GUITAR
HOW TO HOLD A PICK | David Harsh
Are you holding your guitar pick correctly ? Let ’ s find out right now .
like you ’ re making a thumbprint . It should rest there nicely .
I encourage you to watch the accompanying video , while it ’ s available , so you can see me demonstrate all these concepts !
Sometimes it ’ s important to zoom in on something fundamental and essential for guitar . If you ’ re just getting started , this will help you develop some good habits early on . If you ’ ve been playing for a while , this could reaffirm or help you slightly alter your trajectory in a good direction .
Now before we begin , there are lots of types of guitars , guitar playing , and even styles of picks . I ’ m an acoustic guitar player , and I use a pick for strumming , flatpicking and some lead playing in a few different styles . This approach will enhance your playing on any of those fronts , including electric guitar .
The pick I have used for 20 years onstage in performance , as a worship leader , and in the recording studio is the orange
Jim Dunlop Tortex . 60 millimeter . I buy them in bulk so even when I lose one , I ’ ve got spares .
I ’ m going to show you the four basic aspects of holding a pick . You ready ?
1 . ANGLE . I like to think of the pick as a part of my picking hand thumb , and I use my index to hold it in place . I keep it at a 90-degree angle . This puts it in the perfect position for being able to access the strings . This is a good angle . But I ’ ve also seen where someone holds the pick way out in front of the hand . Not so good . This will lead to poor technique .
A good way to confirm a good angle is to place your thumb on the wide end of the pick
2 . TENSION . Now , there ’ s good tension and bad tension . Good tension allows for the proper grip . Bad tension compromises our playing . Go here with me – if I ’ m holding onto my pick too tightly , that tension will translate into my wrist , and ultimately my attack on the strings . It won ’ t sound as artistic , smooth , or elegant , but more importantly , it could lead to fatigue .
I like to say that I hold my pick like a blessing from God – not too tightly . Here ’ s how to tell if your grip is too tight . Try to knock the pick out of your picking hand with your other hand . If it won ’ t budge , you might be holding it too tightly .
There are products out there to help you hold onto your pick , but after over 30 years of playing I want to be able to alternate between strumming and fingerstyle , and using those tools hasn ’ t been as helpful to me . They might be helpful for you . Feel free to experiment .
The key is to hold the pick with just the right
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