"Picking" scales...

[ssiowi]

Hi all:

I'm a year into playing a Parker MidiFly and a Washburn EA26. When practicing scales, what are the relative advantages and disadvantages to plucking the strings (i.e., with my pick) in both directions?

I have developed some confidence practicing scales plucking in just the downward direction. My right hand now--wants--to pick also in the upward direction. Picking upward however, I feel uncoordinated; that sensation will perhaps pass with time and effort.

I welcome your advice, protestations and encouragement. Thanks all.

[Coffee]

Practicing alternating picking allows more speed mainly. It also adds to your versatility. It's really worth learning and while it may feel awkward now, it will feel very natural shortly. The key is to be able to make any move that makes sense in the given situation. You will find that you will switch automatically between alternate picking and non-alternate depending on what makes the most sense at the time. Don't get hung up on the idea that every note needs to be alternate. A lot of metal rhythms use a lot of down strokes and it all depends on the effect your trying to get. So practice alternating, practice all upstrokes and all downstrokes. The goal is to be able to do anything the musical structure requires.

[RuSSkiE]

well...you should have started with alternate picking, thats the first thing my teacher taught me to do, now after 2 months o practising, i can do most scales at really fast speeds.