Short Description: This article tries to clear certain misconceptions about sweep picking.

The arguments never seem to stop on whether sweep picking is indeed a desirable technique or it simply distorts the rhythm and precision that can be achieved through alternate picking. But before we take sides and try to shoot down those on the other side of the fence let’s try to understand what sweep picking actually is.

Let’s assume you’re playing a major scale having three notes per string. When you employ alternate picking technique you would go down/up/down right through the scale. But if you are sweep picking, you’ll pick down/up/down on the first string followed by DOWN/up/down on the higher pitched string and DOWN/up/down on the next string below it while ascending the scale. So, there will be two consecutive down strokes when strings are changed.

And while descending the scale, if you’re sweep picking you’ll pick up/down/up, UP/down/up, UP/down/up. Again you perform two same pick strokes consecutively while changing strings. This is the crux of sweep picking.

You must have learnt in school that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. The technique of sweep picking uses this elementary mathematical axiom and hence is the most logical way to pick. The guitarist goes directly to the string that needs to be picked without getting restricted by the strict down/up/down regimen of alternate picking style.

But some players tend to feel more comfortable while remaining in the predetermined pattern of alternate picking. They say it leaves them with more free time when they are improvising since the picking motion becomes almost automatic. I feel this to be more a matter of perception than any real problem.

There are also certain other common problems which many players face and generally tend to avoid sweep picking.

I’ve heard players complain of sloppy sound while sweep picking. This occurs mainly because most of them try to practice too fast. If picking is done slowly, the tones will become crystal clear. Speed can easily be achieved once the picking is perfect. The other problem is to mute the notes which are not played. Well, this can be easily done by using either the palm or the thumb to press the strings that are not struck.

You shouldn’t sound as if you’re strumming as your pick runs across the strings. Even though the arm moves in a continuous sweep, play the arpeggio slowly so that each note is roundly defined and clearly heard.