Fast alternate picking runs - how do you approach it?

octatonic

Danny1969 said:

Accepted wisdom is you start at a slower BPM and practice building up speed until you get there. I personally don't do that. I start playing it at the right speed or faster and it's sloppy as hell but by keeping at it I improve and refine it until it sounds ok. 

Both are valid approaches.
The problem with approach two is sometimes people never work on tightening it up and it stays messy.

finest1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRbay50yc9E

watch at 16:50. kee explains how he adjusts his own timing against a steady beat. great solo to learn!

fastonebaz

I find if I start a fast run on an up stroke I play it better.