[Ledhead V-2]

I know the classic way of holding a pick -- more or less making a fist and keeping it between thumb and index finger -- and this is the way I started out playing. However, I've noticed lately that I've almost subconciously gravitated toward holding it with 3 fingers instead of 2 (thumb, index, and middle). My question: is this a bad habit to get into? Should I revert back to holding it in the "classic" style, or am I okay holding the pick in this manner? It seems as though I have more control this way and the pick doesn't seem to get out of position as much.

I'm a beginner, obviously, and I don't want to get into any bad habits which will be harder to break as time goes by. Might as well nip it in the bud while I can.



Bob

[coldethyl]

I guess there is a standard way for holding the pick which would be between the index finger and thumb.
Some may choose a way that is comfortable for them and that works.
For example, I know that Eddie Van Halen holds the pick between his thumb and middle finger. But he says, that is because he finger taps with his index finger, so it's more convenient for him to use the pick that way.

Neil

[Ledhead V-2]

Originally Posted by coldethyl

I guess there is a standard way for holding the pick which would be between the index finger and thumb.
Some may choose a way that is comfortable for them and that works.
For example, I know that Eddie Van Halen holds the pick between his thumb and middle finger. But he says, that is because he finger taps with his index finger, so it's more convenient for him to use the pick that way.

Neil

And after I specifically told him not to do that!

Seriously though, if he holds a pick like that -- which seems far riskier than holding it with thumb, index, and middle fingers -- I should be okay then...I would think.

Just don't want to get into bad habits now that'll be harder to break somewhere down the road.

thanks, Neil



Bob

[allthumbs]

Keep in mind that you may want to get into hybred picking which is very popular. For that you are going to need a couple of fingers free. You can go back to clasical style now or do it later when you want to add double stops ala SRV and others. The more fingers you have free, the more things you can do.

[coldethyl]

If you want to be absolutely certain of whether or not your doing the right thing, then I suggest you confer with the more experienced players on this forum such as Kirk, allthumbs, icjones, UGB, Rockerbob, pickngrin.(other experienced players please don't be offended if I missed your name)

If I were you, I would definitely want to be sure that I wasn't going to make it harder for myself later on.

Good luck!

Neil

[Ledhead V-2]

Speaking of the devil, I just did a quick search on hybrid picking (didn't know what AT meant by it) and checked out Rockerbob's demo video. Though impressive, to say the least, I really don't think it's a technique I'd like to employ, even in the distant future. I may be limiting myself, but I'm much more comfortable using a pick only.

And thanks to both of you for your input -- really appreciate it.

btw -- the consensus seems to be that I'm okay using 3 fingers, correct?



Bob

[allthumbs]

Rule of thumb. What works, works. It is not that big a deal to change your picking style at a later date if you want. Do what works for you.

[Ledhead V-2]

Alrighty then. Looks like I'm okay as far as holding a pick goes.

Again -- thanks to both of you. You've been most helpful.



Bob

[nagukush]

Hi Buddy, I was in the same situation of holding the pick with my 3 fingers and i played like that for over 2 years ! Then i was told that it will not be very helpful in future, (though its only a personal preference) and i tried to change slowly and now i feel holding the pick with 2 fingers in the easiest and most efficient.

Hope it helped !

Kind Regds

Kush

[Garry]

Originally Posted by Ledhead V-2

I know the classic way of holding a pick -- more or less making a fist and keeping it between thumb and index finger -- and this is the way I started out playing. However, I've noticed lately that I've almost subconciously gravitated toward holding it with 3 fingers instead of 2 (thumb, index, and middle). My question: is this a bad habit to get into? Should I revert back to holding it in the "classic" style, or am I okay holding the pick in this manner? It seems as though I have more control this way and the pick doesn't seem to get out of position as much.

I'm a beginner, obviously, and I don't want to get into any bad habits which will be harder to break as time goes by. Might as well nip it in the bud while I can.



Bob

Hi Bob, my personal opinion would be to try and get into the habit of a 2 finger grip, I think once you get more comfy with it you' findyour gonna have much more control. The other reason would be, once you grow as a guitarist and explore differrent techniques, your gonna run into some problems, ie;: being stuck with just your pinky.
A neat little trick I used to do was to punch a whole in the pick with a "paper punch tool" the kind you would use for the size hole on a 3-binder notebook. Now what happens is, you'll get a "skin to skin' contact on your grip so the pick won't (slide) around on ya. Worked for me, hope this helps. Looks kinda cool too, and thats how I would identify who's pick was who's, when mine used to magically disappear out of my guitar case.......that would be my little brother.

[Ledhead V-2]

Originally Posted by Garry

Hi Bob, my personal opinion would be to try and get into the habit of a 2 finger grip, I think once you get more comfy with it you' findyour gonna have much more control. The other reason would be, once you grow as a guitarist and explore differrent techniques, your gonna run into some problems, ie;: being stuck with just your pinky.
A neat little trick I used to do was to punch a whole in the pick with a "paper punch tool" the kind you would use for the size hole on a 3-binder notebook. Now what happens is, you'll get a "skin to skin' contact on your grip so the pick won't (slide) around on ya. Worked for me, hope this helps. Looks kinda cool too, and thats how I would identify who's pick was who's, when mine used to magically disappear out of my guitar case.......that would be my little brother.

Now that's an idea...

I don't have a hole-puncher lying around the house, but I do have to run out to a pharmacy later this evening and it just so happens they carry them. I don't know why pick manufacturers never came up with such a simple solution to what can't be an uncommon problem. You should patent that idea -- very innovative on your part.

Wait a cotton-pickin' minute! Maybe I'll beat you to it and make myself rich beyond my wildest dreams in the process!!

so, nyah!

Kidding -- great advice. I'll try it sometime today and let you know how I made out. Thanks for your help, Garry. You too, Kush.



Bob

btw, Garry -- you might want to try putting a mousetrap or two in your case. This way when little bro tries sneaking a pick out of there...YOWZA!! Boy, will he get a surprise! (heh heh!)

[justpickin]

This pic shows the "correct" way to hold a pick.....I will say that as I play my positioning of the pick changes, depending on what I'm doing...say picking lead runs vs strumming, but this way of holding the pick will actually give you the greatest accuracy (or so I've been told.... )

[Ledhead V-2]

Originally Posted by justpickin

This pic shows the "correct" way to hold a pick.....I will say that as I play my positioning of the pick changes, depending on what I'm doing...say picking lead runs vs strumming, but this way of holding the pick will actually give you the greatest accuracy (or so I've been told.... )

Yep, that's the standard way of holding a pick alright. Though I've never seen a picture posted showing how to do it -- just read a description of it online somewhere.

And Garry: I bought one of those hole-punchers (three-hole, looks like a ruler) you were talking about and tried doing as you said. It didn't work -- and I use .73mm medium-thickness picks. Try as I might, all I managed to do was put a barely noticeable indentation in the pick. Think next time I'm out I'll look for one of those single-hole punchers. You know, it looks something like a pair of vice-grips. They're much sturdier and I'm sure they'll do the job. In the meantime, I've reverted back to the classic style of holding a pick, though I think your suggestion will make me more comfortable holding it in that manner.

thanks again,

Bob

[allthumbs]

Take you a second to drill a hole through a pick.

[joehere1]

hey bob you might want to give stix pix a try, there pretty neat and come in a variety of thicknesses .
i picked some up the other day at a local supply shop, they have a small foam pad on the back that helps me to hold the pic and when your done playing you just stick on your guitar or where ever i really like em
www.ice-pix.com