Guitar Gumbo: Savage Sweeps - Arpeggio-based licks with extra gristle

Written by Greg Koch

Greetings string tickling fetishists and welcome to the first installment of Guitar Gumbo. Each month I will share with you a savory morsel or two to add to your stewing vat of musical wrongdoing.

Today I write to you from the depths of Oklahoma where I am gigging around with my band in a concerted effort to remain financially solvent and mentally sane while sailing the turbulent seas of the music industry. This is no small undertaking. Remember, in the music business everyone has a price, and you would be surprised how low it can be.

Anywho, in scanning my brain for a subject for this article I realized that I use some sweep picking–type licks but more in a bluesy or rootsy format than in the usual metal or fusion forums where I seldom tread. I thought it would be fun to share them with you so that you can annoy your loved ones—or bandmates—once you have learned them.

I learned sweep picking from Chet Atkins. I was never a big metal enthusiast (sorry Spandex Veterans) so I never learned any sweep licks from the usual sources for a guy my age (don’t ask). This first example is a D minor arpeggio sweep [Fig. 1] similar to something I heard Chet do that begins with a downstroke on the high E, then an upstroke sweep to the F note on the A string, followed by a downstroke sweep from the D note on the A string ending with an upstroke on the doublestop slide-up. Throw this in at the blues jam over a minor blues and watch the mutants reel

Guitar Gumbo Figure 1
Listen to Example 1

Fig. 2 is a major version of the same sweep, but I slide down on the double stop at the end. When played up to speed you will be filled with a deep sense of savagery.

Guitar Gumbo Figure 2
Listen to Example 2

Fig. 3 is an A9 arpeggio I like to throw into a solo much like an expletive in a heated diatribe. I use a downward sweep, pausing at the G string to let the hammer-ons and pull-offs happen, then continue downstroking until reaching the high E string. Then I bring it all back with an upstroke before alternate picking the last three notes. Use this at your next NAMM show and watch the indifference cease for seconds!

Listen to Example 3 - Slow

This final example [Fig. 4] is a minor version of the last lick except it ends on the flatted 5th, which is sure to bend the ear of your listener. Practice these slow until you get them right because if you serve these up before the gristle is fully cooked, folk could get sick.

Listen to Example 4 - Slow

GREG KOCH
Greg Koch is one of the most in-demand guitar clinicians in the world for Fender Musical Instruments and Hal Leonard Corporation. Learn more savage licks and techniques in his instructional DVD Guitar Gristle. Check out his latest CD, Nation Sack, available at gregkoch.com.