Description
Guitar picks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it may be a good idea to gather a few options to explore which ones will end up working best for you. As you do, you'll run into varieties of size, varieties of thickness, and varieties of texture. (plus all sorts of artsy colors and designs, but you're on your own there!)
Thickness, or Gauge: I suggest you start with a Medium Gauge pick. Once you get the feel for that, you can then go on to experiment with heavier and/or lighter gauges to see which you like best. You'll see that thickness has an effect of the feel of the pick in your hand, and the tone it produces.
Texture: Some picks are slick and slippery, while others have a textured surface to help improve your ability to grip them tightly. I suggest you start with one that has some texture to it, and after you get the feel for that you'll be able to experiment to determine which kind you really like the best. Picks are cheap!
Size and Shape: I suggest you start with the "classic" size guitar pick. Once you get the hang of that, you can experiment with smaller and larger picks to see what you like best.
Hand position: There are a variety of opinions and options for the best way to hold a pick, but here is what works best for me and what I teach my students: Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger, with the pointy party pointing towards the strings. Lightly fan the rest of your fingers, so that your pinky and/or ring finger can lightly brush the body of the guitar. This will allow your hand to have a little bit of extra orientation when it comes to trying to aim the pick for a specific string. Keep the touch very light. Do not glue your pinky to the body of the guitar. Also, there are advanced strumming techniques which make use of that long stretch of your outer hand, opposite your thumb, from lower wrist to the pinky. If you are in the habit of keeping your hand in a open position, rather than rolled up like a fist, it will make these advanced techniques much easier to learn later on down the road.
Lesson Info
