How To Hold A Guitar Pick Like A Pro

Have you ever wondered how to hold a guitar pick?

Or which one you should use?

Or if you should even use one at all.

Well, in this post I’m going to share some insider tips for these questions. 

So grab your guitar and let’s start off with…

How To Hold A Guitar Pick

If you’re using a standard flatpick, I believe the best way to hold it is between two fingers. I use the thumb and the index finger.

First, curl your index and place the pick with the point of the pick following your index finger:

Then simply place your thumb on top like this:

I think gripping the pick with your thumb and index is best. However, there are players that have broken this rule. For example, Eddie Van Halen was known for holding the pick between his thumb and middle finger. This allowed him to keep his index finger free for fret tapping – another key technique in his playing style.

This approach gave him a more fluid transition between picking and finger-tapping. 

One thing I don’t recommend doing is “group hugging” the pick with your other fingers. Try to hold the pick with just two fingers. This allows your other fingers to be free for playing more advanced styles later.

Keep it light. Do not use a death grip on the pick. Almost like you could drop but just enough pressure so you don’t. This can help reduce fatigue and improve your sound for lead and rhythm.

Now you may be wondering…

What’s The Best Guitar Pick for Beginners

If you’re just getting started I would recommend a Fender medium pick. Picks tend to come in 3 main thicknesses: 

1. Thin
2. Medium
3. Heavy 

There are many variations (often measured in milimeters) but the a Fender medium is going to be a great all around pick for strumming and picking. Plus, it sounds great too. 

Over time, you may experiment with different picks. There are so many sizes and shapes (teardrop, jazz, etc.). However, again if you’re just getting started go with a Fender medium. Don’t get distracted by these giant pizza shaped looking picks and weird things that no pro guitar players really use. 

Many picks are made of different types of material as well like nylon, celluloid, or you could use a sixpence coin like Brian May (legendary guitarist from Queen).

Choosing the right pick, is a journey, and you may end up changing picks over time too depending upon how your style evolves. 

Another thing to consider is the… 

Pick Angle

Did you know you can change the sound of your playing by simply adjusting the pick angle? If you slant the pick to the side a bit, you can get a real glassy sound – particularly when strumming. If you keep it flat, you’ll get a more direct sound.

You can even turn the pick around and play with the rounder side. This gets a fatter tone that’s great for single notes and octaves in jazz.

Before we wrap up, here’s a few common mistakes players make when they try to figure out how to hold a guitar pick.

* Holding the pick too tightly (causing stiffness)

* Holding the pick too far towards the back of the pick. Players that do this have less control over the pick.

* Holding the pick too far forward and nipping their fingers when they play. 

If you’re dropping the pick all the time, guess what you’re normal. Pick it back up and try again. If you notice this being a continuing problem, there are many picks with grip-enhancing textures or holes. I used one for a while that had a star punched in it and you can feel your skin through it. 

And speaking of skin, you do not have to use a guitar pick. You can use your fingers as well, in fact, it’s a great way to start. Some players even grow nails and use those as picks too. 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Just get a pick and start practicing. 

Conclusion:

To wrap it up: 

• Hold the pick between two fingers. (I recommend the thumb and index.)
• Keep it light
• Start with a Fender medium pick 

From there, get playing, and if you want to learn songs way faster, better understand the fretboard, and not waste years spinning your wheels with guitar, grab my free fretboard guide right here now:  

Jon MacLennan