Different techniques on ascending / descending lines. How to break through to the next level of speed?

Playing Technique
#1

Hello, first post here.

I’ve been playing since 1999 and can play reasonably fast lines across the strings. I usually do the even number of notes per string. But what I’ve become aware of recently after watching Troy’s videos is this:

When playing a descending line I do USX

  • Always start with a downstroke
  • Downward pick slant
  • Escape on the upstroke

When playing an ascending line I do DBX

  • Always start with an upstroke
  • Negligible pick slant
  • Escape on the downstroke with the half-circle motion

So you could say I use this weird symmetry of starting picking in the opposite direction of where the line is headed.

Have anyone else found that they do this? If so, did you change your ways, and if you did, what was the outcome?

Thanks all!

#3

Screenshot_20260321-110659
Screenshot_20260321-1106591080×2340 214 KB

Fwr I accidentally deleted my post. See the screenshot of it

#4

Thanks. I agree on perfecting the natural tendencies as a stable core. I think my next goal will be to practice USX in ascending lines too. Just to have that option, and to see what vocabulary I can develop from it :slight_smile:

Edit: I’d like to add, that it’s awesome to now have this analytical framework that this course has given me.

#5

Good call. See what descending Gilbert 6s as DSX starting on downstroke feels and sounds like. Try ascending PG6s as USX with upstroke start.