Do you know what the most essential tool for playing a guitar is?
I think you might not, but let me tell you that it is a guitar pick. This is the most important tool for playing a guitar; with the help of this tool, you can play your favourite songs on the guitar.
If you don’t know how to hold guitar pick properly, you will not be able to play the guitar properly.
In this blog, we will explain the right way to hold a guitar pick so that you can play your favourite songs properly on the guitar.
How to hold guitar pick properly?
Learning to hold guitar pick properly, we will share some techniques with you that will help you to hold guitar pick and play your favourite songs. Here are they:
Choosing the guitar pick
As a beginner, choosing the thickness of your guitar pick is essential. You can start with a medium gauge pick around 0.73-0.88mm.
Thinner picks are more flexible and easier to control for strumming. On the other hand, thicker picks provide better control of single notes and leads.
The next step is to choose the shape of your guitar pick. A standard teardrop shape is familiar and readily available.
You can also try other shapes; you must experiment with each to find the one you are most comfortable with.
Position your hand
Once you select the right guitar pick, you should learn how to hold it with your hands and play the guitar.
Firstly, relax your hands and position them well on the guitar, as tension can lead to poor technique and fatigue.
Next, form a loose fist with your thumb and fingers and hold the guitar pick.
Place the pick
Next, place the pick on the side of your index finger, about halfway between the fingertip and the first knuckle.
After placing the pick in your hands, put your thumb over it. Ensure the pick extends out from the thumb and index finger by half an inch.
Grip the pick
Hold the pick tightly and firmly so it doesn’t slip away from your hands, but not so tight that your hand starts hurting. Your grip should be light and relaxed for better control and fluidity.
Next, set the angle of the pick, as this is also an essential part of holding a guitar pick properly. You have to hold the guitar pick at a slight angle to the strings (not a proper perpendicular). This helps in producing a smoother and more controlled sound.
Strumming and picking
For better strumming, use your wrist rather than your whole arm. Keep your movements fluid and smooth.
While picking individual strings, use small and controlled movements primarily from the wrists.
Practice good technique
As you have learned some methods to hold guitar pick properly, the next thing is to keep practising it to get it entirely, as consistency will help develop muscle memory.
Try to experiment with different grips, angles, and positions to find what works best for you. You never know; slight adjustments can make a big difference.
Tips for beginners
Don’t rush! Practice slowly to ensure you are using each technique correctly. Speed will come with time and practice.
You can observe experienced guitarists in this industry and see how they hold a guitar pick. Then, try to learn their technique or way of using it.
While playing guitar and holding guitar pick stay relaxed. Tension in your arm or hand can lead to poor technique and discomfort.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them?
The Duck Bill grip
You might be thinking, what is it? The duckbill grip occurs when the pick rests flat on the index finger, with the thumb pressing it down.
By any chance, if you are making this grip, this leads to reduced control and precision. This grip limits the movement and flexibility of the pick, and you will find it hard to play more smoothly and efficiently.
So what’s the solution?
First, you have to fix your grip. Place the pick on the side of the index finger first joint, then press down with the thumb. This pick should be held at an angle, not flat against the index finger.
Gripping too tightly
Sometimes, we hold guitar pick too tightly it is a common mistake, especially by beginners. If you grip it too tightly, it will cause tension in your arms and hands, leading to fatigue and reduced flexibility.
The solution to avoid this common mistake is:
To create a relaxed grip, hold the pick firmly enough to maintain control but not so tight that it causes tension to your arms and hand. A comfortable grip will reduce your strain and allow for better movement.
The problem is that a tight grip restricts your wrists and finger movement, making it challenging to play fluidly.
Here is the solution:
You can perform hand and wrist stretches before playing the guitar.
Hold the pick firmly enough to maintain control but not so tight that it causes tension.
Pick orientation
If the pick is oriented in a particular manner relative to the strings, the tone achieved, and the pick’s ease of use differ. If pick angles are inaccurate, the tone becomes rather sharp, and resistance rises.
Picking with the pick perpendicular to the strings force creates a painful scraping sound, and the pick will not glide easily off the strings.
Here is the solution to the problem:
Place the pick at about 10-20 degrees to the strings when they are to be struck by the pick. This also helps reduce protest and yields a higher and neater sound quality.
When playing scales or common patterns, it’s good to try out positions to find the correct position that does not strain and sounds best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, it is essential to hold the guitar pick properly so that you can play your songs fluidly and efficiently on the guitar. Also, the correct grip is necessary, as a wrong grip can lead to serious injury in your hands or arms.
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