Basic question about pick and strumming angle
Hi, I have a doubt about the angle at which the pick should strum a guitar string. I started learning how to play the guitar about a month ago and so far when I strum, basically I could say that the pick is horizontal or parallel to the string; but some guy told me recently that I'm supposed to place my pick more vertically or perpendicular to the string; so that basically if you're looking at the guitar from the front, you'll be seeing a 45º angle formed by the string and the pick. And then, that I have to strum in that same direction, so i would be hitting the string with the side of the pick and not really the flat part of the the pick's tip (which is what I usually do)..... I'm having a lot of trouble trying to do what he told me... so I was wondering if that's really the right way; or if there's any correct angle or position at which we have to place the pick and strum.
# 1
Hi Cesargg,
My feeling is that the angle of the pick will change as you strum. If you did freeze-frame photography of your hand while doing a strumming pattern, you'd see that during some parts of the stroke, the pick will be perpendicular, and at other times it will be more like 45 degrees.
It sounds to me like you were on the right track with your original angle and grip. I wouldn't worry about trying to change your technique as long as it feels comfortable to you and you are getting good sound.
Keep us posted - and have fun!
-Lisa
My feeling is that the angle of the pick will change as you strum. If you did freeze-frame photography of your hand while doing a strumming pattern, you'd see that during some parts of the stroke, the pick will be perpendicular, and at other times it will be more like 45 degrees.
It sounds to me like you were on the right track with your original angle and grip. I wouldn't worry about trying to change your technique as long as it feels comfortable to you and you are getting good sound.
Keep us posted - and have fun!
-Lisa
Lisa McCormick, GT Instructor
Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Blues
Full Catalog of Lisa's Guitar Tricks Tutorials
Find Lisa on Facebook!
Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Blues
Full Catalog of Lisa's Guitar Tricks Tutorials
Find Lisa on Facebook!
# 2
like most things there are no real right or wrong answers.
there are things you do need to think about though.
first is your sound, sometimes holding the pick differently during a strum can give you different sounds.
next is feeling, this goes both for sound and how it feels to you. if your concentrating or just holding the pick a certin way your playing will be almost robotic and lack the feeling every player gives their own sound.(the stutter in a strum if you will)
last, if the pick keeps flying out of your hand your 'digging too deep'. no matter how you hold a pick if you cant keep it in your not really using a pick. take it slow and practice hitting the string with as little of the pick as you can.
other than those things you should be ok. if you ever look at how different people hold a pencil or pen when they're writing youll see how different people hold a pick.
have fun
there are things you do need to think about though.
first is your sound, sometimes holding the pick differently during a strum can give you different sounds.
next is feeling, this goes both for sound and how it feels to you. if your concentrating or just holding the pick a certin way your playing will be almost robotic and lack the feeling every player gives their own sound.(the stutter in a strum if you will)
last, if the pick keeps flying out of your hand your 'digging too deep'. no matter how you hold a pick if you cant keep it in your not really using a pick. take it slow and practice hitting the string with as little of the pick as you can.
other than those things you should be ok. if you ever look at how different people hold a pencil or pen when they're writing youll see how different people hold a pick.
have fun
They say the END is near, but I'm Tired of waiting.
# 3