View Full Version : Holding the pick correctly
Chris Travers
Jan-30-2008, 8:51pm
Hey all you pros out there!
I am trying out the "tremolo hold" for the first time,(yes, I am a beginner)and so far I like it a lot! But I do feel some pressure in the 2nd joint in my thumb which leads to soreness in that joint. Am I holding it too tightly?
What do y'all think?
crazylotrfan, Michael Kelly LFS http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Chris Travers
Jan-30-2008, 8:56pm
Oh, I'm holding it exactly like the pic of Mike Compton in a previous post.
Chris Travers
Jan-30-2008, 8:57pm
Well ... maybe not EXACTLY http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Andrew Lewis
Jan-30-2008, 9:07pm
Yes, I would say if you're feeling soreness, you're holding it too tight. Sometimes it can be hard to tell how tightly someone's holding a pick (or the neck or whatever) from a pic even though their hand might be in the same position.
I think it's important to note that although there are a number of variances in pick grip, it seems like all instructors or pros will tell you to keep it loose. Left hand, too. You should try to achieve an effortless, relaxed feeling in your hands and arms with no tension. That tension only leads to loss of fluidity and speed and then, of course, bring on soreness.
JEStanek
Jan-30-2008, 9:20pm
As an example of don't hold too tight watch this video of Dan Beimborn (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=25;t=50717) on Midnight on the Water / Bonaparte's Retreat. #You'll see his thumb release the pick all through this even during the second half where he's going pretty fast... #When I try that I'm either picking it up off the floor or shaking it outta the soundhole. #That's a pretty relaxed left hand and a good video to demonstrate it.
edit: way bad link... thanks bertram for having a good one in your post!
Jamie
MikeB
Jan-30-2008, 11:01pm
Do not watch Dan Beimborn do ANYthing. I'm quite sure he employs mirrors and wires. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Bertram Henze
Jan-31-2008, 4:08am
Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hv3LSK-Ev4) is that video of Dan Beimborn. I suspect he is either holding the pick between index and middle finger to have his thumb free for brushing chords or there is a tube of superglue lying just outside the view of the camera. But maybe Dan can explain what he did... Dan?
Bertram
Philphool
Jan-31-2008, 6:39am
Well, .... Wow!
If you drop your pick, you're ALMOST there.