Today we’re going to look a little ripper of an alternate picking lick. This one ascends across all 6 strings from the low E string. This is an interesting idea because we’re using sequences across groupings of two strings. Let’s Go! Full Shred Ahead! If you want a quick overview of the lesson then Download the Tab.

This alternate picking lick is based around a little sequence that begins on fret 10. The lick starts with a descending idea. Once you’ve got the basic mechanics of the lick under your fingers it’s then simply a case of moving it through the positions.

Creating A Simple Motif

If you know your modes really well then creating simple picking ‘motifs’ is a great way to introduce elaborate, scary sounding picking runs into your solos.

Starting with a very simple picking sequence between two strings can quickly become a blazing picking run all over the neck. Creating licks in this way keeps the lick feeling easy since you already know how it feels to play that sequence. It’s important to understand that you can create a sequence from any set of notes. Once you’ve got the sequence nailed you can easily translate it into a different key or even a different scale or mode entirely!

Mastering The Positions

It’s important to take your time to master the position shifts when creating a lick like this. You’ll want to ensure the shifts are as clean and as seamless as possible.

Make sure you also practice your simple picking motif across each pair of strings. For example the Low E & A strings feel very different to the high B & E strings. Make sure you can play your sequence as equally clean across each pair of strings. This will help you massively to ensure your monster lick is as smooth as oil when you blaze through it.

Download The eBook – Become A Strings of Rage™ Syndicate Member!

We’ve put this lesson into a single resource that contains all the diagrams, theory and tab from this lesson so you can learn these concepts properly in your own time.

Head over to our Patreon page and join one of our Strings of Rage™ Syndicate Membership tiers to unlock. All memberships help us to create better quality lessons and are helping us to craft a unique online learning experience. Thanks for the support!

Footnote:
The guitar used in the cover image for this post is a Gibson Custom Shop Flying-V

Join The Strings of Rage Syndicate!

Take your guitar playing to the next level. Join the community for exclusive new lessons, ideas and over the top guitar creativity! We look forward to seeing you around!