Speed

[Crazy Fingers]

Hey guys, great site you have here. I know many people appreciate the help you provide, Cyberfret. I certainly do, and I look forward to learning more in the forums.

I've been playing the guitar about six months and can play just about anything if I have the tabs and a little time to practice it. So I'm a beginner, but I'm not horrible.

Recently I tried playing the solo to 'Seek and Destroy' by Metallica. It really kicked my arse. How in the world can anyone play that fast?!?! I could only play it at about a third of the speed it was supposed to be played at. So any hints on how to play faster? I know about tremolo picking already.

Thanks in advance.

[blackbird]

Welcome Crazy Fingers ;) Wish I had some tips and secrets for you, but the only difference that I see between you and the Metallica guitarist is a number of years of experience (that, and a big contract)... So, while the phrase is trite and overused, "practise, practise, practise" still applies :) Great skills though... I hope that after 6 months I'll be as comfortable with the guitar as you. Keep it up!

[disturbed_pyro]

blackbird is right, practice does help a lot. but have you heard of alternate picking? instead of just downpicking (picking the string towards the ground), use up-picking too. just play down-up-down-up, and you should get the hang of it. using a light-gague pick helps a bit too.