10 Alternate Picking Exercises to Keep Your Technique Sharp

Alternate picking is one of the most important techniques for developing speed, precision, and synchronization between both hands. 

Download and play 10 alternate picking licks featuring different levels of difficulty, and challenge your technique, speed, and precision. Some are Veider’s own creations, while others are inspired by the playing styles of legendary guitarists such as Zakk Wylde, Paul Gilbert, and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Download the free Guitar Pro demo and enjoy 10 Guitar Pro files.

Veider is a guitarist, producer, and session musician specializing in advanced technical playing and modern metal. His playing combines technical precision with a broad knowledge of different styles.
He is also the guitarist of Legacy Gate.

Follow Veider on social media.

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Patreon

These exercises come from the Fast Alternate Picking Licks series, in which Veider explores different patterns, string changes, scales, and technical challenges designed to keep both hands active and challenged.

The goal is simple: challenge both hands, improve your picking accuracy and synchronization, and gradually develop more speed and control.

How I Practice These Licks

My preferred way to practice alternate picking is to start with a metronome at a very slow tempo. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and play each note cleanly before increasing the speed.

Personally, I usually increase the tempo in small increments of around 5 BPM. Once I feel comfortable at one speed, I move up another 5 BPM and continue building from there until I reach my desired tempo.

I also recommend doing some light stretching and warming up your hands before playing. Most importantly, try to avoid unnecessary tension. Stay as relaxed as possible, especially as the tempo increases.

Remember: speed should be the result of good technique, not tension.

Lick #1 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #6

Lick #2 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #7

Lick #3 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #10

Lick #4 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #11

Lick #5 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #12

Lick #6 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #13

Lick #7 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #15

Lick #8 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #20

Lick #9 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #23

Lick #10 – Fast Alternate Picking Lick #24

Take your time with each exercise and don’t feel pressured to play everything at full speed immediately. Focus on accuracy, synchronization, and relaxation first. With consistent practice, the speed will come naturally.

I hope these licks help you develop stronger, faster, and more confident alternate picking!

Stay up to date with the latest Guitar Pro and mySongBook news by subscribing to our newsletter.