How to Hold a Guitar Pick for Shredding

Getting your shred on with a guitar pick can feel like wielding a small but mighty weapon. It can be the difference between those face-melting solos and a hot mess of tangled strings. If you’re looking to dive into the world of fast metal picking, understanding how to hold your pick the right way is crucial. Let’s break it down and get your fingers flying.

Finding the Perfect Pick

Your journey to shred mastery starts with picking the right pick. Not all picks are created equal, and while it might be tempting to grab the first one you see, a bit of thought can make all the difference. Generally, thicker picks, around 1.5mm and above, are favored for shredding. Why? Well, they offer a sturdier grip and better control, allowing for precise movements even at warp speed.

Consider the material too. Nylon and Tortex are popular choices among shredders for their durability and grip. The shape of the pick can also impact your playing. Jazz-style picks, smaller and pointier, can give you more accuracy for those intricate riffs.

It’s worth experimenting with different picks until you find the one that feels like an extension of your hand. Some of the world’s best metal guitarists have shared their insights on Riffhard, where you can find lessons that delve deeper into how different picks can affect your playing style.

Grip: The Foundation of Shredding

Once you’ve got your perfect pick, the next step is mastering how to hold it. A common way is to pinch the pick between your thumb and index finger. The pick should protrude slightly beyond your fingers to strike the strings effectively, but not too much—think of it like holding a pen.

Keep your grip firm but relaxed. A death grip might seem like it gives you control, but it actually restricts your movement, making it harder to play fast. On the other hand, too loose a grip might leave you chasing your pick around the room mid-solo.

Experiment with the angle of attack as well. A slight tilt can reduce friction and help you glide over the strings more smoothly. This technique is often referred to as ‘edge picking’ and can give your playing a sharper, more aggressive tone.

Wrist Movement: The Unsung Hero

When it comes to shredding, your wrist does most of the work. It might seem counterintuitive, but your arm should stay mostly still while your wrist takes the lead. This allows for quicker, more precise movements, essential for that rapid-fire picking.

Think of your wrist as a pendulum, moving in a controlled back-and-forth motion. Practicing this motion slowly will help you build muscle memory. Over time, you can increase your speed without sacrificing accuracy. This is where patience pays off—consistency in practice will eventually translate to speed.

For a structured practice routine, check out the Shredule on Riffhard. It’s a curated bi-weekly lesson plan designed to build your skills progressively.

Alternate Picking: Speed Meets Precision

Alternate picking is like the bread and butter of shredding. It’s the technique of alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes as you play, allowing you to move quickly across the strings with minimal effort.

Start slow to get the motion right. Focus on keeping your strokes even and controlled. Use a metronome to keep your timing tight and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. Remember, speed is a byproduct of accuracy, so prioritize clean playing over fast playing.

A great exercise is to play scales using alternate picking, gradually increasing the tempo. It’s simple yet effective, helping you get comfortable with the technique across different string patterns and positions.

Palm Muting: Adding Dynamics

Palm muting is a technique that adds texture to your playing, allowing you to emphasize certain notes and create dynamic contrast. It’s achieved by resting the edge of your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge while you pick.

This technique is essential for creating that chugging sound that’s a staple in metal music. To practice, start by muting the strings entirely and strumming. Gradually release the pressure until you find that sweet spot where the strings are partially muted but still resonate.

Experiment with the amount of pressure you apply to achieve different sounds. For instance, heavier muting can give you a percussive sound, while lighter muting allows for more sustain. Adjusting your technique depending on the context of the song can add a lot of character to your playing.

String Skipping: Navigating the Fretboard

String skipping is a technique that involves jumping over strings to hit non-adjacent strings, creating more interesting and challenging riffs. It requires precision and control, as hitting the wrong string can derail your flow.

Start by practicing simple patterns, like skipping from the E string to the D string, and gradually incorporate more complex patterns. Focus on keeping your picking hand relaxed and your movements economical to maintain speed and accuracy.

It’s a good idea to incorporate string skipping exercises into your practice routine to build familiarity and confidence. These exercises will help you develop the dexterity needed to navigate the fretboard with ease.

Economy Picking: Reducing Movement

Economy picking is all about minimizing movement to maximize speed. Unlike alternate picking, which involves strict down-up movements, economy picking allows you to use consecutive downstrokes (or upstrokes) when moving to a new string.

This technique can be particularly useful for playing arpeggios or scalar runs, where your picking hand needs to move across multiple strings quickly. Practice transitioning between alternate picking and economy picking to see where each technique fits best in your playing style.

Understanding when to use economy picking versus alternate picking can optimize your playing efficiency, allowing you to tackle complex passages with ease.

Practice Routine: Consistency is Key

Developing a practice routine tailored to shredding can significantly enhance your progress. Focus on a mix of exercises that target different aspects of your picking technique, such as speed drills, accuracy exercises, and musical pieces that challenge your skills.

Vary your practice routine to keep things interesting and prevent burnout. Break your practice session into segments, dedicating time to each technique. Use a metronome to track your progress and gradually increase the tempo as you improve.

Remember, consistency is more important than duration. Even short, focused practice sessions can yield significant results over time. With resources like Riffhard, you can access lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists, providing you with the guidance you need to refine your skills.

Incorporating Dynamics: Bringing Your Playing to Life

Good shredding isn’t just about speed—it’s about expression. Dynamics play a crucial role in making your solos and riffs stand out. Incorporate techniques like vibrato, bends, and slides to add emotion and character to your playing.

Pay attention to how you attack the strings. Varying your picking intensity can create contrast and interest in your playing. Additionally, experiment with different pick angles and pressure to achieve a wide range of tones.

By combining technical precision with expressive dynamics, you can elevate your shredding to a new level, captivating your audience and keeping them engaged from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Shredding with precision and flair is a journey, not a destination. By mastering the art of holding your guitar pick and refining your technique, you’ll unlock a world of possibilities in your playing. Remember that progress takes time and dedication, so be patient with yourself.

For more personalized guidance and lessons from industry-leading metal guitarists, explore our resources at Riffhard. With the right tools and mindset, you can transform your playing and unleash your full potential.