Great tips! Pick grip is key and arm position. Check my patented fretboard invention. Pull any string over fretcorner into groove slots 🎰🎸add new levels to pulloffs and bends as FretCorner plucks note. Subbed! Keep at it!
What I learned from Bernth so far: - be focused and committed during your practice routine - always use a Metronom - start out slow and keep in mind which aspect you want to improve - still around 70% of us are not subscribed to this channel 😂
I have been playing for 44 years, self-taught and never really thought much about my picking technique. After watching a lot of videos, I noticed that my picking technique was all about movement with my thumb knuckle and first finger knuckle. Realized this was slowing me down and making my pick attack very inconsistent. I started taking lessons from a Berklee grad and the very first thing we did was to hold the pick exactly in the manner described here. It's been a tough transition, but I can already hear the benefits of a more consistent pick attack and faster picking by using wrist motion. This is a terrific video and thanks for reinforcing this technique!! Thank you!
@@ernestochang1744 Good comment Ernesto. In fact, I had to switch from Fender smooth picks to Dunlop FLOW picks, since I was having trouble keep the pick from moving around. The FLOW picks are smaller and have small bumps to help with grip.
I need to find someone in real life to help with this, I tried holding the pick like shown in this video and I can barely play without needing to push my elbow out forward.
I personally really appreciate that you call it a journey. That’s exactly what music is for musicians. There are certain thresholds each musician hits when things just “click” after a while. At first it’s little things that lead to bigger and better things. I have gone back to basics to learn or teach a beginner friend stuff and every time my results go up a bit more than usual and create new interests or goals to hit as a musician. Put down your ego and find that genuine childlike curiosity that made you pick a guitar up to begin with 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Relaxing the wrist helps so much. If you can just imagine almost duct taping your picking hand forearm to the guitar so your elbow and shoulder are removed from the equation, you're gonna fly off the rails. You'll start feeling the tension of the string more, it'll seem bouncy and a lot easier to manipulate. Even after doing it for a while, i have to force myself to relax my elbow and let my shoulder almost drop... after that, off to the race tracks.
Interesting does it work ? I've been having problems index and thumb locking up feeling like a claw . From what I've researched it's the beginning of carpal tunnel . Any suggestions?
This literally gave me instant results. I can even get pinch harmonics on the low E consistently for the first time after 11 years of playing. Absolutely wild, Bernth is the man.
@@bmack6743 it's the truth about anything on guitar, insecurity doesn't get U anywhere, thinking U physically can't do something doesn't get anywhere just shoosh and practice then practice harder the next time
I’ve been learning so much from these videos, I set my guitar down for a few years, and after doing these exercises for a few months, I’m better than I’ve ever been! Thanks so much!
Thanks Bernth... as a Patreon subscriber this video has really just helped me potentially eliminate my forearm pain when attempting to pick at high speeds. Especially just the way you hold the pick and gauge your sweet spot. You are a great communicator my friend. 🤘🏻❤
Finally! An informative guitar lesson. Unfortunately, I've learned it the hard way by changing my picking grip multiple times, through out the years. But that fist grip is the correct way to pick faster. At least now I feel confident, that I'm on the correct path.
This video helped a lot. What really helped the best for me was relaxing my wrist instead of making it so static and focusing on the motor learning for the thumb and forefinger at their most crucial points. This really helped out both economically and ergonomically for the picking skill sets. The only thing I’m working on is the other hand for the fret board and the coordination with the picking times. I’ve been using a stress ball going back and forth in different tempos and speeds to help me with better control and stress/tension relief to help keep both my hand and wrist well maintained. Thanks for the tips.
My “pick of choice” evolution, so far: many years with the Dunlop Purple Tortex 1.14mm; many years with the Dunlop Jazz III XL Black Stiffo; recently transitioned to the Dunlop Jeff Loomis Signature Custom Ultex® Sharp 461-JL. Cheers~
Bernth-- I saw this video last night. I closed up my fingers more like a fist instead of out open WOW!! Immediate increase in speed and accuracy. The tonality and and pinch harmonics jumped out as well. I have been playing off and on for about 45 years. Closing up the hand and holding the pick as you advised is the single best advice I have received. I have always had my fingers out and/or resting on the guitar while picking. I dug a trench in one guitar where I rested my pinky. Starting a lead run feels really weird with my hand closed up. I went back and forth with an open hand then closed hand. The difference is amazing! I will be retraining my hand to stay closed when playing. Thanks for the tip. Anyone who is trying to improve technique needs to explore this. You won't be sorry. Thanks Bernth!!!
I see the production level up lately!! Bernth you’re doing increíble, love the new album and love all your lessons!! This is easily my favorite UA-cam channel
@BERNTH My father passed away a few months ago, and he was an avid guitar player for over 30 years. He's always taught me the basics, but I wish I had learned more. Given that guitarists like Jeff Loomis were some of his favorites to listen to and to try and mimic, I feel like this video is perfect for me to continue doing what my father loved. Thank you for these bits of advice, they're going to help more than you'll ever know.
I've been playing guitar for 17 years and can say I've learnt more in the year I've been watching your videos than the entire other 16 years combines. Even the way I held the pick was completely wrong originally. Thank you so much for your time and help
Bernth, I truly appreciate the obvious "other" passion of yours, tuition... You really are very amazing to behold whilst playing, I'm often replaying your lessons because it's actually not so simple to look, listen and most importantly, retaining the legendary helpful tips... Your achievements are incredibly impressive... I've mentioned in other comments, my terrible injuries received from a motorcycle collision with a taxi, (full right reconstruction of elbow, wrist and digits... My point is, I have a lesson for YOU my tutor brother from another mother, be patient and as wise as you can without sacrificing who you are, take care in life my friend, a fractal segment of time is all it takes to loose your gifts like a thief in the night, and if you're extremely blessed, only the rest of your time in life to rehabilitate... I don't think that you don't already know this, but I care enough to share the reminder, as it's all I have to share with you in return for the Audible joy, and excitement I feel when I make tiny incremental improvements in my guitar playing journey... Again Bernth, thank you and don't forget that life isn't meant to be boring, so have fun, just consider your mindfulness in decision making... Yours entirely, Dazza from Australia.
I'm so glad that I found this channel. I've only got my first electric guitar for a month and I can play fast now. I have play acoustic for 2 years but I never use pick because I chose fingerstyle and man I'm so proud of my results now. Can't wait to improve and discover more in this music world! Keep learning everyone! Practice is always the key! 💪🏻 By the way, I'm do glad that I don't have most of the bad habits. There's always something to learn and improve. 😁
A little off topic but, rarely am I jealous of someone's tattoos.. your sleeves are fuckin beautiful! A 2nd note, you have had the most impact on my guitar journey and I appreciate that.. thank you
Consistently some of the best guitar instruction on UA-cam and the high quality production value makes it all the better! This has developed into one of my main go-to guitar channels. Keep up the great work!
thank you for this! i’ve been struggling with picking since i began my guitar journey, which was around 2 months ago. i have been working on my accuracy and speed, and am determined to strengthen the technique of my picking as well. i’ll definitely be using these tips!
Definitely not at all what I was expecting to see! This video is a gem. Am I alone in feeling like way too many guitar videos, method books and video lessons are just absolute garbage? I struggle to find decent study materials for guitar and this video is actually excellent.
Wow! Learned more in these 13:20 minutes than in the past 30 years. My hope is to learn to play well enough to not need to go to another bewerbungsgesprach!
I am Blown Away by how many Great players such as Yourself are using the picks you are using, & sound as Good as you do! i began making my own picks 30+yrs ago, because i Knew there had to be a Better design
I'm struggling mightily to change my picking technique according to the video. I hold my pick exactly as you do in the example of you "used to hold the pick this way in the older videos". But on top of that, I also anchor my hand to the guitar body with my pinky. I've always found this gets me really good picking speed, accuracy, and consistency of attack on single-string lines, but when string skipping I've never been able to maintain accuracy, attack consistency, OR speed! I'm all out of whack when string skipping and I'm hoping to fix it, but nothing feels even remotely natural to me except my own (ingrained, bad habit) way of doing it. But I feel like I shouldn't be THAT far off!? I don't use my elbow at all as it is, I'm a purely wrist picker (I think? Maybe I use my fingers to move the pick more than I realize? But certainly not the elbow or shoulder, which I never use). But even still, your method seems really hard for me to do. But I'm trying to slowly hold the pick the way you do, and honestly I just don't even know if I'm doing the little things right. I can't figure out how you're holding the pick in the "fixed' example you give, how you hold it now after adjustments to your technique. If I try to hold my hand the way you do and then put the pick on the fleshy part of my index finger and close my thumb over it, how you do in the video, then the pick tip is at a weird angle in relation to the strings, and I either have to rotate the pick, or my wrist, and if I rotate the pick it doesn't match your hold anymore (and rotating the wrist seems impossibly uncomfortable and wrong). Plus I can't get down the part where you make the fist so the knuckles don't hit the strings. Is it supposed to HURT this much? My hand feels like a shriveled claw that's all cramped up after a few minutes of holding the pick like this. And finally, without anchoring my pinky to the body of the guitar, I feel like I have NO CLUE where the strings are and I have really terrible attack, timing, and accuracy. How do you develop this? I feel like I'm holding the pick way wrong and not angling my picking hand correctly or something, it feels very wrong to me. I don't know how to replicate what I'm seeing in the video, it just seems like I'm trying to do the same thing, but it's happening way differently and I can't make it translate to my body.
I've not been playing guitar for years! finding these guitar exercises gets me excited to be back on the playing. thank you Bernth! (19 years of playing on an off)
Interesting how different each one experiences these tips. I tried the Dunlop Jazz III picks (the small ones) and instantly hated them. I think the first pick I really liked were the Dunlop Ultex 1,0 mm. Currently I use the Dunlop Ultex 1,14 mm sharp ones for shredding (looooove them..... so precise) and the regular ones for other stuff. I see how the Jazz picks are absolutely the best when it comes to pitch harmonics, but if you also wanna do some strumming, they're a nightmare. At least to me. I know a lot of fast guitar players who absoutely love them but yeah... not mine Also tried out Bernth's advice on the pick grip. I feel like his "new" form is better if you're going for really fast alterative picking, but I try to switch a little bit more as it is less good for strumming :D In the end it all comes down to personal preference. Sometimes you'll find yourself wondering about the most perfect way to hold your pick and struggling on that and then you take a look around and see guitarists like Marty Friedman, Synyster Gates or Guthrie Govan holding a pick in a way that just looks painful, but seems to work best for them. So the best advice would be: always try out new kinds of picks and techniques as you progress, but consider that the best solution for you might not be the best for all ;) EDIT: Bewerbungsgespräch. My choice for the next random german word would be "Fleischereifachverkäuferin"
Yeah I use Paul Gilbert Ibanez pics. They are like JazzIII shape little bigger but smaller than Dunlop Ultex pics. It is nice compromise. I recommend those but it is my personal taste and Gilbert's. Use what works for you.
I’ve played for 33 years and am revisiting all techniques from over the years. You ARE so SOLID!!! Your content is fantastic and any band would be grateful to have you at the helm!
Dude. Thank you so much for this. I've been stepping into new territory for how I play. And your techniques are SERIOUSLY improving my play style. Super appreciated. 🤙🏻
FINALLY. I hold a pick the same way and find it so much more comfortable, yet so many people recommend holding it the other way which was making me think I was missing something. Thx.
Ugh, clean fast alternate picking is something I’m never happy with. I’ve made some more progress accepting that some of the speeds I want may not be attainable. It kinda takes the mental pressure off. I will head to the shed now to try these suggestions so I can be ready for my bewerbungsgesprach :) Thanks!
Bewerbungsgesprach! Thank you so, SO much for posting these videos. I've been a very casual player for a long time and this was an INSTANT improvement. Much appreciated
Bernth, you were born to teach metal and hard rock guitar technique! Keep it up, I hope you are making a good living on your guitar adventure. I took lessons back in the the 80’s, and the picking hand was almost completely ingored. I have since learned how impoortatnt the picking hand is! Thank you for that.
This was such a boost. Watching the video i thought this'll be a usual Bernth video where i just learn i suck. Tried this one out and 130 on the first go. YOU BERNTH ARE BECOMING THE BOB ROSS OF METAL GUITAR.
New subscriber here. I been playing for about 30 years. I mostly play blues, classic rock, grunge and a little classic metal. I bought a Elmwood Modena m60 and a Ibanez rg1070pbz and it inspired me to start trying to play much faster stuff and maybe learning how to shred. I watched one of your videos a little while back and you talked about instead of anchoring your picking hand pinky to the guitar, curl or almost ball up your picking hand while playing. It took me a maybe a couple days/weeks to really get used to it but once I did it changed everything. My playing has literally gone to another level after all these years. I can’t believe how clean my playing is now. The speed and accuracy. It will also improve your tone. And now that I’ve gotten so much better it’s inspired me to play more. Thanks man
Took me a few weeks to really feel comfortable with these techniques but my playing is ALREADY sounding cleaner and more in-time. ALL your videos have been an amazing resource -- thank you for sharing your hard-earned knowledge!
Are you kidding me…. You are a wizard. I play like 20 years self thaught, and recently saw your videos. Adapted the Picking technics and after only a week i nail now a lick i messed up since over 2 years…..
Hey brother, I wanted to stop and thank you for the incredible guitar tutorials you’ve created. I always land on your videos when I’m searching for tutorials to learn how to play my guitar, and I really like the way you’ve put your content together.
I don't like the feeling when picking with knuckles under like that. I prefer to keep my fingers extended and anchored either to the pickguard or pickup itself. But I love your exercises !!
I was feeling the same but decided to force myself just to give it a real try and now I wouldn't go back to how I used to pick. And it took me less than one week to get in habit.
Your lessons are really great and good to pick up on! But what I honestly dig the most is the austrian accent! It just makes you feel like some of your pals is talking to you. Keep up the good work mate, you are a great teacher!
My mind is blown once again by how you address a problem I'm experiencing with real solutions I can put into practice. I'm an older beginner. I don't want to be a rock star, but I want to enjoy making music. Instead, I feel frustrated and like I'm spinning my wheels. My guitar instructor wants learning to be fun and not like a job. However, I see that if I'm going to improve, I have to learn more than individual songs. Gaining proficiency in basic techniques will allow me to learn songs more easily and enjoy playing, instead of being reduced to tears. There have been tears and many bad words spoken out loud during practice. 😥 On a side note - I honestly didn't realize that picks came in different sizes. I knew about the different thicknesses. I'm going to get some smaller picks that hopefully will fit my small hand better. I will also try switching my grip and pick alignment as shown in this video. That you! I will be thinking of you the next time I go on a Bewerbungsgespräch.
Just by changing my fretting and how I held the pick following this video has done a HUGE gain in my progress. I thought my issue was that I just didn't have enough practice but my bad form was holding me back all this time. Went from low intermediate level to high intermediate level in a just a few minutes of learning correct form.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make and post this video for us. It is both informative as well as entertaining. As a self teaching, pick up, put down, kind of player I was constantly frustrated at how after days of working specific exce raises I was getting nowhere. I had always used your standard size a Fender, Alice, Dunlop, ets pics and keep working with different thicknesses think that was the problem. I never would have thought to try different shapes and sizes. I'm sure over time I will dial it in more but right now I am going with a Dunlop Max Grip Jaz III and I saw an immediate improvement in my picking. My grip, accuracy, and clean hits all got better just after one practice session. I'm looking forward to working my way through all your videos to see what else I can learn from you! Thank you again! Charlie 55 yo noob with a Fender Strat who gravitates towards Thorogood, ZZ Top, Petty, and AC/DC.
Greetings fellow guitarists This is how I teach students how to hold the pick . The problem with knuckles scratching on the string happens (I think ) is because the first finger is too tight and close to the palm of the hand , and the knuckle sticks out, and the rest of the fingers tend to follow. With a slight change as seen in my video all the knuckles straighten up and move away from the string. This will stop the need to compensate by having to tilt the wrist away from the strings. I’m not saying my method is best, but on analysis I think it’s a very good place to start. Everyone’s hands are different and will move away from this position slightly , but it’s worth being disciplined with it for a few days. Another tip, is once you’ve got the pick in the perfect position squeeze the pick hard so it doesn’t move. You won’t play like this as you don’t want lots of tension, but neither do you want it too lose or it will move around between your first finger and thumb and you won’t really be putting energy into the strings. Imagine you are a hurdeler and you don’t want to jump or brush over the hurdles , you want to push through them and make them move/vibrate . Knock those hurdles over! Clang and clatter through them ua-cam.com/video/uooXajM93MY/v-deo.html
Brother, thank you for putting these videos out. I just got back into playing after 15 years. Im really happy about these videos. Very concise info, you have a talent for teaching my friend.
Regarding getting stuck between the strings with the pick: What string gauge do you use? I recently tried 10s and with these i have more difficulty to switch between the d and g string
this is a problem on a lot of standard sets, since the string tension isn't equal across the board. between D and G is commonly a big jump in string tension (and wound -> unwound). I highly recommend trying out a Stringjoy balanced tension set, it can make a good bit of difference with this problem in particular. might be worth messing with a wound 3rd too, they actually make them in reasonable sizes at Stringjoy.
holy moly what the damn hell is happening to the editing, this is amazing haha these exercise are nice and ill use them but i cannot for the life of me do your picking technique, i dont think my hands and fingers are made for it.. im basically playing with what you had in 2017. Bewerbungsgespräch btw.
Do you find it difficult to palm mute the strings while holding your fist clenched? I've tried both open palm style and now the clenched style and it feels nice. Except when I'm going to palm mute. Then is where the problem begins. I would be greatfull for advice 😁 Yours sincerely
I’m really struggling switching to this puck grip as well. Palm muting is nearly impossible for me as well with this grip. The only thing that helps me grasp the concept a bit is playing with my natural open handed grip while plan muting and gradually closing my fist to find the sweet spot but even then my grip still ends up slightly different with a closed fist than how Bernth is doing it.
Hallo Bernth, wegen dir und deinen Videos fange ich vielleicht wieder an Gitarre zu spielen. Das habe ich seit bald 20 Jahren nicht mehr getan. Du bist eine gewaltige Inspiration und Motivation. Bitte mach weiter so. To save the english viewers running this through google translate: Hello Bernth, because of you and your videos, I may just start playing guitar again, which is something I have not done in about 20 years. Your playing is inspiring and motivational, please keep it up! Thank you
It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner, or a guitar God, we all go through the same struggles. The guitar is a remarkably vexing instrument. I also went through a phase playing with a closed fist, and grinding my knuckles on the strings. And after 30 years, I still spend time worrying about my pick grip sometimes. Name another instrument, where after 30 years a person is still not satisfied with what should be very basic elements of technique. But that's the thing. There are no basic, universal elements of technique. The guitar is a constant journey, and much of it we must walk alone.
This video makes me want to try private lessons again. You would be an amazing teacher, every time I have tried to do lessons, it's never fun like that
You know many guitars arent fret leveled properly? The so called repair guys only check with strings off. These clowns have made playing issues for those using heavier strings and very low action.
I'm so greateful for this video! I've been struggling with my pick grip for quite a long time, but now i feel that learning is going much more smoother. Defnitely going to become your VIP one day for more insights on how to improve my technique. Thank you so much for doing this! Best guitar content for me!
I have to admit, I wasn't sure if these exercises would help at first, but after practicing these for a while and really paying attention to my picking hand I've finally had a breakthrough after playing guitar for about 20 years on and off. I was never able to comfortably change my picking speed from a controlled picking to a tremolo style picking, and somehow it seems to have clicked into place. For me personally, I specifically noticed that I was gripping the pick too tightly which was creating additional tension in my wrist. I finally found a comfortable way to hold the pick securely while eliminating that tension and I can easily flow from slow to fast picking speed now! Thank you for the informative video!
The picking and pick selection intro video is perfect. Not much on the subject, really....but crucial to musical consistence. Took me a long time to find something instructionally helpful. Thanks!
I like this better than all your other tips. My knuckles were going raw too! These practices are much simpler and easier to remember, whereas the others were too complicated for me at my current level. Thanks!
bewerbungsgesprach! Dude!!!!!! As both a guitarist/musician and videographer this was...by far...your most interesting video to watch. I mean this from both the content perspective and the editing perspective. Really nice job with the videography and video editing. Loved the lesson and presentation!
This guy is so Good at approaching guitar players and he's teaching was right on point and he's delivering it well. I improved my picking technique with this one and i'm constantly working on it until I master it. This should be the one those beginner guitar players to practice for first the picking technique and the fretting technique. Don't worry about those theory first because you will eventually play those scales or arpeggios with ease if you master those picking and fretting techniques.
dude the way you said to hold the pick changed everything from energy/tiredness to keeping high tempo and being able to alternate between rhythms easier
That tip about holding the pick is great! I've been holding it very similarly, but by moving the pick up towards the second finger bone and away from the tip of the finger has really helped
Download your video play-along package, workout videos, guitar pro files, and tabs for this lesson here: www.patreon.com/bernth - happy practicing 🤘
My 35$ guitar is not sound good , all i can hear is noice 😢
Could you also explain how you mute unused strings with this technique?
Great tips! Pick grip is key and arm position. Check my patented fretboard invention. Pull any string over fretcorner into groove slots 🎰🎸add new levels to pulloffs and bends as FretCorner plucks note. Subbed! Keep at it!
thanks bro
Thanks for this lesson.. 🎸
What I learned from Bernth so far:
- be focused and committed during your practice routine
- always use a Metronom
- start out slow and keep in mind which aspect you want to improve
- still around 70% of us are not subscribed to this channel
😂
Facts!! 😂
DAmn thanks for reminding me, I just subscribed
Its better to play with others or to records than with a metronome. People forget the swing and groove
you forgot the german word
@@SAIF700000 nein.
I finally feel ready for my Bewerbungsgespräch after watching these tips.
Son of a bitch. I'm in.
I'm almost late for my bewerbungsgespräch because I finished this video
gesundheit.
I watched the whole video good luck trying to trick me
Sacre Bleu.... Oops, sorry, wrong video ...
This guy is like the Jeff Cavalier of guitar. Never runs out of exercises, what you do wrong's, and good content!
Just needs the muscle markers lol
I actually got this video recommended after watching a Jeff Cavaliere exercise
A man of culture i see.
Brilliant comparisons are NOT what you think! killing your gains
@@RobbenBanks153 🤣🤣
I have been playing for 44 years, self-taught and never really thought much about my picking technique. After watching a lot of videos, I noticed that my picking technique was all about movement with my thumb knuckle and first finger knuckle. Realized this was slowing me down and making my pick attack very inconsistent. I started taking lessons from a Berklee grad and the very first thing we did was to hold the pick exactly in the manner described here. It's been a tough transition, but I can already hear the benefits of a more consistent pick attack and faster picking by using wrist motion. This is a terrific video and thanks for reinforcing this technique!! Thank you!
Dont forget the pick moving in your hand as you sweat, and if you play too relaxed you might as well drop the pick
@@ernestochang1744 Good comment Ernesto. In fact, I had to switch from Fender smooth picks to Dunlop FLOW picks, since I was having trouble keep the pick from moving around. The FLOW picks are smaller and have small bumps to help with grip.
Wow I couldn’t imagine picking like that
I need to find someone in real life to help with this, I tried holding the pick like shown in this video and I can barely play without needing to push my elbow out forward.
Is your picking hand anchored anywhere or is it floating? Trying to fix the habits I learned 25 years ago.
I personally really appreciate that you call it a journey. That’s exactly what music is for musicians. There are certain thresholds each musician hits when things just “click” after a while. At first it’s little things that lead to bigger and better things. I have gone back to basics to learn or teach a beginner friend stuff and every time my results go up a bit more than usual and create new interests or goals to hit as a musician. Put down your ego and find that genuine childlike curiosity that made you pick a guitar up to begin with 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Best comment i read on youtube in ages. Kudos, my friend!
not holding the pick too tight and truly just relaxing myself opened a new door for me today
Relaxing the wrist helps so much. If you can just imagine almost duct taping your picking hand forearm to the guitar so your elbow and shoulder are removed from the equation, you're gonna fly off the rails. You'll start feeling the tension of the string more, it'll seem bouncy and a lot easier to manipulate. Even after doing it for a while, i have to force myself to relax my elbow and let my shoulder almost drop... after that, off to the race tracks.
This is 100% what I tell myself before every practice session. For me, it is extremely hard to keep that forearm DOWN
You reckon it’s the exact same for acoustic?
Interesting does it work ? I've been having problems index and thumb locking up feeling like a claw . From what I've researched it's the beginning of carpal tunnel . Any suggestions?
This literally gave me instant results. I can even get pinch harmonics on the low E consistently for the first time after 11 years of playing. Absolutely wild, Bernth is the man.
When his bad examples are better than what you already sound like… 😐
Doesn't matter just shut up and practice
@@Barry-lh6corude
@@bmack6743 it's the truth about anything on guitar, insecurity doesn't get U anywhere, thinking U physically can't do something doesn't get anywhere just shoosh and practice then practice harder the next time
Harsh truth@@Barry-lh6co
@@Barry-lh6codoesn’t mean you can just be rude though
I’ve been learning so much from these videos, I set my guitar down for a few years, and after doing these exercises for a few months, I’m better than I’ve ever been! Thanks so much!
bruh my wrist just unlocked thanks to bernth, im literally shredding arpeggios on my acoustic, its crazy
By doing what is in this video?
Finally a guy who plays acoustic, i thought i was the only one watching this vid with an acoustic only
@@totohai41 yesss, but ofc not just that, I've been playing for 3 years, but bernths content is really boosting my playing level
@@suyash5436 ok, thx!
@@suyash5436 bro your not gonna believe, I'm just 1 year of experience in playing guitar
Thanks Bernth... as a Patreon subscriber this video has really just helped me potentially eliminate my forearm pain when attempting to pick at high speeds. Especially just the way you hold the pick and gauge your sweet spot. You are a great communicator my friend. 🤘🏻❤
Finally! An informative guitar lesson. Unfortunately, I've learned it the hard way by changing my picking grip multiple times, through out the years. But that fist grip is the correct way to pick faster. At least now I feel confident, that I'm on the correct path.
Hey BERNTH; You REALLY KNOW YOUR STUFF!! No B. S. , just the solid truth. YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL; WE ARE ALL BLESSED TO HAVE YOUR INSTRUCTION!!!!
This video helped a lot. What really helped the best for me was relaxing my wrist instead of making it so static and focusing on the motor learning for the thumb and forefinger at their most crucial points. This really helped out both economically and ergonomically for the picking skill sets. The only thing I’m working on is the other hand for the fret board and the coordination with the picking times. I’ve been using a stress ball going back and forth in different tempos and speeds to help me with better control and stress/tension relief to help keep both my hand and wrist well maintained. Thanks for the tips.
Literally watching how he held the pick and then me applying that to how I held mine made a HUGE difference!!!! Thank you for that!!
My “pick of choice” evolution, so far: many years with the Dunlop Purple Tortex 1.14mm; many years with the Dunlop Jazz III XL Black Stiffo; recently transitioned to the Dunlop Jeff Loomis Signature Custom Ultex® Sharp 461-JL. Cheers~
Bernth-- I saw this video last night. I closed up my fingers more like a fist instead of out open WOW!! Immediate increase in speed and accuracy. The tonality and and pinch harmonics jumped out as well. I have been playing off and on for about 45 years. Closing up the hand and holding the pick as you advised is the single best advice I have received. I have always had my fingers out and/or resting on the guitar while picking. I dug a trench in one guitar where I rested my pinky. Starting a lead run feels really weird with my hand closed up. I went back and forth with an open hand then closed hand. The difference is amazing! I will be retraining my hand to stay closed when playing. Thanks for the tip. Anyone who is trying to improve technique needs to explore this. You won't be sorry. Thanks Bernth!!!
I see the production level up lately!! Bernth you’re doing increíble, love the new album and love all your lessons!! This is easily my favorite UA-cam channel
Thanks so much for sharing that 🙂🙏🤘
What album?
@@2hi2dye It's called Elevation 🤘
@BERNTH My father passed away a few months ago, and he was an avid guitar player for over 30 years. He's always taught me the basics, but I wish I had learned more. Given that guitarists like Jeff Loomis were some of his favorites to listen to and to try and mimic, I feel like this video is perfect for me to continue doing what my father loved. Thank you for these bits of advice, they're going to help more than you'll ever know.
I've been playing guitar for 17 years and can say I've learnt more in the year I've been watching your videos than the entire other 16 years combines. Even the way I held the pick was completely wrong originally. Thank you so much for your time and help
Bernth, I truly appreciate the obvious "other" passion of yours, tuition...
You really are very amazing to behold whilst playing, I'm often replaying your lessons because it's actually not so simple to look, listen and most importantly, retaining the legendary helpful tips... Your achievements are incredibly impressive...
I've mentioned in other comments, my terrible injuries received from a motorcycle collision with a taxi, (full right reconstruction of elbow, wrist and digits... My point is, I have a lesson for YOU my tutor brother from another mother, be patient and as wise as you can without sacrificing who you are, take care in life my friend, a fractal segment of time is all it takes to loose your gifts like a thief in the night, and if you're extremely blessed, only the rest of your time in life to rehabilitate... I don't think that you don't already know this, but I care enough to share the reminder, as it's all I have to share with you in return for the Audible joy, and excitement I feel when I make tiny incremental improvements in my guitar playing journey...
Again Bernth, thank you and don't forget that life isn't meant to be boring, so have fun, just consider your mindfulness in decision making... Yours entirely, Dazza from Australia.
I'm so glad that I found this channel. I've only got my first electric guitar for a month and I can play fast now. I have play acoustic for 2 years but I never use pick because I chose fingerstyle and man I'm so proud of my results now. Can't wait to improve and discover more in this music world! Keep learning everyone! Practice is always the key! 💪🏻
By the way, I'm do glad that I don't have most of the bad habits. There's always something to learn and improve. 😁
3:00 I’ve been holding it like this ever since I started playing that felt very reassuring
A little off topic but, rarely am I jealous of someone's tattoos.. your sleeves are fuckin beautiful! A 2nd note, you have had the most impact on my guitar journey and I appreciate that.. thank you
Well it is pride month 😂🏳️🌈
@@maximusextreme3725 😂🤣😅
Consistently some of the best guitar instruction on UA-cam and the high quality production value makes it all the better! This has developed into one of my main go-to guitar channels. Keep up the great work!
thank you for this! i’ve been struggling with picking since i began my guitar journey, which was around 2 months ago. i have been working on my accuracy and speed, and am determined to strengthen the technique of my picking as well. i’ll definitely be using these tips!
As I used to play a little country, I'm loving my thumb pick and will give it a try with this...
I love these transitions
Edit: Bewerbungsgespräch
Tongue workout?
Haha the same thing happened to me
Definitely not at all what I was expecting to see! This video is a gem. Am I alone in feeling like way too many guitar videos, method books and video lessons are just absolute garbage? I struggle to find decent study materials for guitar and this video is actually excellent.
Wow! Learned more in these 13:20 minutes than in the past 30 years. My hope is to learn to play well enough to not need to go to another bewerbungsgesprach!
I am Blown Away by how many Great players such as Yourself are using the picks you are using, & sound as Good as you do! i began making my own picks 30+yrs ago, because i Knew there had to be a Better design
I'm struggling mightily to change my picking technique according to the video.
I hold my pick exactly as you do in the example of you "used to hold the pick this way in the older videos". But on top of that, I also anchor my hand to the guitar body with my pinky. I've always found this gets me really good picking speed, accuracy, and consistency of attack on single-string lines, but when string skipping I've never been able to maintain accuracy, attack consistency, OR speed! I'm all out of whack when string skipping and I'm hoping to fix it, but nothing feels even remotely natural to me except my own (ingrained, bad habit) way of doing it. But I feel like I shouldn't be THAT far off!? I don't use my elbow at all as it is, I'm a purely wrist picker (I think? Maybe I use my fingers to move the pick more than I realize? But certainly not the elbow or shoulder, which I never use). But even still, your method seems really hard for me to do.
But I'm trying to slowly hold the pick the way you do, and honestly I just don't even know if I'm doing the little things right. I can't figure out how you're holding the pick in the "fixed' example you give, how you hold it now after adjustments to your technique. If I try to hold my hand the way you do and then put the pick on the fleshy part of my index finger and close my thumb over it, how you do in the video, then the pick tip is at a weird angle in relation to the strings, and I either have to rotate the pick, or my wrist, and if I rotate the pick it doesn't match your hold anymore (and rotating the wrist seems impossibly uncomfortable and wrong). Plus I can't get down the part where you make the fist so the knuckles don't hit the strings. Is it supposed to HURT this much? My hand feels like a shriveled claw that's all cramped up after a few minutes of holding the pick like this. And finally, without anchoring my pinky to the body of the guitar, I feel like I have NO CLUE where the strings are and I have really terrible attack, timing, and accuracy. How do you develop this?
I feel like I'm holding the pick way wrong and not angling my picking hand correctly or something, it feels very wrong to me. I don't know how to replicate what I'm seeing in the video, it just seems like I'm trying to do the same thing, but it's happening way differently and I can't make it translate to my body.
I've not been playing guitar for years! finding these guitar exercises gets me excited to be back on the playing. thank you Bernth! (19 years of playing on an off)
Interesting how different each one experiences these tips.
I tried the Dunlop Jazz III picks (the small ones) and instantly hated them. I think the first pick I really liked were the Dunlop Ultex 1,0 mm. Currently I use the Dunlop Ultex 1,14 mm sharp ones for shredding (looooove them..... so precise) and the regular ones for other stuff. I see how the Jazz picks are absolutely the best when it comes to pitch harmonics, but if you also wanna do some strumming, they're a nightmare. At least to me. I know a lot of fast guitar players who absoutely love them but yeah... not mine
Also tried out Bernth's advice on the pick grip. I feel like his "new" form is better if you're going for really fast alterative picking, but I try to switch a little bit more as it is less good for strumming :D
In the end it all comes down to personal preference. Sometimes you'll find yourself wondering about the most perfect way to hold your pick and struggling on that and then you take a look around and see guitarists like Marty Friedman, Synyster Gates or Guthrie Govan holding a pick in a way that just looks painful, but seems to work best for them. So the best advice would be: always try out new kinds of picks and techniques as you progress, but consider that the best solution for you might not be the best for all ;)
EDIT: Bewerbungsgespräch. My choice for the next random german word would be "Fleischereifachverkäuferin"
well I am reading this while holding a dunlop jazz III in my hand rn
Yeah I use Paul Gilbert Ibanez pics. They are like JazzIII shape little bigger but smaller than Dunlop Ultex pics. It is nice compromise. I recommend those but it is my personal taste and Gilbert's.
Use what works for you.
I’ve played for 33 years and am revisiting all techniques from over the years. You ARE so SOLID!!! Your content is fantastic and any band would be grateful to have you at the helm!
Dude. Thank you so much for this. I've been stepping into new territory for how I play. And your techniques are SERIOUSLY improving my play style. Super appreciated. 🤙🏻
FINALLY. I hold a pick the same way and find it so much more comfortable, yet so many people recommend holding it the other way which was making me think I was missing something. Thx.
Ugh, clean fast alternate picking is something I’m never happy with. I’ve made some more progress accepting that some of the speeds I want may not be attainable. It kinda takes the mental pressure off.
I will head to the shed now to try these suggestions so I can be ready for my bewerbungsgesprach :)
Thanks!
Bewerbungsgesprach! Thank you so, SO much for posting these videos. I've been a very casual player for a long time and this was an INSTANT improvement. Much appreciated
Bernth, you were born to teach metal and hard rock guitar technique! Keep it up, I hope you are making a good living on your guitar adventure.
I took lessons back in the the 80’s, and the picking hand was almost completely ingored. I have since learned how impoortatnt the picking hand is! Thank you for that.
This was such a boost. Watching the video i thought this'll be a usual Bernth video where i just learn i suck. Tried this one out and 130 on the first go. YOU BERNTH ARE BECOMING THE BOB ROSS OF METAL GUITAR.
New subscriber here. I been playing for about 30 years. I mostly play blues, classic rock, grunge and a little classic metal. I bought a Elmwood Modena m60 and a Ibanez rg1070pbz and it inspired me to start trying to play much faster stuff and maybe learning how to shred. I watched one of your videos a little while back and you talked about instead of anchoring your picking hand pinky to the guitar, curl or almost ball up your picking hand while playing. It took me a maybe a couple days/weeks to really get used to it but once I did it changed everything. My playing has literally gone to another level after all these years. I can’t believe how clean my playing is now. The speed and accuracy. It will also improve your tone. And now that I’ve gotten so much better it’s inspired me to play more. Thanks man
You are a great teacher, Bernth! Of all the videos I've watched on UA-cam, your lessons are the best. Cheers from Brazil!
Took me a few weeks to really feel comfortable with these techniques but my playing is ALREADY sounding cleaner and more in-time.
ALL your videos have been an amazing resource -- thank you for sharing your hard-earned knowledge!
How about palm muting while holding a pick like that?
Are you kidding me…. You are a wizard.
I play like 20 years self thaught, and recently saw your videos. Adapted the Picking technics and after only a week i nail now a lick i messed up since over 2 years…..
Hey brother, I wanted to stop and thank you for the incredible guitar tutorials you’ve created. I always land on your videos when I’m searching for tutorials to learn how to play my guitar, and I really like the way you’ve put your content together.
This is the channel every intermediate self thought Guitar player must sunbscribe. A lot of nitty gritty tips on improving your skills. thanks man
I don't like the feeling when picking with knuckles under like that. I prefer to keep my fingers extended and anchored either to the pickguard or pickup itself. But I love your exercises !!
I was feeling the same but decided to force myself just to give it a real try and now I wouldn't go back to how I used to pick. And it took me less than one week to get in habit.
Your lessons are really great and good to pick up on! But what I honestly dig the most is the austrian accent! It just makes you feel like some of your pals is talking to you. Keep up the good work mate, you are a great teacher!
That‘s been a breakthrough for me! With your pick-grip I also found that pinch-harmonics are easier to play. Great vid 🤘🏼
My mind is blown once again by how you address a problem I'm experiencing with real solutions I can put into practice. I'm an older beginner. I don't want to be a rock star, but I want to enjoy making music. Instead, I feel frustrated and like I'm spinning my wheels. My guitar instructor wants learning to be fun and not like a job. However, I see that if I'm going to improve, I have to learn more than individual songs. Gaining proficiency in basic techniques will allow me to learn songs more easily and enjoy playing, instead of being reduced to tears. There have been tears and many bad words spoken out loud during practice. 😥 On a side note - I honestly didn't realize that picks came in different sizes. I knew about the different thicknesses. I'm going to get some smaller picks that hopefully will fit my small hand better. I will also try switching my grip and pick alignment as shown in this video. That you! I will be thinking of you the next time I go on a Bewerbungsgespräch.
Bernth actually has to try to sound bad LOL... when most of us don't have to try LOL.. that's how good he is..
speak for yourself, peasant!
@@ashuzguitar 🤣
On the other hand, I forgot how to sound bad. I can't do it. Lol
Just by changing my fretting and how I held the pick following this video has done a HUGE gain in my progress. I thought my issue was that I just didn't have enough practice but my bad form was holding me back all this time. Went from low intermediate level to high intermediate level in a just a few minutes of learning correct form.
When his mouth appears randomly on screen saying in a low voice.
"PHIKKING TEKNEEK"
I thought its a lyric for that music he used in the background.
😂👍
Thank you so much for taking the time to make and post this video for us. It is both informative as well as entertaining.
As a self teaching, pick up, put down, kind of player I was constantly frustrated at how after days of working specific exce raises I was getting nowhere.
I had always used your standard size a Fender, Alice, Dunlop, ets pics and keep working with different thicknesses think that was the problem.
I never would have thought to try different shapes and sizes.
I'm sure over time I will dial it in more but right now I am going with a Dunlop Max Grip Jaz III and I saw an immediate improvement in my picking. My grip, accuracy, and clean hits all got better just after one practice session.
I'm looking forward to working my way through all your videos to see what else I can learn from you!
Thank you again! Charlie
55 yo noob with a Fender Strat who gravitates towards Thorogood, ZZ Top, Petty, and AC/DC.
Greetings fellow guitarists
This is how I teach students how to hold the pick .
The problem with knuckles scratching on the string happens (I think ) is because the first finger is too tight and close to the palm of the hand , and the knuckle sticks out, and the rest of the fingers tend to follow. With a slight change as seen in my video all the knuckles straighten up and move away from the string. This will stop the need to compensate by having to tilt the wrist away from the strings.
I’m not saying my method is best, but on analysis I think it’s a very good place to start. Everyone’s hands are different and will move away from this position slightly , but it’s worth being disciplined with it for a few days.
Another tip, is once you’ve got the pick in the perfect position squeeze the pick hard so it doesn’t move. You won’t play like this as you don’t want lots of tension, but neither do you want it too lose or it will move around between your first finger and thumb and you won’t really be putting energy into the strings. Imagine you are a hurdeler and you don’t want to jump or brush over the hurdles , you want to push through them and make them move/vibrate . Knock those hurdles over! Clang and clatter through them
ua-cam.com/video/uooXajM93MY/v-deo.html
BEWERBUNGSGESPRÄCH!
You are the best guitar instructor on UA-cam. You have no idea how much you are helping out people like me.
Much love
I've been so frustrated with my poor picking technique, I couldn't concentrate during my bewerbungsgespräch.
"Why you think I'm always broke, huh" 🤘🏼
Brother, thank you for putting these videos out. I just got back into playing after 15 years. Im really happy about these videos. Very concise info, you have a talent for teaching my friend.
When I put on a clean tone, I immediately forget how to play guitar.
It’s amazing how the seemingly little things such as the size of pick! Can make so much difference
Just sitting here wanting to practice, but instead I’m stuck waiting for my bewerbungsgespräch!
SUCH a good tutorial! I have been holding my pick incorrectly for 25 years and now that I know better, my speed is way up
Regarding getting stuck between the strings with the pick:
What string gauge do you use?
I recently tried 10s and with these i have more difficulty to switch between the d and g string
this is a problem on a lot of standard sets, since the string tension isn't equal across the board. between D and G is commonly a big jump in string tension (and wound -> unwound). I highly recommend trying out a Stringjoy balanced tension set, it can make a good bit of difference with this problem in particular. might be worth messing with a wound 3rd too, they actually make them in reasonable sizes at Stringjoy.
@@Lucius338 i LOVE wounded g strings, idc about the tension, but SOUNDS so much better when playing chords
You are a Legend!
Love, respect and good wishes from Bhutan 🇧🇹
holy moly what the damn hell is happening to the editing, this is amazing haha
these exercise are nice and ill use them but i cannot for the life of me do your picking technique, i dont think my hands and fingers are made for it.. im basically playing with what you had in 2017. Bewerbungsgespräch btw.
I'm using the JAZZ III Grip for 5 months now and i have noticed some improvement in my practice.
I've found holding the pick the way you showed is much more comfortable.
Videos are making me into a much better guitar player! Your warmups totally unlock my capabilities that I thought I never had.
CAN YOU TELL ABOUT YOUR HAND REST?? Do u rest your hand on the bridge or just keep it in the air ??
His forearm is resting on the guitar while his hand is in the air
Thanks for your excellent teaching. Others instructors, never says correct move. Telling only bad habit of learners till the end of their videos.
have you see the pickin' technique of Ohmura Takayoshi, guitar player from Babymetal?
Best picking technique
Goosebump in the intro. Speed & Clean. 🙌
Do you find it difficult to palm mute the strings while holding your fist clenched? I've tried both open palm style and now the clenched style and it feels nice. Except when I'm going to palm mute. Then is where the problem begins. I would be greatfull for advice 😁
Yours sincerely
Im thinking the same, i just cant palm mute while holding pick like that
I’m really struggling switching to this puck grip as well. Palm muting is nearly impossible for me as well with this grip. The only thing that helps me grasp the concept a bit is playing with my natural open handed grip while plan muting and gradually closing my fist to find the sweet spot but even then my grip still ends up slightly different with a closed fist than how Bernth is doing it.
Hallo Bernth, wegen dir und deinen Videos fange ich vielleicht wieder an Gitarre zu spielen. Das habe ich seit bald 20 Jahren nicht mehr getan. Du bist eine gewaltige Inspiration und Motivation. Bitte mach weiter so.
To save the english viewers running this through google translate:
Hello Bernth, because of you and your videos, I may just start playing guitar again, which is something I have not done in about 20 years. Your playing is inspiring and motivational, please keep it up! Thank you
Its harder to play on lower strings for me idk why
Thank you homeboy for your teaching experience with the heart of love
It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner, or a guitar God, we all go through the same struggles. The guitar is a remarkably vexing instrument. I also went through a phase playing with a closed fist, and grinding my knuckles on the strings. And after 30 years, I still spend time worrying about my pick grip sometimes. Name another instrument, where after 30 years a person is still not satisfied with what should be very basic elements of technique. But that's the thing. There are no basic, universal elements of technique. The guitar is a constant journey, and much of it we must walk alone.
Glad you said that. I have a love / hate relationship with my guitar. My picking technique is what is holding me back
This video makes me want to try private lessons again. You would be an amazing teacher, every time I have tried to do lessons, it's never fun like that
Im trying to learn Malmsteens picking technique
Wow!! What a freakin EXCELLENT VIDEO!! 💪😎🎉 ... so glad we have you man!
Thank you for showing the picking style and relaxing the wrist while playing
You know many guitars arent fret leveled properly? The so called repair guys only check with strings off. These clowns have made playing issues for those using heavier strings and very low action.
Your a genius, just using the grip you use and my wrist really makes a world of difference thank you
I'm so greateful for this video! I've been struggling with my pick grip for quite a long time, but now i feel that learning is going much more smoother. Defnitely going to become your VIP one day for more insights on how to improve my technique. Thank you so much for doing this! Best guitar content for me!
You are a great teacher, Bernth! Cheers from Brazil!
Congratulations, Bernth!!
Very intelligent video.
You got one more fan from Brazil!
Outstanding lesson, maybe the best "Metal and Hard Rock" pick hand lesson ever? Yes!!
I have to admit, I wasn't sure if these exercises would help at first, but after practicing these for a while and really paying attention to my picking hand I've finally had a breakthrough after playing guitar for about 20 years on and off. I was never able to comfortably change my picking speed from a controlled picking to a tremolo style picking, and somehow it seems to have clicked into place. For me personally, I specifically noticed that I was gripping the pick too tightly which was creating additional tension in my wrist. I finally found a comfortable way to hold the pick securely while eliminating that tension and I can easily flow from slow to fast picking speed now! Thank you for the informative video!
My pinch harmonics weren't really reliable, but using your picking technique made them so much easier. Thanks, BERNTH.
The picking and pick selection intro video is perfect.
Not much on the subject, really....but crucial to musical consistence.
Took me a long time to find something instructionally helpful.
Thanks!
5 minutes in and this may be the best picking video I’ve ever seen. 🤘🏻🤘🏻
I’ve been working on this for about two weeks so far, and it was straight to Exercise 4. Thanks for the other exercises.
I like this better than all your other tips. My knuckles were going raw too! These practices are much simpler and easier to remember, whereas the others were too complicated for me at my current level. Thanks!
bewerbungsgesprach!
Dude!!!!!!
As both a guitarist/musician and videographer this was...by far...your most interesting video to watch.
I mean this from both the content perspective and the editing perspective. Really nice job with the videography and video editing.
Loved the lesson and presentation!
This guy is so Good at approaching guitar players and he's teaching was right on point and he's delivering it well. I improved my picking technique with this one and i'm constantly working on it until I master it. This should be the one those beginner guitar players to practice for first the picking technique and the fretting technique. Don't worry about those theory first because you will eventually play those scales or arpeggios with ease if you master those picking and fretting techniques.
dude the way you said to hold the pick changed everything from energy/tiredness to keeping high tempo and being able to alternate between rhythms easier
That tip about holding the pick is great! I've been holding it very similarly, but by moving the pick up towards the second finger bone and away from the tip of the finger has really helped
Happy Groundhog day :2022, fender, Jackson and Ibanez Christmas 🌲 awe