Different escape motions depending on ascension/descension

Playing Technique
#1

Hey, I’m new here.
I’ve started the Pickslanting Primer, and have gotten to determining my primary escape motion. If I do an even-numbered scale like the pentatonic, I think I’m using USX with DWPS, and starting on a downstroke when descending the scale. However when ascending, I start with a upstroke, still use DWPS and I assume I’m doing DBX even though it feels like USX due to the DWPS.
My question is what I determine as my primary escape motion. Descending I’m pretty sure I’m using% USX but ascending I’m very unsure. Can anyone help?

Video here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/CtTR0Nh9UDc?si=3W3r6zSunioGKzDB

#2

The best approach is to record a short clip of yourself. We’ll be able to answer about your escape motion much more accurately.

2 Likes
#3

A video would be best but from now I’d dare share some preliminary advice: stick to one of the two.

1 Like
#4

I can’t answer your question but I’ve been wanting to ask, and in this case share something similar. I tend to be able to ascend with UPX or DPX (hope these terms are still used) but I still have a very difficult time descending with a DPX because my wrist isn’t as loose and so it feels awkward. I tend to really only cross strings from the outside and not do much inside picking. Again, I am fairly comfortable when ascending with either picking style. So, some of the material which is strictly one pick escape really doesn’t optimize my picking. Of course I make use of a HO or PO to make my picking easy to execute, especially on descending lines. Back to your post for a second; I used to have a heck of a time trying to start on the beat using an upstroke, I was so uncoordinated but over time, it has gotten easier to sync up. In the end, you might end up similar to me where you combine different picking motions to make things easier for you. Good Luck and welcome to the CtC community!

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#5

What do these mean? :thinking:

#6

I assume the same as USX and DSX (upstroke escape and downstroke escape)

#7

Can I post videos in the comments?

#8

Actually I made a mistake in my original text, however it is corrected now. What I meant is that I find it easiest starting on a downstroke and using USX when descending the scale, not ascending. What is HO and PO? Thank you :smiley:

#9

Yes, I might be using old terminology. Yes, upward escape and downward escape.
I think it used to be called upward picking escape (UPX) and downward picking escape (DPX) but then people confused it with pick angle. CtC changed it to USX and DSX. At least, thats how I think I remember it.

1 Like
#10

Yes.

If you upload your videos to YouTube, you can post the links here in the comments and the videos will be viewable here.

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#11

https://youtube.com/shorts/CtTR0Nh9UDc?si=5MUKJqfb95hJMi1D

Here’s the video :slight_smile:

#12

Welcome !

It looks like string hopping to me. Have you tried to establish a motion that follows a traight pick path? One way the pick is in the air, and the opposite direction can is a rest stroke on the next string.

2 Likes
#13

Thank you!
Yeah I try doing USX, at least when descending. Ascending I’m very unsure.

#14

I don’t think you are doing it in any direction. It looks like string hopping both ways.

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#15

That’s too bad. Got some practicing to do then. Thank you :slight_smile:

1 Like
#16

You’re welcome! Many if not most members here have gone through that to a certain extent.

From the Primer, I suggest looking for the videos where Troy demonstrates the linear trajectory of the pick and how the pick literally rests over the next string for the half of the motion that is “trapped” eg. your upstroke if you are learning downstroke escape. That pick rest is key because it provides you with a physical stimulus to help you keep a straight picking path.

1 Like
#17

HO & PO I call them a ‘hammer on’ and a ‘pull off’. By incorporating these, I am able to keep my picking direction the same as the HO or PO allows me that extra time to get my pick set up again to then pick the note after the HO or PO. Regarding your correction in message, I too am much more comfortable descending using USX and crossing over the next adjacent lower string to do a downstroke. I feel most comfortable using DSX on ascending lines and USX on descending lines. (outside picking) I will ask the cTc community this question in the future simply out of curiosity.