Comments on: 5 Ways You Can Play Guitar Faster Right Now

By: ProFuzz

ProFuzz — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:35:39 +0000

My opinion is that having thin strings on guitar for sure will help you to play faster, and about the pick - from my point of view there are two options 1) plying riffs use a thin pick 2) playing solo use the heavy pick - at least that's the way I use to do it - and it woks!

By: Kevin Batchelor

Kevin Batchelor — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:10:53 +0000

I recommend using heavy jazz picks like the Nylon Dunlop Jazz III. I think they definitely help with speed and control. As for building speed I say find a tempo that you can play your lick as fast as possible but still flawlessly. Each day play it that way for 15 minutes then bump the tempo up to the point where you can get it dead on sometimes but it occasionally gets away from you and play it that way for 15 minutes. Next week you will be able to play it at the faster tempo flawlessly. Just repeat the process till you get to your desired speed.

By: Kevin Batchelor

Kevin Batchelor — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:10:53 +0000

By: JayRobIBZ

JayRobIBZ — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:56:58 +0000

Sorry Folks, I forgot to sign in before i posted that.

Jay Frisby - Palmer, Alaska http://www.myspace.com/jayfrisby (free music, give it a listen)

By: Jay Frisby

Jay Frisby — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:53:09 +0000

Want to play fast on an electric? My favorite way to get ready for a show is to warm up on an acoustic with heavy strings. On a side note, if anyone wants to get a good idea of what legato style sounds like have a listen to any number of Joe Satriani's tunes. In my opinion he is the king of legato style.

By: AndrewG

AndrewG — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:38:44 +0000

Thank you so much! This truly helps! I always needed a "trick" to playing fast…for me it's mostly finding the notes haha

By: marklee3d

marklee3d — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:31:10 +0000

There's always a trade off. I use thicker strings (11's) with the goal of having a darker tone and having my strings hold tune better. As I mentioned in the intro to this post, it makes it harder to play faster lines.

If you're playing a 12 string acoustic I wouldn't be so worried about picking single note lines faster. My goal would be changing strings as little as possible

By: wayne

wayne — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:00:33 +0000

some great tips there mark . i use a fender heavy pick cause i have more control than if i used i thin pick .thats way i can dig in when i want and be nimble when i need. a player needs to try a few different set ups .cause a guitar set up for quick fireball leads is usualy all wrong for strong rhythm and chordal picking . lol and when all elsefails while taking a lead , close your eyes and let her rip there are only 12 notes so your odds are pretty good you hit a few good ones .

By: Seth

Seth — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:35:17 +0000

bass, my spelling hand was tied….sorry.

By: Seth

Seth — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:34:29 +0000

The only problem is that Stevie played 13s and used base frets in his neck. It's madness I say. Great article Mark. Sometimes fast solos fit a song more so than long sustain, but I am on the other end of the spectrum. I use 11s as a compromise between power and speed. Not the fastest player on the field, but I will catch the ball. Keep on rockin' for Jesus.