Picking Speed and UPWS

Technique Critique
#1

Hey folks and Troy,

Cracking the Code has been a godsend for my overall technique - was always struggling with picking until i found out about this site. I’m still a legato player since I prefer the sound but friends wanted to do some DT covers so I’m back to work on my picking. I’ve recently hit a roadblock with this phrase from Metropolis Pt. 1:

Here’s what I transcribed:

12 PM
Screen Shot 2017-12-21 at 8.29.12 PM.png746×362 17.6 KB

I’m using an upward pickslant so I start the run on an upstroke, I’ve hit a roadblock around 83% speed (~87-88 bpm 32nd notes).

Here’s the phrase at 80% speed

Here’s the phrase at 83% speed

Any advice? I’m pretty relaxed at these tempos and i’m not tensing/forcing myself yet. However, when I try to speed it up, the pick sort of flubs around, hands aren’t coordinated, and the string changes aren’t clean.

Thank you!

2 Likes
#2

Nice playing mate. Have you tried separating the two hands?

#3

Thanks. Are you talking about trying to practicie the right hand picking mechanic alone on one string/multiple strings?

#4

Yeah, muting the strings with the fretting hand and seeing if you can tighten up the string changes solo. You might even find that the fretting hand might be holding things up too–mine often is!