Circular / Scalpel Picking

Adji

For a year or so now, I've been having some wrist and picking arm issues. I'm sure its because I never 'really' worked on my picking technique and I definitely tense up when playing fast stuff, which being in a metal band...is often.

About a month ago, I was exploring various picking options and the one that felt most comfortable / natural to my was using the thumb in scalpel or circular picking style. I find my arm is much easier to relax and am already making reasonable progress.

Before I get to far down the rabbit hole, has anyone else practised this picking for a long time and can let me know of any pitfalls to avoid? The thumb muscle is quite small, so I'm being careful not to overwork it and taking plenty of rest days. I'm committed to this long term.

And lastly, has anyone had some success using circular picking with economy picking? It seems quite a clunky movement but I'm just about getting there. I've always preferred the sound and the ease of economy picking over strict alternate.

Cheers!

digitalkettle

Not on technique per se, but I'd recommend getting an RPM Powerball for some hand & wrist conditioning. I used to be a bit prone to small injuries but regular use of a Powerball has kept it all in check for years now.

Adji

Cheers dude. I had one years ago, I wonder what happened to it.

I'll grab another.

carlos

Is it this style?

I've tried it and my fingers got very tired, very quickly, especially my index finger. Was afraid of developing trigger finger on it, in fact. My picking style is closer to George Benson, if that helps, works for me.

susbemol

A good example of it?

joeW

This is the Chuck Wayne style used by Pasquale Grassi and am actually looking into myself atm as it makes hybrid picking easy.   So far I have found it pretty cool to have the reduced upper arm / shoulder tension vs my normal way.  It feel like holding a pen and that is a movement that’s never caused me any issues.  

Ecomony feels odd still esp when changing to a higher string if your thumb is extended but that’s my poor application currently.  

joeW

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