Go beyond alternate picking: Conquer economy picking, vibrato & bends for expressive guitar playing.
Exploring the Powerhouse Techniques of Economy Picking, Bends & Tapping Legato
This technique goes beyond basic alternate picking, optimizing your picking hand movements for speed and efficiency. By minimizing pick travel, you'll navigate string changes smoothly and conquer licks with lightning-fast precision. Get ready to add fluid phrasing and scorching runs to your electric guitar arsenal!
Learn proper bending techniques with clear visuals and explanations, focusing on whole-step and half-step bends to start. Delve into advanced bends like vibrato and full-step bends, adding a dynamic and captivating element to your solos.
Dive into the world of legato phrasing, where notes connect seamlessly for a smooth and singing sound. You'll explore three key techniques: tapping (using your picking hand to fret notes), hammer-ons (fretting a note without picking), and pull-offs (picking a note while releasing another fretted note). Learn how to combine these techniques with economy picking for effortless phrasing and add expressiveness to your playing.
I'm a musician and guitar player with a passion for creating and performing music. I hold a B.A. in Music from CalState and a Guitar Institute in Technology degree from Musician's Institute, solidifying my musical foundation. When I'm not playing guitar, I find balance through meditation, books and cats. My professional background is equally diverse, with experience as a quality control tester and digital audio expert at industry giants like Apple, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Sonic Solutions.
Fueled by a passion for music since a young age, I honed my skills at the prestigious Musician's Institute (G.I.T.) in Hollywood, graduating at 20. My academic journey continued with a B.A. in Music from California State University, further solidifying my theoretical foundation. But music is meant to be shared, and for over 20 years, I've had the privilege of passing on my knowledge as an electric guitar teacher. My dedication even led me to showcase my lightning-fast economy picking technique at G.I.T. with seminars I did at Paul Hanson's request, inspiring aspiring guitarists. Beyond teaching, I'm a performer at heart. For seven years, I ignited stages as part of a high-energy Rush tribute band (H-SUR), faithfully recreating the iconic sounds of this legendary group. Currently, I channel my creative fire into my own Randy Rhoads tribute band (Blizz), keeping the spirit of this influential guitarist alive. But my musical journey doesn't stop there. I also lead an original band, writing and performing music that reflects my own unique voice. Whether I'm teaching, performing covers, or unleashing original music, my passion for the guitar remains the driving force behind everything I do.
Jammin' with the best:
Been lucky enough to shred alongside some incredible drummers. Dudes like Ray Luzier (Korn), Pete Parada (Offspring), Shane Gaalass (Yngwie Malmsteen), Ivan de Prume (White Zombie) and Pancho Koch (Viena) brought the thunder on drums and showed me the magic of killer drum work. Huge thanks for the inspiration!
Guitar Gods as teachers:
My journey wouldn't be the same without the wisdom of teachers like Sergio Sauvalle and Rodrigo Bari because they were the first guitar teachers I had as a kid. Massive shoutout to Joey Tafolla, Paul Hanson, Russ Parrish (Satchel) for the endless jam sessions at GIT that turned into friendships. I can't forget jamming with other monster gods like T.J. Helmerich, Brett Garsed, Danny Gill, Steve Trovato, Dan Gilbert, Tim Bogert and Darren Householder.
UCLA production:
Back in '93, UCLA Extension was ground zero for learning music production. John Boylan's production class was legendary (dude's worked with everyone! Linda Ronstadt, Rick Nelson, Boston), and Michael Braunstein (Zappa, U.K. Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow,…) , well, let's just say his first day involved firing-up a Harley in the classroom – unforgettable! Peter McIan's (Men at Work) production class even landed me in a studio session in Downtown LA (talk about pressure!).
Beyond the axe@CalState:
Big respect to David Bradfield for teaching me the magic of music synthesis, digital audio and taking me on a killer bi-plane ride doing loops between LA and Catalina Island (best. class. ever!).
Dr. Mark Waldrep at Cal State pushed me hard in audio recording and production, and even hired me for his company straight out of college – thanks for believing in me, man!
Shout out to our Music Dean at CalState Rod Butler (RIP), the jazz trumpet player who (secretly, I think) appreciated my rock spirit in his music classes.
Big thanks to Frances Steiner an American conductor, cellist and professor emeritus, a music genius who could shred at 13 years old, seriously upped my music theory game.
Thanks, Ms. Steiner (RIP)!
Huge shoutout and respect to the late Eugene Fodor, a virtuoso violinist of unparalleled skill. Renowned for his fiery technique and passionate performances, he was a true master of his craft. A product of Harold Wippler's tutelage and the Julliard School, Fodor's triumphs at the Paganini and Tchaikovsky competitions cemented his legendary status. I was fortunate to share the stage with him, and his mentorship and genuine kindness left an enduring impression. I didn't even know how to answer when he complimented my guitar playing! Thanks for those jams Eugene!
Guitar economy picking is a technique used by guitarists to play fast and fluid arpeggios, scales, and other patterns. It's like a super efficient way to move your picking hand! Instead of strictly alternating downstrokes and upstrokes (down-up-down-up), economy picking lets you use the most natural pick motion, whether that's a downstroke followed by another downstroke (like picking two notes on separate strings), or an upstroke followed by an upstroke. This minimizes wasted movement and helps you play faster and smoother.
The basic principle of economy picking is to minimize the number of unnecessary pick movements by combining sweeps and alternate picking in a single fluid motion. Instead of using strict alternate picking, where the player always changes direction with the pick, economy picking allows the player to take advantage of the natural motion of the picking hand and the pick itself to create a smoother and more efficient picking motion.
To achieve economy picking, the picking hand follows a diagonal pattern across the strings, using a combination of downward sweeps and upward pick strokes. When ascending through a scale (3-notes per string) or arpeggio, the player begins with a downstroke on the lowest string, then uses a slight sweep or pick angle to transition to the next higher string with another downstroke. This allows the player to maintain the same direction of the picking hand motion, rather than changing direction with each string (down-up-down-up, etc).
When descending through a scale or arpeggio, the player starts with an upstroke on the highest string, then uses a sweep or pick angle to transition to the next lower string with another upstroke. This allows the player to maintain a consistent picking hand motion, rather than having to change direction with each string.
The advantages of economy picking are numerous. By reducing the amount of unnecessary pick movements, economy picking allows the player to play faster and more fluidly, with less fatigue and tension in the picking hand. It also allows for smoother transitions between strings and notes, resulting in a more legato and connected sound.
However, economy picking is not without its challenges. It requires a high level of precision and coordination between the picking hand and fretting hand, as well as a strong sense of timing and rhythm. Developing ambidexterity is crucial, as economy picking utilizes both downstrokes and upstrokes efficiently. The picking hand also needs to achieve a high degree of independence, moving fluidly across strings without being restricted by the fretting hand. Finally, internalizing specific picking patterns becomes essential, as these patterns ensure smooth transitions between notes on different strings. By mastering these additional skills, guitarists can unlock the full potential of economy picking, achieving impressive speed, clarity, and musicality in their playing.
Before we go any further into economy picking, which is the main topic of this writing, we need to consider the following.
Here are some best practices for electric guitar learning:
Start with basics: Learn basic chords, scales, and strumming patterns.
Set achievable goals: Make a plan of what you want to achieve, set realistic goals, and track your progress.
Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to becoming proficient on the guitar. Set aside time each day to practice.
Use a metronome: Playing with a metronome helps improve timing and rhythm.
Focus on technique: Pay attention to proper hand positioning, finger placement, and picking techniques.
Listen to music: Listen to your favorite music to get inspiration and learn new techniques.
Take lessons: Consider taking lessons from a guitar instructor. They can provide valuable feedback and help you avoid bad habits.
Experiment with different genres and styles: Experimenting with different genres and styles of music can help you improve your playing and understanding of the guitar.
Use resources: Utilize online resources such as YouTube tutorials, guitar forums, and instructional books to supplement your learning.
Have fun: Enjoy the process of learning the guitar. The more you enjoy playing, the more motivated you will be to keep practicing.
Picking
Picking techniques are like spices for guitarists, adding flavor and variety to your playing. Alternate picking attacks strings with a down-up-down motion, perfect for speed and clarity. Economy picking uses the shortest path to minimize movement, ideal for complex passages. Gypsy picking throws in extra upstrokes for a bouncy, jazzy feel. Fingerpicking lets you play melody and basslines simultaneously, a must-have for soloists. Hybrid picking combines pick and fingers,opening doors for unique voicings and textures. There's a whole world of picking styles to explore!
Alternate Picking: The foundation for many techniques! It involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes with the pick, creating a smooth and even sound. This is essential for building speed and accuracy while playing single notes.
Economy Picking: This technique prioritizes efficiency. Instead of strictly alternating strokes, you pick the string with the closest direction (up or down) based on the previous note. This minimizes wasted movement and is ideal for fast, intricate passages.
Gypsy Picking: This technique incorporates extra upstrokes within a phrase, creating a bouncy, rhythmic feel. It often involves accenting specific notes with a strong downstroke for contrast.
Fingerpicking: Forget the pick entirely! Fingerpicking utilizes your thumb and fingers to pluck individual strings, allowing you to play melody and basslines simultaneously. This technique is a cornerstone of fingerstyle playing and opens doors for rich, expressive solo arrangements.
Hybrid Picking: The best of both worlds! This technique combines a pick with your fingers, allowing you to explore unique voicings and textures. You might use the pick for melody lines while adding bass notes with your fingers, or vice versa. Hybrid picking offers a versatile approach to playing chords and arpeggios.
Chicken Picking: This technique involves using two or three fingers together in a rapid, hammering motion to pick notes on a single string. It creates a fast, percussive sound often heard in country and bluegrass music.
Alternate picking is a guitar technique where a player alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes when playing notes. It is commonly used in electric guitar playing to produce a clear and articulate sound, especially when playing fast sequences of notes. The goal of alternate picking is to create a smooth and even sound that minimizes unwanted string noise and maximizes the precision and speed of the playing. This technique is especially useful for genres such as rock, metal, and fusion, where fast and articulate playing is often required. To practice alternate picking, it is important to start slow and build up speed gradually, while maintaining a consistent alternate picking pattern and proper hand posture.
The origin of the term "economy picking" is unclear, and it is likely that the technique evolved over time through the collective efforts of many guitar players. It is a playing style that combines alternate picking and sweep picking, and its purpose is to provide a more efficient way of playing fast sequences of notes on the guitar. The term "economy picking" likely came into use to describe the technique because it involves using fewer pick strokes to play a given sequence of notes, thereby conserving the player's energy and increasing their speed and accuracy.
It's important to note that many guitar players may have used similar techniques to economy picking before the term was coined, so it's difficult to attribute its invention to a single person. Nevertheless, the development and popularization of the technique has been greatly influenced by Frank Gambale who codified this technique authoring books and videos and uses it to achieve incredible speed and precision in his playing.
Frank Gambale is often credited with popularizing the technique of economy picking through his instructional materials, including his books and videos. He is a well-respected guitar player and educator, and his teachings have had a significant impact on the development of modern guitar playing. Gambale's approach to economy picking, which he first documented in his book "Chops from Hell," emphasizes the use of sweep picking and alternate picking in combination to produce fast and articulate playing.
It is possible that Gambale was one of the first guitar players to codify the concept of economy picking into a book, but it's also important to note that the technique had likely been used by other guitar players before Gambale's work. The concept of economy picking likely evolved over time through the collective efforts of many guitar players, and Gambale's work represents one of the most influential and widely-used approaches to the technique.
Economy picking is a guitar technique that combines aspects of alternate picking and sweep picking to produce fast and articulate playing. The goal of economy picking is to achieve the speed and precision of sweep picking while minimizing the amount of pick strokes used, making it a more efficient and effective technique for playing fast sequences of notes.
In economy picking, the player alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes when playing notes on a single string, but repeating the pick stroke direction when jumping from string to string. This allows the player to move between the strings with the same hand motion, increasing their speed and minimizing the amount of pick strokes required to play a given sequence of notes.
To practice economy picking, it's important to start slowly and build up speed gradually, focusing on maintaining a smooth and even alternate picking pattern and proper hand posture. Additionally, it's important to practice playing sequences of notes in both ascending and descending directions to develop the ability to switch seamlessly between sweep picking and alternate picking as needed.
Overall, economy picking is a versatile and efficient technique that is widely used by electric guitar players across a variety of genres. By combining aspects of alternate picking and sweep picking, it allows players to achieve fast and articulate playing while minimizing the amount of pick strokes used, making it an important tool for guitarists looking to improve their speed and precision on the instrument.
The energy saved from using economy picking instead of alternate picking can vary depending on the specific situation, as the technique is designed to be more efficient and effective for playing certain types of sequences of notes. However, in general, economy picking can save a significant amount of energy compared to alternate picking, especially when playing fast and intricate passages.
This is because economy picking minimizes the amount of pick strokes required to play a given sequence of notes, which reduces the amount of movement required from the picking hand. Additionally, the use of sweep picking to play multiple notes in a single direction with a single pick stroke can also reduce the amount of movement required from the hand, further conserving energy.
It's important to note that the goal of economy picking is not necessarily to conserve energy, but rather to increase the speed and precision of the playing. However, the reduction in pick strokes and the more efficient use of motion can result in a decrease in physical effort and an increase in playing endurance, which can be especially beneficial for guitarists playing demanding pieces, long gigs or even age.(?)
Ultimately, the amount of energy saved from using economy picking instead of alternate picking will depend on the specific situation and the player's individual playing style. However, for many guitar players, economy picking can provide a more efficient and effective approach to playing fast sequences of notes on the guitar.
The three principles of economy picking:
Movement Efficiency: Economy picking aims to minimize the movement of the picking hand and reduce the number of unnecessary pick strokes. This helps to increase the speed and accuracy of your playing.
Strategic String Changes: When switching from one string to another, economy picking seeks to use the minimum amount of movement necessary to get from one string to the next. This can help to increase speed and fluidity in your playing.
Consistency: Economy picking emphasizes consistency in the motion of the picking hand, using the same motion and speed for each pick stroke. This helps to increase control and precision in your playing, and can make it easier to build speed over time.
These principles are the foundation of economy picking and provide a basis for understanding and developing this important technique. By mastering these principles, students can build the skills and knowledge needed to play fast and complex phrases with ease and accuracy.
To learn economy picking effectively, we will focus on the following areas:
Technical Exercises: Start by providing students with simple technical exercises that focus on the basics of economy picking. These could include exercises that emphasize movement efficiency, string changes, and consistency in pick strokes.
Chord Progressions: Next, work on incorporating economy picking into chord progressions and arpeggios. This will help students to see how the technique can be applied in real musical contexts.
Transcriptions: Encourage students to transcribe solos or pieces by guitar players who use economy picking, so they can see how the technique is applied in practice.
Improvisation: Encourage students to incorporate economy picking into their own improvisation, so they can experiment with the technique and incorporate it into their own playing style.
Speed Building: Finally, focus on building speed with economy picking by gradually increasing the tempo of exercises and incorporating speed-building techniques.
By focusing on these practical examples and areas, students will be able to build a strong understanding of economy picking and how it can be applied in real-world musical situations. This will help them to develop the skills and knowledge needed to play fast, complex phrases with ease and accuracy.
FiTcH
Music is a powerful tool that has been used for centuries to convey emotions and connect people from different cultures and backgrounds. Music is not only an art form but also a means of expressing oneself and exploring the world around us. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the cognitive and psychological benefits of playing musical instruments. In this essay, we will explore the various ways in which music and musical instrument playing can benefit the brain, personality, and cognitive processes.
Brain Benefits of Music and Musical Instrument Playing
Research has shown that playing musical instruments can have a positive impact on brain function. One study found that musicians have larger brains and more gray matter in the areas of the brain responsible for processing and playing music. This suggests that musical training can enhance brain development and plasticity.
Playing musical instruments also requires the coordination of several areas of the brain, including motor, auditory, and sensory processing regions. As a result, musicians have been found to have better hand-eye coordination, spatial-temporal skills, and memory capacity than non-musicians. In fact, playing musical instruments has been shown to improve memory and attention in both children and adults.
Moreover, listening to music can also have a positive impact on the brain. Studies have shown that music can activate the reward centers of the brain, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This suggests that listening to music can be a natural mood enhancer and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Personality Benefits of Music and Musical Instrument Playing
Music has the ability to evoke emotions and create a sense of community. This can have a positive impact on personality development. Playing musical instruments requires discipline, practice, and perseverance. These qualities can help individuals develop a strong work ethic, self-discipline, and goal-setting skills. Moreover, playing musical instruments can also help individuals develop confidence and self-esteem.
Music can also provide a means of emotional expression. Research has shown that listening to music can help individuals regulate their emotions, particularly when experiencing negative emotions such as sadness or anger. This can help individuals cope with difficult situations and improve their emotional wellbeing.
Furthermore, music can foster a sense of social connectedness. Playing music with others can help individuals develop social skills, empathy, and teamwork. This can be particularly beneficial for children and adolescents who are still developing these skills.
Cognitive Benefits of Music and Musical Instrument Playing
Playing musical instruments requires the use of cognitive processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. As a result, playing musical instruments can improve cognitive function in a variety of ways.
For example, one study found that playing musical instruments can improve executive function, which includes skills such as planning, organizing, and decision-making. Another study found that playing musical instruments can improve language processing and reading abilities in children.
Moreover, playing musical instruments can also have a positive impact on academic achievement. One study found that students who participated in music education programs scored higher on standardized tests and had higher GPAs than students who did not participate in music education programs. This suggests that music education can enhance cognitive development and academic achievement.
So...
In conclusion, music and musical instrument playing can have numerous benefits for the brain, personality, and cognitive processes. Playing musical instruments can enhance brain development and plasticity, improve hand-eye coordination, spatial-temporal skills, and memory capacity, and regulate emotions. Additionally, music can foster a sense of social connectedness and improve academic achievement. These benefits highlight the importance of incorporating music and musical instrument playing into education and personal development programs.
My life has been a vibrant melody, a harmonious blend of two distinct cultures: the fire of Mexican and American heritage on my mother's side, and the melodic spirit of Chile and Italy coursing through my father's veins. This rich tapestry has shaped who I am today, a passionate musician with a deep appreciation for embracing diversity: Musically and Culturally. This fusion of cultures fuels my creativity and allows me to connect with people from all walks of life.
Guadalupe's Resilience, Origen's Fusion
On my mother's side, the legacy of Guadalupe Tejada, a woman of fierce Mexican spirit, instilled resilience in our family. Her son, Origen James, a Tejano with a distinguished education from Texas A&M, embodied the art of cultural fusion. Bridging the gap between his American background and Chilean life, he became the Administrator of Hacienda Laguna de Cauquenes, a pivotal center supporting miners in Sewell. Witnessing this firsthand, I learned the importance of embracing differences and finding common ground.
Montaldo's Music, Fitch's Engineering
My Italian heritage resonates through my grandfather, Jorge Montaldo Novella. A celebrated folk singer who captivated Chile with his amazing vocal interpretations of Chilean folk songs. His artistic spirit ignited a lifelong love of music in me, a passion that would become the cornerstone of my life. Interestingly, adding another layer of richness, my maternal grandfather, Russell Fitch, hailed from Wyoming. Fueled by a thirst for knowledge and an aptitude for engineering, he secured a drum scholarship from A&M in Las Cruces, New Mexico and eventually found his way to Chile, where he met my grandmother, Frances James. Russell put his skills to use as a Mining Engineer for Braden Copper, further solidifying the diverse tapestry woven within my family lineage.
Early Notes and Bi-Coastal Rhythms
Born in Silver City, New Mexico, I've had the privilege of living in a multitude of locations across the United States and Chile. From bustling urban centers like Houston, TX and Miami, FL to sun-kissed California cities like Hollywood & San Francisco to Redondo Beach & Marina del Rey, my upbringing has been a rich tapestry of experiences. This bi-coastal residence fostered a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and instilled in me a remarkable ability to adapt to new environments. Whether navigating the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, CA, Santiago or the quiet charm of a small townlike San Rafael, CA, I learned to appreciate different perspectives and integrate them into my worldview..
From Toy Trumpet to Recording Studios
My passion for music intertwined seamlessly with my cultural background. Fueled by a toy trumpet gifted by my grandfather, Russell, my musical journey began before the age of five. It continued with graduating from the renowned Musician’s Institute Guitar Institute of Technology (G.I.T.) and throughout my life sharing my knowledge as an electric guitar teacher. My professional experience spans esteemed companies like Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, Apple, Inc., and Sonic Solutions, where I honed my skills in audio testing and quality assurance. Currently, focusing on the same areas, I leverage my expertise at DINT (Doblajes Internacionales). Notably, my fluency in both Spanish and English proved to be a valuable asset in these roles, allowing me to bridge communication gaps and ensure flawless audio quality for thousands of international projects.
A Legacy of Music and Embracing Differences
This tapestry of cultures continues to shape my perspective and enriches my life in profound ways. It is a testament to the power of embracing diversity, a foundation from which I navigate the world with an open mind and a spirit of inclusivity. As I move forward, I carry the lessons learned from both sides of my heritage, forever grateful for the rich cultural tapestry that has woven the fabric of my being.
FiTcH
© 2024 George Montaldo. All rights reserved.
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