Sweeping...

[iwantans13]

Okay, so now that im getting to bands that use sweep picking a lot in the lead work and im trying to learn it but I have no idea where to start. Anyone have any advice on it?

[xekushnr]

Yeah, its pretty ****ing hard isnt it? Im becoming a decent shredder, but my arpeggios arent nearly as good as I wish they were. I practice sweeps much like I practice everything else.

Use a metronome. The hardest part (actually the only part) in sweeping is coordinating the smooth sweeping motion in your pick hand with your fretwork. Start slow. It will take a while to get it down before you can build speed. Dont jump into a 5 or 6 string sweep to begin with. Practice a simple 3 string until you get it down.

Try starting with something like this:e---------13-17-13---------B-----15------------15-----G-14-------------------14--D---------------------------A---------------------------E---------------------------

The 13-17-13 part can be either picked or played with hammer ons and pull offs. Some great guitarists use hammer ons, others pick them. It all depends on the guitarist, and the sound you want. Obviously the other notes have to be picked.

After you get that down, you can move up to a 5 string sweep. Try something like this:

e-------------12-15-19-15-12--------------B----------13------------------13----------G-------12------------------------12-------D----14------------------------------14----A-15------------------------------------15-E-------------------------------------------

That should help stretch out your hand a little bit on the high E too. Sweeps will definitely help get your pinky in shape. Try those out, remember to start slow, and see how it goes.

[iwantans13]

Alright, well Im home form school today so I may try to get some practice in, thanks!

[iwantans13]

Gah, WTF! This is driving me nuts. And I broke my b string today with not replacements. ****.

[xekushnr]

Well its too bad you arent fairly close because I have extra sets. Unless you feel like driving up to the Detroit area

[iwantans13]

Haha, I wish I wasnt broke. I need a guitar with a flatter neck thats easier to shred on. I kinda want a jackson dinky, they make a red one with a maple neck thats pretty cool and its about 620.

[xekushnr]

I like my Jackson. I wish I had 2 more frets though. I have not had the chance to play on a Dinky yet. I can't imagine it plays too much different than other Superstrat style guitars. I have played on a Soloist and they are great.

[iwantans13]

Well I have the base model rhoads jackson and it is the biggest POS ever. I hate it so much and I havent played it since I bought it. I was kinda thinking of getting the gibson les paul JR nashville edition. Its pretty badass.

[Papi Chulo]

You should ask my friend John Petrucci for help. He's ok at that sweeping stuff, he plays in a little garage band called Dream Theater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evTTHS9hwvU

no sweeping in that vid but he discusses proper technique

[USsil80]

You should ask my friend John Petrucci for help. He's ok at that sweeping stuff, he plays in a little garage band called Dream Theater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evTTHS9hwvU

no sweeping in that vid but he discusses proper technique

he is good.. really good.. ohh yea just a garage band... yea