Can Some Kind Soul Help Me?

Playing Technique
#1

Hello, CtC community! I’ve been lurking for years, and I’ve finally worked up the courage to post a question…

I feel like I’m starting to comprehend all of the amazing resources collected here, but I want to make sure I have the general order of things right. Would some of you who’ve already made deeper into the process check my understanding and let me know if I’m missing something key?

1 Do the motion tests.

2 Use one of your more promising motion test scores to choose a pick grip and motion.

3 Find a fast tremolo on a single string. This part of the process is less analytical, more about letting your body figure out how to make the motions? (This is the step I’m currently working on, and it feels a little mysterious to me so far…)

4 Once you find an answer to #3 that feels relaxed and natural, keep coming back day after day until you can summon it up on demand.

5 Make sure you can find the same motion on all of the strings with just as much ease/relaxation. This is now your “primary motion.”

6 Start paying attention to how many pick strokes you’re doing.

7 Start adding an accent to the first in every group of 4/6/8 notes.

8 Start by learning single-string versions of patterns/licks that are compatible with the primary motion you’ve been building here.

9 start spreading those licks across more than one string. Here for the first time, all of the ‘escape motion, pick slanting, DSX vs USX vs…’ material on CtC will actually apply to you.

What do you think, am I getting this right?

Thanks!
B.

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#2

Sounds like revisiting motion tests and how to apply motions on guitar in Primer may be needed. A fast, easy, and loud motion should allow the headroom to accent and chunk leading to hand sync work> figuring out the escape motion> picking to strengths (USX or DSX picking strategies)

#3

Thanks! I’ll try redoing my motion tests (my current scores feel a little optimistic) and reevaluate. Otherwise, glad to see that I’m understanding the order of things.

Just curious – how long did it take you to find that “fast, easy, loud” motion in a consistent way? I feel like I’ve been getting little glimpses of a motion for a couple of weeks but it still comes and goes without much pattern yet…

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#4

I am no expert here so I can’t speak to how long it should take, but I think you’re on the verge of finding your motion. In the Wrist motion section of Primer the last chapters discuss speed and endurance. I think you will find each video helpful. I’ve watched them both a few times as I work on DSX and USX motions. Be sure you are replicating Troy’s setups for various motions.

Since joining MiM two weeks ago, I’ve been grinding 15-20 minutes many times throughout the day and am starting to get accents and 65 note challenge consistency as of today with DSX, 3-4 days after correctly performing motion and having Tommo confirm. I aim to post my progress with both motions this coming week in my TC. I’m closing in string changes for USX and single string hand sync for DSX probably in the coming days if I can keep grinding.

Feel free to check my TC out as Tommo’s initial comments provide a video regarding anchor points with brief narration have been crucial for developing my DSX motion.

Once you’ve got your quick and easy motion, you will want to review core concepts section of Synchronicity. If you’re stuck, make a TC and be sure to review how to film with proper settings so site will generate slow version of your clip-very helpful to review playing as the camera and audio don’t lie and trick you like your brain does.

I have also found it helpful to review the TC library for public TCs from MiM members. I found a post with similar setup as me and it really helped everything click for DSX along with Tommo’s guidance.

#5

Thanks so much, Austin – I’ve started to review the videos you’re recommending here and I can already see some things I’ve missed.

I’m editing my original post to make it easier to read if others have insights, but otherwise I’ll be back with a TC submission soon!

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