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Exercise Library

Guitar Speed Training

Master your technique with our comprehensive collection of speed exercises.

59
Total Exercises
2
Instruments
3
Categories

New to guitar speed training?

Start with a curated beginner sequence for picking, finger independence, power chords, arpeggios, and palm muting.

Beginner Guitar Exercises
All
Core Mechanics
Pivotal Techniques
Musical Applications
Skill-Based Workouts

Guitar

56 exercises3 categories

#AlternatePicking
(15)

2 Note Per String - 2 String Pattern

2-note-per-string exercise focusing on 2-string patterns. Great for developing finger independence and alternate picking coordination.

#AlternatePicking
+2

2 Note Per String - 3 String Pattern

2-note-per-string exercise focusing on 3-string patterns. Builds on the 2-string pattern with added complexity and string crossing challenges.

#AlternatePicking
+3

Spider Walk 1

Comprehensive warmup exercise using 4-note-per-string chromatic patterns with strict alternate picking. Excellent for developing pick synchronization and fretting hand dexterity across all strings.

#AlternatePicking
+5

Spider Walk 2

Chromatic spider-walk drill emphasizing alternate picking and fretting-hand independence across strings. Great for warmups and coordination.

#AlternatePicking
+5

Outside Picking - Ascending Strings 1

Play a downstroke on the D string, and an upstroke on the G string. The pick path moves completely over and around the two strings, encasing them from the outside. Many players find this the most natural string crossing.

#AlternatePicking
+2

Inside Picking - Ascending Strings 1

Make sure you start with an upstroke on the D string, as opposed to a downstroke. Your pick is effectively "trapped" in the narrow gap between the two strings. This is notoriously the most frustrating mechanic for guitarists, as it requires immense precision to avoid hitting the wrong string on the rebound.

#AlternatePicking
+2

Inside Picking - Descending Strings 1

You play a downstroke on the G string, and an upstroke on the D string. The pick is trapped between the strings again. Because the downstroke falls heavily toward the lower string, it's very easy to accidentally mute or strike the lower string too early.

#AlternatePicking
+2

Alternate Picking - Quarter Notes

Lead with a downstroke, followed then by an upstroke. Repeat this pattern throughout the exercise. This is the foundation of alternate picking. Pay attention to keeping the notes evenly spaced apart and try to keep your pick close to the strings after hitting each note, this will help you play tighter at faster tempos in general.

#AlternatePicking
+1

Alternate Picking - Eighth Notes

Lead with a downstroke, followed by an upstroke and repeat this pattern throughout the exercise. Pay attention to making sure the notes are evenly spaced apart and try to keep your pick close to the string after each stroke, this will help you play tight at faster tempos.

#AlternatePicking
+1

Alternate Picking - Quarter & Eighth Notes

Start mastering the shift between slow and fast notes! This beginner drill focuses on rhythmic transitions, teaching your hands to stay perfectly synchronized as you change speeds. By strictly alternating downstrokes and upstrokes through shifting subdivisions, you'll build rock-solid timing and control. Keep a steady rhythm, focus on seamless gear shifts without tensing up your picking hand, and watch your overall accuracy soar!

#AlternatePicking
+1

Alternate Picking - 2 Note Per String - Pentatonic

The previous two note per string alternate picking exercises should have helped build your right hand speed and accuracy. Now we're adding more left hand movement into the mix. Start the tempo off at a slow and comfortable speed and focus more on the synchronization between your left and right hand.

#AlternatePicking
+2

Alternate Picking - Triplet Outside Pedal Point

This exercise aims to build picking hand speed and accuracy for the outside picking mechanic. Pay close attention to ensure that the single note on the G string is the exact same length as the notes on the D string. It is a common mistake to let that single note ring out longer than the others.

#AlternatePicking
+2

Alternate Picking - Triplet Outside - D Minor

Building on from the last exercise, we're introducing some more left hand movement. Pay close attention to the synchronization between the picking and fretting hand and try to get it fluid sounding.

#AlternatePicking
+2

Alternate Picking - Triplet Inside - Pedal Point

This exercise focuses on the inside cross-string picking mechanic. Build your right hand speed and accuracy up with this, paying attention to the single notes falling on the D string to make sure they don't ring out any longer than the notes on the G string.

#AlternatePicking
+2

Alternate Picking - Triplet Inside - G Major

Now concentrate on the coordination between your picking and fretting hand. Try to get the motion feeling fluid and increase the speed curve as the coordination becomes more comfortable.

#AlternatePicking
+3

#InsidePicking
(1)

3 Note Per String - Minor Tremolo Picking 1

Essential 3-note-per-string exercise in minor scale patterns with emphasis on cross-string picking mechanics. Develops both inside and outside picking techniques while navigating string changes at high speeds.

#InsidePicking
+6

#TremoloPicking
(1)

4 Note Per String - Chromatic Tremolo Picking 1

Advanced tremolo picking exercise using 4-note-per-string chromatic patterns. Develops speed, accuracy, and endurance for fast single-note passages.

#TremoloPicking
+4

#Beginner
(18)

Right Hand Warmup - Dead Note Strumming 1

Essential warmup exercise using dead notes to develop right hand strumming patterns and rhythm. Focuses on muted strings for percussive practice without pitch concerns.

#Beginner
+4

Finger Independence - 1-2-3-4 pattern

Foundational finger-independence drill using chunking patterns with strict alternate picking. Builds fretting-hand dexterity, synchronization, and timing.

#Beginner
+4

Finger Independence - 1-2-4-3 pattern

Progressive chunking variation to further develop finger independence and coordination with consistent alternate picking across strings.

#Beginner
+4

Finger Independence - 1-3-2-4 pattern

Expanded chunking patterns introducing additional movements to challenge fretting-hand independence and tighten synchronization.

#Beginner
+4

Tremolo Picking 1

This exercise builds right hand endurance and accuracy by applying tremolo picking across all six strings. Maintain a relentless 16th note alternate picking pattern from the lowest to highest string. Start on the low E string, playing one measure of open notes followed by a measure on the 3rd fret. Repeat this sequence systematically on the A, D, G, B, and high E strings. This trains your picking hand to adjust depth and angle smoothly without ever breaking your rhythm.

#Beginner
+1

Tremolo Picking 2

This exercise focuses on descending across the strings to build coordination. Maintain a steady 16th note alternate picking rhythm, starting on the thinnest high E string. Play one measure on the 3rd fret followed by one measure of open notes. Repeat this exact sequence systematically as you descend through the B, G, D, A, and finally the thick low E string. Pay extra attention to keeping your picking smooth as you transition to thicker strings.

#Beginner
+1

Uppicking - Quarter Notes

Play all notes in this exercise with upstrokes only. Slow the starting tempo down to where it's comfortable for you and focus more on timing than speed, ensuring each note is played for equal length to each other.

#Beginner

Downpicking - Eighth Notes

Play all notes in this exercise with downstrokes only. Slow the starting tempo down to where it's comfortable for you and focus more on timing than speed, ensuring each note is played for equal length to each other.

#Beginner

Uppicking - Eighth Notes

Play all notes in this exercise with upstrokes only. Slow the starting tempo down to where it's comfortable for you and focus more on timing than speed, ensuring each note is played for equal length to each other.

#Beginner

Powerchords - Downpicking - Quarter Notes

Play all powerchords in this exercise with downstrokes only. Slow the starting tempo down to where it's comfortable for you and focus more on timing than speed, ensuring each note is played for equal length to each other. Pay special attention to getting the timing of the transitions tight at the end of each bar.

#Beginner
+1

Powerchords - Uppicking - Quarter Notes

Play all powerchords in this exercise with upstrokes only. Slow the starting tempo down to where it's comfortable for you and focus more on timing than speed, ensuring each note is played for equal length to each other. Pay special attention to getting the timing of the transitions tight at the end of each bar.

#Beginner
+1

Powerchords - Downpicking - Eighth Notes

Play all powerchords in this exercise with downstrokes only. Slow the starting tempo down to where it's comfortable for you and focus more on timing than speed, ensuring each note is played for equal length to each other. Pay special attention to getting the timing of the transitions tight at the end of each bar.

#Beginner
+1

Powerchords - Uppicking - Eighth Notes

Play all powerchords in this exercise with upstrokes only. Slow the starting tempo down to where it's comfortable for you and focus more on timing than speed, ensuring each note is played for equal length to each other. Pay special attention to getting the timing of the transitions tight at the end of each bar.

#Beginner
+1

Arpeggios - Three String- E-Minor-G-Major

For the first measure, the fretting hand does absolutely nothing. For the second measure, just place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high e string. Focus primarily on your picking hand, the motion should be like a very slow and controlled strumming motion rather than a fast picking motion, as it's important that you do not pause after picking each string, this will stop you from increasing your speed.

#Beginner
+2

Arpeggios - Three String - E5-G5 Powerchords

At the start of each bar, hold all three strings of the chord shape down with your left hand. Focus on the directional changes of the picking and try to get smooth with said direction changes as well as the transitions between the E5 and G5 powerchords.

#Beginner
+2

Arpeggios - Four String - E-Minor To Gsus4

Now we're introducing four string arpeggios. As before, focus on a smooth, slow and continuous strumming motion with your right arm. Meanwhile, pay close attention to the finger numbering of the left hand in the tablature. When playing the gsus4 chord (in bar 3 & 4) lie your pinky finger flat to hold down the D & G strings down with it simultaneously. This is called barring and help you with complex chords in future. Don't be surprised by the six count here as the time signature is 6/8.

#Beginner
+1

Arpeggios - Four String - A-Minor To C-Major

Another 4 string arpeggio pattern, transitioning from A minor to C major. Take a close look at the left hand finger positioning in the tab, as you can see you are able to leave your middle finger and index finger in the same position throughout the entire exercise. You only need to move your ring finger from the G string to the A string when you transition from the A minor chord to the C major chord.

#Beginner
+1

Palm Muting - Power Chords - Eighth Notes

Now we're adding power chords into the mix! Dig in nicely with the pick and pay close attention to your right hand, to ensure you're really hitting both strings and not just the thick E string. Slow it down and get this exercise nice and consistent.

#Beginner
+1

#Advanced
(1)

Right Hand Warmup - Advanced Strum Pattern Triplet 1

Advanced strumming exercise featuring triplet rhythms and complex strum patterns. Develops rhythmic precision and right hand control for intricate strumming passages.

#Advanced
+5

#Downpicking
(3)

Down Picking - Three Strings Palm Muting

Heavy downpicking exercise across three strings with palm muting technique. Builds right hand endurance and consistency for aggressive metal rhythm playing.

#Downpicking
+5

Down Picking - Palm Muted 8th Notes (Fast)

Aggressive downpicking exercise with palm-muted 8th notes at faster tempos. Builds right-hand endurance, consistency, and tight metal rhythm control.

#Downpicking
+5

Downpicking - Quarter Notes

Play all notes in this exercise with downstrokes only. Slow the starting tempo down to where it's comfortable for you and focus more on timing than speed, ensuring each note is played for equal length to each other.

#Downpicking
+1

#PalmMuting
(9)

Palm Muting - Open String 4 Note Bursts

Focused palm muting exercise featuring 4-note burst patterns on open strings. Develops precise muting control and rhythmic accuracy for staccato metal riffs.

#PalmMuting
+5

Palm Muting - Fast Triplets 1

Palm-muted triplet rhythm exercise designed to develop tight timing, articulation, and stamina for fast metal grooves.

#PalmMuting
+5

Palm Muting - Quarter Notes

This is an introduction to palm muting. Make sure you rest your palm lightly on your bridge's saddles. If you rest your palm too far away from the bridge, you will partially mute the notes and won't get the chunky sound you're after. Cranking up the distortion can also help for this.

#PalmMuting
+1

Palm Muting - Eighth Notes

As before, rest your palm lightly on the bridge saddles and chug away. Don't press down too hard with your palm though, or you can accidentally bend the strings out of tune.

#PalmMuting
+1

Palm Muting - Quarter Notes Contrast

Play the first 2 notes of each bar palm muted and then let the remaining 2 notes of each bar ring out loud and proud. This will help you judge if you're getting the right amount of chug. If not, your palm is likely too far from the bridge saddles or you're not playing with enough distortion.

#PalmMuting
+1

Palm Muting - Eighth Notes Movement

Now we're adding some left hand movement into the mix. Be careful that you don't fall into the classic beginner trap of moving your right hand off the bridge when your left hand starts moving up and down the fretboard. Try to retain solid right hand stability throughout the left hand's movement.

#PalmMuting
+1

Palm Muting - Power Chords - E5 To A5

The first power chord is an E5 starting on the E string, the second is an A5 starting on the A string. Try to get the transition across strings smooth and use your free fingers on your left hand to mute the strings that are not being held down. This will help prevent unwanted string noise if your pick collides with the other strings.

#PalmMuting
+2

Palm Muting - Single String To Power Chords

In this exercise you'll play palm muted eighth notes on a single string followed by unmuted power chords. This will help you get smoother transitions when combining different techniques with palm muting and keeping your palm placed on the bridge, no matter what your left hand is doing.

#PalmMuting
+2

Palm Muting - Eighth Notes - 2 String

This will really help your downpicking and palm muting get solid, simultaneously! To play this fast, you'll need to keep your right palm planted on the bridge. Pay attention in the tablature to the suggested finger positioning for your left hands, if you're unsure.

#PalmMuting
+2

#Intermediate
(5)

Tremolo Picking - High Strings 1

Focused tremolo picking exercise on the high strings to develop speed, accuracy, and endurance for melodic lead passages.

#Intermediate
+5

Finger Independence - 1-3-4-2 pattern

Intermediate chunking sequence to build stamina and accuracy while maintaining even timing and pick consistency.

#Intermediate
+4

Finger Independence - 1-4-2-3 pattern

Intermediate variation focusing on smooth position shifts and consistent chunk transitions for reliable coordination.

#Intermediate
+4

Finger Independence - 1-4-3-2 pattern

Challenging chunking pattern emphasizing control over larger stretches and coordination at higher tempos.

#Intermediate
+4

Finger Independence - All Patterns

Advanced-leaning chunking sequence combining varied patterns to maximize finger control and synchronization under pressure.

#Intermediate
+4

#PalmMuting
(2)

Palm Muting - Open String 4 Note with Power Chords

Advanced palm muting exercise combining 4-note open string patterns with power chord transitions. Integrates single-note riffing with chord playing for dynamic metal rhythm sections.

#PalmMuting
+5

Palm Muting - Open String 2 to 4 Note Bursts with Power Chords

Complex palm muting exercise featuring variable burst patterns (2 to 4 notes) combined with power chord transitions. Develops rhythmic versatility and dynamic control for progressive metal styles.

#PalmMuting
+7

#AlternatePicking
(1)

Outside Picking - Descending Strings 1

You play an upstroke on the G string, and a downstroke on the D string. Once again, your pick arcs completely over both strings, forcing the outside picking motion.

#AlternatePicking
+2

Bass

3 exercises2 categories

#AlternatePicking
(1)

Bass 8th Notes - Alternate Picking

Fundamental bass exercise focusing on 8th note patterns with alternate picking technique. Essential for developing consistent timing and pick control.

#AlternatePicking
+3

#Downpicking
(1)

Bass 8th Notes - Downstroke

8th note patterns using only downstrokes for heavier attack and tone. Builds picking endurance and consistency.

#Downpicking
+3

#Intermediate
(1)

Bass Doom - Hangar

Heavy bass riff inspired by the Hangar level from Doom. Features low-tuned, aggressive patterns and sustained notes typical of metal gaming music.

#Intermediate
+3