speed picking guitar lessons – Making Music Theory and Jazz Improvisation work for you

SWEEP PICKING GUITAR LESSON

Posted on September 17, 2019September 17, 2019 by Jazz fusion guitar Improvisation lessons and modern music theory

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.

sa Am 1st

Extended simple sweep picking arpeggio pattern

Am ext

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.

sa f sharp 11

Lastly, is an extension of a full sweep arpeggio and how easy it is to connect different shapes/arpeggios [superimpositions] together.

Which Jazz theory practice book to start with?

When Looking for jazz improvisation literature people will walk into a sheet music department and sometimes be astounded by the prices of the theory and practice books. A concise quality book that contains all of the essential information and is well written and easy to follow can start anywhere from $30 to $150 plus for the Lydian Chromatic Concept!

John Mclaughlin Paco de Lucia Al Di Meola GUITAR TRIO CONCEPT

Performing in the style of the Guitar Trio with the plectrum requires strict ALTERNATE PICKING for the solo lines that are picked at a very high velocity. You need to be able to “Jump” straight into the rhythmic flow. The patterns below detail the best key alternate picking patterns to gain mastery for this. FAST ALTERNATE PICKING PLECTRUM GUITAR LINES LESSON

Alternate Picking John Mclaughlin style guitar lesson in 4/4

Simple alternate picking guitar pattern and repeated fingering in the style of “Belo Herozonte” and “Music spoken here” by John Mclaughlin. Like the 3/4 pattern in our last alternate picking lesson this borrows the same fingering but it is in 4/4.