Downstroke Faster, Stronger, and Longer!

James Hetfield has the best downstrokes of all time so I used him as my case-study. After a ton of pain and frustration I finally have some tactics that us mere mortals can use to improve our own speedy down-picking.

[Macsking]

James Hetfield is a darn beast, how can he do that shit AND sing at the same time?

[jayboz]

I wrap a tight rubber band around my nuts and stick my toe in an electric outlet while sitting on razor blades. . . and that helps a lot, generally. Never thought about playing guitar though. Might check it out . .

[joaquinvelazquez]

The Crazy thing is that in 1986 metallica will regularly play master of puppets at 115% speed at least, and Creeping Death at like 120% the speed or something crazy like that.

[Snake]

Hetfield was kinda always my idol, so I always focused on down picking to the point I can down pick pretty damn fast now. I've never tried holding the pick with three fingers though. Interesting.

[ryanduray]

My middle finger sometimes scrapes the high E string and makes me want to throw my guitar through a window.

[ThomySTB]

the funny thing is that master of puppets was intended to be even faster

[griffinsdr]

Love how everyone automatically talks master of puppets when anyone talks down picking

[omgvague]

If they aren't all downstrokes, they aren't rock'n'roll. - paraphrasing Ramones.

[hunterwinn]

When I play master of puppets I use the pre chorus and chorus as motivation. I play the verse and I think “the pre chorus isn’t far away, just get to there”. I find the pre chorus easier on my right hand then the verses. I then think “just get to the chorus and then I can have a break” because the chorus is easier then the rest of the song down picking wise

[serph]

your videos are pure gold! thank you so much!

[robertcute]

I use picks at around .78-.81. I try and use others when trying to play Master of Puppets to see where I'm most comfortable at. After 7 or 8 years, it's still hell to play!

Love your videos!

[ezequielarigon]

This is the second video I've watched from your channel. I like the way you explain things, you learn something and then you come here to show us the learning process, I believe it's a great method

[acanova]

Honestly if I play every day I start to get better at this type of stuff. If I take a few days off I feel like I take a few steps back. It's kind of like if you want to be a good long distance runner. If you don't put the miles in you won't be any good.

[mercadomarcos]

Man, I love the way you explain things. Thanks for another great video.

[IOxyrinchus]

This is exactly what I needed, thank you. I'm practicing with the speed bursts and the relaxed and tensionless arm etc, but this was massively helpful. I've always wanted to play Master of puppets, I'm ready to take it on.

[stormsonicspeed]

Thanks a lot dude! I had troubles with puppetz too. Thanks to you my arm does not get destroyed everytine i play it. Keep up the good work :)

[owenmacintosh]

Who else is hear for master of puppets

[rocktorrocks]

I was struggling with downstrokes on a Motley Crue tune and found your video! Got excited to see you play Live Wire, I also played it like you did cause the downstrokes are tough to get right. Mick Mars has an amazingly fast picking hand. Thanks for making this, I’m gonna get practicing.

[adnansusic]

I solved the problem with the pick sticking out to much by buying smaller picks..

[jobhenrique]

I had to login to my account just to like your video and comment on the basketball metaphor, it instantly changed my way of feeling and playing downstrokes. This is a brilliant video, congrats!