Frank Gambale wrote "Speed Picking" in while still a student at GIT, and it was first published by Hal Leonard in 1985 .
If you are looking for the "top" takeaways from his seminal Speed Picking book and methodology, it is not merely about playing fast—it is about playing .
The fundamental principle of Frank Gambale's approach is . Unlike standard alternate picking (down-up-down-up), Gambale’s system dictates that whenever you cross to a new string, you should use a single continuous stroke in the direction of the move.
) regardless of string changes. While alternate picking provides a strong rhythmic pulse, it creates inherent physical drag when moving between strings.
A massive, deep dive into scales, improvisational concepts, and modes adapted specifically for economy picking. frank gambale speed picking pdf top
Gambale often uses a technique involving two notes per string to change directions gracefully, avoiding the "robotic" sound of pure, straight-sweep arpeggios.
Unlike traditional alternate picking, where you strictly alternate up and down regardless of string changes, Gambale’s method uses a whenever you cross to a neighboring string.
The book breaks down how to let the pick "glide" across the strings. Unlike a strum, a sweep requires the pick to hit each string sequentially, with the fretting hand articulating notes so they don't bleed together.
A commonly referenced PDF lesson detailing the mechanics of Gambale’s two- or three-string downstroke crossovers. Frank Gambale wrote "Speed Picking" in while still
The core philosophy is simple: when moving from one string to an adjacent string, you continue the pick stroke in the same direction rather than forcing an alternate up-and-down motion. This creates a fluid, continuous sweep that eliminates unnecessary hand movements. The Core Mechanics of Economy Picking
Avoid random Google Drive links that only contain 2 pages. The "top" version of this PDF is the complete version. Many bootleg copies omit the last 20 pages of exercises, which cover string skipping and arpeggios. If the PDF ends at page 44, it is garbage.
While the "Speed Picking" book is the cornerstone of his teachings, Frank Gambale has created other fantastic resources. If you're looking for a "top" or comprehensive collection, here are the must-haves that complement the original method:
: This method can reduce the number of picking motions required by up to one-third, allowing for lightning-fast speeds with minimal physical strain. A massive, deep dive into scales, improvisational concepts,
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Musicians often rush the swept notes because the physical resistance drops. Keep your internal clock steady and ensure every sixteenth note or sextuplet receives equal time value.
Specific exercises to train the right hand to "sweep" while the left hand plays linear passages.
, a technique he pioneered to achieve the fluid, high-speed lines usually reserved for saxophonists or pianists. Released in 1985, this method revolutionized the guitar world by moving away from traditional alternate picking toward a more efficient "sweep" across strings. frankgambale.com Core Concepts of the Method Gambale’s system is built on the principle of economy of motion . Key pillars include: Amazon.com The "Sweep" Stroke