This week we’re going to look at a rippin’ alternate picking lick that switches between 4 and 3 fingers per string. We’re going to be using sequences of sevens and fives to play through this lick in octaves across all 6 strings. In this alternate picking lick we will be utilising the Harmonic Minor scale

Typically an alternate picking sequence of 5’s or 7’s will be using a 3 finger shape, however because we are switching between 3 and 4 fingers per string, a sequence of 7’s now becomes a 4 finger shape. You’ll notice that when you start over on the next octave you begin again with your pinky. The really unique thing about this lick is that the sequences start at opposite ends, this makes for an unconventional sound to a picking lick.

Sequencing Sevens :

For this lick we’re going to start with our pinky on fret 12 of the low E String and begin the sequence of 7’s there. Below is the 4 finger pattern we will be using for this lick. For every 4 finger pattern in this lick we will descend then ascend the sequence of notes.

Sequencing Fives : 

Below is the pattern we will be using for the sequences of five. You’ll notice that the sequence of fives now starts at the other end and switches to ascending then decending. For every sequence of fives this lick we will ascend and then descend.

Running It Through Octaves :

Now we know the sequences and patterns we can simply move this whole alternate picking lick through octaves every two strings. Using octaves is a great way to take a simple sequence across the neck, a simple idea can quickly become a monsterous lick with very little effort.