Frank Gambale’s Sweep Picking Technique
Frank Gambale is renowned for his sweep picking technique. He proved that it could be done, and brought it into mainstream music. Here is a little more about this talented musician and his amazing technique.
Frank is the first guitarist to demonstrate the sweep picking technique and show its fullest potential. In fact, before Frank came along, many people believed sweeping couldn't be played consistently. Whenever guitarists attempted it, they were able to play one or two small licks but that was it. Frank, however, believed it was possible and has developed it and perfected it since 1975. Frank can not only play one or two licks, but can utilize the technique for everything from advanced harmonies to rhythmic variations.
Frank approach to playing the guitar allows him to have a sense of fluidity and ease of playing that doesn't come with other techniques. He is also able to play at high speeds and with much more versatility.
So what exactly is the sweep picking technique? Sweeping is using a single picking stroke up or down across two or more strings. When playing with this technique, the artist needs to position the pick in the direction of the next string for the next note. This differs from the standard picking technique in which guitarists alternate picking by picking up and down regardless of what the note they are playing. Sweep picking is a more complex technique, but it creates a more melodic, fluid sound, and enables different kinds of phrases that can't be played with a standard technique.
Frank was the first to write a full account on the sweep picking technique in his book entitled “Speed Picking” written in 1983. He actually wanted to call the book “Sweep Picking” but the publisher vetoed the idea because they thought no one would know what it meant because Frank was the forerunner in this technique. Frank followed up that book with a DVD called “Monster Licks and Speed Picking.”
Many great guitarists have openly stated that Frank is the Grand Master of sweep picking. The technique that he developed is now part of guitar history and guitarist all over the world are learning and incorporating this technique as defined by Frank.
