Killer Sweeps! - How to Play Guitar Solos

Glenn Birdby Glenn Bird
Filed in Practice , Technique


When learning how to play guitar solos there are quite a few flashy techniques that can make you stand out from the crowd, and all have varying levels of difficulty. There is however one technique that is feared by the masses, and if you can tame it, will make you stand out in any crowd as being an expert on your chosen instrument!

That of course, is Sweep Picking.

Sweep Picking is simply the technique of playing the individual notes of an arpeggio in a 'sweeping' motion, and is one of the quickest ways around the neck while playing individual notes. An Arpeggio literally means 'broken chord' and can be used with any chord shape. In essence, you sweep (technique) over the arpeggio (notes) to create a devastating assault on the listener...

Let's take a look at some examples and then we'll get into the nuts and bolts of it and get you on your way!

Here's an example from one of the best solo artists around today - Jeff Loomis, and if you want to master arpeggios then this is a must see!

Here's the Tab to play along with, good luck!

Jeff Loomis - Devil Theory Sweeps

Key points to note when learning to sweep:


  1. Keep a firm grip on the broom!

  2. play around with different picking positions - i find it much easier to turn my picking hand slightly to the right and cut through the notes rather than playing with the pick level with the strings.

  3. As with all techniques practice slowly with a metronome or drum machine, and only speed up once it's fluid and you have clean notes (This is one technique that it pays to learn properly and take the time to get it right, the rewards are well worth the effort!).

  4. Make up your own patterns and when you feel a little more comfortable with it, throw in a slide or a hammer on here and there (see video for examples of this) and spice it up a little.

  5. Always push yourself with new patterns and don't let yourself get too comfortable.


When learning how to play guitar solos it pays to break things down into small chunks and practice, practice, practice! Have fun with these and when you get something you like, use it as a warm up and you'll be surprised what it does to your solo capacity.

Here's some other Articles you may find useful on Sweep Picking:





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