Technique and Practice

[Motokid]

Hey everyone, I've got a couple of questions on my technique and practicing. (guitar)

With technique, I play pretty clean (though I would always like to be cleaner) and my speed is probably above average, but I always seem to have trouble with strings skipping and phrases that are only one note per string. I use, for the most part, strict alternate picking which could be the problem for this, but when I play using economy picking or whatever you would call it for those one note per string phrases (either all down or up) it sounds like I am trying to make it sound like a sweep or rake. How can I improve on my string skipping? Just for a bit more info, I hold the pick with thumb and in between the side and flat of the index with the thumb flat (at times it is pushed backwards) and my fretting hand index finger tends to angle with the tip of the finger pointing more towards the middle finger than being perpendicular with the fretboard

With practicing, I want to get my playing as clean and accurate as possible and am looking for tips on how to practice to get this way. I currently practice with the amp set with zero reverb and turn up the treble a bit,l but still on the board recordings when I play live, I am not as mistake free as I want to be. How do/did you practice to become a clean, almost 'record quality' live player.

Also how do you structure your technique practice? I have always had lots of structure with my classical guitar playing but want to get the same level of playing with my jazz and popular music playing. Right now I am running through violin studies (kreutzer) and doing the difficult passages in my current pieces (got a match/confirmation). Is this enough and is there a book that goes through practical examples of things to help practice technique. I also need some exercise to increase the strength and dexterity in my ring and pinky fingers on the fretting side.

Finally, I am looking to become a session/touring guitarist and have a practice routine setup (technique, scales/arpeggios, voicings/comping, repertoire, sight reading, music theory/ear training), but if there's anything else I should be focusing on or any advice you might have, I'd be happy to hear it

I'm a high school student if it matters, and thanks for your time!

[JohnW400]

Originally Posted by Motokid

Hey everyone, I've got a couple of questions on my technique and practicing. (guitar)

How can I improve on my string skipping? Just for a bit more info, I hold the pick with thumb and in between the side and flat of the index with the thumb flat (at times it is pushed backwards) and my fretting hand index finger tends to angle with the tip of the finger pointing more towards the middle finger than being perpendicular with the fretboard

I'm a high school student if it matters, and thanks for your time!

The way I worked on this was a combination of excercises and three pieces. I would use a pick on each. The trhee pieces are "Recuerdos del Alhambra" , "Birds of Fire" and "Inner Mounting Flame" (Both from Mahavishnu Orchestra.

I wasn't too concerned about the head on the last two. Just the pattern. There is also a piece that you can download from this site that has a similar picking pattern. It's called Diamond Dust and was posted by the composer.

Actually there are lot's of classical pieces besides Recuerdos that you could use, but I like it because it's like a compound excercice. YOu get string skiping and tremelo.

Excercise wise do 1234 with 1/3 on the first string and 2/4 on the second string. This is the pattern. Now move it down string by string until you get to the 5/6th string. Then move th epattern up to the second fret and work your way back to 1/2. up a fret and back (like a serpentine pattern)

Next open the gap. 1/3 on the first and 2/4 on the 3rd string. then open it up even more.

Example 1 & 2

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Ex 3

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One bit of advice. Don't get too hung up on excercises. YOu're better off spending that same time on song's that are technically similar to the excercise.