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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

16 exercises2 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.

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+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.

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+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!

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+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.

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+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.

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+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.

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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.

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+3

#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

1 exercise1 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