Speed Picking With TSO

Guitar Speed Picking with Trans-Siberian Orchestra,

Here's another quick lesson in the importance of techniques for speed picking and getting great guitar tone.

As we left off earlier we spoke about several techniques to use when trying to get the best flow and create un-interupted flow.

This time we'll focus on getting the best tones from our picking, and what
types of picks to use.

Rule #1.) ALWAYS use a firm pick.
My suggestion would be (Heavy)

Rule#2.) Use a pick that gives you the best tone with the least drag.
My suggestion would be (Nylon - Heavy)

Rule #3.) Find the main picking sweet spot between the bridge and neck.
My suggestion would be directly in (front of the rear pickup).

Keep in mind as you move your picking hand towards the neck it will change the tone to a warmer sweeter sound,as you move towards the bridge it's getts brighter with more bite.

The trick is to find your sweet spots on the guitar and use them in conjuntion with each other. This gives you much more control over your sound when you do this.

Example: If you were playing a guitar lead, and were picking in the rear position in front of the bridge, then suddenly move up to the neck area and begin picking in that area, you'll notice a drastic change in tone.

With this being said you'll want to find the spot that suit you best and get use to using the areas on command.

This is also a huge secret in developing your own sound. It allows you to play any guitar on any amp and always sound like you!!

That's big time folks!!

Video Example of all the elements we've gone over in the previous lessons, You can view a complete song with rythm and lead playing incorporating all the dynamics and elements.

The song is Titled: "Wizard In Winter" By: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Note:

• The syncronization of the picking at the end of the song...
  
• The alternating strokes up and down only...
  
• The dynamics, tone, and sweet spots...
  

These are thing you'll want to spend a good amount of time on because they will become your signature.

Things will also begin to get a whole lot easier as well. Syncronized picking is like the difference between walking fast and running all out. You want to have control over both.

More later, Keep practicing...

Robert Lee Molton
www.topfuelguitar.com