Tremello picking

It is not staccato but tremolo picking you describe. Staccato has nothing to do with speed. It is a note that is sounded with sharp attack and fast decay = pick, then mute so silence makes up the majority of the note. This causes successive notes to be very distinct and separate from each other.

On tremolo (or trem or rapid) picking: Yes, some of us do use a lot of forearm for this -- or a combination of wrist and forearm.

It is not staccato but tremolo picking you describe. Staccato has nothing to do with speed. It is a note that is sounded with sharp attack and fast decay = pick, then mute so silence makes up the majority of the note. This causes successive notes to be very distinct and separate from each other.

On tremolo (or trem or rapid) picking: Yes, some of us do use a lot of forearm for this -- or a combination of wrist and forearm
oh whoops. i'll change that. but is it ok to use your foe arm? or aare you saying yes? sorry, i'm out of it right now.

Some info on wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tremolo_picking

And a lesson on Tremolo Picking on cyberfret.com -

http://www.cyberfret.com/techniques/tremolo-picking/index.php

Rahul

I'd listen to your teacher and use your wrist more. The reason you hear this sort of advice, and you think, "Well, I sound great right now doing it my way", but a lot of times your way will end up limiting what you can do. Why not add in the wrist abilities? All it can do is expand your technical ability.

Ideally you would want to know how to use both techniques as the forearm technique will help you go faster initially but you lose some control in the long run. The wrist technique also has a little bit of a different tone.

For an absolutely comprehensive review of these techniques you can read this excellent write-up by Tuck Andres: http://www.tuckandpatti.com/pick-finger_tech.html

The short of it: Wrist technique rules.

http://www.tuckandpatti.com/pick-finger_tech.html

Thanks for that link!

lars

I'd say learn both ways, as both will have their uses.

I know that if I'm playing something that requires this kind of picking combined with palm muting, it's all in the wrist as the forearm can't move at all! :lol:

Pete

I'd say learn both ways, as both will have their uses.

I know that if I'm playing something that requires this kind of picking combined with palm muting, it's all in the wrist as the forearm can't move at all! :lol:

Pete

Right, learn both and adjust for your own style and capabilities. Most of these techniques are hybrids, where the amount of each element will vary by player. Here some combination of wrist and forearm may work well together for many players to produce smooth flowing, controllable and less tiring trem picking. And the exact mix may vary with desired timbre, fatigue, and maturity as a player. Similar principles apply to related techniques, such as circle picking, which primarily uses a combination of wrist and finger motion.

There really aren't too many absolutes: I have no problem palm muting and moving my forearm. I simply use a lighter touch with the heel of my hand and let it slide over the strings.