Pick Manipulation

Pick Manipulation: here's what you need to know.

When you first start playing guitar, using a thinner pick is more forgiving and is great to hold tightly. But, now that you're an advancing beginner, you're starting to play scales and picking out notes individually!

It's the perfect time to start exploring with slightly thicker picks. Thicker picks are also great if you're playing songs that move between strumming and picking notes. In this lesson, you'll learn valuable tips on manipulating your guitar pick while you play. You'll also explore how to experiment with different types of picks. :)

 

The Right Guitar Pick Matters 

If your pick is too thin, you'll struggle to pick out the notes. But, once you move on to a thicker string, it'll be harder to hold on to the pick. It might move around in your fingers or fall on the floor.

Thicker picks make bigger contact with thicker strings - which unintentionally makes it move in the wrong direction. At this stage in your guitar journey, experimenting with all different pick thicknesses is encouraged!  

 

💡 Be aware of the different pressure you have holding them. Thicker picks need a lighter hold to have dynamic control! 

 

Thicker picks are better for picking, while thinner ones are better for strumming. However, thicker picks will move around in your handly and are harder to hold. Be aware of these nuances, and see what you prefer in your strumming and picking style!

 

Picking Manipulation When Strumming

How do you deal with the pick suddenly pushed in, and you can't play with it? Or what if your pick starts rotating? You'll have to find a way to manipulate your pick back into its correct spot! 

When you're playing a song, you don't want to make an obvious stop to put your pick in the right place. You'll have to explore and see what works best for you. Get used to fiddling with the pick. The key is to keep strumming and playing even if your pick moves around.

 

Here are some options I recommend to manipulate your pick if it starts shifting:

• When your pick shifts around, your middle finger will usually get involved to fix it. Use your middle finger to flick the pick back in place.
• Lightly hold your pick and let the pressure of the string move the pick around. The pick might start pointing away from you, but keep playing. Use your thumb and finger to gradually shift it back to its original position. Keep going until it's back to its correct position.
• Sometimes, you might have no choice but take a little beat break to turn your pick. Do it quickly, and get right back into the pattern. Don't stop the whole song even if your pick has gone in a funny direction!

 

How To Practice Using A Pick

To practice, I recommend you start rotating the pick in your fingers. Get comfortable with your pick, twirl it around your finger, and even change the pressure of your grip. 

Experiment with all three different pick thicknesses. It'll help you understand what manipulation options work for you. Do this incrementally, and try different picks with scales, practice songs, and chords exercises.

Start with the thinnest pick and gradually move to the slightly thicker ones. What's important here is that you become more aware of your pick manipulation. This process can be tricky - so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Part of your guitar journey is to balance what you can do and what you find fun!

 

Let's check out some easy songs for advancing beginners!