What is my picking?

Technique Critique
#1

Hey there,
I need some help with “naming” the technique i’m using for my right hand (Downward pickslanting, DSX, USX… etc.)
Can you help me so I can explain what I do better?
Thanks

2 Likes
#2

Looks like mainly finger motion DBX/DSX but then I think you switch to finger motion USX around 0:37 on the pentatonic phrases. Reminds me of Gus G’s technique a lot, though I think he uses a bit more wrist sometimes :slight_smile:

#3

Thank you for the feedback!
I started playing guitar 2-3 years ago and…
I used to listen only to Yngwie;
since the very first day of playing guitar I only exclusively played his music;
watching his REH videos and trying to replicate exactly his right hands positioning and motion has got me really good at economy picking, and now I stopped listening to YJM, I listen to guys like John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, Roy Clark… alternate pickers and I can’t for the life of me nail their licks at high speeds.

#4

Interesting you say that, maybe your motion is solely finger motion USX as John and Al are both DSX players so if you had a DSX motion you shouldn’t have any problem with their stuff.

Up to you if you want to pursue a DSX motion or fully commit to USX :slight_smile:

#5

What did you play before guitar?

#6

I wouldn’t worry about pickslanting, and just consider your escape (how the pick leaves the string). There are only three choices (where you can use more than one if you wish):

  • USX means you escape on an upstroke, but are trapped after a downstroke.
  • DSX means you escape on a downstroke, but are trapped after an upstroke.
  • DBX means you escape on both an upstroke and a downstroke, and you are never trapped.

After the escaped stroke it should be easy to hit a new string. You should be able to identify yourself: what do you think you’re doing? (The answer can be more than one!)