Question: I bought a new electric guitar, an ESP, and I thought it would be much easier to play than the acoustic guitar, but I found it really difficult. Is there a difference between playing electric and acoustic guitar that I am missing?? For example, sometimes I can't do alternate picking as fast as I did playing the acoustic.

Tom Hess's Answer: As long as you are learning correct guitar picking technique while practicing it using an effective guitar practice schedule, you will quickly improve.

However, also understand that the picking hand position you are using while playing acoustic guitar may be different from the position you are using while playing electric guitar. You might be adjusting your position (without thinking about it) due to the height / position of the bridge, string gauge or distance between strings. Regardless, make sure you eliminating any extra movement in your picking hand by NOT bringing your hand up and away from the strings as you pick.

Watch the free guitar playing videos on my website to see how I position my picking hand in order to play fast and clean.

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