Super noob question

[Cloudsky]

I ask you all ah, when u play metal riffs like those chug chug chug type of riffs, must apply alternate picking on it? Can i use downpick?

which one is more appropriate?

 

[BlackMoo]

Alternate picking as with downpick alone you might not be able to reach that speed. However it is all determined by the tempo of the song and the notes played.

 

[thor666]

depends. use ur ears to decide.

 

[vernplum]

You have to know both.

If you're trying to cover some of the classic thrash metal catalogue then you have to listen very intently to work out what those guys are actually doing. The difference between all downpicks, alternate, all upstrokes (yes this happens - think about main riff for Cowboys From Hell) and any combination in between are subtle but make a difference. Generally downpicks sound a bit thicker usually because of the lower tempo. Alternate pick riffs are for all those fast bits.

 

[metalella_eh]

i've got a question too. my guitar have 2 single pickups and a humbucker. everytime i strum my guitar. i will unknowingly hit the either of the single with my plectrum. is there any way i can prevent doing that.

thanks in advance.

 

[redjackal]

i generally use downstroke but if it's fas tempo, definately i'll do both up and down in order to attain that speed. unless i can train my hand to be ultra fast speed.

i think you can try to lower the height of your middle pickup. Or just get use to it and try not to hit :lol:

 

[Newbie]

metal: same. my strat, when playing stufs i will hit the mid pickup, just lower it. but have to tell u when u lower the volume will decrease... so yeah