Steve Vai Sweep Picking Lesson

As a guitarist, mastering sweep picking is crucial for creating complex and intricate arpeggios. Steve Vai's unique playing style has inspired countless musicians, and his use of sweep picking is no exception. In this article, we'll delve into the world of sweep picking with a lesson tailored to help you improve your skills.

Firstly, let's take a look at an example from Anticosmic Overload by Obscura. Christian Muenzner plays an arpeggio pattern that starts on C# (in D standard tuning), which is . The pattern consists of the notes Į-12-15-(T19)-ī-13-12-13, which can be played in alternate picking or legato.

One key aspect to focus on when playing arpeggios is dynamic control. Steve Vai often plays arpeggios with a mix of dynamics, using both sweep picking and tapping techniques. To achieve this, you can experiment with different note lengths and finger independence.

In addition to sweep picking, we can also use fourths, sixths, and sevenths to add color and interest to our arpeggios. By thinking outside the box and considering non-consecutive notes in a scale, you can create unique and complex arpeggios that set your playing apart from others.

Some great examples of sweep picking can be found in songs like Rhapsody's 'Dagor' and Michael Angelo Batio's 'Speed Kills (No Boundaries)'. These tracks showcase the versatility of sweep picking and demonstrate how it can be used to create a range of dynamics and textures.

To take your sweep picking to the next level, we recommend exploring songs from bands like Between the Buried and Me, Galneryus, and I'm putting together an arpeggio video lesson package with a list of sweep arpeggios to learn from songs.

In conclusion, sweep picking is an essential technique for any guitarist looking to expand their musical horizons. By mastering this technique and experimenting with different patterns and dynamics, you can unlock new possibilities in your playing and take your music to the next level.

Steve vai sweep picking lesson