lol... cracking the code....with Steve Morse..... Steve Morse like Morsezeichen..Morsecode or Morsesignal.. but indeed that is a very good Video in my eyes... Thank you for sharing it..
Troy, I've gotta ask, how are you able to learn and then maintain all of these crazy techniques from the worlds greatest guitarists? Is it like riding a bike for you, in that you only have to learn each technique once and then you've got it? Cause that's not how it is for me, not at all. If I don't practice something -- even just like regular sweep arpeggios, I lose the ability to do them fast and cleanly.
Practically a living legend - really!!!! Steve Morse has been a recognized legend since the late 70’s - in fact he is unmatched - even today 2021. No one even discussed to take his place one day!
+Remmy 315 haha thanks my man!!! Be sure to check out the Weekend Wankshop I posted a few weeks ago titled "Crosspicking Crossfit", it's exactly what you need!!!
Ben Eller you are basically my alternate picking sensei. I came here to further my knowledge. To see that you are here too makes me feel like I’m in the right spot.
Dear Troy, Your approach towards the learning of our beloved instrument is unprecedented. You're making history here. Congratulations, and thank you very much.
Steve's technique has eluded me since the early 80s. No matter how hard I tried to master his alternating picking approach it always wore me out. So seeing this video and revealing how he does his right hand technique is incredible, amazing, makes me want to cry with joy type of feeling!! Thanks so much for sharing this video!!
I'm curious if you were able to get a handle on it after 4 years. I've seen other people say they wish they had learned certain picking styles much sooner, because they weren't able to alter their own styles later. I think I'm still at a stage where I can pick up economy and sweep picking, because I haven't settled into my own technique yet. What has your experience been like there?
Been playing almost 40yrs. Been a fan of Steve since I first came by him on the plastic 45rpm insert in Guitar Player Magazine in early 80s. This is one of the most useful guitar videos I have ever watched in my life.
Steve played on my first two albums,Eveing Pastoral and Kamikazie Christian..we sat in the control room with our jaws on the floor in 1979..He would practice on my guitar while waiting for the next session to not stretch his strings.I still play that guitar because now it is special.
I got to see Steve Morse at a seminar in the Dormont neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA - 12/17/85. Specialty Guitars of Pittsburgh (long gone now) set it up. About 20 or 25 of Specialty Guitars’ customers were invited. Steve interspersed explanations pf his signal chain, life as a working musician, lots and lots of playing tips (he really helped me), and of course 45 minutes to an hour of his playing. Steve Morse had no “attitude” - it was like sitting in someone’s living room with your high school buddies… except he is much, much better than anyone you’ve ever played guitar with.
I am playing guitar since more than 40 years, all kinds of techniques and different styles. But this is the first time i see a highly scientiific video regarding right hand plectrum playing. Thanks to Steve Morse and Troy Grady it is real professional clinic !
I've met Steve several times, and he's always been such a gracious and nice person. You can sense it as soon as you speak to him - he's the REAL DEAL! Easily, my favorite guitarist/musician...EVER! Great job Troy\m/
David Brewster You are very right about Steve, I've met him as well, and he is most definitely the real deal! Please check out facebook.com/groups/stevemorse
So what! Rather have headstrong genius like Blackmore than affable, band ruing idiot, Morse! He was great with the Dregs but completely out of place in a Rock band. Charlatan!
By far the best tutorial video I've ever seen, completely in depth and analyzed under a microscope that you may need to create your own particle collider. Fantastic job!
What's even more amazing is that Steve Morse is left handed. I noticed that the night he autographed my guitar. He confirmed that later in an email response. He's a great player and a very nice guy in person. Unfortunately, being left handed and having the same first name are the only two things we have in common. :(
Saw Steve at Seattle's Paramount in the late 80s ... he opened for Al, John and Paco ... so cool ... they really loved him ... they all played together at the end ...!
What an unbelievably informative video, i broke my left index finger a couple weeks ago, and this is now what ill be practicing for the next 4 weeks before I can play again. I've always been some what of an economy picker like EJ or YM. When it comes to alternate picking, nothing explains it better than this video. Thank you so much.
"Cracking the Code" is a good place to start for beginners, next you'll want to move to more advanced concepts like "The Pick of Destiny". Once you've got that down, you'll be able to understand the tools that all the pro's depend on like Van Halen's Secret Cable, Steve Vai's Magic Comb, or Yngwie's Super Shred Shoes.
I get that you are one of the “premier” guitar instructors around, today. That said, to have a freaking MASTER like Steve Morse or Vai or whom ever sit down and do a “mechanics” tutorial is astounding. Thank you for your effort. But, THANK them for their musicianship and willingness to pass knowledge to those who seek it. If the entire planet could relate the way musicians do, we’d all be better off. Plus, no one would have that silly “not me” feeling when we try a new guitar at the local music shop.
Troy, your vids are the bomb! There's not enough guitarists - and other synonymous stringed instruments - which pay attention to the importance of the strumming hand. Superb vids, bud!
I'm about 20 minutes into watching the complete interview, and it's so neat watching this exploration in hindsight, armed with what we now understand about picking mechanics and pickslanting. It's cool to see Morse use two-way pickslanting to accomplish the 4-note per string chromatic exercise starting with a downward-slanted upstroke, and talking about how it feels "unnatural, still". He can play it, but you see the increased difficulty from his facial expression. At that point in the video it's not clear whether Steve is consciously aware of the two-way pickslant "rotation" movements he makes to escape from between the strings in that style of pattern. Beyond the instructional aspect, this is fascinating as sort of a study in musical anthropology. Edit: Ha! Just got to the bit where Morse talks about the regularity of the pendulum motion of the right hand when you avoid two-string sweeps. Of course Yngwie would probably disagree on how big a deal that is (if Yngwie even wanted to have such a conversation), but getting inside Morse's head like this is gold!
The thing that always struck me about Steve Morse’s playing vs a Steve Vai or Yngwie is it is so melodic. Not just technically brilliant and blazing speed but beautiful melodies like pretty much every song on 1989’s High Tension Wires...
This kind of analysis is what I've been looking for all my guitar life! It really answers a lot of ergonomical questions that I've been struggling with!!! Thank you so much for sharing your rigorous research!!!
Never really seen guitar technique analyzed like this. I've got no formal training, but the way this is presented was just really easy to digest. You got a new subscriber, thanks for sharing!
This video is way beyond amazing. Thanks! And Steve is... Well, it the humblest and most incredible guitar artist I've ever listened to. Let alone that High Tension Wires is one of the albums I never leave home without.
The counter-rotation technique is almost like a magic trick. I never thought alternate picked arpeggios could be played by mere mortals, and yet somehow I can do a passable version of it. Thanks so much!
Justin Armstrong It's not a speed thing, per se -- it all hinges on getting the movement. It's rotational, but it's not overly twisty and feels more like back and forth movement if you're not paying too much attention to it. Once you establish that and burn it in a little, you'll have it at whatever speeds you normally have.
Yeah, I experimented at 209 just to see what would happen and I could sort of do it, but with plenty of bum notes. I just need to burn it in more, and improve the upward slant parts that are a little messy.
This type of sharing by just giving away all (almost all) his secrects elevates Steve in my estimation all the way to 1#. He mounts the camera to the guitar from multiple angles so that we don't miss a thing, how cool can you get? Honestly I have never seen an instructional video this detailed before in my entire life. Steve I want to thank you very much, and I will be supporting you and your band.
Great analysis, Troy! One thing you didn't highlight is Steve's precise and consistent pick angle. He maintains that by progressively flexing the first joint of his thumb as he moves the pick upward across the strings to play the wound strings. By the time he's back on the high E string, his thumb is straight.
I really appreciate what you're doing in these videos. I've only recently started paying attention to the technical aspects of musicianship in guitar music and feel Michael Angelo Batio is right when he says that classical and jazz are miles ahead of rock in terms of musical knowledge. It's amazing that you're putting this resource together that can translate that knowledge to the players of the future, pushing the boundaries of what can be done on the guitar and within rock music and it's subgenres. Great work.
Thank you Troy and the team for these revolutionary videos! They are well thought out and professionally produced to the point of amazement! Here is my analysis of applying this lesson to a six string alternate picking single note G major arpeggio. Try saying that 10 x fast LOL I hold the pick with a "medium grip" so that the pick "pivots" between my finger and the pick. I find it more difficult to play when I use a "firm grip" which creates a strong string attack at higher speeds. It would be great to be able to share ideas and analysis's with like minded musicians. Maybe even a contest where we submit a lick or practice exercise for review and you pick a winner and offer a prize? Just thinking here and looking forward to what you all think? The more ideas we share the more we will learn together by applying the concepts in these lessons.
My favorite guitar player since I was a wee lad. Must have seen the Dixie Dregs 25 times in and around Macon back in the late 70's/early 80s, and the SMB throughout the 90's all along the east coast. An incredibly artful composer of nuanced, powerful music, he is also one of the most naturally technical guitar players, able to do incredibly complex things and never sound like a robot in the process. EDIT: I was so wowed with Steve I forgot to thank you for the excellent video and analysis. Amazing insights.
This is amazing. Such a great in depth-analysis brought with more conviction/produiction value than most stuff on tv nowadays. Learned a lot and it was also a super entertaining watch!
WTF... are you compare Steve to Guthrie technique? Guthrie is far far away from Steve... try to play for example "pride o´the farm" " tumeni notes" or "flat baroque"... possibly three most difficult musics to play on a guitar, joining Speed kills from MAB
Vera Florindo , nonsens! Guthrie is on pair with Steve Morse regarding to picking technique, Guthrie can play anything! Try to play Rhode Island shred!
relax every body, learn anything from every master, don't confine yourself to this and that guitarist, every pro guitarist is good in his own technique, learn from all, it helps
The best dollars I've spent in the last years... Watched, digested and now I'm crazy trying my way in this Steve Marvelous-Mechanic... It's a bit strange but somehow familiar and organic. Troy as always you are awesome with this! Steve Morse Pack RULES!
Alternate picking arpeggios are so badass. I always go between practicing them sweep picking and alternate picked, but I still have never hit Morse level of single note alt picking across all the strings that nicely, haha. It's easier for me to alt pick arps if I double or triple up on each note, or just trem pick the entire thing, but I still try to practice the way the legendary Morse does it as well ;)
The one piece of advice he gave me when played for us a G.I.T. in 1982. I've never forgotten it and it's changed my playing ever since. Up/Down now is now natural for me. It is not difficult; it's natural.
I've been alternate picking arpeggios and chords at high speeds for well over 36 years since my early teens, and it's all over my recordings. I don't really do any economy picking at all unless I'm playing a cover and minimally do sweeps. My multi octave arpeggios are all alternate picked which I prefer. I did a simple instructional video and how to do it about 19 years ago. Besides Steve Morse and myself I really didn't know any guitar players that did all alternate picked arpeggios, chords or across all 6-7 strings. I'm glad to know Rusty and yourself Troy do it too. What I noticed in this video is that your first animation is wrong with the angles, which are too extreme compared to Steve or Rusty even tho you are able to do it your own way. Which I'm sure you worked hard at and I give you credit. But the real secret is Steve's, Rusty's and my way of doing it all incorporate the pick more perpendicular to the string with only a slight downward angle. Which 351 or larger very thick pointy picks set up more naturally. Steve used a Medium 351 back in the 80s and played with the rounded edge back then as he explained in guitar player magazine, which I'm sure it helped him develop his technique because the side of the pick requires a more perpendicular way of playing. In a more recent interview I've seen him say now he uses a thicker medium/heavy, and in this video he's using the point instead of the rounded edge. Which the pick rule is a thinner rounded pick is similar to a thicker pointy pick when it comes to grabbing the string. Of course there's tonality differences but I'm discussing mechanics. So Rusty's thick swiss pick with a fist approach is acting like Steve's extended fingers with a medium/heavy. But they're both more perpendicular. Yngwie and Joe Stump also achieve a perpendicular attack with a Delrin 500, which is a slightly smaller 351 with a lot of bevel and works more like a smaller pick while using 8s on the treble strings so they're digging in there. If you notice Steve anchors on the high E with his pinky, and what's actually going on is there's an element of "Flexion". You actually demonstrate it correctly at 16:00 with your anchoring of the ring finger, which is exactly as I do it and demonstrate in my video. This type of Flexion is slightly hovering above the strings or barely resting, and creates a type of center point and digs into the strings. The example around 16:53 is incorrect because you flip the pick upside down and is an extreme form of Flexion. What that tells me is that your pick size and gauge make you play too angled, slicing the string to get a sound regardless of direction and you're trying to compensate. Which is good if you wanna be more of a sweeper which is all wrist and arm, but creates more difficulty for this technique because is requires control with the fingers at the pick as well as the wrist and arm. You probably need a heavier or larger pick which will make you adjust more perpendicular. When correctly done like at 16:00 each pick stroke down goes past the next string clearing it but can pick it on the up stroke or vice versa because the arm slightly adjusts, kinda like your Flamingo cartoon. This is literally "Flat Picking". Because of the anchoring whether with pinky or ring finger with the hovering or barely resting, the arm, wrist and extended fingers slightly, all work together for the position of each string ascending or descending. Steve and I both play with our fingers extended as opposed to the fist approach, so the fingers actually make micro adjustments and pick slanting, kinda like "circle picking" but much more fine tuned because the forearm move for positioning, with speed coming from the wrist and adjustments from the extended fingers with pick slanting that is less extreme. Steve plays with 3 fingers on the pick like Eddie Van Halen or early Paul Gilbert, so resting on the ring finger wont work for them because the middle finger on the pick brings in everything too deep and not enough room for the wrist to work. I play with extended index and thumb and rest on the ring finger. Rusty when shredding is in more of a fist approach barely resting/hovering on the upper palm, because you can see the arm adjusting positions over the strings, but you can also see his attack is also more perpendicular with a slight angle. Because everybody's physiology isn't the same along with different pick and string gauges, each that can do this type of alternate picking for extended lengths of time has particular ways of achieving a more perpendicular attack with slight angle.
Beyond Steve's incredible talent on stage, is his humble attitude and willingness to share and teach other guitarists to "give something back" to the next generation of players. While attending the University of Miami, some of Steve's "classmates" were Pat Metheny and Joco Pastorious. WOW! Metheny (another favorite of mine) said "he just about had a heart attack" the first time he heard Morse play". I was fortunate to see Steve play 3 times during the late 70s and early 80s when he was mostly touring with the Dixie Dregs. My jaw hit the floor the first time I saw the band live (SO tight)and it was a testament to the "under ground" following they had when, at times, almost half the audience would leave after the Dregs ended their set as the opening act for more "popular" groups.
He is so laid back, he came around through the crowd to sign autographs when he was in the Dregs. I jammed with him at RRFC a few years ago playing Highway Star.
Been to a couple of Steve's Ernie Ball-sponsored clinics that he used to give on tour. He's a great guy and honestly wanted to help and answer everyones questions. I try to catch the Dregs and SMB anytime they are through, have always managed to miss the Deep Purple tours, sadly.
Wow. This video explained a few things I've consciously worked on, but it also elaborated and showed me things I hadn't thought of. Steve Morse is amazing, humble, and intelligent which is fortunate for us that he can articulate what he does so we can learn from it. Troy, you're also phenomenal as a player, teacher, and video editor! Your skill and intelligence is the gateway to making this video so effective. Thank you!
Jeremy Bourque thanks Jeremy, glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the kind words! Steve indeed is all those things, and wonderful to work with - we were lucky to have the chance to interview him. We love making this stuff, and always happy when it resonates.
+jewelfewel I've thought about all this stuff before, it's pretty natural for an analytical brain to think about if you're analyzing guitar technique and trying to improve. The impressive part is how he's organized his thoughts into a clear concise graphically-represented fashion.
It is scary. Not sure if it's a bad thing, but in my opinion, if you put as much effort into improving yur own style, you'd benefit far more from it. Because this is how originiality dies.
@@eveningninja9824 Nah bro, its straight up scary. If I was Steve Morse I would be hiding my right hand anytime I got near Troy. Like...for real Troy....stop looking at my hands dude....you're making me very uncomfortable...lol
@@leonardsullivan Nah... Steve has nothing to hide! The greatest in the game are always like, "here's how I do it... Do you work as hard as me though?"
When I saw the fist series on Malmsteen, Vai and Johnson in the Cracking the Code series I was wondering how Steve Morse would fit into that. I knew he was pretty much only an alternate picker, so how was Morse flying like the others? This is the best detail I've seen of his mechanics after years of studying Morse.
Killer video!! All in all this makes things easier once in muscle memory I bet. Steve is such a pure guitarist who keeps appearing when I am not looking for him, but reminding me how great he is.
If it's possible, I think I love Steve Morse a little more after watching this. (You too, Troy, for bringing all this amazing information to us. Thank you!) But getting this one-note-per-string alt picking down is a bitch! You are absolutely right, it does not seem to work at slow speeds. And I also think you are right in saying that one day it will all simply fall into place... Damn... I wonder whether breaking down into 3- or 4-string chunks (first the lower, then the higher strings, then mix it up) might help...
Troy - besides being an incredible educator deserving of the highest awards for services to guitar, you are also an insanely amazing guitarist! The way you are able to learn these virtuoso techniques for your demonstrations completely blows my mind!
AMEN! If they work on even just one more album I can die happy. Steve's ultimate songwriting prowess and versatility is displayed on Dregs albums. Genius
Now that Troy and crew have covered even-numbered alternate picking (Volcano and Cascade), odd-numbered alternate picking (Antigravity), sweeping (Marshall Harrison interview), and now 1-note-per-string alternate picking (Steve Morse), let us all look forward to the next logical chapter: zero-note-per-string alternate picking!
Hi Troy! im a guitar player for 17 years, I played with many amazing players around the world and I have to tell you, I love your work! It's amazing for me to see the same study I was doing when I was a young guitar player! you did it so perfect and enjoying to watch and learn, and I recommending every student and friend of mine who play the guitar to watch your channel! I can see on your playing that you are a phenomenal player and every note you play is top notch! Thanks for the amazing work! I hope I to play with you some day.
I watched him playing live with Deep Purple, and his sound, tone, technique are incredible. Anything you heard from studio version, he can play them live and even better than in studio one.
Love your lessons, thanks ,you have taken techniques that people don't even know how they are doing it themselves ,and break it apart and you use stop camera action to explain. .thanks for all your hard work.
1:29 Segovia did that 100 years ago but.... he used 3 fingers and a thumb to achieve it. Guiding a thin pick across strings accurately at that speed is just.... depressing for other guitarists, inspiring for some and baffling for pretty much most. I listen and go wow, that sounds great. Watch and go, fuuuuuuuuuuuuu, don't even try.
A much needed explanation of how I was doing "Eugene's Lil Bag of Tricks". After years of trying to master it to speed, I went to sweeping, which didn't sound right. I'm back to picking each note now, thanks to this video, and it's sounding much better. Much appreciated!
I play guitar a lot for people who don't play, or have just started, and they often act like I what I do is some feat of dark sorcery. But when they ask how I do it, the answer is always simple, "practice" and I always tell them, practice as much as I do for as long as I have and you'll be as good as me, practice more than I do for as long as I have, and you'll be better
Want to transform your technique? Join our incredible community of guitar learning at Cracking the Code! troygrady.com/join/
lol... cracking the code....with Steve Morse..... Steve Morse like Morsezeichen..Morsecode or Morsesignal..
but indeed that is a very good Video in my eyes...
Thank you for sharing it..
Troy, I've gotta ask, how are you able to learn and then maintain all of these crazy techniques from the worlds greatest guitarists? Is it like riding a bike for you, in that you only have to learn each technique once and then you've got it? Cause that's not how it is for me, not at all. If I don't practice something -- even just like regular sweep arpeggios, I lose the ability to do them fast and cleanly.
Troy Grady
Damn , that's pretty informative . Thanks a million Troy , you rock .
The one thing I like or love about Steve Morse is he has no ego he's such a good person.
AND of course deemed worthy to replace Mr Blackmore
ive seen him live more than most anyone on the west coast. probably 50 times? the cat was all about the sound. a pure musician
Practically a living legend - really!!!! Steve Morse has been a recognized legend since the late 70’s - in fact he is unmatched - even today 2021. No one even discussed to take his place one day!
Yet another fantastic video. Thank you all so much.
Ben Eller ...Uncle?
It is I! Uncle Ben has Suckamaniacs, but I myself am a Gradymaniac!
Ben Eller So after all, the master does indeed have a master, interesting...
+Remmy 315 haha thanks my man!!! Be sure to check out the Weekend Wankshop I posted a few weeks ago titled "Crosspicking Crossfit", it's exactly what you need!!!
Ben Eller you are basically my alternate picking sensei. I came here to further my knowledge. To see that you are here too makes me feel like I’m in the right spot.
Dear Troy,
Your approach towards the learning of our beloved instrument is unprecedented.
You're making history here.
Congratulations, and thank you very much.
Steve's technique has eluded me since the early 80s. No matter how hard I tried to master his alternating picking approach it always wore me out. So seeing this video and revealing how he does his right hand technique is incredible, amazing, makes me want to cry with joy type of feeling!! Thanks so much for sharing this video!!
I'm curious if you were able to get a handle on it after 4 years. I've seen other people say they wish they had learned certain picking styles much sooner, because they weren't able to alter their own styles later. I think I'm still at a stage where I can pick up economy and sweep picking, because I haven't settled into my own technique yet. What has your experience been like there?
This is the best guitar video I have ever seen. A solid scientific approach to technique analysis is what society has been missing. BRAVO!
I think Troy Grady is generating a very important legacy in guitar technique education. We are watching history as it happens.
Been playing almost 40yrs. Been a fan of Steve since I first came by him on the plastic 45rpm insert in Guitar Player Magazine in early 80s. This is one of the most useful guitar videos I have ever watched in my life.
I had that issue, think it had David Gilmour on the cover....the 45 was The Introduction from his first solo album.
You want to see a thorough analysis of Steve Morse's right hand technique?
Here you go!
Great stuff! Thanks Troy!
Steve played on my first two albums,Eveing Pastoral and Kamikazie Christian..we sat in the control room with our jaws on the floor in 1979..He would practice on my guitar while waiting for the next session to not stretch his strings.I still play that guitar because now it is special.
Wow! Good for you..
Cool, you still have those two albums?
I got to see Steve Morse at a seminar in the Dormont neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA - 12/17/85. Specialty Guitars of Pittsburgh (long gone now) set it up. About 20 or 25 of Specialty Guitars’ customers were invited.
Steve interspersed explanations pf his signal chain, life as a working musician, lots and lots of playing tips (he really helped me), and of course 45 minutes to an hour of his playing.
Steve Morse had no “attitude” - it was like sitting in someone’s living room with your high school buddies… except he is much, much better than anyone you’ve ever played guitar with.
That sounds like exactly the kind of thing he would do. lol.
I am playing guitar since more than 40 years, all kinds of techniques and different styles. But this is the first time i see a highly scientiific video regarding right hand plectrum playing. Thanks to Steve Morse and Troy Grady it is real professional clinic !
I've met Steve several times, and he's always been such a gracious and nice person. You can sense it as soon as you speak to him - he's the REAL DEAL!
Easily, my favorite guitarist/musician...EVER!
Great job Troy\m/
David Brewster You are very right about Steve, I've met him as well, and he is most definitely the real deal! Please check out facebook.com/groups/stevemorse
So what! Rather have headstrong genius like Blackmore than affable, band ruing idiot, Morse! He was great with the Dregs but completely out of place in a Rock band. Charlatan!
Purplexi- What the hell is wrong with you?
Steve Morse is one of the great magicians of guitar.
By far the best tutorial video I've ever seen, completely in depth and analyzed under a microscope that you may need to create your own particle collider. Fantastic job!
My fingers and muscles hurt just by watching Steve alternate pick every note. Insane skill level
this picking is very hard, but master it is so much fun and rewarding! i love steve morse and troy grady
This is the most scientific examination of guitar technique I've ever witnessed. Superbly captured🤔
Wired Weird ¿0
This is such lightspeed extra terrestial high technicality that it needs calming space music in the background.
What a totally fascinating look into Steve's formidable picking technique! Thank you for this!!!
I didn't expect to find such quality of a guitar video lesson for free, many thanks.
amazing video. really your videos deserve an award for excellence in teaching. unparralelled
What's even more amazing is that Steve Morse is left handed. I noticed that the night he autographed my guitar. He confirmed that later in an email response. He's a great player and a very nice guy in person. Unfortunately, being left handed and having the same first name are the only two things we have in common. :(
Well done.Huge respect for Steve....and Troy.
Steve always has been an astonishing and influential player.
Troy - What exceptional analysis, demonstration, and fitting tribute to a legendary guitarist, Steve Morse. Thank you for sharing this.
Saw Steve at Seattle's Paramount in the late 80s ... he opened for Al, John and Paco ... so cool ... they really loved him ... they all played together at the end ...!
What an unbelievably informative video, i broke my left index finger a couple weeks ago, and this is now what ill be practicing for the next 4 weeks before I can play again. I've always been some what of an economy picker like EJ or YM. When it comes to alternate picking, nothing explains it better than this video. Thank you so much.
"Cracking the Code" is a good place to start for beginners, next you'll want to move to more advanced concepts like "The Pick of Destiny". Once you've got that down, you'll be able to understand the tools that all the pro's depend on like Van Halen's Secret Cable, Steve Vai's Magic Comb, or Yngwie's Super Shred Shoes.
I get that you are one of the “premier” guitar instructors around, today. That said, to have a freaking MASTER like Steve Morse or Vai or whom ever sit down and do a “mechanics” tutorial is astounding. Thank you for your effort. But, THANK them for their musicianship and willingness to pass knowledge to those who seek it. If the entire planet could relate the way musicians do, we’d all be better off. Plus, no one would have that silly “not me” feeling when we try a new guitar at the local music shop.
Steve Morse is not only an incredible player and composer(I have actually seen him live too), but his technique is Godlike.
Fantastic video. Extraordinary as usual, Mr. Steve Morse. Thanks for the vid!
Troy, your vids are the bomb! There's not enough guitarists - and other synonymous stringed instruments - which pay attention to the importance of the strumming hand.
Superb vids, bud!
Thanks Barrie!
Yes i agree. Very very inspiring to watch. I can't believe Steve is still around and going strong...
Barrie McAllister stop grovelling, my vomit bag is full
Your videos have helped me 10 fold. I can play super clean and pick faster than ever! Thanks!!
I'm about 20 minutes into watching the complete interview, and it's so neat watching this exploration in hindsight, armed with what we now understand about picking mechanics and pickslanting. It's cool to see Morse use two-way pickslanting to accomplish the 4-note per string chromatic exercise starting with a downward-slanted upstroke, and talking about how it feels "unnatural, still". He can play it, but you see the increased difficulty from his facial expression. At that point in the video it's not clear whether Steve is consciously aware of the two-way pickslant "rotation" movements he makes to escape from between the strings in that style of pattern. Beyond the instructional aspect, this is fascinating as sort of a study in musical anthropology.
Edit: Ha! Just got to the bit where Morse talks about the regularity of the pendulum motion of the right hand when you avoid two-string sweeps. Of course Yngwie would probably disagree on how big a deal that is (if Yngwie even wanted to have such a conversation), but getting inside Morse's head like this is gold!
by far theBEST
Dude, you make AMAZING videos. The editing and content are so superior to anything I've seen out there... congratulations!
Thank you for documenting all these legends from angles no one had done! these will remain in the history forever!
The thing that always struck me about Steve Morse’s playing vs a Steve Vai or Yngwie is it is so melodic. Not just technically brilliant and blazing speed but beautiful melodies like pretty much every song on 1989’s High Tension Wires...
Malmsteen?? Are You crazy?? Malmsteen It on te must end unic guitarist in the world in shi Still...It a tesoro
steve vai and yngwie not melodic?? have you listened to any of their songs
This kind of analysis is what I've been looking for all my guitar life! It really answers a lot of ergonomical questions that I've been struggling with!!! Thank you so much for sharing your rigorous research!!!
Never really seen guitar technique analyzed like this. I've got no formal training, but the way this is presented was just really easy to digest. You got a new subscriber, thanks for sharing!
I'm not a guitar player but I was enthralled by the entire video. Nicely done! Of course, I am a huge fan of Steve Morse.
This video is way beyond amazing. Thanks!
And Steve is... Well, it the humblest and most incredible guitar artist I've ever listened to. Let alone that High Tension Wires is one of the albums I never leave home without.
This has got to be the best guitar lesson channel on RUclips. Just incredible.
The counter-rotation technique is almost like a magic trick. I never thought alternate picked arpeggios could be played by mere mortals, and yet somehow I can do a passable version of it. Thanks so much!
Justin Armstrong Awesome. When you get this happening we're going to need video!
***** will do. It's getting more comfortable every day. We'll see if I get to 209.
Justin Armstrong It's not a speed thing, per se -- it all hinges on getting the movement. It's rotational, but it's not overly twisty and feels more like back and forth movement if you're not paying too much attention to it. Once you establish that and burn it in a little, you'll have it at whatever speeds you normally have.
Yeah, I experimented at 209 just to see what would happen and I could sort of do it, but with plenty of bum notes. I just need to burn it in more, and improve the upward slant parts that are a little messy.
This type of sharing by just giving away all (almost all) his secrects elevates Steve in my estimation all the way to 1#. He mounts the camera to the guitar from multiple angles so that we don't miss a thing, how cool can you get? Honestly I have never seen an instructional video this detailed before in my entire life. Steve I want to thank you very much, and I will be supporting you and your band.
Great analysis, Troy! One thing you didn't highlight is Steve's precise and consistent pick angle. He maintains that by progressively flexing the first joint of his thumb as he moves the pick upward across the strings to play the wound strings. By the time he's back on the high E string, his thumb is straight.
I really appreciate what you're doing in these videos. I've only recently started paying attention to the technical aspects of musicianship in guitar music and feel Michael Angelo Batio is right when he says that classical and jazz are miles ahead of rock in terms of musical knowledge. It's amazing that you're putting this resource together that can translate that knowledge to the players of the future, pushing the boundaries of what can be done on the guitar and within rock music and it's subgenres. Great work.
Thank you Troy and the team for these revolutionary videos! They are well thought out and professionally produced to the point of amazement! Here is my analysis of applying this lesson to a six string alternate picking single note G major arpeggio. Try saying that 10 x fast LOL I hold the pick with a "medium grip" so that the pick "pivots" between my finger and the pick. I find it more difficult to play when I use a "firm grip" which creates a strong string attack at higher speeds. It would be great to be able to share ideas and analysis's with like minded musicians. Maybe even a contest where we submit a lick or practice exercise for review and you pick a winner and offer a prize? Just thinking here and looking forward to what you all think? The more ideas we share the more we will learn together by applying the concepts in these lessons.
Troy your discoveries about technique are like the discovery of the law of gravity or the invention of fire, or a wheel, or a computer. Revolutional
My favorite guitar player since I was a wee lad. Must have seen the Dixie Dregs 25 times in and around Macon back in the late 70's/early 80s, and the SMB throughout the 90's all along the east coast. An incredibly artful composer of nuanced, powerful music, he is also one of the most naturally technical guitar players, able to do incredibly complex things and never sound like a robot in the process. EDIT: I was so wowed with Steve I forgot to thank you for the excellent video and analysis. Amazing insights.
tempjohn1111 Hi, please check out facebook.com/groups/stevemorse :-)
steve morse, such a nice man and an advanced artist in his own way
That was insanely interesting. Learned so much.
Good freaking luck on getting as good as Steve Morse.
I cannot belief you just referenced Magic: The Gathering! My two favourite things!
This is amazing. Such a great in depth-analysis brought with more conviction/produiction value than most stuff on tv nowadays. Learned a lot and it was also a super entertaining watch!
You should do a video on guthrie govans technique.
+Christ IsLord YES YES AND YES
Hell yeah!
WTF... are you compare Steve to Guthrie technique? Guthrie is far far away from Steve... try to play for example "pride o´the farm" " tumeni notes" or "flat baroque"... possibly three most difficult musics to play on a guitar, joining Speed kills from MAB
Vera Florindo , nonsens! Guthrie is on pair with Steve Morse regarding to picking technique, Guthrie can play anything!
Try to play Rhode Island shred!
relax every body, learn anything from every master, don't confine yourself to this and that guitarist, every pro guitarist is good in his own technique, learn from all, it helps
The best dollars I've spent in the last years... Watched, digested and now I'm crazy trying my way in this Steve Marvelous-Mechanic... It's a bit strange but somehow familiar and organic.
Troy as always you are awesome with this! Steve Morse Pack RULES!
Alternate picking arpeggios are so badass. I always go between practicing them sweep picking and alternate picked, but I still have never hit Morse level of single note alt picking across all the strings that nicely, haha. It's easier for me to alt pick arps if I double or triple up on each note, or just trem pick the entire thing, but I still try to practice the way the legendary Morse does it as well ;)
The one piece of advice he gave me when played for us a G.I.T. in 1982. I've never forgotten it and it's changed my playing ever since. Up/Down now is now natural for me. It is not difficult; it's natural.
I've been alternate picking arpeggios and chords at high speeds for well over 36 years since my early teens, and it's all over my recordings. I don't really do any economy picking at all unless I'm playing a cover and minimally do sweeps. My multi octave arpeggios are all alternate picked which I prefer. I did a simple instructional video and how to do it about 19 years ago. Besides Steve Morse and myself I really didn't know any guitar players that did all alternate picked arpeggios, chords or across all 6-7 strings. I'm glad to know Rusty and yourself Troy do it too.
What I noticed in this video is that your first animation is wrong with the angles, which are too extreme compared to Steve or Rusty even tho you are able to do it your own way. Which I'm sure you worked hard at and I give you credit. But the real secret is Steve's, Rusty's and my way of doing it all incorporate the pick more perpendicular to the string with only a slight downward angle. Which 351 or larger very thick pointy picks set up more naturally. Steve used a Medium 351 back in the 80s and played with the rounded edge back then as he explained in guitar player magazine, which I'm sure it helped him develop his technique because the side of the pick requires a more perpendicular way of playing. In a more recent interview I've seen him say now he uses a thicker medium/heavy, and in this video he's using the point instead of the rounded edge. Which the pick rule is a thinner rounded pick is similar to a thicker pointy pick when it comes to grabbing the string. Of course there's tonality differences but I'm discussing mechanics. So Rusty's thick swiss pick with a fist approach is acting like Steve's extended fingers with a medium/heavy. But they're both more perpendicular. Yngwie and Joe Stump also achieve a perpendicular attack with a Delrin 500, which is a slightly smaller 351 with a lot of bevel and works more like a smaller pick while using 8s on the treble strings so they're digging in there.
If you notice Steve anchors on the high E with his pinky, and what's actually going on is there's an element of "Flexion". You actually demonstrate it correctly at 16:00 with your anchoring of the ring finger, which is exactly as I do it and demonstrate in my video. This type of Flexion is slightly hovering above the strings or barely resting, and creates a type of center point and digs into the strings. The example around 16:53 is incorrect because you flip the pick upside down and is an extreme form of Flexion. What that tells me is that your pick size and gauge make you play too angled, slicing the string to get a sound regardless of direction and you're trying to compensate. Which is good if you wanna be more of a sweeper which is all wrist and arm, but creates more difficulty for this technique because is requires control with the fingers at the pick as well as the wrist and arm. You probably need a heavier or larger pick which will make you adjust more perpendicular.
When correctly done like at 16:00 each pick stroke down goes past the next string clearing it but can pick it on the up stroke or vice versa because the arm slightly adjusts, kinda like your Flamingo cartoon. This is literally "Flat Picking". Because of the anchoring whether with pinky or ring finger with the hovering or barely resting, the arm, wrist and extended fingers slightly, all work together for the position of each string ascending or descending. Steve and I both play with our fingers extended as opposed to the fist approach, so the fingers actually make micro adjustments and pick slanting, kinda like "circle picking" but much more fine tuned because the forearm move for positioning, with speed coming from the wrist and adjustments from the extended fingers with pick slanting that is less extreme.
Steve plays with 3 fingers on the pick like Eddie Van Halen or early Paul Gilbert, so resting on the ring finger wont work for them because the middle finger on the pick brings in everything too deep and not enough room for the wrist to work. I play with extended index and thumb and rest on the ring finger. Rusty when shredding is in more of a fist approach barely resting/hovering on the upper palm, because you can see the arm adjusting positions over the strings, but you can also see his attack is also more perpendicular with a slight angle. Because everybody's physiology isn't the same along with different pick and string gauges, each that can do this type of alternate picking for extended lengths of time has particular ways of achieving a more perpendicular attack with slight angle.
Beyond Steve's incredible talent on stage, is his humble attitude and willingness to share and teach other guitarists to "give something back" to the next generation of players. While attending the University of Miami, some of Steve's "classmates" were Pat Metheny and Joco Pastorious. WOW! Metheny (another favorite of mine) said "he just about had a heart attack" the first time he heard Morse play". I was fortunate to see Steve play 3 times during the late 70s and early 80s when he was mostly touring with the Dixie Dregs. My jaw hit the floor the first time I saw the band live (SO tight)and it was a testament to the "under ground" following they had when, at times, almost half the audience would leave after the Dregs ended their set as the opening act for more "popular" groups.
He is so laid back, he came around through the crowd to sign autographs when he was in the Dregs. I jammed with him at RRFC a few years ago playing Highway Star.
Been to a couple of Steve's Ernie Ball-sponsored clinics that he used to give on tour. He's a great guy and honestly wanted to help and answer everyones questions. I try to catch the Dregs and SMB anytime they are through, have always managed to miss the Deep Purple tours, sadly.
Wow. This video explained a few things I've consciously worked on, but it also elaborated and showed me things I hadn't thought of. Steve Morse is amazing, humble, and intelligent which is fortunate for us that he can articulate what he does so we can learn from it. Troy, you're also phenomenal as a player, teacher, and video editor! Your skill and intelligence is the gateway to making this video so effective. Thank you!
Jeremy Bourque thanks Jeremy, glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the kind words! Steve indeed is all those things, and wonderful to work with - we were lucky to have the chance to interview him. We love making this stuff, and always happy when it resonates.
It is a Morse's Code.
Somchiman haha
😆
I've never seen a video on youtube so Analytical on guitar playing. Thank you man you are also one of the greats
That's just wonderful... now I really feel like a spaz...
With all due respect to the other amazing episodes Troy made, but this one is my very favorite and also the most overwhelming. That's brilliant!
Thanks Bruno! But this video falls a little short of explaining in plain English how Steve does what he does. We'll do better in the future.
I didn't know this level of obsession of analysis was possible. it's scary actually
+jewelfewel I've thought about all this stuff before, it's pretty natural for an analytical brain to think about if you're analyzing guitar technique and trying to improve. The impressive part is how he's organized his thoughts into a clear concise graphically-represented fashion.
It is scary. Not sure if it's a bad thing, but in my opinion, if you put as much effort into improving yur own style, you'd benefit far more from it. Because this is how originiality dies.
Troy is like that Dude who exposes all the Magicians Secrets
@@eveningninja9824
Nah bro, its straight up scary. If I was Steve Morse I would be hiding my right hand anytime I got near Troy.
Like...for real Troy....stop looking at my hands dude....you're making me very uncomfortable...lol
@@leonardsullivan Nah... Steve has nothing to hide! The greatest in the game are always like, "here's how I do it... Do you work as hard as me though?"
Troy.....you have to have one of the best right hands anywhere and must be the best right hand picking teacher of all time.
good presentation, animation and video work.
SUPREME!!!!! I love this :-) And Maestro Morse! Thanks so much Troy Grady!
15:20 yeah, with a forearm like that, I could play all those licks.
What an amazing video . So detailed and excellent on every level . Superb
When I saw the fist series on Malmsteen, Vai and Johnson in the Cracking the Code series I was wondering how Steve Morse would fit into that. I knew he was pretty much only an alternate picker, so how was Morse flying like the others? This is the best detail I've seen of his mechanics after years of studying Morse.
Killer video!! All in all this makes things easier once in muscle memory I bet. Steve is such a pure guitarist who keeps appearing when I am not looking for him, but reminding me how great he is.
If it's possible, I think I love Steve Morse a little more after watching this.
(You too, Troy, for bringing all this amazing information to us. Thank you!)
But getting this one-note-per-string alt picking down is a bitch! You are absolutely right, it does not seem to work at slow speeds. And I also think you are right in saying that one day it will all simply fall into place... Damn... I wonder whether breaking down into 3- or 4-string chunks (first the lower, then the higher strings, then mix it up) might help...
Troy - besides being an incredible educator deserving of the highest awards for services to guitar, you are also an insanely amazing guitarist! The way you are able to learn these virtuoso techniques for your demonstrations completely blows my mind!
How do you explain Steve Morse's technique? Well imagine you've got a row of lawn flamingos...
This is amazing. Thanks Troy!
I WILL find a way to use this analogy in conversation one day.
Awesome video Troy!! You are to be commended for putting this together with Steve. Absolutely amazing!
“The beat here is Mach 1, and reaching it really is no problem.”
Cmon man....
This a whole new level of analysis. Excellent graphics!
Totally understood Deep Purple is where the $$$ is, but man do I ever miss his playing in The Dixie Dregs!
AMEN! If they work on even just one more album I can die happy. Steve's ultimate songwriting prowess and versatility is displayed on Dregs albums. Genius
Just really love your scientific approach to this. Very insightful,
Now that Troy and crew have covered even-numbered alternate picking (Volcano and Cascade), odd-numbered alternate picking (Antigravity), sweeping (Marshall Harrison interview), and now 1-note-per-string alternate picking (Steve Morse), let us all look forward to the next logical chapter: zero-note-per-string alternate picking!
Hi Troy! im a guitar player for 17 years, I played with many amazing players around the world and I have to tell you, I love your work!
It's amazing for me to see the same study I was doing when I was a young guitar player! you did it so perfect and enjoying to watch and learn, and I recommending every student and friend of mine who play the guitar to watch your channel!
I can see on your playing that you are a phenomenal player and every note you play is top notch!
Thanks for the amazing work! I hope I to play with you some day.
The way he holds his pick...
There’s a chick on here dropping sexual connotations
Finger picking good
I remember seeing these "Cracking the Code" videos YEARS AND YEARS ago... I almost forgot about them until these showed up.
Awesome stuff!!
steve morse is the most under-rated guitarist ever.
Trango Fast no
buckethead
Trango Fast I don't think so. He is reknown as one of world's top guitarist.
Buckethead is no where near underrated, nearly every guitar knows he is a god. Someone who is seriously underrated is Nuno Bettencourt
I watched him playing live with Deep Purple, and his sound, tone, technique are incredible. Anything you heard from studio version, he can play them live and even better than in studio one.
Remarkable analysis of one of the greatest technicians (and my personal favorite) of all time. Thank you for the effort you put into these videos!
Troy is the Carl Sagan of the Picking Technique!!!
This is the best video on youtube
Fantastic video....Steve Morse is an awsome pick technician....the best for me...great to see ! Thanx for sharing !
*This is literally a science show*
No. It's engineering.
Well, not literally
l never saw a video go into that many details as this one does. Amazing. Thanks
Al Di Meola does the same alternative picking.
Al Di Meola is also a total douchebag. Steve Morse wins the human being contest.
Rob Flax there is no contest happening here lol this is an educational video
Love your lessons, thanks ,you have taken techniques that people don't even know how they are doing it themselves ,and break it apart and you use stop camera action to explain. .thanks for all your hard work.
1:29 Segovia did that 100 years ago but.... he used 3 fingers and a thumb to achieve it. Guiding a thin pick across strings accurately at that speed is just.... depressing for other guitarists, inspiring for some and baffling for pretty much most. I listen and go wow, that sounds great. Watch and go, fuuuuuuuuuuuuu, don't even try.
Ay!!! Wats up TruthSurge!
@@jeremiahnations8808 oh, same old. :)
A much needed explanation of how I was doing "Eugene's Lil Bag of Tricks". After years of trying to master it to speed, I went to sweeping, which didn't sound right. I'm back to picking each note now, thanks to this video, and it's sounding much better. Much appreciated!
Playing like Steve Morse is easy. You just need to love music, be smart and practice 5 or more hours every day.
I play guitar a lot for people who don't play, or have just started, and they often act like I what I do is some feat of dark sorcery. But when they ask how I do it, the answer is always simple, "practice" and I always tell them, practice as much as I do for as long as I have and you'll be as good as me, practice more than I do for as long as I have, and you'll be better
just one word: sensational. Analysis, playing and video editing.