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Here is a basic 6-note sequence, popularized by Al di Meola in the 70's, then revitalized and honed to absolute speed perfection by Paul Gilbert of Racer X and Mr. Big fame. Note the picking pattern: Start on a down stroke and cross strings with an upstroke. Make sure you follow the picking directions closely.

Repeat the pattern continuously; this is a great exercise to practice your string crossing technique.

Here's another 6-note pattern. Once again, use strict alternate picking starting on a downstroke.

Now, the real fun begins! Merge these 2 patterns together, creating a 12-note repeating sequence.

And now you can repeat it continuously.

Let's see how we can expand this idea to include more than just a couple of strings. Play the 1st sequence, then repeat the exact same series of notes, starting on the 5th string this time.

Continue diatonically up the scale, progressing to strings 4, 3 & 2, keeping the sequence identical.

Finally, to avoid repeating the last 3 notes of the sequence before the beginning of the next one, shift one diatonic step higher when moving to the next sequence. This will also give extra range to our speed phrase.

Now, this is a very long and impressive alternate picking lick! In order to make it even more elaborate, we will add another part in our beginning sequence. This will modify it from a 12-note sequence to a 24-note monster!

Finally, we will repeat this pattern diatonically down the scale pattern. „R

I hope you enjoyed this fairly brief seminar! Alternate picking is one of the most time-consuming techniques on the guitar, but if you keep at it, pretty soon you'll be shredding!!! Thanks for checking out this lesson and, if you want more free guitar lessons, instructional video clips and audio samples, check out my official site at www.ioannis.org. See you next time!