3 note per string W/Don Madison

I am basically new to playing. I played as a kid 20 +- years ago. I am trying to play again and really want to get the hang of picking every note. I have always been able to use the hammer on teq. but I don’t want to any more. I saw this lesson today and really like it but.... When he gets to "full speed" I am confused. Is he only picking once per note or is he picking multiple times per finger. Maybe I have to really work on my finger timing but how do you get your fret finger to move as fast as the pick in this video? I watched the video many times and I still cant tell is he hitting each not 2-3 or 4 times or just once each time. I would love to get to be half that fast.

Hey and welcome.

Originally Posted by: Leon ChrisI am trying to play again and really want to get the hang of picking every note...

Is he only picking once per note or is he picking multiple times per finger.

Yes, he is picking once per note.

If you are not used to alternate picking every note at that speed you will have you work you way up to it. Start slowly and gradually build speed with a metronome.

Try this building speed with alternate picking tutorial:

Speedy Ideas Series 1 - Building Speed
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=287

Best of success with it!

After the speed building exercise I linked you might find this one helpful in starting to visualize and play the minor scale patterns Don is using. I break them into small chunks of what I call repeating octaves.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=419

Give it a try and see if it helps! Let me know how it goes.

Thanks a lot. I have been working hard on alternate picking. It is coming along but very slow. Maybe I was meant to only take it slow.
Thanks so much!!! I will definitely go to these links!! I really appreciate the help!. I hope to become stupid fast this year.

Originally Posted by: Leon ChrisThanks a lot. I have been working hard on alternate picking. It is coming along but very slow. Maybe I was meant to only take it slow.

Don't ya hate it when those cliche's like 'walk before you run' are actually true?! ;)

If anyone reading this can help with another question.....?
Since I have been working on alternate picking I am trying to perfect my pick holding. I found holding it horizontal with the string I get a really bad delay and it sounds horrible with huge gaps in time between actual "picks". I have been holding the pick at different angles and ways and I think I found my bets way to hold it to reduce any "drag" that slows me down.
My question is... How do you guys that can alternate pick well hold your pick. I would love to hear all different ways. Thanks!!

Originally Posted by: Leon ChrisI am basically new to playing. I played as a kid 20 +- years ago. I am trying to play again and really want to get the hang of picking every note. I have always been able to use the hammer on teq. but I don’t want to any more. I saw this lesson today and really like it but.... When he gets to "full speed" I am confused. Is he only picking once per note or is he picking multiple times per finger. Maybe I have to really work on my finger timing but how do you get your fret finger to move as fast as the pick in this video? I watched the video many times and I still cant tell is he hitting each not 2-3 or 4 times or just once each time. I would love to get to be half that fast.

He is very much picking every note here on every lesson. If you want to be better at this, honestly there is no short-cut. You have to put in the time with a metronome and daily work on your finger-dexterity and strength. I would also recommend transcribing some solos of some guitarists that play like this that you like. Make sure that if you wan to be better at this, it is because it reflects the music you like and the kind of guitarist that you want to be. If you have no desire to be a shredder or if you don't really like this kind of music, I would say turn your attention elsewhere and work for the betterment of what type of music you want to play, write, etc. You don't have to be a crazy alternate picker to be a great guitarist. Guys like Don really live and breathe the metal style, and if you that is for you; than get out that metronome and a sweat rag.

Best of luck! :cool:

Originally Posted by: Leon ChrisI found holding it horizontal with the string I get a really bad delay and it sounds horrible with huge gaps in time between actual "picks".[/quote]
Congrats on this crucial discovery.
[QUOTE=Leon Chris]How do you guys that can alternate pick well hold your pick.

Some people angle it upwards (Marty Friedman is notable in this regard); some downward (Yngwie Malmsteen's technique is wonderful in this regard, as is Tony MacAlpine's & Paul Gilbert).

The angling of the pick is usually around 30 to 45 degrees of parallel with the string. Another crucial aspect is to just get the very tip of the pick across the string and back. Don't dig in too much or you will get more "drag".

In lesson 2 & 3 I focus on the picking aspect.

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=10335&s_id=287
http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=10336&s_id=287

Finally, and maybe most importantly, stay loose and relaxed. Do not tense up or grip the pick, strings, guitar too tightly. Use just enough pressure to hold everything and play. Too much is wasted effort, will slow you down, and wear you out (decrease your endurance).

Let me know how it goes!