Originally posted by Jolly McJollyson
Raking is when you mute the strings and then sweep them. In sweeping, the strings aren't muted. That's not my "funky distinction" that's the actual difference.

Honestly, I've never known there to be a difference?? If there IS an authoritative resorce which offers such a definition, please provide a book title or a link if you could.
(I don't mean to sound argumentative, bro'! I REALLY would like to know, that's all.) ;)

Ever since I've used [it] & taught this technique, I've more commonly referred to it as "raking" or "rake picking". It's possible people use these different terms to help with explaining a dynamic distinction when trying to describe something while "typing" (like on these message boards), where it's more difficult to define dynamics of a piece they're sharing.

For instance; Most newer/younger guitar players seem to believe that "legato" means you don't pick, and that "staccato" means you mute heavy & pick hard (so to speak).
A little study & practice in the application of dynamics could open up a new world & a lot of style for some players when they can ALSO produce "legato" with a pick, and "staccato" without one.
(I certainly MAKE SURE my students learn that!)

Legato [It., bound]

"Played smoothly with no seperation between successive notes; the opposite of 'staccato'..."

"...the term itself does not necessarily imply the absence of articulation, but only a very smooth articulation..."

[Source: Harvard Dictionary of Music]

Sorry my brothers, if I sounded condescending. Just offering an unsolicited perspective...


..."THAT" and 15-bucks will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks!


~JSV