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Chugga chugga picking style

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Isaac Elekes

New Student
Nov 11, 2019
3
0
  • #1
    Hi guys! Nowadays I really started to focus on my rhythm playing (fast galloping, downpicking etc). I holded my pick with 2 fingers but today I tried holding the pick like James Hetfield with 3 fingers. First it was weird, then I got used to it. Should I stick to my old picking style or is the 3 finger picking style more beneficial for rhythm playing? Rock on!!
     

    Ed Seith

    Supreme Galactic Overlord
    Staff member
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    • Nov 11, 2019
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  • #2
    I don’t think how you hold the pick matters tons for that, except for where your comfort zone is. Het’s grip works for Het, but that doesn’t mean it’s especially good or great for anyone else, and it’s certainly not “best” for fast downpicking, in a general sense.
     
    C

    Calvin Phillips

    Music Theory Bragger
    Nov 11, 2019
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  • #5
    I definitely feel the advantages when I try with 2 but ideally to change my style is have to start from square one and so far I havent found enough struggles to do it.
    Sometimes mid playing I’ll try to lift the middle finger to play with 2. 8 feel the 3rd fingers merely for extra support.
     

    Dominik Gräber

    Hot Topic Tourer
    Contest Winner!
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    • Nov 11, 2019
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  • #7
    I played with 3 Fingers when I started. Mainly because I didn’t know better. I dare to say that I can get pretty fast and heavy with my “chugging” nowadays and i Play with two Fingers now, how you’re “supposed to hold the pick”. So I really think its Just a Matter of 1. What you practice, 2. What feels comfortable for you and maybe also what you Play. (As Ids pointed Out hybrid Picking is easier with 2 Fingers)
     
    C

    Calvin Phillips

    Music Theory Bragger
    Nov 11, 2019
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  • #8
    I tried playing with two but the biggest change I felt was the pick angle. The way I pluck is slightly angled different. But I’ve gotten so used to doing it this way for years and years the other way just feels awkward. So that’s where the struggles are. I think jak said she went through the change and feels better for it but truth be told I haven’t felt like I’m being really held back to wanna change. I imagine there will be a day where I have the time to work out a transition. But until that day comes I’m fairly content playing the way I do.
     

    Daniel Sobota

    Garage band Groupie
    Nov 11, 2019
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  • #9
    For me the thickness of the pick plays a huge part in this. I prefer thicker picks, so I have to resort to using 3 fingers while having a thinner pick, because I just can’t get a nice grip.
    The actual picking itself gets there with practice. Try many different things to find what suits you best, that’s my advice, kinda like what Ed said.
     
    A

    Aiden Dollar

    New Student
    Nov 11, 2019
    21
    0
  • #11
    Personally, I use two fingers to pick as I primarily use jazz picks. Thick picks too. I think it all comes down to the person and play style as many others have said. Like Sayonil mentioned, picking style changes. About 6 months ago I played only in a strumming position with my hand, while now I use a fist position to alt pick/solo, and use a strum position for strumming. Just do what you feel best with my guy.
     

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