Welcome to Cracking the Code

Cracking the Code has transformed the way guitarists learn. We pioneered the use of slow motion video to reveal techniques used by world-class players that weren’t being explicitly taught, but absolutely should be. Along the way, we created many of the concepts and terminology that are now used by players the world over to understand and perfect their own picking technique.

Through discoveries like escape motion, we've made clean picking technique accessible to everyone. With a Cracking the Code membership, you'll gain access to all our teaching, including:

The Pickslanting Primer

The Pickslanting Primer is our core instructional product for picking mechanics. It takes an evidence-based approach to testing your speed, finding your smoothest motion, synchronizing your hands, and more.

Interviews With Elite Players

Our groundbreaking slow-motion interviews have revealed expert playing techniques that were hiding in plain sight for decades.

They comprise hours of investigative converstions and thousands of musical examples, painstakingly filmed in slow motion video and transcribed with live Soundslice tablature. Watch the complete collection with your subscription.

Technique Critique

Technique Critique

You've covered the fundamentals in our courses, and you're ready for an expert assessment? Get feedback on your mechanics directly from us with a Technique Critique.

We've spent years filming experts and helping hundreds of players at all levels. By reviewing clips of your playing uploaded by you, we will see things others won't, and can quickly recommend targeted steps for improvement.

Get Cracking!

Sign up for a subscription, apply for a scholarship, or create a free account to browse the site and use the forum

Create Your Cracking The Code Account
Pickslanting Primer Logo

Pickslanting Primer

Our comprehensive guide to clean and accurate picking

 
Seminars Image

Seminars

In-depth lessons on musical topics

 
Interviews Logo

Interviews

Conversations with musicians & experts

 
Cracking the Code Channels Logo

Code Channels

Lessons and features from our studios

 

Latest News

Introducing The Obisidian Seminar

A comprehensive introduction to extreme metal rhythm guitar

 

Cyber Metal Week Is Here!

Black Friday got longer and more metallic.

 

Black Friday Is Here!

Save big, and learn big, with aggressive holiday discounts

 

Two Techniques square off - who wins? USX vs DBX

New tutorials in our latest Pickslanting Primer update

 

The Brandon Ellis Interview is here!

Dive into harmony and technique with a boundary-pushing metal stylist