The Magnet

[stratjacket]

I subscribed to the Grady site a couple years ago, really got into it and changed my picking. I was strict alternate picking for so many years. Changed to incorporate economy picking and subtle pull offs until it became natural. It was hard and took time but really paid off. Highly suggested if you want to become faster and cleaner.

 

[Gitfiddler]

There is another thread going about mistakes we made early on as players. Not focusing on the picking hand was probably my biggest mistake. It held me back for years. I looked at magazine photos and album photos to see how my favorite players were holding their picks. I kept a pick in the car and would practice holding it and picking on my leg when driving, stopped at lights, etc. it finally felt natural, and my playing took off. The magnet device is taking things to a new level! Great thread

 

[Exo-metal]

This is one of the best features of the forum. I think of the comment Steve makes and think sure we all have limits and that's true...but to me I see it differently and this is not to offend anyone especially Steve. For perspective last year I bought a bunch of different picks from Dunlop to try and even though I didn't get to all of them I now use the triangle picks bc I can hold onto them and they last 3X longer lol

I also changed my picking technique last year too. Someone made the comment on this thread about yngwie looking like he is knitting when he picks, I know a lot of people who use that technique and it's a push pull with the thumb and first or second finger and it obviously works and now after forcing myself to try new things I can say it has paid off.

I don't see myself going to the extent of buying the magnet but that is the kind of thing that makes this forum the best around. The passion and inspiration is real and you guys have my upmost respect.

 

[braintheory]

I appreciate you guys who are constantly scrutinizing your technique.

I came to the realization years ago, that for better or worse, my formative years when I was really putting the hard work into my playing defined my style and my sound. It cannot be changed.

I don’t say this to disparage anyone from wanting to improve. It’s my own reality.

I’ve become relatively content with my sound and playing. I do envy those who can do things I couldn’t dream of playing, but that’s just life. There will always be someone better.

Witnessing Holdsworth, Scott Henderson, Frank Gambale and Cacophony in my early years was mind blowing, but I realized my limitations at that time.

A lot of guys are content with where they are with their playing. That’s all good. That’s where I am with electric, but not classical since that’s my main thing. A lot of successful electric guitarists are really imo better composers than they are actual players

With my experience, at least on classical, I can say that even when older one can make massive improvements to their playing with the right teacher (super important) and the will power to put up with the annoying technique exercises needed to get there. In classical I thought I had certain limitations that I actually did not, I just didn’t have the proper training for those many years leading to many bad habits formed of how I moved/coordinated my fingers, which set limitations to what I could do, but it’s all fixable, just a lotta work & patience

Other than a select few guys like Shawn Lane maybe, I don’t think, in terms of just pure technical ability that the majority of these other “guitar heroes” are doing anything unobtainable that most guys couldn’t achieve with the right practice and training/teacher (their improv ability is another story though lol). I think what really made them was their blend of being a good enough player & composer of musical ideas

 

[braintheory]

This is one of the best features of the forum. I think of the comment Steve makes and think sure we all have limits and that's true...but to me I see it differently and this is not to offend anyone especially Steve. For perspective last year I bought a bunch of different picks from Dunlop to try and even though I didn't get to all of them I now use the triangle picks bc I can hold onto them and they last 3X longer.

I also changed my picking technique last year too. Someone made the comment on this thread about yngwie looking like he is knitting when he picks, I know a lot of people who use that technique and it's a push pull with the thumb and first or second finger and it obviously works and now after forcing myself to try new things I can say it has paid off.

I don't see myself going to the extent of buying the magnet but that is the kind of thing that makes this forum the best around. The passion and inspiration is real and you guys have my upmost respect.

I’ve been, for the same reasons as you, using these picks exclusively for the last 12-13 years (basically almost my entire time playing guitar) https://www.amazon.com/V-Picks-Scre...ywords=v+picks+screamer&qid=1670806522&sr=8-3

It’s gotten to the point where I feel like I can’t play guitar without them lol. I’ve tried many other picks (some being over $50) and while some were in some ways nicer in sound and other aspects, for actual playing I’ve not tried any others yet as good to me. $4 per pick

 

[gtrwun]

I’ve been, for the same reasons as you, using these picks exclusively for the last 12-13 years (basically almost my entire time playing guitar) https://www.amazon.com/V-Picks-Scre...ywords=v+picks+screamer&qid=1670806522&sr=8-3

It’s gotten to the point where I feel like I can’t play guitar without them lol. I’ve tried many other picks (some being over $50) and while some were in some ways nicer in sound and other aspects, for actual playing I’ve not tried any others yet as good to me. $4 per pick

Some of the V-Picks are incredible. I love Vinnie and the business he built from nothing is quite incredible. We both worked at car dealerships that were next to each other in Modesto when he started the company.

As far as Ted’s comments and yours Braintheory, I totally respect that your both working hard on your playing and searching for things to inspire the desire to improve.

I’m in a funk and hopefully I’ll come back around. Time will tell.

 

[Exo-metal]

I got nothin better to do

 

[ClintN667]

I definitely think an old dog can learn new tricks. My playing has improved exponentially since working with Jon Bjork. Jon teaches a lot of the same techniques as Troy. Chunking, slanting etc. He also says while he is learning anything he only plays it at half of his normal speed or less. Usually 50-80 bpm.

I got my magnet last week and it's still sitting in the box. Need to give it a go. I'm sure I will see something to give me a reality check. Too bad there isn't something for the left hand

 

[psychodave]

I definitely think an old dog can learn new tricks. My playing has improved exponentially since working with Jon Bjork. Jon teaches a lot of the same techniques as Troy. Chunking, slanting etc. He also says while he is learning anything he only plays it at half of his normal speed or less. Usually 50-80 bpm.

I got my magnet last week and it's still sitting in the box. Need to give it a go. I'm sure I will see something to give me a reality check. Too bad there isn't something for the left hand

You can turn it around and raise the phone up a bit to see your left hand. You and also move it to around the 1sr fret and look down at the left hand as well. Yo might need to use the extra spacers included.