I need some sanity checks / advice on holding the pick

chrisoldroyd · September 2023

I am going back to basics with my playing to correct some things and I noticed my grip for the pick isn’t exactly normal. Is there anything wrong with my grip as my index finger is more pointed at the top of the pick rather than curled under like I have seen as the best way. When I curl it more it feels out of control to me. What’s your thoughts?

jasonbone75 · September 2023

I can't see anything wrong with that! I haven't got a pic handy but I'm confident if you photographed me it would look very similar. There is no right or wrong grip. There is only what feels comfortable and offers you the best control with minimum tension anywhere else! Just check out Marty Friedman...

Roland · September 2023

That’s how I hold a pick a lot of the time, except that my finger doesn’t extend that far down. If it did then I’d be hitting the string with my fingernail on downstrokes.

There are lots of conflicting ideas about how a pick should be held. Like first finger barre vs thumb over discussions pick holding depends on what you’re playing.

I’ll shift my grip from song to song, or section to section.

sev112 · September 2023

Mine change depending on whether i am strumming 6 strings, playing 3ish strings, soloing , with my index finger moving from downwards on the first to 90deg under for the latter

im not certain that’s deliberate by the way

Roland · September 2023

sev112 said:… not certain that’s deliberate by the way

You’ll do it automatically, without conscious thought. Often when this sort of question comes up I have to pick up a guitar to find out the answer.

yocky · September 2023

sev112 said:

Mine change depending on whether i am strumming 6 strings, playing 3ish strings, soloing , with my index finger moving from downwards on the first to 90deg under for the latter

im not certain that’s deliberate by the way

I use 3 or even 4 fingers to hold the pick when I'm strumming. Spent ages trying to correct that before finding out that's pretty much what Paul Gilbert does, so if it it works for him....

Whatever works I guess

chrisoldroyd · September 2023

So, if it works for me then that's ok. Thanks for all the comments.

kelpbeds · September 2023

Great, but a little too much pick showing in my opinion.

roberty · September 2023

Depends what you're playing at the time. I have different grips for different techniques

Generally for faster high gain styles the pick will sit along the edge of my index finger with only the very end of the tip poking out. In this position your index finger makes more contact with the surface of the pick meaning you can keep it still and secure with less pressure

For looser strumming styles and styles where I want the strings to ring out I'll open my hand up a bit, slide the pick out towards the pad of my finger slightly and expose more of it so there is more give

steven70 · September 2023

removed - will put these questions in a new thread.

Lestratcaster · September 2023

Looks similar to how I hold mine. I always cover the whole of the top of it with my thumb so I am holding it properly so it doesn't turn. Not a lot of the tip of the pick showing too, so you can angle your wrist right over the strings instead of turning it at an angle.

Littlejonny · October 2023

yocky said:

sev112 said:

Mine change depending on whether i am strumming 6 strings, playing 3ish strings, soloing , with my index finger moving from downwards on the first to 90deg under for the latter

im not certain that’s deliberate by the way

I use 3 or even 4 fingers to hold the pick when I'm strumming. Spent ages trying to correct that before finding out that's pretty much what Paul Gilbert does, so if it it works for him....

Whatever works I guess

Bear in mind Paul Gilbert uses a very thin pick (even for shredding).

BillDL · October 2023

Watch a skilled plasterer using a trowel, or a painter using a brush, or surgeon holding a scalpel, and you will see them switch to a different grip, change the angle, and so on, frequently. I used to work alongside a guy that held his pen with the strangest and most awkward looking grip, but his writing was consistently beautiful and neat. I sometimes like having part of my thumb striking the string as I pick, while at other times I loosen my grip and expose more of the pick. Whatever works for you. Experiment.

GoFish · October 2023

You should be able to get used to any new grip in less time than you'd think. Style of plectrum, style of music and intended sound will determine what is optimal at any given time. A bit like chording technique especially on electric. It's important to learn the correct ways, but in the heat of the moment it's good to have half a dozen ways of making the fingering,

fendergibson · October 2023

My finger is more horizontal but as everyone says….whatever works, works

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I need some sanity checks / advice on holding the pick

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