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Forearm extended wrist USX has increased speed while exposing other issues

I’ve been experimenting with a forearm-based (and possibly wrist-assisted) picking approach using DWPS and upward escape motion. It’s definitely helped increase my speed overall, but I’ve run into a few issues that I can’t quite figure out: 1. Ascending lines feel noticeably slower, sloppier, and noisier compared to descending lines. I’m not sure if this is a mechanical issue or just lack of familiarity with the motion. 2. High E string playing feels especially inconsistent — slower, less accurate, and generally harder to control. It’s almost like the technique changes completely when I move to that string. Fast passages that involve the high E feel like a gamble, so I often avoid them when playing live. 3. String noise tends to be more noticeable in ascending runs than descending ones. 4. Starting fast lines feels awkward or stuttery — the first few notes don’t flow naturally until I “lock in” to the motion. This seems to happen regardless of the picking approach I use.

Player: CCinco_Boy
Lesson: USX Technique

Status: closed
Privacy: Public

Last Activity:Dec 24, 2025 11:30 PM

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I struggle finding smooth, glassy picking motions that allow for smooth and fast playing

I'm feeling more stuck in my playing than ever. After 15 years of playing, I still struggle with a staggering, stuttering sensation in my picking hand that I just can’t seem to shake. Years ago, I accepted that I wasn’t a fast player and shifted my focus to reading, theory, improvisation, and composition. I also used the fact that I’m left-handed in everything except guitar as an excuse to further justify my lack of speed. Interestingly, my left hand consistently outperforms my right in motion tests, which isn’t surprising. I play in a band and take pit orchestra gigs when I can, but it’s incredibly frustrating when a song requires higher speeds. I either have to modify my parts or ask to slow down the tempo. My speed maxes out at around 140 BPM when playing 2–3 notes per string, and even then, I often fumble through my lines. At times, I can tremolo pick 16th notes at around 170 BPM, but I have to ramp up to that speed, and even then, my notes sometimes stutter. For years, I told myself that consistent practice would improve my speed, but it hasn’t. I’m at a loss for how to develop a smooth, fluid motion where my pick glides effortlessly over the strings. No matter how much I work on it, I can’t seem to find that natural, glassy feel in my picking hand. Thanks for reading!