How to Use a Guitar Pick

Gripping your guitar pick correctly can be a game-changer in how you play, especially if you’re diving into the intense world of metal guitar. A pick isn’t just a tool; it’s an extension of your hand. Whether you’re shredding through a face-melting solo or laying down a thick, heavy riff, how you hold and use a pick can make all the difference. Let’s break down the ways to get the most out of this little piece of plastic.

Finding the Right Pick for You

First things first, you need to find a pick that feels good in your hand. Picks come in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, and each has its own feel and sound. For metal guitar, many players prefer a thicker pick because it gives more control and produces a heavier tone. Thinner picks might feel more flexible, but they can lack the precision needed for fast, aggressive playing.

When selecting a pick, consider:

• Thickness: Heavy picks (1.0 mm and up) are great for aggressive playing styles, while medium picks (0.7-0.9 mm) offer a balance between flexibility and strength.
• Material: Picks are made from a variety of materials like nylon, celluloid, and even metal. Each material offers a different grip and tone.
• Shape: Standard picks are teardrop-shaped, but jazz picks and other styles may offer more precision for intricate playing.

Experiment with different picks to see which one fits your style. You might find that what works best for rhythm doesn’t feel quite right for solos, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s all about comfort and control.

Proper Pick Grip

How you hold your pick is just as important as the pick itself. A proper grip will help you play faster and cleaner. Hold the pick between your thumb and the side of your index finger, letting about a quarter-inch of the pick stick out. Your grip should be firm but relaxed—too tight, and you’ll lose flexibility; too loose, and the pick might fly out of your hand during a heavy riff.

Keep your other fingers curled under your palm or lightly touching the pick guard. This helps stabilize your hand. If you’re into metal, a tight grip with minimal pick exposure is crucial for those rapid down-strokes and alternate picking techniques.

Basic Picking Techniques

Now that you’ve got the right grip, let’s talk about some basic techniques. Mastering these will set a strong foundation for more advanced metal guitar techniques later on.

Downstrokes

Downstrokes are the bread and butter of metal rhythm guitar. They give your riffs a powerful, aggressive sound. Make sure your wrist is doing most of the work, not your entire arm. The motion should be quick and precise, with the pick striking the string cleanly.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. This technique increases speed and efficiency, essential for faster passages and solos. Keep the movement minimal to maintain control and accuracy.

Palm Muting

For that chunky, percussive metal sound, palm muting is your best friend. Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge while picking. This technique requires practice to find the sweet spot where the notes are muted just enough without losing clarity.

Advanced Techniques for Metal

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to step up your game with some advanced techniques that are staples in metal guitar playing.

String Skipping

String skipping involves jumping over one or more strings to hit non-adjacent strings, creating a clean and dynamic sound. This technique is particularly useful in solos and complex riffs. To practice, start slow and focus on precision before increasing speed.

Sweep Picking

Sweep picking allows you to play arpeggios quickly and fluidly. It involves a sweeping motion across the strings with the pick, with each note being played individually. This technique requires coordination between your picking and fretting hands, so start slowly and gradually build up speed.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from top metal guitarists to help you nail these techniques. Our instructors break down complex techniques into manageable steps, making it easier to understand and practice.

Improving Your Picking Speed

Speed is a hallmark of metal guitar, but getting there requires patience and practice. Here are some tips to help you pick up the pace:

• Metronome Practice: Start slow with a metronome and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Consistency is key.
• Economy of Motion: Minimize hand movement. The less distance your hand travels, the faster you can play.
• Relax: Tension can slow you down. Stay relaxed to maintain speed and prevent injury.

Our custom metronome at Riffhard is designed specifically for guitar practice, allowing you to focus on your picking speed and accuracy.

Maintaining Your Pick

Picks wear out over time, especially if you’re playing aggressively. A worn-out pick can affect your tone and precision. Here are a few maintenance tips:

• Inspect Regularly: Check your pick for signs of wear like rounded edges or cracks.
• Clean Your Picks: Wipe down your picks with a cloth to remove any grime or sweat.
• Replace When Needed: Don’t hesitate to replace your pick if it starts to feel uncomfortable or if it affects your playing.

Keeping your picks in good condition ensures that they perform well, allowing you to focus on your playing without unnecessary distractions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced players can fall into bad habits. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overgripping: Holding the pick too tightly can cause fatigue and reduce flexibility. Keep a relaxed grip.
• Ignoring Wrist Movement: Make sure your wrist—not your arm—does most of the picking. This is crucial for speed and precision.
• Skipping Warm-Ups: Warming up is essential to prevent injury and improve performance. Spend at least a few minutes on simple exercises before diving into heavy playing.

Building Your Routine

Developing a consistent practice routine helps solidify your technique and improve your playing over time. Consider the following:

• Set Goals: Decide what you want to achieve in each practice session, whether it’s mastering a specific technique or learning a new song.
• Mix It Up: Include a variety of exercises to keep things interesting and address different aspects of your playing.
• Track Your Progress: Record your practice sessions or keep a journal to monitor your improvements and adjust your routine as needed.

Our lesson plans at Riffhard include a bi-weekly schedule that helps you stay organized and focused, offering structure to your practice sessions.

Incorporating Dynamics

Dynamics add expressiveness to your playing, making your music more engaging. Varying the volume and intensity of your picking can make a huge difference in how a riff or solo feels. Practice using different picking strengths—soft for a mellow section, and hard for a powerful one.

Paying attention to dynamics can elevate your playing, making it more compelling and versatile. It’s these subtle touches that can turn a good performance into a great one.

Final Thoughts

Getting the hang of using a guitar pick is a journey that enhances your playing significantly. From choosing the right pick to mastering advanced techniques, it’s about finding what feels right for you. At Riffhard, we offer lessons that cater to all levels, helping you refine your skills with guidance from experienced metal guitarists. Whether you’re just starting or looking to polish your technique, we’re here to support you every step of the way.