In this lesson we are going to look at sweep picking and variations on Frank Gambale’s sweep picking guitar technique/method. I also employ alternate picking guitar technique with this method for smoothness when improvising.
The key to “Rhythmic Phrases” and smooth sweep picking is to practice a rhythmic line, sweep arpeggio and then rhythmic line again. This is essential for flowing improvisational lines. Otherwise sweep picking can become , blip, blip,blip. Which will sound very un-rhythmical and un-musical.
I only employ simple sweep picking patterns so that I can make rapid flowing musical phrases when I am improvising.
Simple basic sweep arpeggio Pattern.
Extended simple sweep picking arpeggio pattern
Below is how I set up the sweep picking with rapid alternate picking guitar technique so that the improvised jazz/fusion line flows as a “Rhythmical phrase” as opposed to ,blip.blip,blip.