Comments on: How To Play Guitar Fast! 5 Tips to Increase Speed

By: brian correll

brian correll — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:27:22 +0000

If you pluck the “A” string several times, using downstrokes & upstrokes, and then have to move to the “D” string, the last pluck of the “A” string should be a downstroke (if possible).
If it’s an upstroke, it will take much longer (in milliseconds) to strike the “D” because you
have to lift the pick OVER the “A” in order to take it to the “D”.
Watch your right hand try this in very slow motion. Figure out how you can end up on a downstroke before striking the next string in the most “fluid” way. A lot will determine if
the first pluck is a down, or up pluck. You’ll find, in most cases, it depends where you start.
All this would be reversed if going from strings “A” to “E”.
Next, add more strings. Hit each string 3 times before moving to the next, then 4, 5, etc.
Next, add in left hand.
You can cut the work of your picking hand by more than half.

By: brian correll

brian correll — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:17:52 +0000

I found that the relationship between the force at which the strings are plucked (which varies with different players) and the guage of pick used can make a great difference in speed.
ie. A player that hits the string hard and uses a light guage pick (thin) can be slowed down by the flexing of the pick itself. I’d say try some different pick guages & find one that is a match to your string “attack”.
I used Fender mediums for decades, & could not play with a thin pick because they slowed me down & was like playing with a noodle. A few years ago I was given some Dunlop 2mm (very thick) picks, and within minutes I was surprised at how much faster I could play.
Their thickness also made me strike the strings lighter (partially in fear of breaking a string),
which in turn made my right hand (picking hand) more relaxed, which helped even more.
Also, “mind to hand” exersizes, like various patterns of tapping fingers on a table,
video games that require fast reflexes (brain exersize), and keeping the left hand fingers stretched & limber. Vitamins that promote blood flow & nerve function are good too.
Another thing I noticed is that a lot of guitar players (in particular heavy rock players)
tend to wear their guitar slung very low (re. strap adjustment). While it looks pretty cool that way, take a look at the angle this puts your left wrist at & it also puts the right hand at an odd angle.
Most important, make sure your fingers are stretched & warmed up before atempting any prolonged full speed playing

By: Mathilde

Mathilde — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:06:23 +0000

The tip about relaxing your hand and the one about the curling your fingers into your hand,
stacked against your thumb, and using only your wrist really helped me!
Thanks

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:29:37 +0000

The best way to learn to play good is start with the basics. Play normal songs. one you have learnd the basic chords (E,A,D,C,) you can go to the powerchords. And learn the technique right. If you learn it sloppy, its harder to get it perfect again.

By: Thot

Thot — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 03:00:58 +0000

I started playin guitar since 13 and ‘m 20 now. And i feel i should be mini pro but my speed is not all developing, sometimes it gets faster and sumtyms it gets slower than the tortoise. Why???
So please give me some effective tips

By: Southpaw

Southpaw — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:31:16 +0000

I’ve been wanting to increase my speed. One thing I’ve done that I believe has helped, is in the way I pick. I use do hold my pick between my thumb and index finger with the my other 3 fingers in a relaxed but some what straight position (kind of like Slash) and I would use my wrist in conjunction with my thumb and index finger to move the pick up and down. What I do now is curl and tuck my fingers into my hand, stacked against my thumb, and I strictly use my wrist to make the up and down pick strokes. I think Randy Rhoads picked this way…

By: guitar education

guitar education — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:15:30 +0000

The tips given by you is very helpful to the beginners. I am feeling great to know all these from you.

By: Tension: a Guitar Player’s Worst Enemy

Tension: a Guitar Player’s Worst Enemy — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:43:47 +0000

[...] mentioned this earlier in my post about how to play the guitar fast, but the same can apply to eliminating [...]