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This is our follow up episode on playing at speed and pace.

It follows on from our earlier lesson on how to use sequences to open the fretboard and also the previous episode on TrueFire courses and their jam tracks.

During this lesson Dan discusses plectrums and we look at 5 specific types and discuss some of their pros and cons. Next, we look at and review some sequences which will speed up your playing and give you some automated patterns to throw into your solos. Next, we discuss the picking hand and give some brief insights into some picking techniques. Finally, we discuss some areas to focus on in your practice and the difference that strings make to your speed and tone.

Thank you TrueFire for sponsoring our podcast and with Christmas coming, what better gift could there be for a guitar fanatic? We are grateful for your vote of confidence and are fully enthusiastic about your product in return. How could we not be? The TrueFire guitar learning platform is massive and meticulous in its layout and content.

Timings for the SoundCloud audio version

00:02:16 Start of remit on playing at pace

00:03:39 What plectrum to choose?

00:04:42 Pick number: A jazz 3, Jim Dunlop - Eric Johnson shape

00:06:45 Pick number 2: Big Jazzer Red Bear pick

00:07:29 What is a bevel?

00:08:52 Pick 3: Red Bear Jazz3

00:09:46 Pick 4: John Petrucci Dunlop

00:14:03 Some sequences to have in the trick bag

00:14:04 Top tips for pentatonic blastage

00:14:43 First - the 4s pattern

00:15:05 Pattern 1 (ex1): 8 5(e), 8 5 (B)

00:15:11 Pattern 2 (ex2): 5 (e), 8 5 (B), 7 (G)

00:15:31 4s, down the pentatonic, ex1 and ex2

00:15:53 Reverse 4s sequence

00:17:44 Moving up the frets through different positions

00:19:00 Moving up using 2 string and 3 string sequence of 4s

00:21:12 Eric Johnson uses straight pentatonic

00:22:53 Classic Johnson 6s

00:23:38 Roll notes using economy picking

00:24:35 Using sequences of 3s

00:24:35 Group into sequences of 3

00:26:20 Joe Bonamassa / Eric Johnson - top notes of Pentatonic and work up

00:27:18 Adding the 9th

00:28:20 Four notes: the root and adding a 3rd note on the string

00:30:40 Practice regime - straight up and down the pentatonic scale

00:31:40 Playing without tension

00:32:36 Playing very gently and still lightly holding onto notes

00:34:37 Strings, tone and frequencies

00:37:23 Doubling up on your highest and lowest notes

00:37:47 Why does it feel easier on 3 notes per string?

00:39:05 Focus your practise on your picking hand

Hey everyone! We are really pleased to have this mini-series sponsored by TrueFire until Christmas: it is the most excellent, expansive and extensive online lessons platform. Their product is so well thought out and educational that Dan and I are confident that you will find it an inspirational and valuable addition to your guitar learning arsenal. Sign up and receive 14 days to decide before you wish to pay for your subscription, without even needing to enter your card details. You really have nothing to lose and a world of knowledge and skills to gain.