# Playing Technique **URL:** https://forum.troygrady.com/c/playing-technique/12.md [Latest](https://forum.troygrady.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.troygrady.com/categories.md) --- ## [Fretting Hand Problems Only In Certain Patterns](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/fretting-hand-problems-only-in-certain-patterns/100970)
**Author:** [@gw12505](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/gw12505)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2026, 1:28pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/fretting-hand-problems-only-in-certain-patterns/100970 "2026-10-24T13:28:49Z")
Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve made a post on here because I’ve been more busy playing than engaging with the forum. I need help from the community again. This issue pervades my playing and makes achieving my… --- ## [SWYBRYD question-how often are you using it?](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/swybryd-question-how-often-are-you-using-it/101012)
**Author:** [@jco5055](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/jco5055)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2026, 4:36pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/swybryd-question-how-often-are-you-using-it/101012 "2026-10-23T16:36:38Z")
Hey guys, tried to post this in the SWYBRYD facebook group but it was never approved there. But I was wondering, do you guys who use it, and idk maybe people know if Marshall himself does (tried emailing him but also no… --- ## [DSX on low strings - no palm support](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/dsx-on-low-strings-no-palm-support/94929)
**Author:** [@curvy](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/curvy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2026, 7:33pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/dsx-on-low-strings-no-palm-support/94929 "2026-10-20T19:33:07Z")
DSX player here. Everything falls apart on the low strings, especially the low E, especially when muting, ESPECIALLY on tune-o-matic or arch top bridges. With my DSX hand position, the contact point with the guitar is t… --- ## [Fretting hand question - sliding down followed by fretting up](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/fretting-hand-question-sliding-down-followed-by-fretting-up/100439)
**Author:** [@Drew](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Drew)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/fretting-hand-question-sliding-down-followed-by-fretting-up/100439 "2026-10-14T13:54:41Z")
Ok, so for a long time legato guy, it pains me to say this… but I have a pattern I’ve done variations on pretty much forever (including my pre-CtC days, when I thought the fact it felt easy was a bad thing, and not somet… --- ## [Ben Travers on Warp 3... sort of](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/ben-travers-on-warp-3-sort-of/100844)
**Author:** [@Riffdiculous](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Riffdiculous)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 1:51pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/ben-travers-on-warp-3-sort-of/100844 "2026-10-14T13:51:38Z")
A short video, but he talks about the sweet spot of speed where things come together. However… something else interesting happens as he goes from slow to fast! Can you spot it? --- ## [Im feeling discouraged](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/im-feeling-discouraged/100669)
**Author:** [@David1997Bg](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/David1997Bg)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 6:17pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/im-feeling-discouraged/100669 "2026-10-08T18:17:36Z")
I’ve been struggling with a harsh tone when picking, even when I try to play lightly. I’d really appreciate some brutally honest feedback on this. Could you tell me how my DSX picking actually sounds in this Aldemirov… --- ## [I Think I stumbled Onto Dart Thrower Motion and Wow (Bill Hall)](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/i-think-i-stumbled-onto-dart-thrower-motion-and-wow-bill-hall/100149)
**Author:** [@Bill\_hall](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Bill_hall)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 3:22am UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/i-think-i-stumbled-onto-dart-thrower-motion-and-wow-bill-hall/100149 "2026-10-02T03:22:48Z")
Hi, Everyone. I think I stumbled onto Dart Thrower motion. Or at least I think it is. It feels like it. I show it and talk about it in this video. I just wanted to make sure it was really dark thrower, lol. Thanks! … --- ## [Pick moving up while picking](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/pick-moving-up-while-picking/100628)
**Author:** [@SMmack](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/SMmack)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2026, 7:20pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/pick-moving-up-while-picking/100628 "2026-09-29T19:20:56Z")
I’ve been practicing learning wrist motion over forearm rotation for a few months now and am now maybe sometimes starting to get it -ish. But there’s a new problem that occurs when I get over quarter notes at 80bpm. My p… --- ## [Working on Aldeshir’s line](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/working-on-aldeshir-s-line/100607)
**Author:** [@David1997Bg](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/David1997Bg)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/working-on-aldeshir-s-line/100607 "2026-09-29T00:14:15Z")
What do you guys think? To me it sounds a bit harsh, does it sound harsh to you guys? Be brutally honest! --- ## [Do you practice with deadened strings?](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/do-you-practice-with-deadened-strings/61897)
**Author:** [@qwertygitarr](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/qwertygitarr)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 12:22pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/do-you-practice-with-deadened-strings/61897 "2026-09-28T12:22:35Z")
Is there anyone here who practices picking using only the picking hand? In other words dampening the strings with the fretting hand and just practice the picking pattern on the deadened strings. I’ve found that it accent… --- ## [Help with upstroke escape](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/help-with-upstroke-escape/100394)
**Author:** [@Greenie5153](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Greenie5153)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 12:28am UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/help-with-upstroke-escape/100394 "2026-09-25T00:28:41Z")
Hi guys. Do you have any examples of ways to practice UPSTROKE escapes? I know thats kind of weird everyone seems to find this easy. Any help would be greatly appreciated. --- ## [Changing old technique](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/changing-old-technique/100546)
**Author:** [@David1997Bg](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/David1997Bg)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 12:22am UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/changing-old-technique/100546 "2026-09-25T00:22:46Z")
I really trust the Troy Grady/Cracking the Code method, so I’ve decided to fully commit to DSX and stop trying to fight against my natural picking motion. My picking is getting smoother on a single string, but now I’m r… --- ## [A quest for Jimi Hendrix’s faster-playing style solutions](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/a-quest-for-jimi-hendrix-s-faster-playing-style-solutions/97953)
**Author:** [@Achilleus](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Achilleus)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 3:12pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/a-quest-for-jimi-hendrix-s-faster-playing-style-solutions/97953 "2026-09-23T15:12:46Z")
Hi, all! I’ve gotten curious recently about my personal favorite guitar hero, Jimi Hendrix, on a more technical level than I’ve looked at him via before, but I’m running into a challenge: The vast wealth of resources on… --- ## [Is my DSX okay?](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/is-my-dsx-okay/100466)
**Author:** [@VRX51](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/VRX51)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 1:52am UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/is-my-dsx-okay/100466 "2026-09-22T01:52:49Z")
I’m practicing sextuplets using DSX, and I’m recording from an angle to see how my pick is reacting. Is the edge picking okay? --- ## [Question from a new guy](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/question-from-a-new-guy/100472)
**Author:** [@JoeBeavis](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/JoeBeavis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 11:48pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/question-from-a-new-guy/100472 "2026-09-20T23:48:18Z")
I’m a long time player trying to rededicate myself to the instrument. I started in 1989 and for about 6 years all i did was play and practice. I could down pick Blackened and on a good day grind out Master of Puppets. … --- ## [Where on the hand do you anchor for low e](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/where-on-the-hand-do-you-anchor-for-low-e/100449)
**Author:** [@Trippersnipper3000](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Trippersnipper3000)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 9:20am UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/where-on-the-hand-do-you-anchor-for-low-e/100449 "2026-09-20T09:20:12Z")
As the title says really. Where on the hand to you anchor to get comfortable picking on the low e string for reverse dart thrower motion. I can’t seem to find a consistent place to rest my hand that allow me to pick th… --- ## [Classical Etudes for Alternate Picking](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/classical-etudes-for-alternate-picking/100341)
**Author:** [@justanotherrich](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/justanotherrich)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 8:41pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/classical-etudes-for-alternate-picking/100341 "2026-09-19T20:41:53Z")
Any one know of any classical etudes that I could play daily to improve alternate picking accuracy and speed? free resources are preferred but I’d spend a little. --- ## [Bill Hall's new video](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/bill-halls-new-video/100312)
**Author:** [@ShadowoftheSun](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/ShadowoftheSun)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 11:25pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/bill-halls-new-video/100312 "2026-09-13T23:25:23Z")
I’m pretty sure that I’ve tapped into these motions on the top-end of my dart thrower motion picking, and I think it’s what @Tom\_Gilroy has pointed out as a motion originating in the rotator cuff. --- ## [Shred for the Disabled](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/shred-for-the-disabled/100288)
**Author:** [@bgrier2003](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/bgrier2003)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 2:34pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/shred-for-the-disabled/100288 "2026-09-12T14:34:28Z")
Hi @Troy. In the past year+, I have been struggling to play guitar, due to dystonic tremors (hand tremors and involuntary muscle contractions). It’s the most frustrating thing I have experienced, especially when trying … --- ## [Michael Schenker's picking hand from 1988 (60 FPS) - motion?](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/michael-schenkers-picking-hand-from-1988-60-fps-motion/99994)
**Author:** [@Inabsentia](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Inabsentia)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 9:14pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/michael-schenkers-picking-hand-from-1988-60-fps-motion/99994 "2026-09-02T21:14:32Z")
I’m trying to figure out what exactly is going on here and need some help, it looks like maybe it’s DSX/upward pickslanting with primarily wrist motion - possibly reverse dart thrower? I’m not sure where he’s anchoring h… --- ## [Holdsworth's All Hammer-on Legato](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/holdsworths-all-hammer-on-legato/761)
**Author:** [@sirferdinand97](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/sirferdinand97)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 1:28pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/holdsworths-all-hammer-on-legato/761 "2026-09-02T13:28:13Z")
I don’t know if this goes in this place because I will talk about legato. Recently I’ve discovered that the smoothness of Allan Holdsworth’s legato was because he only used hammer-ons, I was like WTF, really? Can someo… --- ## [How do you actually stop string hopping?](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/how-do-you-actually-stop-string-hopping/100074)
**Author:** [@mwm](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/mwm)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/how-do-you-actually-stop-string-hopping/100074 "2026-09-01T23:13:46Z")
I’ve tried building up many different techniques over the years and always hit that same ceiling right around 100-125 bpm 16th notes where my picking goes from smooth, tension free, relaxed, to a hopping mess. I can do … --- ## [Josh Middleton Picking](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/josh-middleton-picking/100047)
**Author:** [@tcarleo312](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/tcarleo312)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 5:31pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/josh-middleton-picking/100047 "2026-09-01T17:31:18Z")
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9ujnaWo0qN/?igsi=dXF0M28yejdvd3M2 I wanted to share this helpful IG reel from Josh Middleton explaining his picking technique for fast metal rhythm playing. He mentions supinating his arm… --- ## [3-Finger vs. 4-Finger Approach for Fretting Hand: What Do You Think?](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/3-finger-vs-4-finger-approach-for-fretting-hand-what-do-you-think/99865)
**Author:** [@geoffk](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/geoffk)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/3-finger-vs-4-finger-approach-for-fretting-hand-what-do-you-think/99865 "2026-08-31T21:58:23Z")
Hey CTC! I’ve been experimenting with the “3-finger approach” (little to no pinky use) versus the "4-finger approach"for my fretting hand, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’ve noticed that many legendary guitarists… --- ## [Elbow wagging with wrist motion](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/elbow-wagging-with-wrist-motion/100024)
**Author:** [@StringKlutz](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/StringKlutz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2026, 12:15am UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/elbow-wagging-with-wrist-motion/100024 "2026-08-30T00:15:26Z")
Has anybody else noticed this in their own playing and found a way to correct it? I’m a DSX player. I can’t seem to limit the motion at the wrist. The upper forearm is always moving too. It ends up looking like my elbow… --- ## [Changing pick grip after 30 years](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/changing-pick-grip-after-30-years/99617)
**Author:** [@danielformica](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/danielformica)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 11:28pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/changing-pick-grip-after-30-years/99617 "2026-08-29T23:28:03Z")
Hey there, everybody after all the years 30+of holding the pic between the pad of my thumb on my index fingers I’m trying to hold it more like you guys Troy and also guys like Joe Bonamassa as I could see during soloing … --- ## [I’m lost. can I really just not tremolo? Need help](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/i-m-lost-can-i-really-just-not-tremolo-need-help/99983)
**Author:** [@Jjbeck84](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Jjbeck84)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2026, 4:16pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/i-m-lost-can-i-really-just-not-tremolo-need-help/99983 "2026-08-29T16:16:19Z")
So in the video I basically describe what going on. I’m trying to find a tremolo that works. I don’t undertsand the tabletop tap test with flexsion/extension, does it not apply to a picking motion? Because I don’t see an… --- ## [Accurate transcription of Cliffs of Dover outro](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/accurate-transcription-of-cliffs-of-dover-outro/18815)
**Author:** [@Dissonant\_Timbres](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/Dissonant_Timbres)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2026, 6:14pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/accurate-transcription-of-cliffs-of-dover-outro/18815 "2026-08-28T18:14:38Z")
This seems to be the most incorrectly tabbed part of the song. Specifically the studio version as Eric seems to play it slightly different live. Does anyone have an accurate tab for this? --- ## [Tension when playing whole step whole step pattern with 1-2-3 finger combo](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/tension-when-playing-whole-step-whole-step-pattern-with-1-2-3-finger-combo/99818)
**Author:** [@todd\_carver](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/todd_carver)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2026, 9:54pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/tension-when-playing-whole-step-whole-step-pattern-with-1-2-3-finger-combo/99818 "2026-08-25T21:54:09Z")
Hello. Does anyone have any advice for overcoming tension in the index finger when playing scale chunks that use the 1-2-3. When playing the Phrygian pattern the tension is not there but the timing is off. When playing t… --- ## [Pick Wrap-around vs pronating forearm to achieve DSX or DBX](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/pick-wrap-around-vs-pronating-forearm-to-achieve-dsx-or-dbx/99912)
**Author:** [@SMmack](https://forum.troygrady.com/u/SMmack)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2026, 2:20pm UTC](https://forum.troygrady.com/t/pick-wrap-around-vs-pronating-forearm-to-achieve-dsx-or-dbx/99912 "2026-08-25T14:20:10Z")
So when doing USX, which is my natural instinctive picking technique, I have the bony part of my hand on the bridge, and that gives me a natural downward pickslant. On Troy’s primer in pickslanting for double escape, dis… [Next page](https://forum.troygrady.com/c/playing-technique/12.md?page=1)