How to Build Picking Speed on Guitar
Picking speed is a hallmark of guitar-playing ability and is one of the most difficult skills to master. Picking fast and accurate is not only difficult, but it takes many hours of focused practice to build the skills required. The most important tool you can use to increase picking speed is the metronome. Without it, your picking will likely be uneven and sloppy, even if it is fast.
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Instructions
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1
Start with simple alternate picking on the G string. Start your metronome at an easy pace, 60-80 beats per minute (bpm). Count in your head with the metronome and fall into a groove. Play at the first speed for five minutes, then go faster by 2 to 5 bpm and play for five more minutes. Move up maybe once more, then repeat the progression daily for a few days, after which you can move up your starting speed.
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2
Play a string-skipping exercise by playing two notes on two nearby strings. Follow the same procedure with the metronome as in Step 1. Try increasing the distance between strings as you build speed. Make sure your playing doesn't get sloppy. You may have to decrease speed a little and work back up.
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3
Practice all downstrokes on a lower string, using only your wrist for movement. Try to lock the bones in your fingers and keep them close to your hand to minimize inertia resistance. Work up with the metronome.
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4
Play a four- or five-note pattern that crosses strings one time. Use alternate picking the whole time, and build up speed slowly and cleanly with a metronome.
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5
Start playing scales starting with major or minor patterns on the high G, B and E strings, tand hen move to six-string patterns.
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6
When you're proficiently playing scales at a good speed, pick one of your favorite guitarist's solos and try to learn it. If you have trouble, stop and work on your exercises for another week or two.
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Tips & Warnings
You'll need to learn the basics of alternate picking before you start these routine workouts.
Don't be discouraged if you can't play very fast at first. Gaining speed is a gradual process, and when you are able to play fast licks, you'll want to be sure you can play them cleanly.
As you progress, you may want to increase the speed increments from 2 to 5 bpm to 5 to10 bpm.
Like any exercise, if you feel pain during practice, stop and rest for a while. Always warm up and stretch before starting.
