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He highlights the significance of playing against the beat—understanding the "ups and downs" of rhythm—and practicing with a metronome to lock in the hypnotic groove that keeps audiences engaged. Al insists that rhythmic independence—keeping your foot tapping while your hands improvise—is fundamental to not only playing but feeling the music intuitively.
Technical Mastery and Innovative Approaches
Al reveals how early experiences with alternate picking—an essential technique he developed through lessons with Bob Asian—became the foundation for his speed and articulation. He explains that rotating the wrist, rather than locking the wrist or relying solely on the elbow, allows for more expressive, articulate playing without stiffness.