Why Learn Economy Picking?

Economy picking is a pivotal technique for guitarists aiming to enhance their speed and efficiency. By minimizing unnecessary hand movements, it allows for smoother transitions between strings, making it an integral component of directional picking. Understanding and mastering economy picking not only lays the groundwork for more advanced techniques but also challenges guitarists to rethink traditional fingering systems, such as the CAGED system.

Directional Picking: The Ultimate Goal

Directional picking is a method that combines the principles of alternate and sweep picking to achieve maximum efficiency. In this approach, when playing multiple notes on the same string, alternate picking (down-up-down-up) is employed. However, when transitioning between strings, the pick moves in the same direction, akin to sweep picking. This technique reduces the distance the pick travels, allowing for faster and more fluid playing.

Economy Picking: A Key Component

Economy picking serves as a foundational element of directional picking. It focuses on optimizing pick strokes to ensure minimal movement. The core principle is straightforward:

• Alternate Picking: When playing consecutive notes on the same string, alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes.
• Sweep Picking: When moving to a new string, continue the motion in the same direction. For instance, if the last note on the previous string was a downstroke, the first note on the next string should also be a downstroke.

This method streamlines the picking process, reducing the need for the pick to change direction unnecessarily. By doing so, economy picking facilitates higher playing speeds and a more legato sound.

The Mechanics of Economy Picking

To delve deeper into how economy picking functions, consider the following scenarios:

1. Ascending Scales:
   • When playing a three-note-per-string scale ascending across the strings, you might use a downstroke, upstroke, and downstroke on the first string.
   • As you move to the next string, instead of switching to an upstroke (as in strict alternate picking), you continue with a downstroke, effectively “sweeping” into the next string.
2. Descending Scales:
   • In a descending passage, if you end on an upstroke, you would continue with an upstroke when moving to the next string below.

By maintaining the pick’s direction during string transitions, economy picking reduces the motion required, leading to increased speed and efficiency.

Transitioning from the CAGED System to Three-Notes-Per-String

One of the challenges guitarists face when adopting economy picking is the need to shift from the traditional CAGED system to a three-notes-per-string approach.

The CAGED System:

The CAGED system is a method that organizes the fretboard into five overlapping shapes based on open chord forms: C, A, G, E, and D. This system helps guitarists visualize chord and scale patterns across the neck. However, these shapes often result in varying numbers of notes per string, which can be less conducive to the consistent picking patterns required for economy picking.

Three-Notes-Per-String Approach:

Switching to a three-notes-per-string framework offers several advantages for economy picking:

• Consistency: Having a uniform number of notes per string allows for predictable and repeatable picking patterns.
• Efficiency: It aligns perfectly with the mechanics of economy picking, facilitating smoother and faster transitions.

While this transition may seem daunting, it’s important to note that playing three notes per string isn’t drastically different from traditional fingerings. With practice, it becomes a natural extension of your playing. For a more in-depth explanation and demonstration, you can refer to this video:

Three Notes Per String meets CAGED

Advantages & Limitations of Economy Picking

Embracing economy picking offers several benefits:

• Increased Speed: By minimizing pick movement, guitarists can achieve higher tempos with less effort.
• Fluidity: The seamless transitions between strings contribute to a smoother, more connected sound.
• Efficiency: Reducing unnecessary movements conserves energy, allowing for longer playing sessions without fatigue.

Despite its benefits, economy picking does have some constraints:

• Prescribed Lines: The technique often requires specific note groupings (e.g., three notes per string) to maintain its efficiency. This can limit improvisational freedom, as deviating from these patterns may disrupt the picking flow.
• Learning Curve: Transitioning from traditional systems like CAGED to a three-notes-per-string approach demands time and dedication.

It’s worth noting that while economy picking provides a structured pathway, it may feel restrictive compared to the adaptability of directional picking. However, mastering economy picking is a crucial step toward achieving the flexibility that directional picking offers.

Conclusion

Economy picking stands as a bridge between foundational techniques and advanced guitar proficiency. By focusing on efficient pick movement, it enables guitarists to play faster and more fluidly. While the shift from the CAGED system to a three-notes-per-string approach presents challenges, the rewards in speed and efficiency make it a worthwhile endeavor. Moreover, understanding the limitations of economy picking underscores the importance of progressing toward directional picking, which offers greater freedom and adaptability in musical expression.

Incorporating economy picking into your practice routine will not only enhance your technical skills but also pave the way for mastering more versatile techniques, ultimately enriching your overall guitar playing experience.