Tensing Up

[daveasdf]

So anyway, I'm in the process of mastering alternate picking and I notice my right arm, or picking arm, tensing up in the bicep part of the arm (.. the muscle used when doing curls). It occurs to me that there's no way to alternate pick without your arm tensing up and I figure somebody will tell me to keep practicing and eventually I'll be able to speed pick without tensing up. I decided to double check just in case. ... Or can you alternate pick without your arm tensing up? I doubt it, but.

[Ego]

No, efficient alternate picking, like any picking, should be done effortlessly. You're not going to get where you want to go if you're fighting yourself or the guitar. Ever see a video of Shawn Lane play? Like breating or drinking. It could be an ergonomics issue. Check your playing position (are you standing?), etc.....

Think of it like cracking a bull whip. It takes very little effort at the user end to generate amazing velocity at the other end of the whip.

[aiwass]

Different people pick different ways. Most players encounter some tension now and then, especially when pushing themselves, but it is to be avoided at all costs for proper technique.

Look for some videos of Michael Romeo on Kazaa. And I thought Yngwie had a relaxed picking style!

[iiholly]

Do drugs... lots of drugs. You can practice also, but I'm sure you already knew that.

[beginner]

I don´t really know if I´m relaxed if i play(for me) fast. I feel a bit tension in my arm, but never had any pains or indicates of pain in my shoulder, but i´m also not playing the really fast licks.

[sambob]

When I first started using a pick, I played downstrokes exclusively for several months. When I first started mixing in upstrokes...i noticed mainly that I didnt' really have enough strength in my hands to do it properly. So as a result I would tense up.

What I'm really trying to say: Just give it time, try to be relaxed but if you have to force yourself to relax extra, then just don;t worry about it for now.

[daveasdf]

My upper arm muscles were tense after an intense session of alternate picking .. which seemed odd because the only stress I've had in the past were in the forearm and wrist area.

Hey Sambob, refer to the Tab section for a question which I believe relates to you.

[Death55]

Maybe its just because you are trying to play faster than you are comfortable with. Try working up to the speed and warm up before. That way you should find it less straining on your arm.

[Cody_King]

http://www.guitarprinciples.com