One of the most common requests we get at Cracking the Code is to help players identify which picking motion they’re using. In this most recent update to the Pickslanting Primer, we’ve leveraged our years of experience in studying expert players to put together what is probably the most detailed guide ever produced for figuring out which picking motion you’re using.

Checking in with another update, and we have some nice progress to discuss as the first functioning Magnet prototypes go for a test drive.

Magnet backers! We hope you’re doing well, and with the pandemic and the current winter bearing down on everyone, we understand that’s no small task. Just a quick update on Magnet production. The short story is we’re still stuck — pun intended — at the rubber phase, which we discussed in our last update.

Magnet production moves forward as we tackle the technical challenge of crafting the rubber pads that grip the phone.

Just a quick update from the factory making the Magnets. They’re still cutting the “tool”, which is the manufacturing term for the steel mold that actually forms the plastic parts. If you’re not familiar with the injection molding process, as we weren’t when we started this, molten plastic is injected into the steel mold and allowed to cool. Then the two halves of the tool are pulled apart, and voilá, Magnet parts.

Pour yourself a caipirinha and grab your thumb picks because the awesome César Garabini is taking us on a trip to Rio for an introduction to the beautiful and grooving sounds of Choro guitar.

For a long time now, you’ve asked for an easy way to find and read about core Cracking the Code concepts, and we’ve delivered on that with a brand new section of the Pickslanting Primer: the awesome new Picking Motion section.

Cracking the Code members, our latest release with jazz and Gypsy swing wizard Olli Soikkeli is here! Olli Soikkeli’s tasty vintage stylings wouldn’t be out of place at a jazz age lawn party with linen suits and coupe glass cocktails. But when he fires up his 21st-century alternate picking technique, you’re about to take a ride in a DeLorean time machine of jazz guitar.