Fast palm muted alternate picking

[Windigo]

Hi guys, I have a problem and I need some help. I simply can't do the do fast palm muted alternate picking usually found in thrash and death metal songs. Especially on the open E, because it flaps around quite alot.

Another problem is that when my palm is over the strings, trying to mute them, most of the wrist and forearm are restricted as the palm needs to be there to keep the strings muted.

Does anybody kick ass in palm muted alternate picking? Do you guys have any advice? Where does the movement come from, wrist only, or wrist and elbow, or somewhere else? All advices are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Kyuzo]

Practise more Holy Wars by Megadeth. It works.

 

[jerryoc221]

Try Metallica's MOP or Seek & Destroy or Darrell's CFW .

 

[jmb23]

well,you could try using heavier guage for the low E.this would add tension and make it less flappy.for alt picking,movement should be from the wrist.i would also recommend you not to anchor your hand by placing your pinkie on the body as a pivot point.

 

[Nizamkaizer]

It would affect greatly on how you're muting the bridge. It's advisable not to anchor your wrist on the bridge but just to press it lightly on it. Use your wrist as the pivot point to do the fast picking instead of your forearm cause by doing that you're using motion instead of your forearm muscles. Try practising Metallica's master of puppet. that would be a good song to start with.

Nizam Ramses Kaizer

 

[morjuken05]

Hi there,

I used to have the same problems doing alternate picking and palm muting on the low E string.

There are a few important points to take note.
1) Your palm needs to be as close to the bridge as possible, if it is higher up to the middle, you will have a lot of resistance. Placing your palm close to the bridge allows a part of your palm to serve as a pivot point.

2) Your have to pick the strings at an angle, alternate picking from an angle is easier. I do not really know how to explain.
Watch this video to learn more:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBYlzVN7twM

3) The way you hold your pick is also important, you have to grip the pick really tight. I used to grip the pick lightly and I realized that my picking was more sloppy and slower.

Hope it helps!

 

[jmb23]

that is the correct way of practice.the main reason i dont recommend anchoring as it is not healthy.it might even cause carpal tunnel syndrome,which is quite severe.it is also recommended that when you press lightly onthe bridge,fold middle,ring and pinkie in.example of non anchoring playing are shawn lane and paul gilbert

 

[Breen]

Alternate picking riffage are for queers =]

No, I kid, but from your description, I think you have to learn to anchor your wrist down on your guitar. Only your palm needs to be on the bridge, where the strings meet the bridge, to be able to execute an adequate palm mute.

From there, only start picking with your thumb and pointer. Move only your wrist but focuse on your fingers holding on to the pick. They should be the ones with the movement and strength to carry out some good ol' thrash.

Your elbow and forearm or shoulders should NOT at all be moving about. Watch any picker carefully and you will see they don't spaz their right arm. It's all in the wrist.

Start slowly and always question yourself why are what you are doing not working. Then try to answer yourself but trying another way. It should be comfortable and natural, and come along with slow and concise practice.

If all else fails, watch James Hetfield on YouTube.

 

[Windigo]

Thanks so much, all of you, appreciate your advices. Got some good ones, they really helped.

 

[fenderrules]

I usually practice song intros and some certain parts of some certain songs in order for my muting to get up to speed. I play a lot of Trivium stuff, so maybe you'd like to try them out too.

To The Rats (Intro) - Trivium
Entrance of The Conflagration (riff after 2nd chorus) - Trivium
Pull Harder on the Strings of your Martyr (intro after drums) - Trivium
Declaration (pre-verse) - Trivium


Cheers