Cool, yes upward pickslanting makes sense to me sometimes as well. Especially for descending pentatonic patterns à la Zakk Wylde that start with an upstroke. However since downward pickslanting works OK for this as well (but starting on a downstroke), I usually stick to that since that is my natural hand position anyway.
If I needed more muscle power for those Zakk style licks I would probably use upward pickslanting. But it would not feel natural to me as it likely would involve a disruption in the alternate picking flow. However if the lick is not embedded in another run you can just start with an upstroke and you should be good (this is likely how Zakk does it).
It's always interesting to talk about picking. As we've talked about on the forum I tend to lean towards upwards pick slanting naturally (I think you and Todd are opposite of that), but depending on context I do change the slanting - i.e. sweeping is obviously downwards slanting and certain other licks etc changes the slant a bit for me. Sort of similar to how Alex Hutchings and Frank Gambale holds their pick, althought I think they use economy picking mostly. I kinda combine legato and picking quite a bit too - not as consistently as you do with "pigato", I think, but at least in general I don't consider myself the kinda player that runs through everything with alternate picking. Go-to for me is upwards pick slanting though. Still need to dive into hybrid picking... it's sort of in the horizon somewhere.
Awesome Cael - I hope you can find something useful for you in this course 👊
Awesome topic and lesson, Kris I like this style! I keep forgetting that it's possible to comment here. It's great to see new lessons from you!