Once you can play an exercise perfectly at a given tempo, increase the metronome speed by a small increment, such as 5 BPM. Repeat the process. You can also use the "spike" method, where you push the tempo 20-30 BPM faster for a few reps to feel the challenge, and then drop back down, which can make your target tempo feel easier.
If you're a guitarist looking to improve your speed and technique, I highly recommend "Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar." With its clear instruction, comprehensive coverage, and practical application, this e-book is an essential resource for any serious guitarist.
Start at a tempo where you can play the exercise perfectly 10 times in a row. Only increase the speed by 2 to 4 BPM at a time. If your hand tenses up, drop the tempo back down. Step 2: Track Your Progress
Many instructional books offer random licks or promise blazing speed overnight without explaining the underlying mechanics. Troy Stetina takes the opposite approach. He breaks down high-speed guitar playing into fundamental biomechanics, treating the instrument with the precision of an athletic sport. The Core Philosophy Once you can play an exercise perfectly at
A crucial component of the book is the accompanying audio. Modern editions of "Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar" provide online access to an using a unique code inside the book. These files are not just backing tracks; they are demonstration recordings of Troy Stetina himself performing every exercise and piece at full speed. Hearing a world-class player execute the drills flawlessly is an invaluable reference for tempo, articulation, and feel.
Here is what you can expect from the book, according to official sources:
: In-depth coverage of alternate picking , legato , sweep picking , and string skipping . If you're a guitarist looking to improve your
The true secret to clean shredding is perfect synchronization between the pick strike and the fret press. If the pick hits the string even a millisecond before or after the finger frets the note, the result is muddy or muted. The book provides specialized synchronization drills that utilize shifting accents to force both hands into perfect alignment. Key Concepts and Advanced Techniques Covered
Why Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar Remains the Gold Standard
When modern guitarists search for an "extra quality" version of Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar , they are usually looking for an upgraded multimedia experience that surpasses the original 1990s print and cassette/CD formats. An extra-quality learning experience typically includes: If your hand tenses up, drop the tempo back down
Building a solid foundation before introducing legato or economy techniques. 2. Synchronized Fretting Hand Techniques
The book is built for one purpose: to give you the tools to break through your physical barriers and achieve a new level of speed, precision, and control. Stetina breaks down the immense complexity of virtuosic lead playing into three core, manageable categories: Mechanical Ability (the physical motions), Rhythmic Ability (flawless timing), and Creativity (developing your musical imagination). This analytical deconstruction is the secret to the book's effectiveness.