Sweep Picking:
Sweep picking is a guitar technique where you smoothly “sweep” your pick across multiple strings in one continuous motion to play a series of notes, typically arpeggios, in rapid succession.
It’s a favorite among shred guitarists for its speed and fluidity, creating a sound that feels like a cascading waterfall of notes.
How to Do it
In sweep picking, you don’t pick each string individually like in alternate picking.
Instead, you glide your pick in one fluid stroke across the strings, either upward or downward.
Meanwhile, your fretting hand coordinates to play each note cleanly, muting the others as needed.
The result? A seamless, flowing sound that’s faster and smoother than traditional picking techniques.
For example, playing a three-string arpeggio involves one smooth motion of the pick and precise finger movements on the fretboard to outline the chord tones.
Where You’ll Hear Sweep Picking
Sweep picking is a staple in rock, metal, and jazz fusion.
Guitar legends like Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker, and Frank Gambale have mastered this technique to deliver jaw-dropping solos and melodic arpeggios.
Songs in the neoclassical metal genre, for instance, often feature sweep-picked passages for their dramatic flair.
Why Learn Sweep Picking?
Although it’s not a must. If your goal is to take your guitar playing to the next shredding level, consider sweep-picking.
It opens up new musical possibilities and helps you execute complex arpeggios and solos with speed and precision.
While it can be extremely challenging at first, consistent practice will make it an invaluable part of your arsenal.