Comments on: Sweep-Picking: Are You For It or Against It?

By: cob

cob — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:13:48 +0000

Sweep Picking is one of the most useful techniques in a guitar player’s aresenal. Somehow guitar playing has evolved into speed vs feel but the truth is the two are intrinsically related. And let’s not forget, arpeggiating a chord progression makes a statement just as much as playing a couple of chord tones. It’s just a different statement.

And let’s not forget that a ton of guitar players using a technique for speed and wanking reflects on their musicianship, not the beauty or reach of the technique.

For those bashing the video: It’s technical exercises for a bunch of Petrucci fanboys. That is all.

As a side note: wanking can be useful as well. So can wanking arpeggios over a segment to get to the next section of the solo. Crests and valleys.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:16:43 +0000

John Petrucci and/or Dream Theater never did anything for me, and they continue not to do anything for me. I think sweep picking shouldn't be banned, but you should have to get a license for it. You should have to appear before the Guitar Board and demonstrate facility in areas like tone and good taste before you're allowed to do it, then they'll grant you a license for LIMITED sweep picking. If you violate the terms you have your equipment taken away and you'll be forced to play a Kay strung with .13's through a solid state amp…FOR A YEAR…with a country band.

By: Lewis

Lewis — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:39:01 +0000

If you can use something and be musical then feel free. If it sounds bad, I won't listen and that goes for any style, genre, technique or what ever. Simple as that. There doesn't need to be a whole discussion about it, just move on to something you like.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:57:04 +0000

JP has mad technique and skill but nothing that he played in this video sounds musical to me.

By: bill

bill — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:53:07 +0000

I'd say sweep picking is fine as long as it facilitates some idea. I just don't hear an "idea" in the way John Pertrucci plays…

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:55:54 +0000

"Sweeping" is only one of many "wanking" techniques that seem to be nothing but a substitute/cover-up for a lack of authentic good guitar playing, and which seems to be going on a with way too many (most) wanna-be/so-called "guitarist' today!