How do you hit your strings

[Strat58]

Hi I tend to use alternate picking a lot combined with fast hammer on and pull offs, its more the way Randy Rhoads used to play (RIP), and when I play blues I use more a technick like Johnny Winter. Because of that technic min estrings have to higher then other guitars (man I wished i could play with those fast action guitars), played once a Jacksons and it rattle all over the neck (because of the alternate picking). I have seen people just hit a strings and walk with their fingers over the frets, I can't do that I just have to pick every note I play. So how do you pick your strings just curious about it.
Peace Strat58

[rob2001]

It might be a fault but I don't think about my pick hand much. It just does what it has to do depending on the song. I use pretty much standard styles when needed. If I had to work on somthing it would concern alternate speed picking, which I don't use often.

[buddastrat]

Love Randy's style and writing.

Why does alternate picking make the Jackson rattle all over the neck? Just about everyone uses some alternate picking in combination with other techniques like hammers, pulls, economy picking etc... It's just part of the basic skills needed to play most styles. But some guys like Steve Morse favor pretty much strictly alternate picking everything.

But you shouldn't get a bunch of fret rattle no matter the technique. If you are, either the guitar isn't set up properly or you're doing something wrong.

[Strat58]

Hi well I played that guitar in a shop in London back in the 80thies, bought a Kramer Baretta after that but always keep the strings fairly high. I play with heavy pick or sometimes mine fingers and must admit I realy dig into the strings. if I would hit the strings a little softer it would not rattle but then I would sound different. but lately I ease up a little and try to play softer them I usaly do, but it takes times to learn a old dog new tricks :)
Peace Strat58

[Stormin]

Like they were Tina Turner?

Sorry - couldn't resist.

Stormin!

[Chris Rice]

Like they owe me money?

I use a lot of finger action along with my pick.

[rollyfoster]

with the fist of an angry god.

[alivegy]

I play a heavy blues style with a jazz III pick using an alternating picking method. I hear you on action I love a good fast guitar with the strings close to the board but it just can't handle my playing style. I hit the strings hard with the edge of the pick and parts of my fingers and any guitar with low action just gets beaten to a buzzing mess.

[gkoelling]

I hit them with this...

http://www.buyzactools.com//pimages/105/05-SH3F.jpg

[Flyin' Brian]

I use a combination depending on the song. I tend to pick very lightly as a rule, so I have little or no rattle problems, but I see your point, rattles can be a nuisance.
I absolutely don't pick every note though, I use a fair amount of hammer on, pull off, and slides to get a legato type sound.
I also tend to hold the pick at an angle to the strings when I have to pick a lot of notes, particularly fast passages.

[neil99]

Like a rented mule.

[DrumBob]

Hard.

No, really, it depends on the song, of course. I do like slamming power chords, though. Pete Townshend has been a huge influence on my playing.

[Lex Luthier]

I used to pick everything, but I have consciously gotten away from that because it sounds one dimensional to me at times especially when playing fast, so I like to mix it up a bit with picking, hammering and sweeps.

[Lewkk]

Depends what the song calls for. Why limit your technique or style?

[Custom50]

I hit them pretty hard. I think it comes from listening to alot of zeppelin, ac/dc, kiss and bands like that when i was learning guitar because those guys dig into the strings alot when they pick. I use my thumb and index finger alot for leads though for some strange reason.

[randy alameda]

I hit them with this...

http://www.buyzactools.com//pimages/105/05-SH3F.jpg
Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:jo
Let's Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

[waxnsteel]

Lambaste would be fairly accurate. I do vary it, but generally hit hard.

[bjjp2]

Barely touch them.