What’s the Best Way to Increase My Speed Without Losing Control?

Hi Alien Guitarist,

Speed is addictive. We all want it — that clean, effortless, jaw-dropping flow across the strings. But chasing speed too early is like trying to fly a spaceship without a steering system: you’ll go fast... straight into a wall.

Speed without control is just noise. Control without speed is potential waiting to explode. Let’s fuse the two.

Here’s how to truly build speed without losing control:

⚡ Start slow — seriously slow
If you can’t play something clean at 60 bpm, you’ve got no business trying to play it at 120. Start slow, lock in the feel, and build from there.

⚡ Use the 'speed sandwich'
Play the phrase slow → fast → slow. That middle burst gives you a taste of speed, while the bookends reinforce clean muscle memory.

⚡ Focus on relaxation
Most players tense up when they go fast — that’s what kills accuracy. Shoulders down. Wrist loose. Grip light. Fluid motion = fast motion.

⚡ Use bursts
Play short, controlled 4–6 note bursts at high speed, then rest. It’s like sprinting in short intervals — you’ll build control and endurance without getting sloppy.

⚡ Drill rhythm and time
Use a metronome or backing track. Fast playing that’s out of time isn’t fast — it’s a mess. You need rhythmic precision at every tempo.

⚡ Don’t neglect tone
Every fast lick should sound intentional. If the tone falls apart under speed, pull it back and rebuild it right. Speed is nothing without clarity.

⚡ Record and reflect
Video your picking hand. Zoom in on your problem spots. Clean technique under a microscope = fast results.

Real speed isn’t about flexing. It’s about finesse. And once it’s locked in — it’s yours for life.

🔗 Want a structured path to build clean speed, fretboard control, and total confidence?
Join the Fretboard Mastery Course and break the speed barrier with precision.

Speed with soul. That’s the Alien way.

Peace,
Rob Lobasso 👽🎸🤘