Why DOWNSTROKES Are the KEY to Picking SPEED!

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  • čas přidán 11. 01. 2024
  • Snag your official SHRED TILL YOU'RE UNDEAD merch here!!!! vonkowen.threadless.com/colle...
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    Want to SHRED alternate picked leads?! The key may very well lie in your downstrokes, and Uncle Ben Eller here is gonna show you why!!! If you've got a Hetfield downstroke, you could easily adapt it into a Paul Gilbert alternate picking machine. This exercise uses a combo of downstroke 8's and alternate 16's. It's gonna make your alternate picking way smoother and more powerful, and help you make that transition from rhythm god to lead shredder in no time!!
    Speed bursts are CLUTCH for improving your picking speed on guitar! I've used them for years, prescribed them to my students, and you're gonna see why.
    Grab all the bonus goodies on Patreon and lets go!!!
    Ibanez RG550
    Marshall 1987X Plexi
    UA OX
  • Hudba

Komentáře • 131

  • @Kriegter
    @Kriegter Před 5 měsíci +22

    At beginner levels it's a lot easier to develop a good sense of rhythm by doing downstrokes which is why I always encourage people to play the exhausting Hetfield riffs without alternate picking

    • @thetribalist6923
      @thetribalist6923 Před 4 měsíci

      Man, you’re not lying. I used to even try to do Dyers Eve all down picked as a teen. I didn’t know it wasn’t exactly possible and that James even used alternate picking.

  • @Dan_Ranger
    @Dan_Ranger Před 5 měsíci +10

    Wow, this could be a game changer for me. Usually an economy up and legato down player for decades and always struggled with alt picking due to my Trailing Edge pick grip. Down picking is great from my 80’s thrash roots but always wanted but avoided to incorporate more alt picking in my runs.
    I’ve just tried this out for an hour and already seeing an improvement!
    You definitely can teach an old dog new tricks mate! 😂
    60 and still learning 💪🤘🏼🙏

  • @usagi2988
    @usagi2988 Před 5 měsíci +5

    "So, I was just talkin' to yer stepmom..." Just started the video blastin', I respect that. 🤣

  •  Před 5 měsíci +16

    I actually think of Paul Gilbert as an upstroke player. As a kid he started by only doing upstrokes and that explains some of his Racer X riffs.

  • @bobgure
    @bobgure Před 5 měsíci +6

    Consistently great lessons from a great teacher!

  • @DisruptedSinner
    @DisruptedSinner Před 5 měsíci +11

    Absolutely excellent articulation and mini speed burst lesson and video! I always love the fact that even though you can shred like a beast, you always present how to get to that result by slowing it down and explaining the foundations. Amazing stuff, man. 💪

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci +2

      Glad you liked it!

    • @satchrules101
      @satchrules101 Před 4 měsíci

      Hi Ben , question in most situations do u pick Quarter notes eighth notes are they usually down strokes?

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 4 měsíci +2

      @@satchrules101depends a lot on tempo. But usually, quarters are always down, and up until tempos get HIGH, 8’s too.

    • @carteracs
      @carteracs Před 3 měsíci

      @BenEller I was expecting a "leave it in" joke after you first said it, but the delayed delivery later in the video literally almost killed me. I was watching while eating dinner and seriously choked on some delicious smoked ham. I survived to laugh and play another day!

  • @TheMirrorify
    @TheMirrorify Před 5 měsíci +3

    I swear you have an uncanny knack for releasing videos on topics I'm currently interested in. Speed bursts and 4 note groupings walking up/down the 3nps scales are 2 things I've been working on lately.

  • @chucksaeger7500
    @chucksaeger7500 Před 5 měsíci +3

    This is brilliant! I learn so much from you that it should be illegal! Heavier pick, more wrist action, and more relaxation and I’m finding definite benefits from your lessons.
    Too cool dude!

  • @eigengrau1
    @eigengrau1 Před 5 měsíci +5

    Thanks again Uncle Ben..! For me (personal) I even play this lession with a slightely thicker pic than ususal; It helps me to be more thoughtful and gentle when picking.
    Ps. thanks to this lesson, stepmother has made a fresh tray of steaming plum cake- Awesome!

  • @aas55
    @aas55 Před 5 měsíci +2

    I need my allowance, thanks for the heads up Uncle Ben

  • @Mixolydio
    @Mixolydio Před 5 měsíci +2

    Super entry today Ben

  • @cjgutz78040
    @cjgutz78040 Před 5 měsíci +4

    Alright meow…
    Nice touch!

  • @Targon999
    @Targon999 Před 5 měsíci +4

    We all need an Uncle Ben!

  • @FabCom-rm8tb
    @FabCom-rm8tb Před 5 měsíci +3

    Ben, thank you so much for all your videos. You’re my official guitar teacher here in Europe. I really think you’re the best in your category 🙏🏻

  • @eljhonnyrroca137
    @eljhonnyrroca137 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Thanks Uncle Ben-Jammin! 🎸💪🏼

  • @KeeperOfThePrecepts
    @KeeperOfThePrecepts Před 5 měsíci +1

    Thanks so much dude. My whole life I have just alternate picked everything, and in a half hour session I have already noticed a tremendous difference in my playing.

  • @LiveLaughJordan-oi6tg
    @LiveLaughJordan-oi6tg Před 5 měsíci +1

    I love it! Trying these today

  • @shalomshalom735
    @shalomshalom735 Před 5 měsíci +1

    GREAT exercise man!!!

  • @mikewiest5135
    @mikewiest5135 Před 5 měsíci

    Thanks Uncle Ben!

  • @caveydl
    @caveydl Před 5 měsíci +1

    Nice man. Still had a Christmas vibe to it. Love that guitar.

  • @YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic
    @YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic Před 5 měsíci +2

    8:08 made me so uncomfortable that I had to avert my eyes from his gaze...

  • @jimmyskatevids7791
    @jimmyskatevids7791 Před 5 měsíci

    New to your channel but I gotta say I love your videos they are so helpful thank you so much.

  • @mastercreaux
    @mastercreaux Před 4 měsíci

    I have to really agree with the comments saying downstroking is easier to learn early. It was the the first thing I really learned and it's mostly how I play after 40 yrs unless the song demands the upstroke. I learned from other players mostly and learned lots of bad habits....

  • @reckless-575
    @reckless-575 Před 5 měsíci +3

    Thanks Uncle Ben. Can you do a video on your hair care routine? Thanks in advance. 👍

    • @reckless-575
      @reckless-575 Před 5 měsíci +1

      Or a more detailed video on “leaving it in” 👍

  • @inperf3ct
    @inperf3ct Před 4 měsíci

    Thanks Benjamin! My stepmom says hello and wishes you come around again

  • @DrMattWalton
    @DrMattWalton Před 5 měsíci +1

    Thanks Uncle Ben that was smoothlier

  • @h0tsex0r
    @h0tsex0r Před 5 měsíci +5

    I only upstroke in the privacy of my own home

  • @ischi8368
    @ischi8368 Před 4 měsíci

    This exercise is so damn satisfying, once you get the 'leaving it in' part down. At least that's what she said.

  • @sheriewart8100
    @sheriewart8100 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Thanks uncle, my stepmom says you are so smooth!

  • @bowers8242
    @bowers8242 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Just demystified something I've struggled with for my entire guitarring life, fuck's sake and cheers!!!

  • @ashamael
    @ashamael Před 5 měsíci +1

    Jesus, man, I was literally JUST having this issue (not with lead, but my Rhythm playing) this week. Watched this video, grabbed my guitar and within five minute the thing that had me bamboozled earlier this week was a breeze. I was so frustrated before but now I'm excited to interject the little bursts more in my playing and writing! Thanks, Uncle Ben!

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci

      Yesssss stoked to hear that!

  • @paulnoah5
    @paulnoah5 Před 5 měsíci +1

    cool thnx

  • @FerdinandEphrem
    @FerdinandEphrem Před 5 měsíci

    WOW that's way harder to grasp than alternate picking... THX will practice on it! nicely put ...

  • @randallhaney7909
    @randallhaney7909 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Oh yeah Daddy, Using this methodological way.
    I got gooder,
    Well not gooder; but Better'ish in a positivically way .
    I used the "down Scale" in the song "Horse with no name"
    (it was fun working that out to fit).
    Thanks Uncle Benny Bob,
    For always keeping it fun and educational. You are appreciated.

  • @Wyldwulf
    @Wyldwulf Před 5 měsíci +2

    All right meow, baby it's a all right meow.

  • @mestengo22
    @mestengo22 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Tkx Uncle Ben

  • @spacedout_bae
    @spacedout_bae Před 5 měsíci +1

    Opening line 😂😂😂😂 unce Ben is the funniest bro

  • @skeeterbodeen8326
    @skeeterbodeen8326 Před 4 měsíci

    Another great one, and yerp I see you've got an amp on today.

  • @ZombieCoGaming
    @ZombieCoGaming Před 5 měsíci +1

    I knew the leave it in joke was otw as soon as the first one came out. 😂 Well played, as a new guitarist this video helped me. Thanks!

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci

      Hahahaha I’ve become too predictable!!!

  • @ClassicPass_
    @ClassicPass_ Před 5 měsíci +3

    I never do the "Reset and Eject"... always just Leave it In.

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci +1

      That’s what she said

  • @notronsivart
    @notronsivart Před 4 měsíci

    8:30 this was the fist exercise I came up with on my own as a teenager. The drum line in the school band would do something similar. 1 and 2 and 3 e and uh 4 e and uh, so I just started doing it on guitar and my open e palm mutes got way better and tighter after that.

  • @NBTKDA
    @NBTKDA Před 5 měsíci +2

    Sleepwalker is the Megadeth song you’re thinking of 🤘🏻

  • @impoopnrightnow906
    @impoopnrightnow906 Před 5 měsíci +1

    *UNCLE BEN!*

  • @juggajiggawugga4665
    @juggajiggawugga4665 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I'm gonna go practice this right meow

  • @binkywarren21
    @binkywarren21 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Uncle Ben, what happens if I focus on side strokes? Will I go blind?!?

  • @djabthrash
    @djabthrash Před 5 měsíci +2

    06:30 mind kinda blown

  • @okbro1324
    @okbro1324 Před 5 měsíci

    Noice. Thx unc 🤝

  • @Ou8y2k2
    @Ou8y2k2 Před 5 měsíci +1

    8:38 Yep. 'Kill the King' by Megadeth.

  • @brucedickinson4060
    @brucedickinson4060 Před 5 měsíci

    08:39 - it's Chemical Warfare by SLAYERRRRRRRR

  • @jasonlamar6347
    @jasonlamar6347 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Outstanding lesson. I have a bad habit of tightening up when switching.
    Also..... She Wolf

    • @djabthrash
      @djabthrash Před 5 měsíci

      Same :(

    • @metalboy5150
      @metalboy5150 Před 5 měsíci +1

      I don't think She-Wolf. That's all gallops. Great song though.
      Thing he's playing sounds more like Metallica to me, "Eye of the Beholder," maybe.

  • @waynegram8907
    @waynegram8907 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Ben Eller, make a lesson about SLASH's ascending and descending note groupings because he often will "insert" a backwards or forward a LEAP note which is 3 or 4 notes behind or ahead. Really look into this watching a lot of live GNR and Slash Snake pit concerts to get this LEAP Notes which running up and down scalar note groupings

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci +1

      hey man, can you give me an example of where I could hear this in action?

    • @waynegram8907
      @waynegram8907 Před 5 měsíci

      @@BenEller Its all over the first GNR album its just goes by so fast you don't hear the "inserted LEAP notes" out of nowhere. SLASH does it all the time in the live GNR concerts. This guy has picked up a few CLICK here czcams.com/video/_-2rY5z3aFo/video.html

    • @waynegram8907
      @waynegram8907 Před 5 měsíci

      @@BenEller Robert Baker lesson is about how SLASH adds in the Minor 6th/m6 scale degree to the MAJOR Pentatonic scale. It would be nice if you can find examples of SLASH using the MAJOR pentatonic scale adding in the m6 note to make a video lesson about because I'm confused how SLASH uses the MAJOR pentatonic and inserting a minor 6th scale degree. CLICK here to watch it czcams.com/video/jPp1bzxKCeA/video.html

  • @allboutthemojo
    @allboutthemojo Před 5 měsíci +1

    Great lesson. Thanks 👍
    BTW, I cannot find a single video on the entire " interweb " explaining how EVH made all his screaming harmonics.
    Maybe a video idea 💡 for you . I'm sure it will make everyone happy!

    • @metalboy5150
      @metalboy5150 Před 5 měsíci +1

      Uncle Ben, make this guy a video!!
      Having said that (and really wanting to see the video), look for a video where Dimebag Darrell explains how he does his. That will probably help you some. He dumps the bar, grabs like a 4th fret Gstring harmonic, and then pulls way up on the bar, and just squeals it.
      That may or may not be what you're looking for, I dunno.

    • @metalboy5150
      @metalboy5150 Před 5 měsíci

      czcams.com/video/4P6GKRJ8s6k/video.htmlsi=gBIF__xkTssxtheV
      That's one of the Dime videos I was talking about.

  • @lcvolt1546
    @lcvolt1546 Před 5 měsíci

    Paul gilbert is crazy fast, and he started with UPSTROCKES!

  • @sadicus
    @sadicus Před 5 měsíci +2

    ~ Never gonna Speed you Up, Never gonna Slow you down Never gonna run a Riff and desert you.

  • @mohitrahaman
    @mohitrahaman Před 5 měsíci +1

    JH vs PG.... FIGHT!

  • @snow-gun2612
    @snow-gun2612 Před 5 měsíci

    Leave it in Uncle Ben 😂

  • @chrisragan9309
    @chrisragan9309 Před 5 měsíci

    Surprise ‘Kill the King’ had me grinning the dumbest grin. You just got a new patreon sub
    Edit: GUITAR PRO FILES FOR WANKSHOPS 😍

  • @TheSuperGSS
    @TheSuperGSS Před 5 měsíci +3

    Ben: Hatfield is key

  • @timsellsted521
    @timsellsted521 Před 5 měsíci +1

    more smoothlier. ima try.

  • @kennethdaniels
    @kennethdaniels Před 5 měsíci +1

    Wanted to let you know I told her you said hi.

  • @ljkj63
    @ljkj63 Před 5 měsíci +1

    you said 5 mins a day for a week ..wonder if us 60 years old s can still pull this off .. great vid and thanks for your time

  • @ryanpsencik6350
    @ryanpsencik6350 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Maybe this exercise will help me subdivide gooder. I'm fine hearing eighths... but this step-dad can't hear 16ths.

  • @wackojacko3962
    @wackojacko3962 Před 5 měsíci +1

    🤘💯

  • @stefanokrivtzoff1593
    @stefanokrivtzoff1593 Před 5 měsíci +2

    James hetfield on master of puppets tour was a savage

    • @Johnnylooks_Overhead5164
      @Johnnylooks_Overhead5164 Před 5 měsíci

      With Ozzy The Ultimate Sin tour. Back then people were like W T F is that. In that time that stuff was extremely heavy for the uninitiated . I was in Seventh grade. And talked my buddy into buying Master O.P. over Live after Death. Both just released. Buddy said I Love That. I said " I Told You ........"🤪

    • @stefanokrivtzoff1593
      @stefanokrivtzoff1593 Před 4 měsíci +1

      Hahahaha ! Same happened to me first time I listened to Creeping death

  • @mattmaugeri2486
    @mattmaugeri2486 Před 4 měsíci

    lol snuck a meow in there.

  • @shaharbar
    @shaharbar Před 5 měsíci +2

    Hey Ben, where's the Patreon stuff brother?

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci +2

      Working on it now! Had to clean the kitchen hahaba

    • @shaharbar
      @shaharbar Před 5 měsíci

      @@BenEller take your time, that kitchen is filthy! Did you put eggs again in the garbage disposal and forgot to turn it on?

    • @THEItchybruddah
      @THEItchybruddah Před 5 měsíci

      As a recovering jazzbo legato geezer, the thing that helped me the most was getting the 4 to 1/ 1 to 4 finger transition between the G & B strings smooth. Dunno if that’s how you’re doing it but seems like something I need to get to the “unconscious” level.
      Thanks bunches for the insight. (Also, found this going the dishes. I feel ye on the kitchen.)

  • @MrYoraco
    @MrYoraco Před 4 měsíci

    What niiiice guitar is that???
    Must be some type of a Ibanez RG550?

  • @ROOKTABULA
    @ROOKTABULA Před 5 měsíci +2

    The number of hours you've had to have put into be able to play that intro exercise so casually while making sly/goofy faces must easily pass 10,000 fecking hours, duder!

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Practice makes perfect!

  • @travisgularte4792
    @travisgularte4792 Před 5 měsíci +1

    #herestoleavingthepickinthestring🍶

  • @danielshafer3227
    @danielshafer3227 Před 4 měsíci

    You said slowlier. 12:22 😂

  • @LiveLaughJordan-oi6tg
    @LiveLaughJordan-oi6tg Před 5 měsíci +1

    GEARWAYS :D

  • @mattc8723
    @mattc8723 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Im trying to add some 'Tarnation' to my playing. Do you have any ideas for that?

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci

      Have you tried hoopin’ and/or hollerin’???

    • @metalboy5150
      @metalboy5150 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@BenEllerTN represent!!

  • @mtguitar5150
    @mtguitar5150 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Makes sense, however fast you are at pure downstrokes, you can theoretically play twice that fast

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci

      Correct!!!

    • @djabthrash
      @djabthrash Před 5 měsíci

      Same for drums with double kicks or hand single strokes ;)

  • @juniorlupercio1470
    @juniorlupercio1470 Před 4 měsíci

    Would you like a liter of cola with that meow? Lmao!

  • @donvape336
    @donvape336 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I need to pull my pinky off the guitar and free hand. That is a huge issue for me.
    Edit: I will be hitting this exercise. I tighten every way you described.

    • @ischi8368
      @ischi8368 Před 4 měsíci

      I did the same, it went away on its own once I got more practice.

  • @cheenu711
    @cheenu711 Před 5 měsíci +1

    1:16 completely the opposite. I consider alternate picking wuite easy but give me a Hetfirld or Mick Mars riff and I dont know where to start. Help me Uncle Ben.

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Start by learning an entire Ramones album all downstroke!! Starting with simple power chords means you can make the motion BIG and reckless while building your endurance. Build the accuracy and shrink the motion down to single strings later.

    • @cheenu711
      @cheenu711 Před 5 měsíci

      @@BenEller thank you so much

  • @NubsWithGuns
    @NubsWithGuns Před 5 měsíci +1

    Mom said you left laundry.

  • @Cymbaline713
    @Cymbaline713 Před 2 měsíci

    "Kill The King" by Megadeth

  • @michaelkuhn402
    @michaelkuhn402 Před 5 měsíci

    If you have a flexion extension wrist you CANNOT do alternate picking. When you flex instead of across the string the wrist drives the pick DOWN towards the guitar body. No amount of arm rotation will make the pick go across instead of down.

  • @trystensmith819
    @trystensmith819 Před 5 měsíci

    My step mom says thank you

  • @oldfart6938
    @oldfart6938 Před 5 měsíci +1

    🍻🤘🏽🫶

  • @jamesmarkham7489
    @jamesmarkham7489 Před 5 měsíci +1

    The key for me to get the upstroke to sound like a downstroke is being strong. Lots of times peoples upstroke is too weak and it doesn’t sound as good or even. Make sure to keep them even

  • @StuPedassol
    @StuPedassol Před 5 měsíci +1

    Kill da king, da king is dead
    Long live da king
    I am da king
    Thanks, Uncy Bang!

  • @chrisrosencrans
    @chrisrosencrans Před 4 měsíci

    Papa Het

  • @mdeerocks6792
    @mdeerocks6792 Před 5 měsíci +1

    If you talk to Paul Gilbert he will tell you that it's upstrokes.

  • @UlfhedinnNorsk
    @UlfhedinnNorsk Před 4 měsíci +1

    Dude! YOU NEED TO STOP TALKING TO MY STEPMOM! Get your own 🤨

  • @nigelsmith721
    @nigelsmith721 Před 5 měsíci +2

    I’m a step dad and I am offended by your terminology.
    Hope you enjoyed your channel cos I’m shutting this down.

    • @BenEller
      @BenEller  Před 5 měsíci +5

      You’re not my real dad, you can’t tell me how to live my life!!! 😂😂😂

    • @nigelsmith721
      @nigelsmith721 Před 5 měsíci

      @@BenEller GET TO YOUR ROOM BOY!!!!

  • @elpablosky6300
    @elpablosky6300 Před 5 měsíci

    Hetfield is not rival for Paul Gilbert!

  • @doofwop
    @doofwop Před 12 dny

    Have you seen my stepmom? You will run away Uncle Ben.