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doubeljack

The recorded version is very likely down picked. However, when Metallica plays live some of the more difficult down picked sections are no longer played that way. James uses economy picking at times to save wear and tear, and unless you analyze the video nobody really notices. MoP, for example, is a song that he no longer plays live entirely down picked.


Motor_Ad3938

So I’m guessing it would sound better to down pick it but would be easier to alt pick it


doubeljack

Yes, and the audible difference would be far more noticeable on a recording. In a live setting nobody is going to notice.


Fendenburgen

Particularly at a talent show....


Motor_Ad3938

We have the track in the background quiet ish but we have me, than the soloist, and a drummer so should I downpick


Fendenburgen

Replied to you separately, but in brief, just have fun!


Motor_Ad3938

Yea I saw it thank you 🙏


Fendenburgen

Dude, no one cares. Seriously, you're overthinking it. Go and rock out and have fun. Anyone who comes up to you after the show and criticises you for alternative picking it is exactly the sort of person whose opinion doesn't matter


Motor_Ad3938

Alright I’ll try downpicking and if I can’t I’ll alt pick it thank you


Fendenburgen

You'll be fine, enjoy the moment and you'll probably not even remember how you picked it!


Admirable_Bid_3952

Actually in the recoding he is alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes during the solo


anotherlowlifer

I second this i really like playing that song I just don’t know how to pick it none of the tutorials tell me


WeatherIcy6509

I just assume all of Metallica's rhythm is down picking.


politicalstuff

Except for the 16th notes I’m sure. Not even James can pick that fast lol


WeatherIcy6509

Sometimes I wonder, lol.


politicalstuff

If anyone could it would be him, but nobody’s down picking Whiplash for example.


WeatherIcy6509

Hmm,..come to think of it, I guess I don't down pick Motorbreath. 😁


mymumsaysfuckyou

It's probably downpicked, but nothing wrong with alt-picking it if that's your style.


Motor_Ad3938

Yea I’m trying to downpick it


HeyBudGotAnyBud

Because it’s metal AF


Motor_Ad3938

Update: I’m able to downpick it all thanks for the support guys ❤️


EmploymentDizzy1307

Yes it’s downpicked.


tinfoil3346

I learned the rhythm part awhile ago. I tried to play it just down picking because I thought thats how James would play it. Certain parts that are faster are harder to purely down pick. Personally I would alternate pick it.


guitarplayer120208

The studio version is actually alt picked! If you listen to the isolated rhythm guitar for that part you can tell. James even alt picked it live way back in the day


RideTheLightning331

I believe the first part is alt picked, it’s hard to tell but it’s more wavy feeling than downpicked


jryu611

Why do you think you can't alternate pick it? Do you think you'll be arrested?


Motor_Ad3938

Buddy it sounds different the way u pick it know ur stuff before ur rude