A few picking questions

Playing Technique
#1

Hello,
After discovering Troys videos I started paying attention to my picking tendencies.

I noticed on runs with a combination of 2 and three notes per string I naturally use a combination of upward and downward pick slanting.

Of course its in its infancy

I just wonder if this is a valid way to get around setting up runs with even or odd numbers.

I hope that if I create drills based on up and down slanting it will become even more intuitive.

Second thing I noticed is that I greatly favor eco/inside picking.
Is this a problem?

When I examine Im primarily a down slanter that eco switches strings and picks inside.

I start most everything with a down stroke. At times I will turn an ascending run around with an upstroke, but to start an ascending run with an up is extremely off putting.

Again I hope my dual pick slanting will make all of that ok.

Am I doomed?

1 Like
#2

If I understand your question it sounds like you may just be trying to use Two Way Pickslanting. That isn’t a problem at all! Maybe watch this or some more of the CTC videos and learn more about it!

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#3

I probably do need to rewatch those a few times.

I don’t always explain myself clearly.

From what I understand ywng switched strings on upstrokes.

Upstrokes can be forced with a pulloff or whatever

What I want to know is if I just master 2 way pick slanting can I avoid all that as a strategy

#4

On economy vs alternate, economy has a much greater error net for lack of a better term. Alternate is a very specific and intricate set of movements that can be disturbed by moving around on stage. People obviously find it useful, but for ME, economy is best. The fact our bodies naturally tend towards economy says a lot.

But then some find it hard to control tempo with it. I personally think it’s not a big issue if you focus on getting it under control. It can also give a less aggressive tone than alternate. But once again, just put more force into the string and you’ll get an aggressive tone, it can be trained. Perhaps others feel differently.

#5

Im finding that certain eco sequences I do can get hard to control.

Once I slow down and emphasize the rest stroke my timing syncs up and I can then speed up again.

I gotta get one of those cams so I can see what happens once I speed up.

One thing that bugs me is if I look at a section of tab and ignore the given fingering then I compare its always different from the one I settled on.

The scary part is when the original fingering given is from a respected source. That’s when the fear and self doubt sets in but I think Im going to continue to build on my own choices.

At least if I get hung up now I can come here.

#6

Also im sorry about how confusing this post is. I need to hang out and get really familiar with all the lingo so I can pose a clear question on a specific technique.
Im old. Lol

#7

Your body knows best. Following someone else’s body is unlikely to help you. If you naturally perform a movement a certain way, it’s very likely the best most efficient way your body is capable of. An inefficient conscious thinking mind can’t compete with millions of years of evolution.

If all you have to think about is timing, you’re waaay ahead of people trying to deconstruct their natural mechanics for a “flashier, fancier” style.

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#8

Yes, two-way pickslanting allows you to change strings after upstrokes or downstrokes. You just need to change your slant with an efficient motion (not stringhopping.)

#9

Best news ever.
Thank you much