Originally posted by James
What you're talking about, sweeping to the next string when playing scales, is called economy picking. It has some followers (I think Frank Gambale first popularized this technique), but I think the recognized standard is alternate picking. You can get all the speed you need out of alternate picking, and it keeps in time way better.

Economic picking may have a place in certain situations, but I strongly recommend you master alternate picking first. Like Mai Zure, I also began by using economy picking. When I began studying with my current teacher he convinced me to change. I haven't looked back since.

And? Does that mean he´s not allowed to learn it?
However - i do not see your point there - of cousre he should master alternate picking fist - thatz why economipicking was my last suggestion in the list. Nore did i say that he should use economy picking all the time.
I also cannot see why you get out of timing when using economy picking - i never had that problem. If you realy learn it and try it, you´ll stay in time! The only thin ght is different is, that the firs note on each string isnt accentuated cuz of the smooth pick-motion - its more like an 18-tuplet (if u go across all 6 strings in groups of 3 per string).

Oh yes.. that reminds me..

If u play 3 notes per string in 16th notes u have to accentuate on every 4th note. I mention this because 3 notes per string might lead you (uncontious) to play tripets (sp?) - and that might get u out of time if it is unwanted.. but u might aswell not be concerned with this problem.

Cheerz!

-=[Azrael]=-
(who learns EVERY technique to evolve his play)