YAPP - Net Another Pic Post

[Gallamine]

Ok, so I'm a self taught mando playa. Been at it about 2.5 years ... I think. Time flies. So, when I'm picking I hold my pic like so - http://www.gallamine.com/pictures/mando.jpg

Almost pencil like. But, I read in "the books" that you should tuck the second joint of your pointer finger behind the pick. When I do that I feel so limited in my movement. It's all wrist and no thumb. Is this right? Have I been doing this all wrong the whole time? I just can't seem to get a very tender touch when holding the pic the "right" way.

Help?
-Gallamine

[John Flynn]

The way I have been taught and the way I do it is just as you say, "all wrist and no thumb." The fingers only hold the pick. They do not move the pick. The wrist does almost all the work. Perhaps the elbow/forearm does a little work. The fingers are holding the pick lightly, but securely, and "balancing" it so it can hinge up and down. The grip described in "the books" enables that. You may run into limitations in your speed and tone the way you are doing it. Good luck in your efforts.

[Bob DeVellis]

I've found that the "correct" position creates a substantial lateral force on the joints of my index finger. While that wasn't a problem when I was a kid, it's uncomfortable now and doesn't seem like the best mechanics for comfort, control, and joint protection. I now hold the pick somewhat less agains the side of my index finger and more toward the pad of the finger, pretty much as Gallamine shows. I think everyone has to find their own "correct" position. The recommendations in books and elsewhere are excellent starting points, but I think that everyone has to find what's right for them.

[Gallamine]

What about putting both the pointer and the middle finger on it? You see in the picture how my middle finger is raised. Sometimes I put that on the pick too. Am I going to break something? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
-Gal

[craigtoo]

This is how I do it....

http://homepage.mac.com/craigtoo/PhotoAlbum14.html

Works really well. #I still thank my brother for showing me how to hold a pick "correctly" when I first picked up a guitar at 9 years old. #

I find this method allows the pick just to "grow out the bottom of your hand" and allow the wrist to do the work. #It's a real solid hold. #One that you can use to keep a very relaxed hand without squeezing.

craig

[jiffyfeet]

I have played guitar for 15 years, and I hold my pick for guitar just like Craigtoo's pictures. With mando that just doesn't work for me. I think it's because with guitar I never felt a need to be nearly as precise as I do with mando, where you're playing mostly melodies.

For the mando, I hold my pick more like Gallamine's picture, except a little bit more of my finger behind the pick. Sort of a middle ground between Craig's grip and Gallamine's. I tried a ton of different picks, and I have finally found one that allows me to use that grip with no problems (every other pick would spin in circles when I played.) It's a Wegen large triangle with the holes drilled in it. It took some getting used to, but now I love it. Too bad I only bought one!

[jimini_pickit]

As personal preference, I roll my pick and play on one of the 'shoulders', not the tip...gives a softer, mellower sound; not so pick-clicky, but you lose volume I know.

Also, I try to (but have to keep reminding myself) close my hand in more of a loose fist, rather than have fingers open, sprawling, ready in an instant to 'plant' on the top (a holdover from my guitar playing...hard habit to break)