular picking. Cesario Filho's "thumb technique" compliments Chris Brookes' lessons phenomenally, as well. Uncle Ben is a little misinformed about how Yngwie uses his thumb, and knowing how it really works is a huge advantage. The two of those guys have completely transformed my neo-classical chops over the last year.
Excellent video and captivating to watch. You're both great players in your own right, but you always learn more by playing with someone with more advanced skills. Just like going to school, it also proves the importance of having a great teacher. Both of you guys check that box for sure!
In my experience, almost all alternate picking problems are caused by weak/inefficient upstrokes. Having more trouble descending combined with a less stable grip confirms this. When you consider how natural downstrokes are vs upstrokes it makes perfect sense. No one ever really asks how to do downstrokes. The reason we ask about alternate picking is because the upstroke is unnatural and literally goes against gravity. The same way metal guys practice downstroke only for some riffs. I highly advocate for practicing licks/scales with upstrokes only at slower tempos, of course. Doing so will force you to learn how to do the most rigid, efficient upstroke possible. Your max upstroke picking speed should be equivalent to your max downstroke speed. If it's not, then that's what results in fatigue/tension and that tripping feeling when playing. Ben's recommendation of speed bursts finishing on an upstroke getting "air" is essentially training this. I have an exercise I use to train this except I recommend practicing starting on both upstrokes and downstrokes. The less limitations you have in your technique the more freedom you have musically, especially when improvising. Start with both Up and down strokes with 16th notes. To do a triplet version just double all of the 7s which will have you alternating inside and outside picking on the way up. Hope this helps anyone who finds it. -7-------7----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----10------10--7------7----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------9------9---7------7------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------9------9--7------7-----------------------------9- ---------------------------------------------------------9------9--7--------7-------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------10------10--7----
The Troy Grady program was great at unlocking the strings for me as well, you can learn lots of stuff from any of his videos! However, Ben or even Troy (to some extent) get something wrong every time. Here it happens at around the 8:00 mark. That picking style they attribute to the thumb is actually an index finger technique. I called it for my students «Japanese picking» because I first spotted it while watching Takayoshi Ohmura play at insane speeds. Then I found a video where he explained it in seconds with a reverse hand view. Then I got it 100% right from the late Mikio Fujioka (Ohmura's teacher and friend), where in a workshop he briefly showed the movement from the other side of the hand. If you watch carefully from both sides, you immediately learn it, because it's so obvious. You only need to practice afterwards. It's sort of like holding a pencil to write. The pick becomes an extension of the fingernail of your index finger. Due to that it made total sense for me (I used to play like that when I still couldn't control the pick), and once I got it down I can't really go back to other techniques for more than a few passages. This index technique also automatically takes care of string hopping, since the pick is never trapped (the index acts like a pendulum). You can also apply it to any other finger if you want. Personally with the middle finger I kind of get smaller movement (like I had a smaller hand) and more precision. It's the favoured technique by most of those miracle children players from Asia for some good reason.
I want to thank Ben for his in depth technique videos including this one. Nonetheless, I think wrist rotational picking is the most efficient (i think even EVH has a downward pick slant but a killer wrist rotation skill that you can't see well when he alt picks) but may be the most difficult to master. It effectively gives you 2 way pick slanting with smoothness and great flexibility regarding any type of lick. Other methods (one way pick slanting with in/out movement, side to side wrist translation, finger movement) are less efficient "in general" with the caveat that you can always find people who excel (clean shredding over 180-200+bpm) despite using a "sub optimal" method (whether because of a >> amount of practice than the average player or greater skill and a subconscious choice to go down the path of a particular technique). For the average player with average skill or potential (and by potential I mean for a given a fixed/limited amount of time available to practice), investing all your time in rotational picking is a risky proposition (I believe) because you may never succeed (at higher speeds). On the other hand, if you commit to learning another "sub-optimal" method, it may be easier for the average joe to make some real gains with average skill or potential. I think the best way to approach the whole thing is to take 1 month to try wrist rotation and benchmark yourself to see if you can make a meaningful gain. If not, it might indicate that investing more time to go further down that road could be a long disappointing slog. In such case, a one way pick slanting approach could be the fallback that works best for the most players of differing potential levels.
(11:49-11:53): looks like upward pick-slanting on descending licks, at least to me (I'm an upward pick-slanter myself, I see the similarities). I've been trying for a long time to retrain my hands to do the whole Troy Grady thing, but my muscle memory (thus far) is being stubborn as Hell. Looks like you're headed in the right direction (no pun), Robert. You're already a beast, I can only imagine what's gonna happen when you unlock your descending fury.🤘
The "exaggerating" coment by Uncle Ben is spot on, and a foundation of classical piano instruction. Then as the gestures become familiar you increase speed and decrease"size" naturally. I ve read that Rachmaninov practiced at such a slow tempo sometimes that you could barely recognize what piece or passage he was playing.
Throw Andy Wood in and by golly.. that'd rock
The cream of the crop. Ooo yeah!!!
Awesome stuff! I don’t know how I didn’t know about Benn’s channel but I’m definitely subscribing! 🤘🤘
Cesario Filho and Chris Brookes will unlock "the Yng-Way" for you, my fellow newly minted Yngwie Strat owner friend 😉
As a video that was meant to help guitar players, it came across as just frustrating to watch. I would ask if possible do a "follow up" video of this with tabs on screen of whats going on and more close up of the finger where you Robert Baker are talking to us the viewer so it feels more 1 on 1.
This was a video of watching Robert Baker getting a guitar lesson with a minor close up here or there whilst the actual audience is trying to look through the spy whole gather as much information as possible from vague blocks. Or in your analogy instead of a perfectly executed Flying Elbow Drop from the top, a botch drop kick whilst breaking your own wrist on break fall from said drop kick.
Thanks for having me on, handsome! Let’s do it again sometime. Oh, BTW, how’s the speed burst approach working for you?
Look at us just a couple of young pups pickin their life away. The burst picking has been going great already seeing improvements thanks again for the vid buddy.
Is Robert super tall, or is Uncle Ben stepdad height?
@@BasedHyperborean🤣
What I learned most from this video is that nothing can really replace a one on one lesson with a teacher.
@jasmith8039 This is a great lesson from Ben. If you didn't get anything from it, that's on you.
That’s a great point! I watch these thinking, man, I’m glad I grew up in the era of shredders, late 80s. We learned great technique, from great teachers.
Then along the way, it became cool to get a band going, even playing gigs, before ever learning the craft, ha ha. Nirvana is a great example of that. And a huge exception, as their legendary status denotes.
Yeah, all that cracking the code, or this vid, os something I’ve always done-and learned from my great teacher back in the day.
People can get by, and very few can even be great, with seemingly terrible or unorthodox technique. So that is cool. But nothing wrong with getting lessons, learning your craft. All this will help your creativity, and decrease frustration. And I t sure looks a lot cooler, ha ha. So yeah, like we’ve always said, learn the rules before you break them. Or like I always say, learn from others mistakes. You don’t have to make them all yourself.😝🤘🏻🎸🇺🇸
@@dtread9543 as someone pointed, it's no fault of the information given, it wasn't presented well, no tab no close up. No after thought, and just promotes the fact online lessons are just beyond awful whilst face to face is needed.
Most people are not as good at observing themselves as they think. Filming your playing helps, too as it’s more objective.
@@jasmith85it was presented very well and you shouldn’t need a tab to improve your picking technique. If you didn’t get anything from the video watch some more basic lessons and learn some music theory.
As a 33 year old who's just now started addressing his picking technique after 20 years of stubbornly being like "I brute force some sort of speed out of whatever technique I've got," this was refreshing. It's not every day you see someone who's objectively a good guitar player already admit to a limitation and start working to overcome it. Kudos to you Robert!
33 year old here learning the same shit after 20 years of playing
Tom Hess's content helped me too. He tends to get into all the intricacies of playing techniques.
@@danteravenveren1278 hahaha. Ok, research what? I watched a few of his videos on picking and it helped. What do I need to find out about him to negate that? And one of his "slaves?" Haha. I don't even know what this means. So, finding videos that helped, and sharing that requires me to research him or I'm his slave? Get help, my guy. Seriously.
My sustained alternate picking has always been my weakest link. I need to find a good teacher, lol.
as a 40 year old who just started 😭😭😭😭😂😂💀
To acknowledge a weakness, even a tiny one, and then to take in some pointers in real time is a very brave and modest thing to do. That in itself is maybe the greatest lesson of this video. It helps explain why you, sir, are such a great player and teacher.
Phenomenal! My two favorite YT guitar teachers in one room together sharing secrets. A+.
Same - only 2 guys I am subscribed too when it comes to guitar. 👍
@johnathondupuis1301 what about rhett shull? You no like?
The cutest and best hair, too.
That was awesome, I totally get the pick trajectory and all the points. I’m not a fast picker at all so I’m gonna have a go at this adjustment and see how I get on. 🤘🏻
Uncle Ben is awsome, been a fan of his forever! Two great masters of guitar prowess. Both these guys are my absolute favorites, plus Dave at late night lessons.
This video actually teaches an important philosophical lesson, in addition to the excellent picking instruction. Humility is the only way to improve. Admit you need to grow, and pursue that growth with humility, and the world is yours! Bravo, and thank you.
Uncle Ben is a gifted teacher…and not a bad picker either 👍
Not bad? Lol he’s great
Brilliant! Thanks guys!
I know I've been watching Ben for years and learning along with y'all. But, watching him 1-on-1 teaching impresses me even more! Great teacher!
Uncle Ben always has great exercises. Thanks guys!!!
Troy Grady is an absolute treasure to the shred guitar community.
Are there must watch videos of he's to get started? Or do I just need to consume all his content and let it absorb over time as I implement his teachings?
@@stiman1 just go through cracking the code episodes on YT and join his CtC community if you want full access to his breakdowns and content. Ive been a subscriber on and off when I want to revisit some stuff with more guidance. I also can recommend Chris brooks guitar books. He has two books on learning yngwie style picking and sweeping that I love, neoclassical speed strategies. Also shout out to Ben eller!
@@stiman1 also I think the overall concept of Troy's material is that you probably already slant the pick in some way and it's more about seeing how the greats navigate fast picking with string changes... simply being aware of certain terminology and mechanics that Troy "uncovered" and catalogued will allow you to hone your own unique picking style...
The burst is powerful.
I've learned countless exercises, licks, songs Etc... From both of you. I have so much respect for everything you both have done for us musicians!!! Very grateful for the time & knowledge both of you have given me!!! Your channels are the top ones on UA-cam! 🤘🤘🤘
This gives me hope. Great collab. Thanks for doing it
I began working those speed bursts a few years ago and it did wonders for my playing. You start looking at those phrases as one single motion(s) and it works into other areas of your playing. Really wakes up part of the brain that comprehends what is possible, ya know? I mean, everything about the execution of playing is really just a big trust factor. You have to believe in what you are doing.
I could watch these kinds of lessons 24/7... so much collective experience yet hearing about how certain things were a challenge (or even continue to be) is actually super encouraging to all of us struggling with our own roadblocks...
Interesting, thanks for this - interesting that i've always notice @TheDooo 's thumb is just going nuts and he's so dang clean/fast!
Yes he has waggly thumb alright! Especially when he does pinch harmonics, very exaggerated thumb bend
Awesome lesson. I like how Ben cuts straight to the picking issues and fixes them. He is honest, clear and demystifies. Some guys are great shredders, but Ben is that and a great teacher too. He gets what we don't get. Super!
Awesome. That was definitely a long time coming. Hopefully now that you guys are near the same area you'll be able to do more collaborations.
I gave you a "like" as soon as this started. Loved the idea of you and Ben pairing!!! Hopefully you guys can do it more, even virtually.
Since I am old and sentimental, I think this video will be very difficult to top. I've learned tons from both this amazing teachers.
That was fun and very informative. Thanks!!
Two of my favorite UA-cam guitarists in the same video. Awesome!
Uncle Ben's Walk This Way tutorial showed me how to play this song after 40 Years of trying
I commented on a different video that I was going through a picking change with more of a closed hand and Ben Ellers videos is where I was getting the instruction! He is a great teacher and guitarist!
Lol "Don't Move Thumb!" Thanks Robert for an excellent t-shirt ideal. Great video!
Thanks for sharing these concepts! I had no idea about downward pick slanting technique.
Thanks for showing the one closeup of his picking hand because I was lost. Not sure if he was angling the pick towards his face 45 degrees or towards his leg at 45 degrees. But, does he also slant the pick so it's not pointing directly at the strings (picking not with the point of the pick?)
Troy Grady's picking mechanics saved my life of guitar playing. I was even picking from the back of the pick instead of the front of it. Phenomenal stuff thank you.
Man!! My two favorites. This is like when Daredevil and Punisher appeared in each others comic books pursuing the same criminal. Except that there was fighting, misunderstanding and little to no guitar talk.
Love it. Two of my favorite guitarists/teachers on the same vid. Guess you guys live closer now.
We are still about 3 hrs apart sadly.
Two guitars. Eight heads. Four combo amps. And one cord.
But seriously, great lesson.
Thank you, Guys! I never considered the “escape angle, as Ben puts it. I would constantly get tripped up on fast runs and now I see my pick is getting caught between strings. Feel like my eyes have been opened!
Its great seeing 2 awesome players discussing their weakness on guitar, it really helps us all to learn and have confidence to get better, great lesson.
This was very insightful, thanks guys.
Love Bens charvel - I’ve been keen on that myself!
Wowww Uncle Ben And Baker collaboration... 🎉💯
Great!! I'm not a shredder but as I've gotten older I've noticed how my pick accuracy has not kept up with my fingering on faster required runs. I do exactly the wrong motions (angle) as discussed. I'll soon find out if this old dog can learn new techniques. This video was spot on !! Robert and Ben Thanks and Cheers!!!
Freaking awesome video Robert!!!!! You two are so similar in how you deliver. Hope you can do more like this!
Those sixteen minutes went by quickly. Very helpful!
OMG! That instantly helped my speed and accuracy. Thank you Robert and Ben!!! Great video!!!
Awesome! I need to practice this. Thanks guys!
Uncle Ben and Robert Baker!!! two of the guitarist I love so much I support their work and take lessons/courses from! Outstanding! You guys are awesome! 🤘👍
Ben is my favorite person to learn guitar solos from. If it weren't for him I doubt I would ever have learned tornado of souls. I play it almost every day.
3 years later and I almost have it down at regular speed 😂
Without question, the most helpful picking advice I ever received. Many thanks!
Interesting tips in this Robert and Ben. I've made it a mission to strengthen my up stroked descending patterns for years, but lapse into lazy. I sweep pick with pull-offs. I also modify my picks to compensate for that ramped attack by giving them a forward bend. I've done this consciously for a very long time and now realize why. I have a vid up on arpeggios with a variety of picking attack to inspire my viewers. For myself, I tend to focus on weaknesses in my technique, and try to fix them. After almost 50 years of playing guitar, I'm ok to admit I'm still learning.
Hi, my name is Antonio, and I am - I was (until I saw this video) a thumb wiggler. I couldn't figure out why I always had trouble with the B and high E on occasion when playing the intro to Sweet Child - and it was because my thumb was wiggling the pick out of position, away from the string. I knew I was doing it, but I figured I must be able to adjust everything else to compensate for it, because thumb wiggling gives me more flexibility - right? Wrong! It gave me less ability to aim - and the wrist is a much bigger & better muscle group than the thumb joint to control the pick - so, thanks again for another very useful lesson! Edit : After playing around for an hour and half, paying attention to the thumb, I'm catching myself doing it all the time - and as I mentioned earlier, on the Sweet Child intro, I had been missing the B and high E on occasion - and now I know exactly what the problem was - that thumb knuckle is usually a little bent, but to hit the B and high E, the knuckle was straightening, as if to try to push the thumb in more, which ended up also turning the index finger, which ultimately just pushed the pick down and away from the strings, in an arc. It is so clear now - no more twitchy thumb here = much better playing! This is pretty exciting, as this was holding me back - and this is one of those things that solves a problem across the board, and takes me to the next level, so thanks again 🙂
Already subbed to the both of you for several years. You guys are truly the very best on UA-cam.
he "instantly wants to go joint" 9:36 haha
It's amazing how well Ben can explain things. He's my teacher on Patreon I think he's the best
He's the one who finally helped me understand pick slanting/string escapes.
Ascending with odd numbers of notes per string is way easier than descending also because of "swiping", that is breaking free with the trapped downstroke by plucking the next string while plan muting it. Troy talks about this too. Great video guys!
woah this just completely opened up my mind in looking at how i pick! thank you!
Ole Uncle Ben is a great guy and great teacher. Appreciate both you guys. Yall should write a song together .
Freaking awesome my two favorite guitar teachers together doing the guitar thang. Totally loved this!!!
I think picking is one of the most overlooked aspects of guitar playing… once most people get “good enough” they move on because there’s so much for the left hand to do… but eventually everyone must submit to the alter of alternate picking…
Holy crap! Robert and Ben with a crazy helpful free lesson! This is what makes YT great.
It would be interesting to see the crossover between the two of y'all's (that's Southern Speak, Robert, you'll get used to it .. ask Ben) channels. I bet it's a fairly large. \m/
i learn something every time i watch Ben. I'm playing along as i watch this and already feel myself breaking through the step dad speed barrier
And Robert is a very good man as well.
Great lesson! I wish I could be even at Robert's picking speed.
But.....they're at Sweetwater and couldn't get a second amp hooked up? Huh???!!!
Really great stuff. Thank you both. And Ben you may not be the absolute best but you sure are up there with whoever is.
Now THAT! was helpfull! THANK YOU, SIRS!
I got to tour with Unearth and Buzz is an amazingly consistent bad ass. Night after night, dude just doesn’t get sloppy or miss notes. Great video.
My two favorite guitar content creators! Wow! Love it! 10 stars of 10 starts in quality teachers, players and humans. Greatness 360 degrees. Thank you!
very happy to see them together!! Greetings from argentina!
I was today years old when I found out I'm a thumb wiggler. Ben is excellent, knows how to use analogies for his explanations so well.
This is great. By the way, Paul Gilbert said in one of his teaching videos that he liked starting licks on upstrokes and had no idea why. It's amazing such great players kept at whatever worked for them but without much digging into the mechanics. FWIW, had pick and thumb 'waggle' issues until I changed my pick grip to make sure the index finger is in line with the thumb, not pointing down to the point of the pick. It helps lock the pick and thumb angle better.
Haha Keys the Lamborghini. Is a Michael Angelo Batio reference!
The Yng-way is alternate picking ascending, and on descending 3s is to start on a down stroke for the first note, up pick for second note, hammer on with the 3rd note, which gives you time to move to the next string with the picking hand to set up for the next 3 notes ,starting again on a downstroke. That's how Yngwie manages fast string changes.
Chris Brookes has many lessons on it and circular picking. Cesario Filho's "thumb technique" compliments Chris Brookes' lessons phenomenally, as well. Uncle Ben is a little misinformed about how Yngwie uses his thumb, and knowing how it really works is a huge advantage. The two of those guys have completely transformed my neo-classical chops over the last year.
Two of my favorite guitar teachers!!!
Ben's video explaining chord tones and Roberts 80s rock content. Two GOATs right there. 🐐🐐
I just watched a video from Ben yesterday that had a significant improvement on my picking already. Thanks for doing these videos!
Excellent video and captivating to watch. You're both great players in your own right, but you always learn more by playing with someone with more advanced skills. Just like going to school, it also proves the importance of having a great teacher. Both of you guys check that box for sure!
This is fantastic. I've been struggling with this for decades.
@BenEller rocks!!! One of the best on UA-cam. Spell his name right Robert!
Thanks for this video. Ben is definitely a great teacher. I love all his stuff.
Fantastic video guys! I really enjoyed it, thanks. Ben is a great teacher indeed.
You have a great channel also. I love uncle ben’s channel cause he can do it all and has that smart ass attitude that is a riot.
Great lesson, first time checking out your page. Looking forward to going through your content. Thanks for what you do.
In my experience, almost all alternate picking problems are caused by weak/inefficient upstrokes. Having more trouble descending combined with a less stable grip confirms this. When you consider how natural downstrokes are vs upstrokes it makes perfect sense. No one ever really asks how to do downstrokes. The reason we ask about alternate picking is because the upstroke is unnatural and literally goes against gravity. The same way metal guys practice downstroke only for some riffs. I highly advocate for practicing licks/scales with upstrokes only at slower tempos, of course. Doing so will force you to learn how to do the most rigid, efficient upstroke possible. Your max upstroke picking speed should be equivalent to your max downstroke speed. If it's not, then that's what results in fatigue/tension and that tripping feeling when playing. Ben's recommendation of speed bursts finishing on an upstroke getting "air" is essentially training this. I have an exercise I use to train this except I recommend practicing starting on both upstrokes and downstrokes. The less limitations you have in your technique the more freedom you have musically, especially when improvising.
Start with both Up and down strokes with 16th notes. To do a triplet version just double all of the 7s which will have you alternating inside and outside picking on the way up. Hope this helps anyone who finds it.
-7-------7-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----10------10--7------7-----------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------9------9---7------7------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------9------9--7------7-----------------------------9-
---------------------------------------------------------9------9--7--------7--------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------10------10--7----
2 phenomenal players. Great video. Thanks.👍
Uncle Ben's videos really helped me with my picking. Can do a the biddly-biddlies now
The Troy Grady program was great at unlocking the strings for me as well, you can learn lots of stuff from any of his videos!
However, Ben or even Troy (to some extent) get something wrong every time. Here it happens at around the 8:00 mark. That picking style they attribute to the thumb is actually an index finger technique.
I called it for my students «Japanese picking» because I first spotted it while watching Takayoshi Ohmura play at insane speeds. Then I found a video where he explained it in seconds with a reverse hand view. Then I got it 100% right from the late Mikio Fujioka (Ohmura's teacher and friend), where in a workshop he briefly showed the movement from the other side of the hand. If you watch carefully from both sides, you immediately learn it, because it's so obvious. You only need to practice afterwards.
It's sort of like holding a pencil to write. The pick becomes an extension of the fingernail of your index finger. Due to that it made total sense for me (I used to play like that when I still couldn't control the pick), and once I got it down I can't really go back to other techniques for more than a few passages.
This index technique also automatically takes care of string hopping, since the pick is never trapped (the index acts like a pendulum).
You can also apply it to any other finger if you want. Personally with the middle finger I kind of get smaller movement (like I had a smaller hand) and more precision. It's the favoured technique by most of those miracle children players from Asia for some good reason.
Fascinating. Like when you see a golf pro taking lessons and realise that everyone still needs help sometimes...
2 of my favorite people on UA-cam together I one video. Awesome
I want to thank Ben for his in depth technique videos including this one. Nonetheless, I think wrist rotational picking is the most efficient (i think even EVH has a downward pick slant but a killer wrist rotation skill that you can't see well when he alt picks) but may be the most difficult to master. It effectively gives you 2 way pick slanting with smoothness and great flexibility regarding any type of lick. Other methods (one way pick slanting with in/out movement, side to side wrist translation, finger movement) are less efficient "in general" with the caveat that you can always find people who excel (clean shredding over 180-200+bpm) despite using a "sub optimal" method (whether because of a >> amount of practice than the average player or greater skill and a subconscious choice to go down the path of a particular technique). For the average player with average skill or potential (and by potential I mean for a given a fixed/limited amount of time available to practice), investing all your time in rotational picking is a risky proposition (I believe) because you may never succeed (at higher speeds). On the other hand, if you commit to learning another "sub-optimal" method, it may be easier for the average joe to make some real gains with average skill or potential. I think the best way to approach the whole thing is to take 1 month to try wrist rotation and benchmark yourself to see if you can make a meaningful gain. If not, it might indicate that investing more time to go further down that road could be a long disappointing slog. In such case, a one way pick slanting approach could be the fallback that works best for the most players of differing potential levels.
Damn he articulates his examples perfectly
Dope! appreciate both u guys! 🤘🤘
This is the collaboration the world needs.🎸🤘
EXCELLENT, loved it!!
(11:49-11:53): looks like upward pick-slanting on descending licks, at least to me (I'm an upward pick-slanter myself, I see the similarities). I've been trying for a long time to retrain my hands to do the whole Troy Grady thing, but my muscle memory (thus far) is being stubborn as Hell. Looks like you're headed in the right direction (no pun), Robert. You're already a beast, I can only imagine what's gonna happen when you unlock your descending fury.🤘
The "exaggerating" coment by Uncle Ben is spot on, and a foundation of classical piano instruction. Then as the gestures become familiar you increase speed and decrease"size" naturally. I ve read that Rachmaninov practiced at such a slow tempo sometimes that you could barely recognize what piece or passage he was playing.
Camera view sucks!, but I say that only because I'm very curious about what is being displayed. Ben explains this well.
I think Ben makes a great one on one teacher. His humor on his own channel sometimes detracts for me but here I was hanging on his every word.
Uncle Ben - what a great teacher :)
Been following Ben Eller for years, he's truly revolutionary master of the guitar
Good stuff guys! Opened my eyes to some bad habits I've been attempting to hone to perfection.
Thanks guys ,This lesson give me hopes.
Making some Tennessee connections I see. Awesome!