James Hetfield was like the King of Down picking. I always thought it was cool but not necessary, then I realized what a difference it actually makes when playing certain riffs vs Economy picking. Thanks for the tips claus 🤘
If youre playing any kind of metal oh yeah its necessary. When recording the difference between alternate picking verses straight down picking is big. Strong downpicking sounds a lot more solid. Theres a reason master of puppets sounded so strong. Every note articulate. Downpicking is the root of strong rythmn playing
my gosh you dont know how much this video has helped solve my problem with right hand picking that has bugged me for MONTHS!! I have practiced for a couple hours after watching this video and it has helped me found the long lost sense of rhythm already!! Proved to me that don't just practice hard, PRACTICE RIGHT!! I'm gonna start practicing using this method and will come back to let you know the progress!
You're an exceptionally good teacher Claus! I have been taking guitar pretty seriously for a few years now. Practising, playing for a couple of hours almost everyday. I've taken one on one lessons, and watched a whole lot of video's on RUclips. But recently, I have been following your video's and can honestly say that I've noticed accelerated improvements. I attribute that to your teaching/explanations . Thanks!
Between this video and the one I watched on pinch harmonics yesterday this guys concepts and theories really resonate with me and make a lot of sense. Thank you for the uploads I will be checking out a lot more of your content 🙏
Genius.. I've forever gotten to a point and then just went to alternate picking. The tip for accent ws all I needed. When I get the upper bound that accent forces my hand to drop whatever tension was in it from the previous 3 downstrokes and I can keep going. Thanks
Recording and live, downpicking is the heart of strong guitar playing with metal. It sounds far stronger, more solid. Theres a reason the best metal bands often have strong downpickers. Strengthening downpicking will strengthen your guitar playing period. Great lesson man! I am setting my metronome now!
Great. I'm not practicing down strokes but you just reminded me to practice with groups an accents an I'll apply it to a lick I'm learning. Thanks Claus!
4:30 here's an alternate tip, bring ur fingers in like a claw, staying orientated and helping to mute the unused strings and rest them in as small of a package as possible instead of flinging all their weight around off the end of ur hand like that. Like how a ballerina or ice skater spins much faster when tucked in and slows down when her arms or legs are extended. (I notice when you finally played at the end, you're not flopping ur fingers all loose either, bro!) Also, build the thumb/palm muscle to distribute the energy between 3 sources now ... arm, wrist, THUMB. Which you can distribute the strain between them in real time for better stamina, speed and control.
Mad props to all the first people who figured these fast techniques out! Thank you metal gods for breaking this ground so that we weenies can learn from you
As someone who has long struggled with tendonitis as a result of bad downpicking technique I gotta say - this video has been hugely helpful to me in developing a much safer and comfortable approach to playing. Thanks so much.
Thank you for the insight claus. I notice that when I listen to songs on the radio playing air guitar my brain feels like it’s connecting with every rhythm that I put on. However imitating on the guitar I fail at times. Back the the repetition lol thx again
the ramones only downpicked, and when doing auditions after dee dee leaving, johnny refused to consider anyone who didn't down pick exclusively! PS: your system makes sense, but keeping your fingers loose as a pendulum doesn't work when palm muting. which is done about 90% of the time when downpicking (since is usually only done while playing chugging metal.)
Hi Claus, one thing with downstroke picking more so than other techniques, is the need to warm up. Jumping straight in to 8th's at 200+bpm will damage you.
@guitarmastery How do you do the rotational pendulum movement while also palm muting? The palm mute seems to require keeping the wrist static against the bridge/strings while the pendulum requires moving it. I have yet to figure out how to integrate these two seemingly opposed motions. Thanks!
Thanks man, I literally played the song I was working on at full speed 5 minutes after watching this video. Just thinking about the accents did it for me. I have been playing this song (very poorly) in a band for years. "Dancing With Myself" (all ...well mostly down strokes)
Thanks buddy. Been working on my accents. My right hand goes in and out of relaxation, it's so much smoother and more controlled when it's relaxed. Gotta focus on that
How did James get so good at this back when hardly anyone else was doing this? He practically invented the percussive style and then set the bar so high... Like was he just born with it?
I've just been wondering where Hetfield could have got that from, as it's rather unlikely that he was the first ever to downpick that fast. Thanks for enlightening me.
It doesn't need to be necessarily metronome if the sound starts to annoys you. But it has to be some device or software which gives you the steady tempo. It can be some sample or some drum machine which you can make slower or speed up. Im often using DAW in which i will quickly record some basic 4/4 drum pattern. Usually with some good sounding VST drum set.
It’s strange that some days I can play master of puppets no problem other days I can’t. I think I figured it out. The days I get lucky and play with good technique I can do it lol.
First time on your channel great vid , I struggled with this and it’s embarrassing I felt I had rhythm playing mastered but kickstart my heart humbled me.
It's been 10 years since I last played Master of Puppets and Through The Never that I can't keep up anymore with the downstrokes cleanly. Thank you for this!
Honestly, I started learning songs while down picking, and I've kept that habit since. People always say "This downpicking bit is so hard", but I can play it easy.
Klaus, I'm hearing you philosophically speaking you know like what you were saying concerning the hand movements and why does it automatically just go because maybe the brain is the intention and it truly is we have it backwards though in this race of humanness so flip it like Klaus flips it and you will win
James Hetfield was like the King of Down picking. I always thought it was cool but not necessary, then I realized what a difference it actually makes when playing certain riffs vs Economy picking. Thanks for the tips claus 🤘
If youre playing any kind of metal oh yeah its necessary. When recording the difference between alternate picking verses straight down picking is big. Strong downpicking sounds a lot more solid. Theres a reason master of puppets sounded so strong. Every note articulate. Downpicking is the root of strong rythmn playing
oh yeah, baby!
What do you mean was?
2:34
me every 3am
Shut up
Your mom
my gosh you dont know how much this video has helped solve my problem with right hand picking that has bugged me for MONTHS!! I have practiced for a couple hours after watching this video and it has helped me found the long lost sense of rhythm already!! Proved to me that don't just practice hard, PRACTICE RIGHT!! I'm gonna start practicing using this method and will come back to let you know the progress!
I have finally unlocked my right hand thanks to this video!! Thank you so much Claus!!
Lol I think all of us guys are very familiar with that arm movement lmao. Let's just say my down stroke game is on point
Only reason I can play elimination 😭😭
You're an exceptionally good teacher Claus! I have been taking guitar pretty seriously for a few years now. Practising, playing for a couple of hours almost everyday. I've taken one on one lessons, and watched a whole lot of video's on RUclips. But recently, I have been following your video's and can honestly say that I've noticed accelerated improvements. I attribute that to your teaching/explanations . Thanks!
Between this video and the one I watched on pinch harmonics yesterday this guys concepts and theories really resonate with me and make a lot of sense. Thank you for the uploads I will be checking out a lot more of your content 🙏
Thank you so much! Really appreciate it 😊
Genius.. I've forever gotten to a point and then just went to alternate picking. The tip for accent ws all I needed. When I get the upper bound that accent forces my hand to drop whatever tension was in it from the previous 3 downstrokes and I can keep going. Thanks
Recording and live, downpicking is the heart of strong guitar playing with metal. It sounds far stronger, more solid. Theres a reason the best metal bands often have strong downpickers. Strengthening downpicking will strengthen your guitar playing period. Great lesson man! I am setting my metronome now!
One of the most insightful videos I’ve seen on the subject. What a great teacher. 🤘
Great. I'm not practicing down strokes but you just reminded me to practice with groups an accents an I'll apply it to a lick I'm learning. Thanks Claus!
This guy is surely one of the most underrated guitar teachers on the planet
4:30 here's an alternate tip, bring ur fingers in like a claw, staying orientated and helping to mute the unused strings and rest them in as small of a package as possible instead of flinging all their weight around off the end of ur hand like that.
Like how a ballerina or ice skater spins much faster when tucked in and slows down when her arms or legs are extended.
(I notice when you finally played at the end, you're not flopping ur fingers all loose either, bro!)
Also, build the thumb/palm muscle to distribute the energy between 3 sources now ... arm, wrist, THUMB.
Which you can distribute the strain between them in real time for better stamina, speed and control.
Thanks for sharing your tip 🙌
Mad props to all the first people who figured these fast techniques out! Thank you metal gods for breaking this ground so that we weenies can learn from you
2:04 He instantly realized and switched lol
As someone who has long struggled with tendonitis as a result of bad downpicking technique I gotta say - this video has been hugely helpful to me in developing a much safer and comfortable approach to playing. Thanks so much.
I need that guitar stand😂
This is the best video about the speed work on the whole youtube! Seriously.
Thank you for the insight claus. I notice that when I listen to songs on the radio playing air guitar my brain feels like it’s connecting with every rhythm that I put on. However imitating on the guitar I fail at times. Back the the repetition lol thx again
the ramones only downpicked, and when doing auditions after dee dee leaving, johnny refused to consider anyone who didn't down pick exclusively! PS: your system makes sense, but keeping your fingers loose as a pendulum doesn't work when palm muting. which is done about 90% of the time when downpicking
(since is usually only done while playing chugging metal.)
Hi Claus, one thing with downstroke picking more so than other techniques, is the need to warm up. Jumping straight in to 8th's at 200+bpm will damage you.
@guitarmastery How do you do the rotational pendulum movement while also palm muting? The palm mute seems to require keeping the wrist static against the bridge/strings while the pendulum requires moving it. I have yet to figure out how to integrate these two seemingly opposed motions. Thanks!
Change ur grip to include the thumb! Split the tension in real time between 3 points now, the arm, wrist and THUMB
Thanks man, I literally played the song I was working on at full speed 5 minutes after watching this video. Just thinking about the accents did it for me. I have been playing this song (very poorly) in a band for years. "Dancing With Myself" (all ...well mostly down strokes)
is there some lesson to make the guitar float like yours?
The grouping aspect is awesome. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks buddy. Been working on my accents. My right hand goes in and out of relaxation, it's so much smoother and more controlled when it's relaxed. Gotta focus on that
you know what.. this was actally a really helpful video. Great insight! Thank you! Love the "dadadada" pronounciation analogy!
This guy made such a informative video but when he said about practicing it whilst you’re talking to people it had me crying
Very helpful lesson, Claus u are marvelous !
How did James get so good at this back when hardly anyone else was doing this? He practically invented the percussive style and then set the bar so high... Like was he just born with it?
As great as James is, furious downpicking was done by Johnny Ramone and Doyle (Misfits) first.
@@klauswigsmith Wut? Dave Mustaine taught him that and Slayer and Exodus were doing it before Metallica lol
@@dubiousdevil9572 ok....and Johnny and Doyle were doing it before all of them. Did you mean to reply to the OP?
@@klauswigsmith I did lol but Doyle and Johnny Ramone definitely weren't doing it with the speed and intensity at the time
@Isopropyl No, no he wasn't. Ramones songs were never that fast.
Excellent.
6:09
Tears in my eyes from laughing!
Thank you! I can’t wait to try this.... downpicking has been a struggle for me....I haven’t been able to do continuous 8th notes above 140 bpm
Everyone always talk about Hetfield but is no one gonna mention Doyle from the Misfits? Dude plays pretty fast as well.
I've just been wondering where Hetfield could have got that from, as it's rather unlikely that he was the first ever to downpick that fast. Thanks for enlightening me.
It doesn't need to be necessarily metronome if the sound starts to annoys you. But it has to be some device or software which gives you the steady tempo. It can be some sample or some drum machine which you can make slower or speed up. Im often using DAW in which i will quickly record some basic 4/4 drum pattern. Usually with some good sounding VST drum set.
... or playing along with real songs or an actual drummer
It’s strange that some days I can play master of puppets no problem other days I can’t. I think I figured it out. The days I get lucky and play with good technique I can do it lol.
First time on your channel great vid , I struggled with this and it’s embarrassing I felt I had rhythm playing mastered but kickstart my heart humbled me.
It's been 10 years since I last played Master of Puppets and Through The Never that I can't keep up anymore with the downstrokes cleanly. Thank you for this!
How fast can you get?
Thanks for covering this subject, I know I asked about it!
wonderful teaching👍👍
Oh my god 5 minutes into this video I'm already going from 90BPM struggling to 100BPM consistent, SOLELY on the position of the hand!!!!
Really informative and insightful, very much appreciated!
What’s that interesting device you use to hold the guitar?
Get the metronome, nowNOW!!! Oh the poetry of that order :) Thanks for the clip. Looking forward to finding new ones. Cheers from Slovenia.
you are awesome! Thanks a lot
Great lesson.
Much thanks 🙏
I got a whole different point of view now! Thanks for the video!
Thank you!
Honestly, I started learning songs while down picking, and I've kept that habit since. People always say "This downpicking bit is so hard", but I can play it easy.
This helped me so much!!!
Wow man thank for the tip, you helped me a lot
Bro, didn't you used to sale ShamWoW!?
Thanks man
Excellent!
Great stuff
Magic 😮🤘
learning creeping death...has a box of six.
it's really helps! thanks
1:50 when the boys come over
No
Unfunny
Normie npc unfunny
Un funny
Normie
I use down strokes but want to get faster.
Helpul tricks to take control, don't wanna lose it dadadada 6:10😂😂
Using a pendulum is very helpful!!
i want to buy that metronome
Is there a downpicking record to beat? I can already downpick at 400 bpm. I want a challenge
Usually they mean 16th notes my dude
Where one or two lead weighted rings.
The struggle within
6:09 at 0.5x speed
I really really really want that guitar
What is it?
"Look how classical it looks 🤓"
Haha, that's great 😂😂😂
That lesson belong on Twitter for sure bro.
Did I just hear Claus play Slipknot...? :D
im pretty sure Freddie Mercury wrote Ogre Battle doing this on the guitar
1:43 drrrrrrrrrrrdarraarara
I’m the fastest down picker in the west
Klaus, I'm hearing you philosophically speaking you know like what you were saying concerning the hand movements and why does it automatically just go because maybe the brain is the intention and it truly is we have it backwards though in this race of humanness so flip it like Klaus flips it and you will win
Please don’t go up to people and casually wiggle your hand like that...
So explanations and examples are becoming very very sus throughout the video, no more down stroking for today 💀
how the f*** do you pick with your hand crooked like that???
8min of my life I will never get back
In all honesty the intro wasn’t even that fast I can already down pick like that and I’ve only been playing a month or 2
I can do fast down strokes
This was horrible