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Playing Really Fast, Part One

Advice From Steve Smith with an introduction by Joe Carr

In the past year, I have been working with a talented mandolin student with a unique problem. At really fast tempos, he was having clarity and coordination problems. Mind you, the tempos we are talking about here are the breathtaking speeds that only the best professional players attempt. The student determined that his main difficulty occurred on upstroke string crossings from a lower string (in relation to the floor) to a higher string. For example, from the A string to the D string.

After exhausting every suggestion I could think of (beginning with progressive metronome studies), I wrote to a number of accomplished mandolin players for their advice. Here are Steve Smiths' thoughts.

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There may be a couple of things to look for. I would of course do exactly as you did with the metronome studies, but I would have him do them on open strings, concentrating on the right hand. Practice quarters, eighths, and then sixteenth notes. Also do these exercises staying on one string. Then add scales to the mix. A couple of things I look for in the right hand are:

1. Is he rolling over the pick? In other words, is the outer edge of the pick moving above the string as a downstroke occurs and below the string as an upstroke occurs? If so, I would focus on keeping the pick attack even through down-up strokes so he is hitting consistently. This eliminates lost motion which reduces speed and tone as well as requiring more energy to play. What is needed is a compact, consistent stroke. Some folks just do it, but others have to work at it to create the good habit.

2. Perhaps he is simply digging too deeply with the pick, which can tie him up especially with the upstroke.

3. I would also look at his over all pick grip. Often people grip too tightly. This is easy to do at slower speeds (a tighter grip can produce more volume) but when it comes to an increase in tempo, the tight grip becomes a hindrance to getting through the strings.

4. Another simple thing could be pick shape and size. I don't know how long he has been playing, but often I see young players going right after a very heavy pick such as a Golden Gate Dawg and it is just too much for them. But I'd suggest something with a similar round edge to help with pick contact and control. Also be sure he is playing through both strings with each pick stoke up and down in order to match what I call stroke tone. A round pick may also help him from digging too deeply.

5. Does he drink coffee before he plays? If so, get him to try some sessions without. It may help him relax. If he does not drink coffee, perhaps he should try the caffeine for an increase in tempo. (I'm fishing here)

My student applied Steve's advice with good results. In future issues look for advice and exercises from John Moore (Chris Thile's first teacher.)