Sweep picking is an extremely efficient way to play fast arpeggios. The basic idea is to arrange the notes from one string to the next so your pick can sweep back and forth with ease. Although sweep picking is a right-hand technique, it's your left hand which has to do all of the work. Sweeps can involve moving quickly between notes and having to reach quite far. When the notes are on the same fret you can roll your knuckles to cover each string. Be careful that each note is cut off after it has been played to allow it be heard clearly.

Example 21a

Example 21b

Example 21c

Example 21d

Example 21e