How to Pick Faster on the Guitar

Every guitarist dreams of playing faster, cleaner, and more precisely—especially those shredding in the metal scene. If your fingers aren’t quite keeping up with the tempo, don’t fret (pun intended). Speed is a skill you can develop with the right approach and a lot of patience. We’ll talk about exercises, techniques, and tips to help you rip through your riffs with the precision of a seasoned pro.

Understanding Your Picking Hand’s Role

First things first, let’s focus on your picking hand. Often the unsung hero of guitar playing, your picking hand is crucial for generating speed and maintaining rhythm. Many guitarists spend hours perfecting their fretting hand while neglecting the picking hand, which can lead to a lack of synchronization. Here’s how you can avoid that pitfall:

• Posture and Grip: Hold your pick firmly but not too tightly. Imagine holding a pencil – enough to write but not so hard that it hurts your fingers. The angle at which you hold your pick can also impact your speed. Experiment with slight adjustments to find what feels most comfortable.
• Wrist vs. Arm Motion: Speed comes mainly from the wrist, not the entire arm. Use a relaxed wrist motion, keeping the movement small and controlled.
• Pick Angle: Tilting the pick slightly can lead to smoother transitions between strings. This small angle reduces resistance, allowing for quicker motion.

Alternate Picking: The Foundation of Speed

At the heart of fast playing lies alternate picking. This technique involves alternating between downward and upward strokes, making it more efficient than using downstrokes alone. Here’s how you can refine this technique:

• Start Slow: Use a metronome and begin at a comfortable speed. Focus on evenness and precision rather than speed at first. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
• Practice Scales: Use simple scales to practice alternate picking. The repetitive nature of scales makes them ideal for building muscle memory.
• Consistent Rhythms: Pay attention to rhythmic consistency. Each note should be evenly spaced, with no rushed or lagging notes.

Economy of Motion: Less is More

In guitar playing, the less your hand moves, the quicker you can play. Economy of motion involves minimizing the movement of your picking hand to increase speed. Here’s how you can achieve this:

• Small Movements: Keep your picking movements small and controlled. Large, exaggerated motions may look flashy, but they’re inefficient for speed.
• Anchor Points: Use your wrist or pinky as an anchor on the guitar body. This can help stabilize your hand and limit unnecessary movement.
• String Crossing: Practice exercises that require crossing strings, as these often highlight excessive motion. Focus on smooth transitions from one string to another.

Building Finger Dexterity with Exercises

Speed isn’t just about your picking hand; your fretting hand needs to keep up too. Exercises focusing on finger strength and dexterity can significantly enhance your ability to play faster:

• The Spider Exercise: This involves playing a chromatic pattern using all four fingers, moving up and down the strings. It’s a great way to build coordination between your fingers.
• String Skipping: Practice scales or patterns that require skipping strings. This can help improve finger independence and strengthen your fretting hand.
• Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Incorporate these techniques into your practice. They reduce the need for picking and can add fluidity to your playing.

The Role of Dynamics and Accents

Speed is impressive, but speed with dynamics is even better. Playing every note at the same volume can make your playing sound mechanical. Here’s how you can add life to your fast playing:

• Accent Practice: Choose specific notes to accentuate within a pattern. This can add a rhythmic element that makes your playing more engaging.
• Volume Control: Practice playing softly and loudly to develop control over your dynamics. This can make fast passages sound more expressive.
• Phrase with Feeling: Use dynamics to highlight the emotional content of a passage. Fast playing doesn’t have to be devoid of feeling.

Utilizing Technology for Improvement

Technology can be a guitarist’s best friend when it comes to building speed. Tools like metronomes and recording devices are invaluable, but there are also online resources that can help you hone your skills:

• Metronomes: Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase your playing speed. Consistent practice with a metronome can help you build speed steadily.
• Recording Software: Record your practice sessions to track your progress. Listening back can reveal areas where you might need improvement.
• Online Lessons: At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world. These lessons can provide you with new techniques and exercises to enhance your playing.

Patience and Persistence: The Real Key to Speed

Speed doesn’t happen overnight. It requires dedication and consistent practice. Here’s how you can maintain motivation:

• Set Realistic Goals: Break down your speed goals into achievable milestones. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
• Regular Practice: Make practice a part of your daily routine. Consistency is crucial for building speed.
• Stay Positive: Progress can be slow, and that’s okay. Keep a positive attitude and focus on incremental improvements.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find yourself struggling to improve, you’re not alone. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Tension in Hands: If you notice tension, take a break and shake out your hands. Relaxation is key to speed.
• Inconsistent Timing: Practice with a metronome to develop a steady rhythm.
• Lack of Progress: If you’re not seeing improvement, try varying your practice routine. Sometimes a fresh approach can lead to breakthroughs.

How Riffhard Can Help You Pick Faster

At Riffhard, we specialize in rhythm guitar techniques that can help you pick faster and play tighter. Our lesson library, curated by the best metal guitarists, offers a wealth of knowledge and exercises designed to improve your picking technique. With tools like our custom metronome and interactive player, you can practice at your own pace and gradually build up your speed.

Final Thoughts

Picking faster on the guitar is all about dedication, smart practice, and a bit of patience. Use the tips and exercises provided, stay consistent, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. At Riffhard, we’re here to support your journey with lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists. Keep pushing forward, and before you know it, you’ll be shredding with the best of them.