Re: There is no right way to hold a pick. There is only your way.
Thanks for sharing Chris. It looks like your technique is similar to the one I use but with the index finger moved over the thumb with the pick between thumb and middle finger. Does this give you more down tick support?
I switched many years ago to Chris Thile's pick holding method from a more finger tip hold used by many guitarist. His technique was a big boost in available power and stamina. It was more work using your fingertips and more tiring to my hand. It wasn't easy to change but the change made playing easier.
My fretting hand guitar technique also gave me a lot of grief in similar subtle ways. My left hand kept cramping up from extended play until I stopped using guitar bar chord/classical guitar thumb behind the neck methods and slanted my approach to the narrow fretboard. Luckily this was worked out long ago but I hope my example can alert others struggling with volume and control issues that can only be corrected with instrument specific technique adjustment.
You may be right about the no right way to hold the pick or play mandolin but continued pain and discomfort should be warning signs to us all. If a method works well for you without excessive stress on your body, move on to more practice using it.
"A sudden clash of thunder, the mind doors burst open, and lo, there sits old man Buddha-nature in all his homeliness."
CHAO-PIEN
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