In today's lesson, we are going to learn the fastest way to increase your playing speed. This will be good for many different applications. This can help wth playing more complex guitar solos and melody lines.
Tips on how to increase speed and accuracy
#1: Alternate picking
You can only get so fast with downpicking. It's a great way to play, and it does have its benefits. But when it comes to increasing speed, you'll need to work on alternate picking the notes. This I where you pick the notes up and down. This will help you to increase speed and accuracy.
#2: Picking hand placement
The second thing you want to do is be aware of your picking hand. Make sure to keep the hand close to the body and the fingers close to the strings. This will allow you to pick faster and more effectively. When it comes to playing fast on the guitar, you must be more focused and have more control.
Watch the video lesson below
#3: Holding your pick
The third thing you want to focus on is the way you hold your guitar pick. The way I do it is to hold most of the pick and use only the tip of it. This eliminates friction and allows the pick to glide more easily over the guitar strings. This will allow for more accurate picking and develop into tremolo picking.
#4: Use a metronome
The fourth thing that you should focus on is using a metronome. This is a great way to increase your speed and develop timing. Start at something like 80 beats per minute. When you pick the strings, match the click. Down for the 1st click, and then down for the next. Count as you do this. Over time, you increase the tempo and develop a cleaner, more accurate tone.
#5: Work on your timing
Timing is the most important thing in playing music, and if you want to increase speed, you'll need to have good timing. Just like driving fast, you'll need to be more focused. The best way to do this is to work on different timing sequences.
1/4 notes: 1 2 3 4. Pick all the notes down
1/8 notes: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &. Pick down and back up.
Triplets: 1 & uh, 2 & uh, 3 & uh, 4 & uh. Pick down, up, and back down again.
16ths: 1 e & uh, 2 e & uh, 3 & uh, 4 & Uh. Pick down, up, down, and back up again.
#6: Chromatic scale
The chromatic scale is the musical alphabet. Each note is located right next to each other on the guitar fretboard. I recommend that you go through the notes daily and memorize where they are on each string. This will help you to know where your notes are located and allow for fretboard mastery.
A A# B C D D# E F F# G G#
#7: Finger exercises
One thing that you will have to develop for playing with speed is finger dexterity. This is done with finger exercises. Do these with all four fingers and practice with the metronome. Once again, start slow and match the click. This will not only develop finger dexterity but also finger independence.
#8: Practice daily consistently
This is something that cannot be stressed enough. You need to practice daily consistently! No matter what!! It is better to have short, frequent sessions instead of longer, infrequent sessions. This is very common. Practice causes results to go up, whereas not practicing causes them to come down.
You must be driven to learn. You must have the desire to step out of your comfort zone and proceed in an unknown direction, and with techniques that might be unfamiliar. This is what causes growth. Practice consistently, and eventually, you will be doing things with your guitar you never thought possible.
#9: Get additional training
I also recommend you get some additional training that can allow you to excel even better. The way I used to do it before the internet was the way it is today, through method books. These are an excellent way to learn as they allow you to learn when it is best for you and your schedule.
This is why I authored and published method books of my own.. Because I know this type of approach works. For what we are learning here today in this lesson, I recommend you check out by book Learn To Play Lead Guitar.
Learn To Play Lead Guitar
This book will teach you what you need to know to not only increase your speed, but also things like scales, theory, reading notation, and phrasing. All in a simple step-by-step method that anyone can learn from. All you need is a grasp of the fundamentals, and you'll be easily on your way.
Since I authored the book, I know it will teach you what you need to know in the order you need to know it, and before long, you will be progressing in a whole new direction. The direction of awesome lead guitar playing. But to get there, you will need to be committed to studying and practicing. If you are, grab the book on Amazon and see where it leads you.
Private instruction is also available
In addition to authoring and publishing guitar method books, I also offer private guitar instruction. Customized lessons that cater to the student's interests and skill level. These are a great option as well because they offer even quicker results, personal experience, and a fun way of learning to play the guitar.
If you feel this option might work for you, just contact me at my website, and I will be happy to set up a time that we can meet either online or in person, and we'll discuss details on how to get you where you want to go with your guitar playing.
Thanks for your time, and remember to have fun learning.
Until our next guitar lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
