#4-How To Hold A Pick

Lesson #4 – How To Hold A Guitar Pick

When I first started to play guitar I thought I knew everything, including how to hold a guitar pick.  I mean, how hard could that be?

Well, it’s not hard, but there is a certain way to do it, especially if you are just starting out.  And a lot of beginners make the same mistakes.  And as they continue to learn to play guitar with those bad habits, it becomes harder and harder to break as time goes on.

The pick should be held lightly between the thumb and the index finger as illustrated in the picture below.

It is important to remember to hold it lightly – you don’t need a death grip on the pick.  Holding it lightly allows it greater flexibility to move up and down and to the left and right as your play, which is important.

Common Mistakes

Below are 2 of the more common mistakes beginners make when they hold the guitar pick.

• Clenching Your Fist – The first mistake is clenching your fist. This happens all the time with beginners when they start out.  The problem with clenching your fist is that you lose the fluid movement of your hand as you play.  As a result, you have to hit all the notes by just moving your elbow, which is 100 times harder.  So, keep your grip loose and play with your hand and wrist, not your elbow.

• Holding the Pick With Your Finger Tips – instead of resting the pick on the side of your index finger, a lot of new guitarists will hold the pick with their fingertips.  This actually will give you poor control when strumming.  It feels natural to hold it in your fingertips, but you have to get away from that habit.

>>Click here to watch a great video showing you how to hold your guitar pick<<