rotating pick

[Hi Bsquared]

Nah, just tape 'em to a piece of wood and drill a couple holes in with your cordless. Though you might wanna use a carbide bit, with 2mm of thunk to work through.

I'd use 3 to be safe

 

[djlogan33]

So I have always had issues with holding pics, after a little time I fumble with the damn thing. I used to boil my picks until they were soft then grab em with my fingers so they mold around my index, this helped quite a bit but a pain in the butt to do. After many years off I am starting to play again and still having issues with the picks. Just today I finally figured out what the issue is. when I pick or strum, the pick rotates counterclockwise. The pointy end starts at the strings but then rotates to be pointy at the palm of my hand. I used to use Dunlop tortex, but just recently found Max-grip. Other than tensing up my hand and smashing the pick between my finger and thumb... any ideas what I can do differently?

=====================================================
IMO, these are the best picks available.
They have a "gritty grip surface" to prevent slipping

 

[Hi Bsquared]

^ nice picks

 

[Nay]

I believe one cause for the picks to rotate is when you hold them too tight.

Best analogy I can give is like riding an off-road motorbike. It jiggles about a bit down trails, and you have to keep loose and have faith the bike wont slip out. But, if your too rigid, you'll come off soon enough.

They should be held as loose as you can, providing your using the standard posture. If its single picking, roll you thumb towards the tip a touch for a slightly firmer grip.

 

[djlogan33]

=====================================================
IMO, these are the best picks available.
They have a "gritty grip surface" to prevent slipping

=======================================================
Years ago, I read that SRV used the FAT edge of the pick to play.
Since then, I have actually seen close up pictures of him using the FAT edge of the pick.

I don't use the FAT edge, but the more rounded edge of the pick.
Using the more rounded edge of the pick gives me more control of the pick and allows me more options on how to hit the string.

Many times for different tones, I scratch the string, instead of just picking the string, which sounds cool.

Also, by using the "Snarling Dog" picks with the gritty surface, which sticks to my fingers better,
I do not have to squeeze the pick as hard, which allows my hand to be more flexible.

 

[bobswinea]

I had the same problem and have been experimenting with different picks. Right now my preferred picks are Herco's, I've never had a problem with them rotating back.

I use Snarling Dawgs. They are like these picks. I really like the textured part it won't slip.

 

[GitFiddle]

Turn the amp up louder and pick lighter.

 

[bilbarstow]

If you like using Dunlop Tortex picks - you should look into Everly Star Picks or [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Everly-Music-Picks-Green-12-Pack/dp/B0002GODLE]Amazon.com: Everly Music Star Picks (Green, .88mm, 12-Pack): Musical Instruments[/ame]

They are made of similar material to the Tortex, and come in the same thickness / grades. They stay put really well.

Or a big + 1 for V-picks - the thicker ones do take a bit of getting used to, but they stick and also GREATLY reduce hand / grip stress.

 

[AngryHatter]

Mostly I like that they don't wear out - well, they do, but I've yet to wear through one.

 

[DDP]

for the most part I greatly reduced the rotation. someone watched me play and suggest I curl the last knuckle of my index more and that really helped. However sometimes when I really kinda get in the zone, my finger straightens out and it slowly starts to rotate. I actually pick/strum pretty softly...

Ive been hearing things about Vpics, I just really looked at their site and am interested, but will admit almost confused by how thick these puppies are. So me being just me (and bored) I went and grabbed 4 of my tortex greens (.88) and super glued them together. I tried playing with it for a few mintues and it was comfortable, just a little odd feeling. Pinch harmonics are a bit odd but doable I guess. I then took the pick to a file and some sand paper to smooth and round over the edges a bit. Hmm getting very interested. I think I may have to put in an order for a few of the Vpicks. Almost thinking of going for a walk down my street to a small acrylic shop, see if they will make me a few picks out of some thick acrylic...

 

[mechtech]

Gorilla Snot.
Used by drummers and pick holders. Your local guitar shop should have it, but look in both sections of the store.
A pine tar based substance - one $6 little container should last years.. A small amount [very small] will let you hold your pick lightly without it letting go.
Dimpled or serrated picks don't work for me. I don't keep a death grip on picks, and they actually spin or fly out faster!

And most importantly, GS smells good!

 

[fumblefinger]

Ditto on the Everly Stars.

 

[Mad Scientist]

I wanna' thank you guys for recommending those Tortex pics. I too have a problem with pics shifting and spinning so I ordered a variety box of them.

They still rotate when I play but that's ok.

 

[ryancowden]

Have you ever tried Dava Picks?
I use these or Dunlop Ultex's
Theyre both amazing for both grip and attack. The Davas will severely increase your accuracy.

Hope i can help bud.

 

[DDP]

So on Christmas day I went to a little guitar store here in Bangkok. Almost everything in the shop is used, but was quite surprised with all the PRS, Ernie Ball, and Gibson guitars they had including a Custom Classic, R9, R8 with WILD flames. Too bad prices here are ridiculously high. Anyhow, the shop carries VPics, so I picked up a few including the Bb and Insanity. Quite interesting to play with. I keep swapping and and forth from the Vpick to my dunlops. I think I do prefer the tone from the Vpick. Ive only had about an hours time on them or so but I think they may be a keeper. I only have one complaint (besides the price, but again a lot of that is due to where I bought them) and that is that they are clear. I tend to leave my picks laying around, then whenever I walk by and notice one I pick it up, with them being clear I dont see them... "damn, where did I just leave my pick?"

 

[DDP]

Have you ever tried Dava Picks?
I use these or Dunlop Ultex's
Theyre both amazing for both grip and attack. The Davas will severely increase your accuracy.

Hope i can help bud.

Ive seen these Dava picks in almost all the stores here in Thailand,also seen them in Malaysia... I havent tried them but wondered about them... the funny part was I think they cost about $1 and I thought "wow, Im not going to pay $1 for ONE pick!" Then I went and spent almost $50 for 5 or 6 Vpicks. Go figure... Maybe Ill pick up a few next time I go to a shop. Oh, one rather large shop here that has lots of used guitars and amps I found out does NOT sell guitar strings! How freeking odd is that? Oh and if that is not enough, there is a small guitar store INSIDE the store! Totally difference little company...

 

[Quill]

Angryhatter's been raving about Vpicks for ages now - I'd like to try one myself, one day. I used to have trouble similar to what you've described, but when I went to thicker picks, that problem and a lot of other ones kind of went away. I am very fond of stone picks, but I don't get much practice time anymore and with stone, it takes a lot of work to get the noise out of your attack. It can be done, and it's great when you get it - it's just very difficult. I think an acrylic pick would give a good compromise.

Really enjoying the stories from Asia! How lucky you are, that you are there - your horizons are broader than mine.