How To Hold The Pick – Lesson 4

[ari.mac]

Using pretty thick picks seems to be common for metal music. I find it kinda slows me down as it takes a bit more force to pick the string (likely a technique problem) but if lighter picks feel better would you recommend just using them or work more on getting used to thicker ones?

I think it's really a personal choice and there is not a right or wrong pick, so I would suggest for you to use what you are more comfortable with!

 

[Alicia Willis]

Using pretty thick picks seems to be common for metal music. I find it kinda slows me down as it takes a bit more force to pick the string (likely a technique problem) but if lighter picks feel better would you recommend just using them or work more on getting used to thicker ones?

Ari totally nailed it. I also think using whatever feels best to you and you’re comfortable with is the way to go. I used to get so bogged down in what pick to use and tried every one that was recommended and I found I hated the majority of them. They just weren’t for ME.

 

[mrenn000]

This is what I have always found most comfortable as well, I find that it can be a little difficult to play though so hopefully I can get used to the "proper way"

 

[Ravenstorm]

I tries multiple Guitar teachers and the are always insistant on playing with my pinky on the pickguard with the reason that it helps playing leads.
I learned guitar in the lockdown. It does not stick with me because I can not switch after an year of playing and it dosent help that I tried a lot of Alter Bridge so I also did quite a lot of bad sounding Hybride Picking Atteps too

What shouls I do now

 

[bemers]

When I am picking, I use my pinky as an anchor against the pick guard. It not only helps me stabilize but also gives my picking hand a sense of where it is in regards to the other strings. I've been playing like this for the last 10-ish years (although I can play songs, I wouldn't consider myself to be an intermediate player). Is this a bad habit that I should work on breaking or is it ok? I'm taking this class to finally become a better player, have some structure in my learning, and to learn some theory to be able to write better music.

 

[Ed Seith]

When I am picking, I use my pinky as an anchor against the pick guard. It not only helps me stabilize but also gives my picking hand a sense of where it is in regards to the other strings. I've been playing like this for the last 10-ish years (although I can play songs, I wouldn't consider myself to be an intermediate player). Is this a bad habit that I should work on breaking or is it ok? I'm taking this class to finally become a better player, have some structure in my learning, and to learn some theory to be able to write better music.

Many players, including myself, go back and forth and don't think anything is wrong with an anchor pinky. Syn does it sometimes, as well. It's maybe a little bit of a "crutch" for some players, but it's not a HINDRANCE, so if you were just learning, it might be something to avoid, but it's not a habit worth trying to break, as it's unlikely to cause you any issues at all.

 

[doenisz]

This video convinced me to finally go from open fingers in my picking hand to a relaxed fist picking hand by closing down the mid/ring/pinkie, and the difference is night and day!

I only have 1 question though, if I try to make a relaxed fist, my middle finger is pulled to the underside of my index finger like a magnet, there's no way I can separate them. I wanna be clear, I'm not holding the pick with 3 fingers, it's just that the middle finger sits under the index. I'm also not clenching them to touch hardly. It's like the first digit of the middle finger grazes under the second one. Is this an issue? I feel very comfortable both tremoloing and strumming this way but having them touching will also prevent me from hybrid picking down the road.

 

[Rad Synner]

This video convinced me to finally go from open fingers in my picking hand to a relaxed fist picking hand by closing down the mid/ring/pinkie, and the difference is night and day!

I only have 1 question though, if I try to make a relaxed fist, my middle finger is pulled to the underside of my index finger like a magnet, there's no way I can separate them. I wanna be clear, I'm not holding the pick with 3 fingers, it's just that the middle finger sits under the index. I'm also not clenching them to touch hardly. It's like the first digit of the middle finger grazes under the second one. Is this an issue? I feel very comfortable both tremoloing and strumming this way but having them touching will also prevent me from hybrid picking down the road.

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Not an issue at all, I hold my pick with my hand being kinda like a fist. I would say though that on my end, I try to have as little tension as possible. Just enough to keep my pick between my fingers but I want to be as relaxed as possible!