Many guitarists find themselves at a frustrating plateau: they understand the theory, they practice diligently, but the elusive art of shredding remains just out of reach. You might be familiar with exercises and picking techniques, yet that blistering speed seems unattainable. This was my exact experience, until I stumbled upon a game-changing approach to guitar exercises.
Initially, delving into detailed picking technique breakdowns was helpful in understanding the mechanics. Analyzing pick slanting and string switching was insightful, but translating this knowledge into actual shredding speed was another story. Like many, I could play exercises slowly and accurately, but the moment I tried to ramp up the tempo, everything fell apart. The common advice to “practice slowly until you can play fast” felt tedious and ineffective, especially when instructors like Troy Grady and Shawn Lane advocate against this traditional method.
Doubt crept in. Was I starting with exercises that were simply too advanced? Perhaps the “Pop Tarts lick,” despite its catchy name, was too ambitious as a starting point. I then shifted my focus to a seemingly simpler exercise: the “Single String – Six-Note Pattern.” This exercise, confined to a single string, appeared less daunting. However, watching a demonstration of this pattern played at shred speed was again discouraging. It was clear that even these foundational exercises were beyond my current capabilities.
Instead of giving up, I decided to dedicate focused practice time to these two exercises: the Pop Tarts lick and the Single String Six-Note Pattern. For about an hour each day over four days, I alternated between them. To keep things engaging, I’d occasionally throw in a run-through of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” (melody only, no hammer-ons or pull-offs) to break the monotony.
By the fifth day, a breakthrough occurred with the Single String Six-Note Pattern. I could finally play it at what could arguably be called shred speed. However, the Pop Tarts lick still felt significantly slower and more challenging. This disparity highlighted a crucial insight: the Single String Six-Note Pattern was shorter and less complex. This led me to wonder if breaking down the Pop Tarts lick into smaller, more manageable sections could be the key.
I started dissecting the Pop Tarts lick, beginning with the initial eight notes on the high E string: 12-15-14-12-11-14-12-11. Even this felt overwhelming at speed. So, I further divided it into two four-note segments: 12-15-14-12 and 11-14-12-11. Practicing each four-note section individually, focusing on playing them as fast as possible, unlocked something. I applied the same wrist and pick mechanics I used for tremolo picking, but instead of repeating a single note, I focused on distinct notes within the four-note group.
This was the turning point! Bringing the two four-note patterns back together, I could now play the entire eight-note sequence much faster. For the B string section of the Pop Tarts lick, I applied a similar approach, focusing on a six-note pattern (13-12-10-13-12-10), which is essentially a three-note pattern repeated. This proved even easier to master quickly.
Finally, the moment of truth: combining the high E string pattern with a string switch, utilizing the upward string escape inherent in downward pickslanting. Success! The ability to shred was no longer a distant dream.
Many guitarists already possess the single-note speed to shred, often exceeding 150 bpm. The challenge isn’t always raw speed, but rather translating that speed into fluid string switching and executing more complex phrases. The key lies in breaking down those complex phrases into smaller, digestible parts and then “rifling” through them with focused, fast bursts of practice.
While my journey into shredding is still in its early stages, this breakthrough using these specific exercises and breakdown techniques has been transformative. For anyone struggling to bridge the gap to shredding, especially if string switching isn’t the primary obstacle, consider this approach:
- Break down riffs and licks: Divide challenging phrases into smaller note sections or patterns.
- Practice small sections at speed: Focus on playing these smaller sections as fast as possible, even if it means using a tremolo picking-like motion for distinct notes.
- Combine sections: Gradually link the smaller sections back together as you gain speed and fluidity in each part.
- Repeat and expand: Apply this breakdown method to increasingly complex exercises and licks to continually expand your shredding capabilities.
This method, focusing on targeted exercises and strategic breakdown, can be the key to unlocking your guitar shredding potential.
