Picking technique calling SunnO))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[ROWDYBEER]

I have a shitty picking technique that I taught my myself years ago. My other fingers get in the way and kill notes all the time. I probably dont even need a pick most of the time just a blunt object or a clenched fist. Im sure there is not 1 proper way to pick and a gazillion ways to pick depending on the style of music you are playing. But im sure all picking styles must share some common techniques. Any thoughts? Im to old and stubborn to go completely changing my style but maybe I could add some technique.

[VOLVO)))]

There is no proper way to pick. There are ways that are better than others, but there is no proper way. There are little details that you can work on to increase speed/efficiency/stamina/dexterity etc... Things that matter, like pick angle, how much pick you hold, what fingers you hold the pick with, what muscle groups you're using, how low you hang your guitar... Picking is just a bunch of small, easy-to-refine details. It all depends on what type of music you play, if you're just strumming chords or playing groovy riffs you can get away with not having "technique." It matters when you start picking up speed, playing lots of syncopated patterns, and having to play for long periods of time. Not hurting yourself is your main concern. I gave myself tendinitis from not picking properly, in my earlier days (three years ago.) Your body is just like your equipment, too much stress and it'll go. I'll try and make a video with my bollocks webcam, to see if I can exhibit some of the shit I'm talking about..

[ROWDYBEER]

That would be awesome.

[VOLVO)))]

Nevermind the video, webcam can't track the action in any way, shape or form. It's just a blur. I can explain it with pictures. Hold on a minute. haha

[Jor el]

I used to gallop to pain with one of those Stylus Picks.

[VOLVO)))]

It has become apparent that I am going to buy a nice camera if I'm going to do shit like this. We'll have to make due with what I have at the moment, but I will find a higher quality camera to do shit like this with, in the future.

As I previously stated, there are A LOT of factors in how somebody picks. It goes down to the point of human anatomy, how long your arms are, how strong your small muscle groups are, and so on. There are a few things I'll touch on that will help you with your "technique." These are just my ways, that I've found to be comfortable and kept me the least tired, as well as tight and clean.



Strap length is a big deal, that is usually overlooked. Some people play real high, or lower than I have it in the picture. A good comfy length is just being able to grab the bottom of the guitar as I am in the picture.



At this length, it allows the middle area of my fore arm to rest on the body of the guitar, and my hand to rest comfy on the bridge.



I use my bridge as a pivot point for my hand, and use the muscle groups from my wrist and forearm, as well as the smaller muscle groups in my fingers for more delicate things/hybrid picking. Take note of my pinky grabbing the pickup ring, this is something that is pretty common amongst players. The more stable your hand is, IE not hovering or constantly shifting position, the cleaner and tighter you will be.




A better image of the pinky thing.





Pick angle matters for a myriad of reasons, but the main one would be the clean stroke. I try to keep my pick as parallel to the strings as possible without moving my hand too much. It usually ends up looking kind of like a rainbow in terms of motion. I also hold very little of the pick. There's just the tiny pointed tip protruding past the point of my flesh. Great for pinch harmonics, good for triplets. Too much pick just gives it too much leverage to shift and move while you're playing.



I usually pinch the pick between my thumb and index finger. I've seen a lot of guys who use the middle/index/thumb thing, but to me that just puts my hand at a really fucked up angle. Fucked up angles = bad, in my realm of playing. There's no reason to strangle the pick. It's kind of like your dick, a nice firm grasp, and you're good to go.



Find a pick you like, and stick to them. I play monster thick picks with a kind of suede-like texture. I don't like a clacky sound on my strings, these have a mellow attack, yet still comes through really aggressive if you're a hard picker.

To me, the cardinal rule of picking efficiently, and cleanly is your state of mind. Fucking RELAX, man. Your mind will eventually drift, and the mechanics and muscle memory will take over. I had to teach myself, since I don't inebriate in any way, to just let my mind go into zen mode. Distract yourself, watch TV and pick, read and pick, you know? Just do it while you're doing natural things. Pick open strings, pick chords, pick whatever. We've all got strumming down to a science, now, refining that broad motion to single strings is an art. You can all do it. If there's anymore questions, or I was too vague somewhere, lemme know, I was trying to crank this out on a time limit, haha.

[Lumpy]

Nice tutorial