Alternate Picking Exercise – Yngwie Malmsteen Style TAB

This alternate picking exercise is inspired by Yngwie Malmsteen’s neoclassical style — fast, precise, and built around the A harmonic minor scale. It is an excellent workout for building speed, accuracy, and right-hand stamina.

About the Solo

Malmsteen’s alternate picking technique is one of the most studied in rock and metal guitar. This exercise isolates the key movements — strict down-up picking across multiple strings — and builds the muscle memory needed for high-speed neoclassical runs.

What You Will Work On

• Strict alternate picking — consistent down-up pattern at all tempos
• A harmonic minor scale — the foundation of neoclassical metal
• Right-hand stamina — maintaining precision over extended runs
• String crossing accuracy — clean transitions between strings
• Speed building — methodical tempo increase with a metronome

Tips for Learning This Solo

• Start at 60 BPM and only increase when the pattern is clean.
• Use a metronome — speed without timing is useless.
• Record your hand from above to check picking angle and motion.
• Practice in short bursts — technique work tires quickly.