LESSON 2 - SWEEP PICKING PERFECTION
The 3 tools of sweep picking
Your arm is the primary tool
If you've read my articles on alternate picking, you know that I recommend moving
your arm and hand to fit the string you play - as opposed to letting the hand stay in
the same place. Here's a key point to remember: Sweep picking is the only picking
technique that is performed by your arm and not your hand ! Here's the deal:
Your creator gave you different tools to use for manipulating the world around you.
You have a tool that fits every purpose. The arm is good at making big movements
but it's not that good at doing detailed work. Your hand is better at that, but your
fingers are king when it comes to precision work. Here's how to use these three tools
when you sweep pick:
Big even movements
You create the sweep with your arm only. The hand should be in a fixed position
while you use your arm to perform the downward or upward movement. No fancy
hand movements - Imagine your hand to be made of metal, completely inflexible and
attached to your arm like if it was some kind of tool. The sweeping motion is perfect
for the arm, because it is able to perform an even and straight motion from one point
to another. Your hand is too much of a precision tool to be good at this.
"Besides being a guitar player, I'm a big fan of the guitar. I love that damn instrument"
Steve Vai
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