In my opinion, the key to mastering your guitar pick lies in the standard grip. How to hold a guitar pick or how to hold a pick correctly? Rest the pick between your thumb and index finger, which allows for a mix of flexibility and stability that’s essential for most playing styles.
But before we get into the ’meat and potatoes’ of the technique, let’s take a moment to understand the anatomy of a guitar pick. Size, shape, and material can influence your grip choice, and subsequently, your sound.
You can choose from thin, medium, heavy, or extra heavy. These days, there are many shape variations but I’d start with the classic/standard picks.
Most common materials are nylon, acrylic, and celluloid. A thicker pick might offer more control while a thinner one could provide a lighter, more resonant tone. Just have fun and try them all!
My all-time favorite guitar pick that I’ve used for many years, and still do, is the Jim Dunlop nylon 1 mm with the molded grip surface. The grip helps the pick stay in place while I’m rocking out so I don’t lose it.
But, like most guitarists, we will still lose them, or as I like to say, “misplace“ them. Haha(yeah but seriously, where’s my pick?)
Next, how to grip a guitar pick? There’s a lot of opportunity in understanding the benefits of the standard grip.
You gain the ability to control dynamics, make quick stylistic adjustments, and maintain consistent contact with the strings. It’s like the foundation of a house – get it right, and everything else falls into place.
And here’s how to do it step by step: Position your thumb flat on one side of the pick, then place your index finger on the opposite side, slightly curled inwards. This grip should feel like a natural extension of your hand, nearly as effortless as holding a pencil.
It’s not about perfection on your first try. How to properly hold a guitar pick? This will come natural over time. The standard grip is a starting point, a base camp for your journey up the mountain of guitar mastery. You can always adjust this to fit in with your specific playing style.
Embracing Variety: Personalizing Your Pick Hold
Now that we’ve walked through the foundational aspects of holding a guitar pick the standard way, you’re probably sensing that there’s room for individuality. And you’re right; personalizing your pick hold is a key step toward defining your unique sound on the guitar.
Let’s talk about a famous example: James Hetfield of Metallica, the downpicking king! He holds the pick between his thumb, index, and middle fingers. It’s not the textbook method, but it gives him the control and the heavy, percussive attack his music demands.
Just like Hetfield, you might find that deviating from the norm works wonders for you.
Another famous example: Eddie Van Halen held his pick between his thumb and middle finger, while holding his palm away from the guitar. Of course, he is also famous for abandoning the guitar pick altogether for two-handed tapping. Ahh, who needs a pick, right?
One of my main rock idols, Jimi Hendrix, held the pick between his thumb and index finger(standard way), but created music that was anything but standard! He also was known to wrap is left thumb over the neck to fret the lower strings.
If you look at your hand right now—consider its size, the length of your fingers, how they move—your anatomy plays a big part in how you’ll comfortably hold a pick. And the pick itself matters too; its size, its texture, its thickness. All these elements should influence your grip.
Here’s my advice: don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different techniques. Hold the pick the standard way, try the Hetfield method, or invent something entirely your own.
Eventually, you’ll stumble upon the technique that feels just right—that magic grip that makes playing effortless.
Remember, the ‘right way’ to hold a pick is the way that feels right and works best for you. As you grow as a guitarist, keep refining your grip. You might adjust it as your playing evolves or even change it based on the musical genre you’re into at the moment.
Conclusion
While the standard pick holding technique is a solid starting point, it’s the ability to adapt and personalize that will set you apart as a guitarist. It’s about comfort, efficiency, and expressivity.
How to hold a pick should be a natural extension of your musical expression, so choose something that feels comfortable to you. Now, grab your pick and guitar, and start picking!