Gypsy Picking...impossible

jonpowl · July 2014

Just curious, what kind of pick are you using? Is it a big change from what you used to play with?

kevingcox · July 2014

Adrien is a modern player who changes his picking style based on the feel he wants. It is a stylistic choice, not one based on technical limitations. Don't look to anyone like him for "canonical" rest stroke technique. He is very familiar with both (and more) worlds so he does what he wants.

Shemi · July 2014

kevingcox wrote: »

Adrien is a modern player who changes his picking style based on the feel he wants. It is a stylistic choice, not one based on technical limitations. Don't look to anyone like him for "canonical" rest stroke technique. He is very familiar with both (and more) worlds so he does what he wants.

Sorry, guess that was a reply to me before I edited my post. Didn't want to hijack the thread as I was thinking more in a hypothetical sense which was moving away from the topic. Apologies.

dennis · July 2014

don't feel discouraged! I think it's definitely doable, as long as you're willing to put in the time and effort!

Check out this guitarist, Adrien Marco who picked up guitar for the first time at the age of 18 (with no prior musical training before):

Where there's a will there is a way!

Also check out Herve Gaguenetti, who picked up the guitar for the first time at age 26 (again no prior musical training); granted, he only plays rhythm guitar, but that's something many struggle with in this style as well:

Here's one of my first GJ students from maybe 7-8 years ago, I don't remember, Eric Lavergne. He had (still has) a full time job that was not music related, and when he came to me, all he knew how to do was play folk songs, he had zero concept of lead playing in any style, and his technique was non-existent.

Look at him now:

I think it's doable!

Shemi · July 2014

Those are great examples Dennis! I teach guitar as well, not Gypsy, but Rock, Blues and Fingerstyle and I have to say that the sense of satisfaction at seeing someone reach a level that they never dreamed possible is equal to anything I've achieved in my own playing. People really are generally unaware of their own potential capabilities and it's a privilege to help them realise that. :-)

Craig Denney · July 2014

How will you ever get it if you give up? Never...ever...ever...give up.

Technique is making sure you're doing it right, and go slow until it becomes second nature. What's the rush? I know...wanting to be able to do it. But do it, and do it right.

Anything new is difficult and takes time. I've been playing guitar for 3/4 of my life, and I know it's going to take some time.

Try focusing on learning tunes, and slowly implement the techniques. Just "play" and forget the "learning from a book" for a little bit.

opus20000 · July 2014

I think my error is when I play single notes I angle my hand differently ( more arched) than when I strum (which I have no issues with). When I tried to correct that last night things seemed a bit better.

JSanta · July 2014

It takes time and dedication! No one picked this up (no pun intended) over night. My biggest problem was I always anchored my picking hand while playing, and that has been a major obstacle. I've found now though that my picking in other styles has greatly improved because I can float my hand.