fastpicked

Fastpicked is a term used in guitar pedagogy and online communities to describe a style of rapid, precise note articulation achieved through controlled right-hand picking patterns. It is not a single technique but a family of approaches that aim to maximize speed without sacrificing clarity.

Origin and usage: The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but it appears in instructional videos, forum threads, and lesson materials as shorthand for building high-tempo lines, especially single-note runs and arpeggios.

Techniques: Techniques commonly associated with fastpicked include alternate picking to maximize efficiency, economy picking to minimize motion, and sweep picking for arpeggios. Players focus on compact wrist and forearm movements, consistent tone, and a steady tempo. Effective practice usually starts with a metronome at a comfortable speed, then gradually increases tempo while maintaining accuracy and pick control.

Applications: Fastpicked lines are prominent in metal, shred, and fusion playing, as well as in demanding rock solos. The term is often used to describe both individual licks and the overall approach to fast melodic and scalar passages.

Assessment: Critics note that speed should not trump clarity or healthy technique; improper form can lead to fatigue or injury. Pedagogical materials typically emphasize sound, precision, and relaxed technique before pursuing extreme tempos.

See also: Alternate picking; Economy picking; Sweep picking; Guitar technique; Speed picking.