View Full Version : Holding the Pick- Rule of Thumb...
Keith Erickson
Jan-03-2005, 5:19pm
Hello and Good Evening to All,
What is the rule of Thumb in regards to the pick?
I've found myself holding the pick two different ways depending on the sound that I'm looking for.
When I am playing sticato, I find myself holding the pick a little further back away from the tip.
However when I'm playing scales or leads, I find myself choking up closer to the tip.
Does anyone else have any tips or have any similar experiences?
Much oblidged http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
mando_pete
Jan-03-2005, 9:13pm
Keith,
I don't know about other folks, but I try to keep the pick in the same spot in my fingers regardless of what I'm doing. For Tremolo, I reduce the tension between the fingers holding the pick, almost to the point of dropping it. For fast, hard, licks I increase it "slightly". This was a hard balance to learn but once I got "it", I got "it". It takes lots of practice, don't get discouraged.
John Bertotti
Jan-03-2005, 9:37pm
There have been some discussions on pick grip in the classical section and some other links to other plectral threads here also. I don't know if your answer is there but it is still interesting reading. John
one of several links (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=6;t=21085)
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Keith Erickson
Jan-03-2005, 10:06pm
John and Pete, Thank you for the reply. I'm going to try different things. I will also check out the link that was attached.
I'm going to have to have lot's of patience.
Again I thank you both!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
duuuude
Jan-04-2005, 8:14am
I've noticed lately that I move my index finger slightly when going from strumming to note pickin', the knuckle likes to be outa the way when pickin' but there for support when strumming. Using a "Big Stubby" helps, with the indentations on each side the knuckle just kinda glides in & out of position without re-positioning the whole pick. Don't know if it's good or bad, just what works for me.