Courses  Instructors  How It Works Plans & Pricing Blog Resources 
x

Log In

Log In 
Don't have an account? Sign Up

Reset Password

Submit 
An email has been sent with instructions on how to reset your password.

Sign Up For Free

Then join a course

Our store is currently undergoing maintenance. Check back in a few hours.
Already have an account? Log In

Paul Gilbert Lesson: Picking 3 Over 4

Paul Gilbert 3 over 4

In the video below, Paul Gilbert demonstrates a cool technique that all guitar players should have in their arsenal; picking 3 over 4.

 

So what does picking 3 over 4 mean? The phrase Paul uses in his demonstration is comprised of three sixteenth notes placed over a division of four. “It starts in kind of an odd place, but if you do it enough times and end it right, it all works out,” he says.

 

This exercise is a great picking challenge and a wonderful way to build your technique. The backbone here is alternate picking; you’ll start by strumming down, up, down, but since it’s a three note pattern, it will constantly be reversed. “Everything you once knew is now backwards,” says Paul. “We somehow have to lock this constant strumming motion to a three note pattern, which causes us to do different three note strokes in relation to the left hand part.”

 

Paul admits that it can be difficult to think about each individual motion. His advice is to instead focus more on keeping the picking motion constant, and to slow the entire phrase down if you’re still having a hard time nailing it. He even suggests exaggerating the strokes to help make sure you have the rhythm down. Eventually the motions will get smaller as you speed up, but it’s good to establish your coordination in the meantime.

 

 

 

Comments

X

Affordable Plans

Each subscription is for a single school. Pricing and features can vary slightly per school.

$35
1 Month membership
renews monthly
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$35/month (prepaid)
$90
3 Month membership
renews every 3 months
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$30/month (prepaid)
$240
12 Month membership
renews every 12 months
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$20/month (prepaid)
X