Guitar Technique: Picking Hand

Objectives:

Learn how to hold a pick.
Learn picking techniques.
Learn about fingerpicks.

How to hold a pick

guitar technique: picking hand

Relaxed hand

Index finger across the back of pick

Pad of thumb holding front of pick

Wrist relaxed and not arched back

The pick should be held at a slight angle downward ... this helps it slide across the strings more easily.

Picking Techniques

String Muting

String muting is a common practice in heavy metal music. All you do is place the palm of your hand lightly on the string near the bridge of the guitar and strike the string. Oila, you have performed a palm mute.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a technique that allows you to pick faster. You should use an UP and DOWN motion when you pick. All of the movement should come from your wrist, not your elbow.

Rest Stroke

A rest stroke is when you strike DOWN on the string and the pick comes to rest on the next string below it. This gives you a more powerful sound when you pick.

Fingerpicks ... or not?

Some people use fingerpicks when they play fingerstyle. These are good if you have a hard time growing your fingernails or don't want to use fake nails. Classical guitarist don't use them. They take very much care of their fingernails. Many "chickin' pickers" use fingerpicks and thumbpicks. A good brand of fingerpick is Alaskapicks.

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