"Starting with Speed" fine, but what if...?

Playing Technique
#1

I like the idea of “starting with speed.” It helps to know what you can do fast, what motion works for you at “top end” (-whatever that may be at the moment).
In my case, I have that. I know exactly what it is and how to do it. It’s the fastest way for me to sustain tremolo picking. Further, it’s something I don’t have to warm up to get. It’s always there. (Or seems to be.)

Pointing Back Toward Palm
Pointing Back Toward Palm480×640 69 KB

On a string
On a string480×640 106 KB

As you can see, this grip is a little unusual. It feels like skating on a string rather than picking it. The motion is from the wrist, very easy to do and to keep doing for a while.

As good as this is for tremolo picking, it’s not the best thing for, well, regular picking: playing a song with rhythm parts, a riff, a solo that isn’t shred-y, or just playing things to warm up with. I don’t NEED to warm up for this, it’s just the speed of my wrist (I guess.)

I’m putting this out because I thought if I could play fast, I could play anything else. Turns out playing fast (at least in this way) is easy, but it doesn’t make anything else easy.

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What Picking Setup to use for Downpicking?
#2

Interesting pick grip, I don’t recall or know of a player who uses such an angle on the strings. do you have any videos?

#3

That does look a little extreme (though not necessarily a bad thing if the attack is smooth)

I think that negative pick point makes sense on pretty ‘pronated’ setups. Molly Tuttle for example

#4

I use that backwards kick position sometimes - it’s great for certain stuff. If find it catches the first note on a upward outside pick alot clearer and gives a brighter scuffing tone - great for certain things!

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#5

I fiddle with lots of different motions and setups and they all require slightly different pick points. My favorite way to dial in perfect pick point is to relax the grip (to allow the pick to gently begin rotating) while doing a tremolo and see where the strings and motion want the pick to be. Once the pick stops moving, firm up the grip to whatever amount of pressure you’re used to.

To the OP (@Milkweed) if the other “non super speed” stuff you’re playing requires a totally different setup, I can’t think of an interview we’ve seen where someone had to change pick grip/ point switching between the different setups. The best I can think of is how Molly switches to a totally different “form” on her rhythm and lead playing, but I am pretty sure the pick grip remains the same. Also, there’s Bill Hall who is great at several different motions/setups. Bug again, I don’t think his pick point changes.

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