Using a pick to play the guitar can be quite difficult for beginners. The pick requires precise coordination between the thumb, index finger, and wrist to properly strike the strings. Additionally, holding the pick correctly is essential to producing a good tone. Many guitarists struggle at first to use a pick without dropping it or hitting multiple strings unintentionally. With regular practice, using a pick becomes second nature, but it does take time and patience to develop the proper techniques.
Proper Pick Holding Technique
Holding the pick correctly is the foundation for using it properly. There are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Grip the pick lightly between the pad of your thumb and side of your index finger. You don’t want a death grip on the pick but holding it too loosely will cause drops.
- Keep your wrist loose and relaxed. Tension will make pick control much harder.
- The tip of the pick should extend just slightly past your index fingertip. This allows you to clearly see the pick tip.
- Angle the pick slightly so the fat end points towards your palm. This makes it easier to strike downwards on the strings.
Pay attention to hand and finger positioning when you grab a pick. If anything feels tense or strained, relax and adjust until holding the pick feels natural. Proper technique takes repetition, so keep practicing until it becomes second nature.
Pick Control Issues
Once you have a solid pick holding foundation, controlling the pick while playing can still prove challenging. Common beginner problems include:
- Dropping the pick – This happens when grip is too loose. Try angling the pick more perpendicular to the strings until you build control.
- Hitting multiple strings – Occurs when the pick drags across strings. Work on stopping the pick motion completely after striking downwards.
- Muting strings unintentionally – Result of pick angling too far and brushing the string above or below the target string.
Be patient and go slow when practicing pick techniques. Pay close attention to pick angle and motion. Isolate problem areas and drill exercises that address them specifically. Recording yourself can help identify areas needing improvement.
Pick Stroke Techniques
How you stroke the pick produces different tones and effects. Mastering both alternate picking and downstroke picking is key for pick proficiency.
Alternate Picking
- Pick downwards on the first note then upwards on the next note.
- Alternate pick direction on each subsequent note.
- Start slowly with a metronome, build up speed gradually.
- Use strict down-up motions from the wrist, no extra pick movements.
- Pay attention to even pick strokes and consistent rhythm.
Downstroke Picking
- Use all downwards pick strokes.
- Keep your wrist motion tight and efficient.
- Let the pick rebound off the string slightly before next stroke.
- Loosen your grip slightly and use arm weight.
- Start slow and increase power as your technique improves.
Practice both techniques slowly at first. Gradually increase speed while focusing on relaxation, precision, and timing. Proper stroke techniques require patience but are essential pick skills.
Chord Strumming
Strumming rhythmically and cleanly through chords can be tricky for beginners. Things to focus on include:
- Keep relaxed grip and wrist while strumming.
- Always strum perpendicularly across the strings.
- Use different pick angles to accentuate downbeats vs upbeats.
- Pay attention to muting unwanted strings above and below the chord.
- Start with simple 1/4 note strum patterns and work up to syncopation.
- Listen closely to the tone and adjust your technique until notes sound clean.
Strumming is less focused on individual notes and more about the big picture rhythmic motion. Stay relaxed and let the pick move fluidly across the strings. Start slow with a metronome to ingrain proper technique.
Conclusion
Mastering the basics of holding a pick, controlling it properly, utilizing efficient stroke techniques, and strumming cleanly are all required skills to using a pick proficiently. The pick may seem clumsy at first, but don’t get discouraged. With regular, mindful practice, it will start feeling like a natural extension of your hand. Remain patient, build up speed slowly, and focus on quality tone over quantity of notes. Consistent precision with a pick just takes time and persistence for most guitarists. Stay positive and keep practicing fundamental techniques and you’ll be shredding with a pick in no time.