The Cracking the Code Pickslanting Primer is the essential introduction to guitar picking technique.

We teach you the technical concepts that underlie fast and accurate picking — and we break down the actual techniques of legendary players like Yngwie Malmsteen, Eric Johnson, Michael Angelo Batio, and more.

The complete package includes 7+ hours of detailed “how-to” video tutorial chapters, along with over 75 slow-mo video examples with complete tablature in PDF and Guitar Pro formats.

Pick Design And Function

The fascinating topic of how picks work and how to choose one

Pick Grip

Getting familiar with the many ways to hold a guitar pick

Wrist Motion

Mastering the most commonly used joint in picking motion

Forearm Motion

This fascinating joint is an important collaborator in many picking motions

Elbow Motion

The simplest joint in picking technique is also the fastest, and a capable choice as your core motion

Downward Pickslanting

Switching strings with the escaped upstroke, with complete blueprints of Yngwie’s and Eric Johnson’s picking techniques

Upward Pickslanting

Switching strings with the escaped downstroke, key to the legendary accuracy of John McLaughlin’s picking technique

Two-Way Pickslanting

Mixing escape types for three-note-per-string playing, enabling blazing alternate-picked scale playing a la Michael Angelo Batio

For more detail and full chapter listings for the Pickslanting Primer, please browse the platform page. And note that when you buy the download product, you’ll be able to view all the videos and musical examples here on the site, too, for added convenience.

Here's an overview of what's included with the download. For more detail, check out the platform page!

The Problem With Picking

Pick Design And Function

Pick Grip

Wrist Mechanics

Wrist Motions

Forearm Motions

Elbow Motions

Yngwie Malmsteen

Eric Johnson

Strunz & Farah

John McLaughlin

Michael Angelo Batio