Not another alternate picking question

[superlocrian]

Hi all,

I know the topic of alternate picking has been discussed to death but I was wondering - When alternate picking should the attack on the string be hard or light.

Hard picking = better soundbut tends to slow me down.
Light picking = quicker but weaker attack

Don't know which to pursue.

Watched John Petrucci doing some warm ups on his electric unplugged and the attack sounded incredibly strong and hard.

I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[Teletubby]

a more pointed pick helps me still have lots of speed and still a fairly good attack..

dunlop jazz iii's

great picks...

[graypianoflying]

dunlop jazz iii's

great picks...I second that. They are all that I use.

[superlocrian]

I also use those picks but also like using the small stubby picks.

[Aresius]

Again, it's just a matter of practice. Of course, you can't do the most frantic speeds when picking hard but who needs them anyway ^^? Practice your picking with the attack and tone you want it to be and the rest is just practice, alot of it

[AndyPollow]

ive been having the most profound fun ever with the guitar by learning to not even focus on the right hand but its like you shouldnt push your religion too hard or much. i wish i could teach it. i might do a dvd soon. really cheap?

[Darkman]

Hard picking = better soundbut tends to slow me down.
Light picking = quicker but weaker attack
Gilbert said it's easier to learn picking hard and then ease up, than vice versa. So for practice picking hard may be preferable, and mixing both for actual playing.

Personally I really like a strong attack. Zakk Wylde is an example, as is Gilbert of course.

Also, I find the lighter I pick, the sloppier I get. Faster, sure. But sloppy :)