FabSwingers.com forum: Guitar picks

By *ill74 OP Man
over a year ago

New forest area

Hi all

How do you keep your pick in place when playing?! Mine keeps moving every so often. And it takes my focus off what I'm practising.

Not too bad when it's the same chord in a row, but when it's a different chord every time...

I'm using the Justin Guitar app for beginners, quite like it. So have just started to learn the C7, G7 and B7 chords today. Plus now rhythm guitar - strumming.

Cheers.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ask City jeans he's the guitar hero on here,he'll give you some good advice

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By *nliveneTV/TS
over a year ago

Selby

Justin Guitar is in my opinion one the best , you can get the learning book also

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You mean the Plectrum moving between thumb and forefinger, yeah I still get that, even after playing for 28 years, I’m still very average though, I’m not sure what the answer is other than to squeeze harder, or get a pick with more grip on ?!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Ask City jeans he's the guitar hero on here,he'll give you some good advice

How did you know I played guitar badly ?!

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By *onnynclaireCouple
over a year ago

Reading

I usually hold the plectrum in my thumb and forefinger. Not too tight and not too loose.

You’ll get to grips with it.

Have fun and enjoy.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Who’d have thought I’d find this very erotic

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You mean the Plectrum moving between thumb and forefinger, yeah I still get that, even after playing for 28 years, I’m still very average though, I’m not sure what the answer is other than to squeeze harder, or get a pick with more grip on ?!"

I found the Dunlop type pics that are rough because of the embossing of the writing and often have stipples on them too.are the best for not losing my grip.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Who’d have thought I’d find this very erotic "

Just wait til we start talking about the best way to pluck a G string

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By *nliveneTV/TS
over a year ago

Selby

you play electric , acoustic or classic

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By *rsPricklePantsWoman
over a year ago

Room 237 at The Overlook Hotel, Suffolk

Don't have that issue as I play bass I don't use a plectrum/pick

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

you play electric , acoustic or classic "

Mostly acoustic, as I had to sell my electric when I was furloughed.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

you play electric , acoustic or classic

Mostly acoustic, as I had to sell my electric when I was furloughed.

I mainly play acoustic too, but also twelve string and air have just started to learn how to play electric. I now need to unlearn some bad habits

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It’s a case of practice and trial and error.

Maybe go for a thinner plectrum and try and keep your wrist loose (try strumming from your wrist, not your elbow).

I tend to lightly hold the plectrum between my thumb and the first joint of my index finger. Don’t grip too hard and try and just let it ‘float’ as you strum the strings.

Practice, practice, practice until you find your own style.

Good luck (and don’t overthink it)

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By *ill74 OP Man
over a year ago

New forest area

That's it yes. Been using same 1 for last 10 months now, which is how long I've been actively learning the guitar.

Damn, so no true secret formula!

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By *partharmonyCouple
over a year ago

Ruislip

Just hold it tighter. Since it's not glued or nailed to your fingers it will move around. That's life I'm afraid. You just have to minimise it as much as you can and reposition it when you have to. It's perfectly normal.

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By *oelDorianMan
over a year ago

vanaheim

I would have suggested the same as well I’ve been playing for five years.

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By *ill74 OP Man
over a year ago

New forest area

you play electric , acoustic or classic

Mostly acoustic, as I had to sell my electric when I was furloughed.

Ah bu×ger.

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By *agneto.Man
over a year ago

Bham

You just get better at holding it. Or maybe get a thinner pick to begin with.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Everyone else has kinda covered it but always great to hear of another musician joining the fold so to speak.

If your serious then don't forget you can only benefit from learning the scales, rhythm work & try not to skip the theory! Doesn't have to be hard or time consuming, just work at it at a comfortable pace, it's not a competition!

Main thing & most importantly is to have fun doing it.

FYI: Loads of guitar stuff on line, lots of youtube stuff as well, all free so make the most of it during this time. Look at different styles & the many different players, everyone from BB, Larry Carlton, Johnny Marr, Bert Weedon, Doug Aldrich, Django Reinhardt, John McLaughlin, Leo Nocentelli, Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore, Shinji Wajima & the multitude of others that you'll find!!!

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By *oward1978Man
over a year ago

Rotherham

I found the Dunlop type pics that are rough because of the embossing of the writing and often have stipples on them too.are the best for not losing my grip.

I use the Jim Dunlop nylon ones too. The little grippy bit is actually quite handy in helping avoid slippage. Also, I've found for strumming using as thin a plectrum as possible really helps. I generally like to use a 0.38mm gauge. Too thick and it tends to get caught up on the strings too easily and that's when you lose your grip.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I use a Jazz pick I think it's Jim Dunlop - has a recess with grip. Excellent pick.

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By *ollbiMan
over a year ago

newcastle

"Hi all

How do you keep your pick in place when playing?! Mine keeps moving every so often. And it takes my focus off what I'm practising.

Not too bad when it's the same chord in a row, but when it's a different chord every time...

I'm using the Justin Guitar app for beginners, quite like it. So have just started to learn the C7, G7 and B7 chords today. Plus now rhythm guitar - strumming.

Cheers."
grow one.never slips!

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By *rystal DreamtimeTV/TS
over a year ago

horsham

Awww man I had 80 pics in a box At the side of me and within 2hours every last one of them was on the floor ... So I threw everyone of those little bits of plastic away .. developed a claw hammer type style between the thumb and forefinger and ain’t ever looked back .. I may use a pick to tune with occasionally but man am I glad to get those pesky things outta my life ...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I find a spot of super glue on each side before you pick it up helps

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Main thing & most importantly is to have fun doing it."

100% this. It's not a competition and even the most basic theory helps loads. I've played for 25 years and wish I'd not skipped it all(theory) in the first 10 of them.

Depends what you use pick wise, I use v-pics trad lite while a bit thick(1.5mm) as your fingers heat them up, they get easier to grip.

Dava control picks is a good one as well as you can vary the flex depending on where you hold them, assuming you can still get them.

I never start students on chords, single note melodies tend to give you a better and more effective start at avoiding the dreaded loss of interest

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By *xciter7169Man
over a year ago

The Midlands

Try scoring the pick with a blade,gives your digits something to grip on,or dont use one,i dont even use picks for strumming,stems from when i couldn't afford them when i was younger,times were hard

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By *reativecouplederbyCouple
over a year ago

Derby

Use a nylon pick instead of plastic

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Try buying a selection of picks and see what feels comfortable. Go through them as you practice. Everyone is different. What you are taught about holding a pick is just a guide. Find what is right for you.

You may find as you get better and you are more comfortable in your playing you’ll change what pick you are using.

When I first started playing I couldn’t get on with a pick. They just felt big and clumsy. I used my fingers Mark Knopfler style.

About a year ago I gave picks another try. Again they felt big and clumsy. I was recommended the Jazz III by Jim Dunlop. I’ve never looked back. They are small enough so you don’t notice them when you are playing and they have a textured grip which really helps.

Enjoy your playing and everting will fall into place.

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By *issVanillaWoman
over a year ago

I'm trying to learn the guitar too..it's slow going & pretty frustrating at times.

I'm using YouTube & trying to read tabs but there's so many chords & scales etc I don't know how to progress. All tips most welcome!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Marty Music is another good channel on YouTube

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By *e0nMan
over a year ago

Wombwell, Barnsley

"Try scoring the pick with a blade,gives your digits something to grip on,or dont use one,i dont even use picks for strumming,stems from when i couldn't afford them when i was younger,times were hard

I did that when I started playing. Really good for adding grip. You soon get used to it

I play bass with 2mm Dunlop picks. You just get into the habit of moving it back of it slips out ha ha ha.

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By *xciter7169Man
over a year ago

The Midlands

I remember cutting triangle shapes out of them plastic tops you get on aerosols for my first plectrums,oh the good old days

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

In 15 years of playing I've only really had this when I've tried to strum too hard with a thin plectrum. You might be strumming too hard or soft, which means the thickness of your plectrum is not appropriate for the sound you're trying to get. Try varying the thickness and see if that works

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

there is a jim dunlop nylon pick..try them..it has a kinda raised logo that makes gripping it easier..there is stuff called gorella snot(no joke)..try a bit of that on you plectrum...it gets stickier as it gets hotter..as a few have said efore ,the longer you play, the better youget at holding it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm trying to learn the guitar too..it's slow going & pretty frustrating at times.

I'm using YouTube & trying to read tabs but there's so many chords & scales etc I don't know how to progress. All tips most welcome!

Every guitar player finds their way, has their own way & there's many who will say you need to do it like this or the other way's better. None of them are wrong (well hopefully they're not!) but if you try numerous ways at once it'll get confusing. So try to find someone who you feel comfortable learning with & once you do try to stick with them rather than chop & change. They'll show you the right way to position your hand & finger structure for the chords, etc.

It's not a race & there aren't any shortcuts so take your time & practice a few things at a time, don't try to overcrowd your brain & memory with everything at once.

If you really start getting into it you will progress & start understanding, learning different techniques that a variety of players use. No harm looking now but save that side of learning until a little later. A few basic chords that allow you to strum along to song & major scales are a good start.

Yes it can be repetitive at times yet after a while you'll start learning new different chords & different scales. Things do start to come together.

Get to know your guitar as well, what gauge strings are good & suit you, if it's electric then get use to using the volume, tone controls, where the notes are on each string. That kind of stuff always helps. Just don't be afraid it won't bite!

There seem to be numerous long time players on this site & everything I've read so far on this thread seems pretty sound advice. So don't be afraid to ask them questions.

Most of all have fun with it!

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By *mTheMrJMan
over a year ago

Barry

This is a good thread and I appreciate all the advice given.

I started learning a few months back using an app called yousicion, which I find really good.

I'd spend upto and over an hour a day practicing, my fingers were numb from it. But thanks to the app, dexterity has improved and knowledge is growing, I enjoy fretboard workouts and am at the moment, learning to use my little finger. I've not used a plectrum as I couldn't get used to it, but thinking about it, maybe I should try using one.

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By *mTheMrJMan
over a year ago

Barry

"I'm trying to learn the guitar too..it's slow going & pretty frustrating at times.

I'm using YouTube & trying to read tabs but there's so many chords & scales etc I don't know how to progress. All tips most welcome!

Try the app yousicion, it's what I use and its great for progression, free version only allows 20 mins practice per day so I signed up for the premium and its been worth it so far.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I used to drop them all the time while playing live so always had 10 on me at any given time

It’s fine in electric guitars though at least they don’t have a hole to fall into leaving you shaking the guitar above your head and eventually getting hit in the face by the pick as it falls out

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By *ad NannaWoman
over a year ago

East London

A man playing a guitar is a truly sexy sight.

Just putting that out there.

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By *ad NannaWoman
over a year ago

East London

Have you tried sanding the surface to get more grip?

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By *entlemanrogueMan
over a year ago

Motherwell

"Who’d have thought I’d find this very erotic "

isnt is a general rule that straight women love, singers, strummers and heavy cummers?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

One other thing I did was drill holes in the pick where your thumb would be and leave the rough part

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By *organ and rob zombieCouple
over a year ago

bradford

I’ve been playing for nearly 30 years and it still happens after a fashion, However I mainly use Jim Dunlop nylon ones which have a bit of something to grip them (the raised branding

)

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By *rystal DreamtimeTV/TS
over a year ago

horsham

"I'm trying to learn the guitar too..it's slow going & pretty frustrating at times.

I'm using YouTube & trying to read tabs but there's so many chords & scales etc I don't know how to progress. All tips most welcome!

I feel your frustration . I’ve been picking up and putting down guitars since God knows when ..getting no where fast ..

Then Seasick Steve came along and opened up the whole 3 string slide thing to me ..

Now I understand all the arguments for and against 3 string slide guitar and I don’t want to get into that , However what it did for me was allow me to play tunes and create sound at a much improved faster rate .. Bad to the bone can be learned in 20 mins by a pure novice ! And who don’t want to play Bad to the Bone eh ?

Also what it did for me is it opened up a whole different attitude to playing guitar by studying the roots and styles of people like Son House , Fred Macdowell , Howlin Wolf and of course the legend that is Robert Johnson .. I learnt there is not one correct way to play this instrument .. And because I could play music or make favourable sounds quickly it built confidence and it taught my hands and fingers and my ears valuable lessons .So when I move back to 6 string I take some of those techniques with me ..

I’m not saying 3 string should replace six string cord shaping techniques , I think both can work together .

I’ve got a couple of mates who are pretty accomplished guitar players with years behind them , and I’ve rocked up with the old 3 string .. and they’ve gone wow that looks like fun , give me a go ..

Personally for me being an older player / novice .. it’s helped me along when sometimes previous I’ve thought “ nah I’m to old for this “

Just a thought ..

If anyone is interested reading this check out Shane Speal on you tube ..

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By *otsossieMan
over a year ago

Chesterfield

I’ve got a shaped and textured one. No idea where it came from - all my others are smooth and shiny.

Tbh I solve the problem my. It holding my pick for long between messing with my pedal settings.

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By *otsossieMan
over a year ago

Chesterfield

"I'm trying to learn the guitar too..it's slow going & pretty frustrating at times.

I'm using YouTube & trying to read tabs but there's so many chords & scales etc I don't know how to progress. All tips most welcome!

Drop-D tune it and just smash out power chords.

Reverb effect is flattering.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Pick up and pair of sticks and start drumming. Best thing I ever did

The rhythm comes in useful too ??

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By *iger-NWMan
over a year ago

Preston

Get a pick with a slightly rough grip on it

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By *ensualMan
over a year ago

Sutton

I use a pick with a raised cross hatch on both sides that gives it a bit more grip. But unfortunately can't remember the make and I bought them years ago.

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By *rystal DreamtimeTV/TS
over a year ago

horsham

"Pick up and pair of sticks and start drumming. Best thing I ever did

The rhythm comes in useful too ??"

Absolutely this too . I picked up a second hand Yamaha drum machine electronic pad thingy it was only 80 quid and couple it to a cheap practice amp .. I use the pedals as a foot stomp and get a rhythm going .. it sure helps with timing ..

previously in my case I was so busy trying to learn chord shapes and pick individual strings that the rhythm got neglected .. Now sometimes I just sit there foot stomping and just chugging out a rhythm on an open chord with one hand and don’t even bother to throw a change in .. I use the other hand to operate my phone , see what’s going on here ..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Pick up and pair of sticks and start drumming. Best thing I ever did

The rhythm comes in useful too ??"

I picked up a recording PC years ago so everything I ever do now Is done to a click. It’s probably about the only appeal to others about my playing is that I can stay in time

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By *entlemanrogueMan
over a year ago

Motherwell

Have you tried, glue, blutac or common bogies?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Picked up the sticks 20 year ago when an ex played drums. She was surprised I was playing 4.4 beat in 5 mins. Never looked back

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As an alternative to drugs or in relation to the conversation. Either way, I’m sure they weren’t the desired outcomes desired ??

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