Guitar techniques to pick, fret and strum FASTER and sound better - Live Replay

This lesson plan is structured to not only introduce and advance your guitar playing techniques, but also show how to apply these techniques through well-known song examples.

Find a full Techniques course on the courses page!

The four areas of technique covered include;

• Posture and Hand Position: Proper hand position, and relaxation techniques to avoid strain.

• Strumming: Covering rhythm basics & strumming embellishments

• Picking: Covering alternate picking, and fingerpicking techniques.

• Fretting: Efficient finger placement, minimizing movement for clean note production.

Connect with Andy and other AAA members between live sessions with the Andy Guitar AAA Discord community - the link is on the membership page here.

Follow up Q&A - Directional vs economy picking

Two different ways of what is called Inside Picking. These are very similar in that they try to use the most economical way of picking so we can do it as fast as require with the least amount of effort. But what is the difference?

Directional

• Pick in the direction of the next string you’re doing to play, use alternate picking when on the same string

• Requires no pre-planning

Economy

• Asks “what is the most economy of motion that can be used to play this?”

• Requires advanced planning to do properly

Either way, these are advanced - the fastest way to play FASTER is to;

• Pick with a smaller movement

• Do this while staying as loose as possible

• Your fretting hand will develop speed faster than your picking hand

Question - Ska strumming patterns

Matt - Monkey Man by the specials

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Overview: Quick introduction on the objectives of today's session focusing on efficient techniques to pick, fret, and strum faster while improving overall sound quality.

• Goals: To equip both beginners and intermediate players with advanced techniques and tips for faster and better guitar playing.

Section 1: Posture and Hand Position (10 minutes)

• Discussion and Demonstration:

  • Correct posture for seated and standing positions.

  • Optimal hand placement for agility and reduced strain.

• Tips for Advanced Players: Adjustments for playing comfort during extended sessions and performance tips.

• Song Example: "Wonderwall" by Oasis – Demonstrate chord transitions and posture.

Section 2: Fretting Efficiency (10 minutes)

• Basics of Fretting:

  • Correct finger placement for clean note production.

  • Exercises for finger strength and dexterity.

• Advanced Techniques:

  • Fretting hand economy: minimizing movement for speed - NO FLYING FINGERS!

  • Legato techniques: hammer-ons and pull-offs.

• Song Examples:

  • "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple – Basic fretting and movement.

  • "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses – Advanced fretting techniques.

Section 3: Strumming Techniques (15 minutes)

• Basic rhythm: Many people don’t have basic rhythm i.e. people that clap out of time at a concert. First ask: Is it the technique or the rhythm that I’m struggling with? Tap/ clap out rhythms can help!

• Basic Strumming Patterns:

  • Demonstrate essential strumming patterns (down-up, alternating, etc.).

  • Importance of rhythm consistency.

• Advanced Techniques:

  • Introduction to palm muting and dynamic strumming.

  • Use of percussive strumming to add rhythm.

• Song Examples:

  • "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day – For basic strumming patterns.

  • "Riptide" by Vance Joy – To showcase percussive elements in strumming.

Section 4: Picking Techniques (15 minutes)

• Basic Picking:

  • Demonstrate alternate picking and economy picking basics.

• Intermediate to Advanced Techniques:

  • Introduction to hybrid picking and fingerstyle picking.

  • Speed exercises and picking across strings.

• Song Examples:

  • "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin – Hybrid picking.

  • "Blackbird" by The Beatles – Fingerpicking techniques.

Join me here on the website for weekly live sessions where we can work directly on your playing & give the feedback needed for you to move forward and get inspired!

Every week we cover topics such as;

• How to make the most of your practice time

• Songs and exercises at your level and based on your music taste

• How you can stay motivated and maximise your progress

You can also request a tutorial for a song YOU want to learn and Andy will teach it during the session live! Each live stream is automatically available as a replay so you can catch up anytime and never miss a beat!