{"id":825,"date":"2020-05-07T17:02:13","date_gmt":"2020-05-07T14:02:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nelimusic.com\/?p=825"},"modified":"2022-05-07T11:47:56","modified_gmt":"2022-05-07T09:47:56","slug":"how-to-hold-your-pick-3-easy-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nelimusic.com\/en\/how-to-hold-your-pick-3-easy-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW TO HOLD YOUR PICK: 3 easy steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Holding the guitar pick wrong is one of the most common mistakes self-taught guitarists make \u2013 and many go on years without realizing how much it is actually holding them back. Holding you pick right is a minor adjustment, which can make the biggest impact on your performance and comfort. Search no further, here we have gathered everything you need to know for the best way to hold your guitar pick.<\/p>

But let\u2019s start with\u2026<\/p>

How to NOT hold your pick<\/strong><\/p>

A great deal of people are holding their picks in a “cross shape” or the same way you hold a pencil (like on the image) and will try to convince you that is the proper way. Do not believe such people and avoid at all cost turning this way of holding the pick into a habit. Habits are hard to overpower and as you are progressing this will make it harder for you to play more complex music.<\/p>

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So here is what you should do instead\u2026<\/p>

How TO hold your pick<\/strong><\/p>

Below are the three steps to the correct way of holding a pick:<\/p>

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  1. Curl up your fingers like a hook (most importantly the index finger);<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Put the pick on top so that if you draw a line through the middle it would be perpendicular to your index finger;<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Place your thumb on top.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>
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    That\u2019s it! By holding the pick this way you are able to strum way easier, because your hand is parallel to the guitar. What is more, this reduces the risk of straining and injuring your wrist. Intermediate players pay attention \u2013 this technique will make it easier for you to also use the palm muting technique.<\/p>

    Another thing you should think about is how much of your pick is poking out. Think about it this way \u2013 if you are holding a pen way back, it is very hard to actually write something. On the other hand, if you hold it close to the tip you have much more control and can write with accuracy. Same goes for your pick. If you hold it at the end you don’t have much control over it \u2013 it might even end up flying off of your hand \u2013 or you would have to apply a lot of pressure to keep it in place. If you instead hold it closer and have just a little poking out, you would be able to strum way more precisely without much pressure. But beware! Don\u2019t hold it so close, that the strings are cutting through your fingers.<\/p>

    Lastly\u2026<\/strong><\/p>

    The best way to get it right is through experimenting. See what works best for you: how much of your pick should poke through, how tight you should hold it, how curled your fingers feel comfortable, what position spares your wrist most.<\/p>

    If you haven\u2019t met the pick of your dreams yet, here are some links to Neli\u2019s favorite ones:
    Versatile <\/strong>– suitable for electric and acoustic guitars – Tortex Dunlop .88mm – https:\/\/amzn.to\/2JUAeMp<\/a>
    Great Grip<\/strong> – also versatile picks – Assorted, so you can with sizes etc. – Dunlop Jazz –     https:\/\/amzn.to\/2MtdIx4<\/a>
    Acoustic Guitar<\/strong> – Variety Dunlop Pack –     https:\/\/amzn.to\/2WbbkPM<\/a><\/p>

    This is a lesson learnt best through a demonstration <\/strong>so Neli`s got you covered also with a video<\/strong> that for sure will make it all clear:<\/p>

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