How To Hold A Plectrum

The guitar is a very beautiful instrument. If we want to play the guitar, we need a pick. But, to be honest, playing guitar means, it is not mandatory to use a pick. You can go and play with your fingers as well. That we call it as ‘fingerstyle’. But I recommend that you should use a pick because if we play with it, we can hear the sound very well. It may be challenging at first, but I guarantee: it’ll help you out in the long run.

There are no proper guitar picking techniques. Many people use various methods to hold the guitar. When I first grabbed the guitar, I did not understand how to hold the guitar pick. Even I have done few experiments as well. After watching few videos then I understood this concept.

In this article, I will be sharing how I usually hold my guitar pick. So, let’s get started. This is a simple 3 step process that I follow.

• A Good Signature
• The Best Angle and,
• A Proper Direction

1. A Good Signature

Firstly, we need to hold our hands like a thumbs-up sign.

2. The Best Angle

Then we have to close our fingers like a fist. After that, we have to take the pick (plectrum) and put it on the top of your index finger. It should be at roughly a 45-degree angle to the first finger.

3. A Proper Direction

Now we need to bend our thumb downwards, leaving 4 or 5 millimeters and extending the thumb and index finger. But be a little careful with the grip. Don’t keep too tight, as that can cause cramping, or too loose, otherwise, you may drop it. It may feel strange at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes a habit.

Also, don’t have too much showing, as it will be hard to control and will fall out of your hand when you strum.

Not too little as well, or you’ll hurt your fingers by accident when you play.

This is better. Make sure your fist is not closed. This extended ‘O’ shape should be loose and comfortable.

It should look T-shaped as you look down your hand.

Choosing the Right Guitar Pick

How will you choose the right pick? Well, guitar picks come in various thicknesses or weights. There are so many brands available to choose from. If you’re an absolute beginner, it’s always better if we use a pick as thin as we can. Because thin picks will help you learn to strum well.

If you’re working on picking scales and basic riffs, a medium-weight pick should work well. Heavyweight picks are great if you are playing lots of leads on an electric guitar.

Pro Tip: You should always own at least two or three sizes. 0.5mm is the best pick to start with.

Final Words of Advice!

At last, I must say that, have the right guitar pick on hand. Once you master your guitar-picking posture, it will be easier for us to learn more techniques later. So, I hope these guitar tips were helpful. The more you practice, the more you will be better.!!

Happy Strumming…..Enjoy Playing!!

If you have any questions or additional information regarding this, please let me know in the comments.

P.S. To know about the guitar tips for absolute beginners, visit here