Frank Gambale Sweep Picking Pdf TOP

How to Master Frank Gambale's Sweep Picking Technique

Sweep picking is a guitar technique that allows you to play fast and fluid arpeggios, scales and modes by using a single pick stroke to play multiple notes on different strings. It is often associated with shredders and neoclassical metal players, but it can also be used in other genres such as jazz, fusion and rock.

One of the most influential and innovative sweep pickers is Frank Gambale, an Australian guitarist who has played with artists such as Chick Corea, Steve Smith, Billy Cobham and John McLaughlin. Gambale is widely considered to be the first artist to fully integrate sweep picking into his style, applying it to arpeggios, pentatonics, heptatonic (seven-note) scales and modes, and beyond.

In this article, we will show you how to get started with Frank Gambale's sweep picking technique, using examples from his instructional video, Monster Licks and Speed Picking[^2^], and his articles for Guitar World magazine[^1^]. We will also provide you with a link to download a free PDF file of his sweep picking exercises and patterns.

What You Need to Know About Sweep Picking

Before we dive into Frank Gambale's approach, let's review some basic concepts and tips about sweep picking:

Sweep picking requires an odd number of notes per string. This allows you to reverse the direction of the pick stroke when changing strings. For example, if you play three notes per string going up, you will play three notes per string going down. To change direction on the same string, you need an even number of notes, such as two notes on the high E string.

Sweep picking requires a smooth and consistent pick movement across the strings. You should not stop or hesitate between each note. Instead, you should glide over the strings with minimal effort and resistance. Think of it as brushing or raking the strings rather than picking them.

Sweep picking requires a clear and separate articulation of each note. You should not let the notes ring together or bleed into each other. To achieve this, you need to use your fretting hand to mute or release the strings as soon as you play them. You can also use your picking hand to lightly touch the strings that are not being played.

Sweep picking requires a good synchronization between your picking hand and your fretting hand. You should not play faster than you can fret or vice versa. You should also avoid unwanted noises or string skipping by keeping your hands in sync.

Sweep picking requires a lot of practice and patience. It is not an easy technique to master, but it can be very rewarding if done correctly. You should start with slow and simple patterns and gradually increase the speed and complexity as you gain confidence and accuracy.

How Frank Gambale Applies Sweep Picking

Frank Gambale has developed a unique and versatile way of using sweep picking in his playing. He does not limit himself to standard arpeggio shapes or diatonic scales. Instead, he explores different harmonic possibilities and creates interesting melodic lines by combining sweep picking with other techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends and legato.

Here are some of the main aspects of Frank Gambale's sweep picking technique:

He uses three-note-per-string patterns for most of his scales and modes. This allows him to cover more fretboard area and play more notes per beat with less pick movement. He also uses two-note-per-string patterns for some pentatonic scales and chromatic runs.

He uses different fingerings for the same scale or mode depending on the direction of the sweep stroke. For example, he may use one fingering for ascending sweeps and another fingering for descending sweeps. This helps him avoid awkward stretches or shifts while maintaining a smooth flow.

He uses different types of arpeggios depending on the chord progression and the tonality. He may use major, minor, diminished, augmented, dominant, altered or extended arpeggios to create tension and resolution in his solos. He may also use hybrid arpeggios that combine notes from different chords or scales. aa16f39245