Sweep picking and shred guitar essentials and examples of where they are used?
Sweep picking is a guitar technique that involves rapidly alternating between single notes on different strings, typically using a continuous motion of the picking hand. It is often used in conjunction with alternate picking, where the pick alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes. Sweep picking can be used to play fast, arpeggiated patterns, and is commonly associated with the “shred” style of guitar playing.
To execute a sweep pick, the guitarist begins by playing a series of downstrokes on one string, then moving to the next string and playing a series of upstrokes. This motion is repeated across all of the strings, resulting in a smooth, sweeping sound. The technique requires precise timing and coordination between the picking hand and the fretting hand, as well as a clean, efficient picking motion.
Sweep picking is often used in combination with legato techniques, such as hammer-ons and pull-offs, to create fluid, seamless lines. It is also frequently used in conjunction with two-hand tapping, where the guitarist plays melodies with one hand while simultaneously tapping out chords with the other hand.
Examples of songs that use sweep picking include “Eruption” by Van Halen, “Black Star” by Yngwie Malmsteen, and “Far Beyond the Sun” by Joe Satriani. Sweep picking is a popular technique among guitarists in many different genres, including rock, metal, and fusion.
Sweep Picking harmonised scales
Sweep picking can be used to play harmonized scales, which are scales played in multiple octaves or voices at the same time. This can create a rich, full sound and add depth and complexity to a guitar part.
To sweep pick harmonized scales, the guitarist can use a sweep picking technique similar to the one described above, but with the added challenge of coordinating multiple voices or octaves. This often involves playing arpeggios or broken chords, where the notes of the scale or chord are played in sequence rather than simultaneously.
One common way to harmonize a scale is to play it in thirds, where each note is played with the one a third above it (for example, the first and third notes of a scale played together, or the second and fourth notes). This creates a harmonized pattern that is particularly effective when sweep picked. Other harmonized patterns, such as playing the scale in fourths or fifths, can also be used with sweep picking.
It’s important to practice sweep picking with a metronome and to start at a slow tempo, gradually increasing the speed as your technique improves. It can also be helpful to break the scale or arpeggio down into smaller sections and practice each one separately before putting them all together.
There are many great guitarists who are known for their sweep picking skills, including:
- Yngwie Malmsteen – A Swedish guitarist known for his neoclassical style and technical virtuosity, Malmsteen is often credited as one of the pioneers of sweep picking.
- Paul Gilbert – Gilbert is a highly respected guitarist known for his technical proficiency and ability to play lightning fast arpeggios using sweep picking.
- John Petrucci – Petrucci is the lead guitarist for the progressive metal band Dream Theater and is known for his complex guitar solos, many of which feature sweep picking.
- Jason Becker – Becker is a guitar virtuoso known for his technical prowess and ability to play extremely fast, complex arpeggios using sweep picking.
- Tony MacAlpine – MacAlpine is a guitarist and composer known for his technical proficiency and ability to play fast, fluid arpeggios using sweep picking.