Just like holding the guitar, holding your pick might seem like it is obvious. However not so obvious is the effect holding your pick the wrong way can have on your wrist and joints.
Their are two common ways to hold a guitar pick that you should familiarize yourself with. Then you can decide for yourself which is more comfortable to you.
Position #1
- The best way to describe holding a pick for this position is to first make a fist... |
Then...
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Relax your fingers so that your thumb rests on the side of your index finger.
Next...
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Place the pick flat on the side of your index finger and clamp down with your thumb. Leave only about 1/4 inch of the pick exposed.
Position #2
- The second way to hold a guitar pick is to pinch it between the index finger and thumb like so...
Both picking positions have their advantages and disadvantages, but is important to do what is comfortable to you. Here they are again...
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Position #1
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Position #2
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thanks for the advise.
can you please elaborate about the advantages and disadvantages of the two technics.
i use the second, pinching the pick with the thumb and index
Another interesting pick holding technique - if you hold the pick so it barely comes through your fingers, then strike the string with the pick and your finger simultaneously, it will produce a harmonic. Best frets for this are 5,7, and 12.
Try it - it works.