Complete Guide To Economy Picking
The art of economy picking has been getting a lot of attention recently due to the rising popularity of viral Instagram shred sensation Spiro Dussias, so now seemed like the perfect chance to finally put together a comprehensive masterclass on the technique!
Economy picking is the technique of approaching string transitions when picking with mini-sweeps, as opposed to alternating strokes as with alternate picking. While you lose some of the intensity and attack you can achieve with alternate picking, a lot of guitarists find a lot more of an intuitive and efficient approach to picking lines.
It's always been my preferred picking method so I feel like I have a lot of expertise and insight to share here, so it was super fun to finally get to deep-dive the topic!
Good luck and don't forget to share your progress with everyone in the Discord server!
0:00 Intro
0:55 What is economy picking?
5:14 Economy pickers vs. alternate pickers
9:25 SUPER important note
11:16 When do you use economy picking?
14:25 How to apply economy picking
15:29 Example 1
17:07 Hand placement
17:54 Example 2
19:41 Example 3
20:18 Adjustments as you ascend/descend
21:30 Example 4
22:01 Example 5
22:26 Example 6
Comments (6)
Alternate picking feels like being allowed to cheat at guitar. Awesome class, sir!
it feels so much more natural to me compared to alternating all the time dont know if thats crazy wired
thanks a lot mate and complete in detailed explanataion from how to hold and how to go with the pick thanks
Found it pretty natural while ascending, but struggled on the way back. Starting and moving with upstrokes almost killed me. Need lots of practice!
I find this really difficult on the way back down. Feels so unnatural moving with two upstrokes. I want to give it time though. I can see the benefits and it doesnt feel terrible when ascending.
With economy picking its similar to sweeping, you sweep through the strings upwards rather than individual up strokes. Think of rest strokes in classical guitar. Hit the string with your finger & then rest on the ajaesent string. Like wise with that movement do the same with your pick. Pick the string & rest on next string. If your going up through two or more strings that rest stroke idea is what economy picking is. Hope this helps.