Alternate picking on one string

Sixteenth notes up the high E string in the A minor scale. Keeps the picking hand honest — no string changes to hide behind.

← All licks & exercisesTechniqueIntermediate
60 BPM
Start at 60 · goal 130 BPM
Press play — or hit the space bar.
Position on the neck
0 frets
Frets 5–13 · key: A natural minorSee the scale →
12EADGBe12341234578757877810878108810121081012101012131212~

Where to play it

012345678910111213141516171819EADGBEABCDEF
Playing now Notes in this lick

How to practise it

  1. Down-up-down-up all the way, even when the pattern changes.
  2. Use small picking motions from the wrist, not the arm.
  3. Shift your hand on the first note of each new group.
  4. Start at 60 BPM. Only speed up when you can play it cleanly three times in a row — the goal is 130 BPM.