Is there a correct way to hold a pick?

[MichaelAndrew3435]

It seems most comfortable for me to hold the pick tightly between my thumb and the side of my index finger. I hold it so that there is a very small amount of the pointy portion of the pick showing. For me this is the best way to hit alternate strings without hitting strings in between the ones I'm aiming for. I bring this up because I was wondering if there was an ideal way to hold a pick, or if it was just a matter of preference. I also like to keep my strumming hand relatively close to the strings so that I have an idea of where I am.

 

[Mindfrigg]

it's hard to describe, but if you want pinched harmonics ala Billy Gibbons you want a portion of your thumb to hit the string immediately after the pick.

Somebody help me here.

 

[straightblues]

There are several approaches. If you read old guitar lesson books many of them have a full page description of how to hold it. I bet if you did some net searching you could find some results. I think it comes down to what feels the best to you.

 

[mudfinger]

Not really one correct way, no. But, the way you hold it is a common method, perhaps even typical. Some players use both the index and ring opposite the thumb, for example.

If you're not dropping it all the time, getting cramps in your hand, or sounding stiff when you play, I'd say all is well.

Mindfrigg is referring to "choking up" on the pick, which amounts to holding it so that your thumb also hits the string right after the pick does on downstrokes, to create pinch harmonics.

 

[colchar]

Somebody help me here.

Ain't nobody around here qualified for that - and I know of at least one member with a PhD in psychology!!!

 

[colchar]

It seems most comfortable for me to hold the pick tightly between my thumb and the side of my index finger. I hold it so that there is a very small amount of the pointy portion of the pick showing. For me this is the best way to hit alternate strings without hitting strings in between the ones I'm aiming for. I bring this up because I was wondering if there was an ideal way to hold a pick, or if it was just a matter of preference. I also like to keep my strumming hand relatively close to the strings so that I have an idea of where I am.

Don't grip it too tightly but, other than that, no - just do whatever is most comfortable for you as there is no 'correct' way.

 

[colchar]

Not really one correct way, no. But, the way you hold it is a common method, perhaps even typical. Some players use both the index and ring opposite the thumb, for example.

If you're not dropping it all the time, getting cramps in your hand, or sounding stiff when you play, I'd say all is well.

Mindfrigg is referring to "choking up" on the pick, which amounts to holding it so that your thumb also hits the string right after the pick does on downstrokes, to create pinch harmonics.

For me it is often my index finger that makes contact.

 

[Dr.Distortion]

I hold like you... But I make the top digit of my index finger parallel with the side of my thumb...
Then for pinch harmonics I let my index back out a bit and use an upstroke...

 

[Mindfrigg]

I hold like you... But I make the top digit of my index finger parallel with the side of my thumb...
Then for pinch harmonics I let my index back out a bit and use an upstroke...

Freak!

 

[Gary]

What's a pick?

[ame]www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdyvPg0c6bI[/ame]

 

[mudfinger]

For me it is often my index finger that makes contact.

I hold like you... But I make the top digit of my index finger parallel with the side of my thumb...
Then for pinch harmonics I let my index back out a bit and use an upstroke...

Interesting. If it works, it works!

 

[Mindfrigg]

Don't grip it too tightly but, other than that, no - just do whatever is most comfortable for you as there is no 'correct' way.

I think you're describing 'Stroking the wookie'.

 

[Dr.Distortion]

Freak!

Always...

Been doin' it this way for over 20 years... Sat and practiced thousands and thousands of times. Now it's just on tap anytime I need it...

Bweep bweep bweep....

 

[colchar]

Interesting. If it works, it works!

I also angle my pick with the leading edge up instead of down (like Hendrix and George Benson). I had gotten away from that for a little while due to what I thought was carpal tunnel. Turns out my doctor says it is arthritis so I have gone back to tilting the leading edge upward as I also rest my wrist/hand on the bridge thus giving it some stability.

 

[Mindfrigg]

Always...

Been doin' it this way for over 20 years... Sat and practiced thousands and thousands of times. Now it's just on tap anytime I need it...

Bweep bweep bweep....

Prolly a lefty too.

Actually I do a little modification of that too, but primarily thumb.

 

[colchar]

I think you're describing 'Stroking the wookie'.

Pulling the goalie.

 

[Mindfrigg]

AHA! I knew it.

 

[Dr.Distortion]

Prolly a lefty too.

Actually I do a little modification of that too, but primarily thumb.

Nope... Righty...

 

[revtime]

Mine is kinda like that but my index is straight in line with the point of the pick. I angle forward and use the edge of the pick that is on the headstock side. Same way Yngwie does it. I found it let me play faster. But my fingerstyle has progressed to the point that the pick is shoved in between my index and middle most of the time now. The pick only comes out for fast licks or more volume.

 

[colchar]

But my fingerstyle has progressed to the point that the pick is shoved in between my index and middle most of the time now. The pick only comes out for fast licks or more volume.

I think I hate you.