Wrist Tension

[DDTonFire]

When ever I pick alternately for a little while, my right (picking) wrist starts to tense up, causing me to miss the string or screw up my picking. Is there any way that I can practice picking so that I dont tense up?

[VitoBrata]

Hey DDtonfire,

I suggest that u could try and warm up slightly before attempting fast picking runs. Try massagin ur forearms and rotating ur wrist a few times to just loosen up and get the blood flowin. also take slwo down if it starts to tense and do u still notice the tension? If not then ur obviously yrying to play above ur limit....so take the time to work up the speed.....also after a few months more of playin....u will build up some more stamina that should hopefully allow u to pick faster for longer.....Just try donwpicking as fast as u can (thrash metal style) for 30 seconds......NOw im sure by the end of that ur wrist felt like it was going to explode......well IF u keep tryin this ull find out u can go for much longer as ur stamina increases......well anyway good luck...and take things slow!!!!
CYa:cool:

[DDTonFire]

Thanx i will try your suggestions they sound like good ideas!

[Koala]

Another thing you should try is to pick a sequence or run which usually get you tensed up. Then play it real slow, focusing on keeping your wrist relaxed, play it for a few minutes at that same slow tempo, then speed up a little, keeping the same technique you were using to play slow.