How to Flick a Guitar Pick

Getting a handle on flicking a guitar pick can do wonders for your playing, especially if you're diving into the intense world of metal and its subgenres. A good flick means better control, speed, and the kind of precision that makes your riffs and solos truly stand out. Let's explore what it takes to perfect this fundamental technique and how it can elevate your playing to new heights.

Finding the Right Pick

First things first, choosing the right pick is crucial. Think of it like picking the right weapon for battle; you want something that feels right in your hand and suits your style. A pick that’s too thick might feel cumbersome, while one that’s too thin could snap under the pressure of intense riffs.

For metal and its intense picking techniques, a medium to heavy pick is often recommended. Why? Because these picks provide both the rigidity and control needed to tackle rapid-fire riffs and solos. A thickness of about 1.0mm to 1.5mm is a good starting point. Players like John Petrucci and Zakk Wylde often use heavier picks for their signature sounds.

Material matters too. Picks made from materials like nylon or tortex tend to offer a nice balance between grip and durability. They’re less likely to slip out of your fingers when you’re in the middle of an epic thrash riff.

Experimentation is key here. Grab a few picks of varying thicknesses and materials, and see what feels best to you. Your ideal pick should fit comfortably between your thumb and index finger without slipping, even during intense strumming sessions.

Proper Grip for Maximum Control

Once you’ve got your pick, the next step is mastering the grip. A loose grip can lead to a floppy sound, while a grip that’s too tight can cause you to tense up, slowing your playing down. So, how do you find that sweet spot?

Start by holding the pick between your thumb and index finger. Your thumb should be on one side of the pick, while your index finger curls around to the other side. It’s almost like you’re pinching the pick, but not too tightly. The pick should extend just slightly beyond your fingers, allowing for flexibility.

Angle the pick slightly. Instead of holding it perpendicular to the strings, tilt it at a slight angle. This allows the pick to glide more smoothly across the strings, reducing resistance and increasing speed. It’s a subtle adjustment, but it can make a big difference as you ramp up the tempo.

Practice some basic strumming to get used to this grip. Start slow, and focus on keeping your wrist relaxed. You’ll find that this relaxed wrist movement allows for quicker, more accurate picking as you speed up.

Understanding the Flicking Motion

Now, onto the flicking itself. This motion is all about economy. The less movement you use, the faster and more precise you’ll be. So, what does a good flick look like?

Think of your wrist as a hinge. The motion should come from a subtle twist of the wrist rather than moving your entire arm. This not only conserves energy but also increases your speed and control. It’s a bit like bouncing a basketball; the motion is quick, fluid, and controlled.

Start with downstrokes. Practice flicking the pick down across the strings, focusing on keeping your wrist loose and your movements minimal. Once you’re comfortable, add in upstrokes. The goal is to make the upstroke just as fluid and powerful as the downstroke.

At this point, it’s crucial to incorporate a metronome into your practice routine. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as your control improves. This practice will develop your muscle memory, allowing you to flick effortlessly even at high speeds.

Getting the Timing Right

Timing is everything in guitar playing, especially in metal where precision is king. A well-timed flick can add punch and aggression to your playing, while poor timing can make your riffs sound sloppy.

Start by practicing simple eighth-note or sixteenth-note patterns at a slow tempo. Focus on keeping your flicks even and consistent, with each note receiving the same amount of attack. Listen closely to ensure your pick is striking the strings at the right moment.

Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Use a metronome or drum track to keep you honest. This helps you develop a solid internal clock, which is invaluable for playing in a band or recording.

Another useful tool is to record yourself. By listening back, you can identify any timing issues and adjust accordingly. Over time, this will help you develop the precision and speed needed to tackle complex metal riffs with confidence.

Alternate Picking: A Game Changer

Alternate picking is a technique that involves picking down and up alternately. It’s a staple in metal and provides the speed and fluidity necessary for fast passages. Mastering this technique can significantly enhance your flicking ability.

Begin by practicing simple scales or exercises using alternate picking. Focus on maintaining a consistent flick with both downstrokes and upstrokes. It’s important to keep your wrist loose and your movements minimal to achieve a smooth, even sound.

As you increase the speed, you’ll find that alternate picking allows you to play faster and more efficiently. It also opens up new possibilities for phrasing and dynamics, giving your playing a more expressive quality.

The Riffhard platform offers lessons from top metal guitarists who can guide you through this process, providing tips and exercises to refine your technique. With the right guidance, alternate picking can become a powerful tool in your arsenal.

Incorporating Dynamics into Your Flicks

Dynamics are what give your playing character and emotion. They’re the difference between a monotonous riff and one that keeps listeners engaged. Incorporating dynamics into your flicks can add depth and intensity to your playing.

Start by experimenting with the strength of your flicks. Try playing a simple riff with both soft and hard flicks. Notice how the different dynamics affect the overall feel of the riff. This can be particularly effective when transitioning between sections of a song, creating contrast and keeping your audience on their toes.

Another way to add dynamics is by varying the angle of your pick. A flatter angle produces a softer sound, while a steeper angle results in a more aggressive attack. Play around with these angles to find what works best for different parts of a song.

Remember, dynamics aren’t just about volume. They also involve subtle variations in timing and articulation. Practice incorporating these elements into your flicks to create a more expressive and dynamic sound.

Mastering Speed and Precision

Speed and precision are the holy grail of metal guitar playing. Achieving them requires practice, patience, and a keen understanding of the flicking technique. So how do you get there?

One effective approach is to break down complex riffs into smaller segments. Focus on perfecting each segment before piecing them together. This allows you to hone in on specific problem areas and make adjustments as needed.

Another key element is building endurance. Speed is useless without the stamina to maintain it. Practice playing fast passages for extended periods, gradually increasing the duration as your endurance improves.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of relaxation. Tension is the enemy of speed and precision. Keep your wrist loose and your grip light, allowing your flicks to flow effortlessly. This will not only improve your speed but also reduce fatigue and the risk of injury.

The Riffhard platform offers a wealth of resources to help you develop these skills, with lessons from world-class metal guitarists who can guide you on your journey to speed and precision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most seasoned guitarists make mistakes from time to time. Being aware of common pitfalls can help you avoid them and improve your flicking technique more quickly.

One common mistake is gripping the pick too tightly. This can lead to tension and fatigue, slowing you down and making it difficult to maintain control. Remember to keep your grip light and your wrist relaxed.

Another mistake is using too much arm movement. This not only wastes energy but also makes it harder to achieve precision. Focus on using your wrist as the primary source of movement, keeping your arm steady and minimizing unnecessary motion.

Finally, don’t neglect your timing. Rushing or dragging notes can make even the best riffs sound sloppy. Use a metronome to keep your timing in check, and practice regularly to develop a solid internal clock.

Taking Your Flicking to the Next Level

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to take your flicking to the next level. This involves incorporating advanced techniques and pushing the boundaries of what you can achieve with a pick.

One technique to explore is economy picking, which involves using a combination of alternate picking and sweep picking to achieve maximum speed and efficiency. This can be particularly useful for complex passages that require rapid transitions between strings.

Another technique worth exploring is hybrid picking, which involves using your fingers in conjunction with your pick to achieve a more versatile sound. This can add a new dimension to your playing, allowing you to incorporate fingerstyle techniques into your metal riffs.

The Riffhard platform offers lessons on these advanced techniques, providing guidance from some of the world’s best modern metal guitarists. With their help, you can continue to push the boundaries of your playing and achieve new levels of mastery.

Final Thoughts

Flicking a guitar pick isn’t just about speed; it's about control, precision, and the ability to express yourself through your instrument. By experimenting with different picks, honing your grip, and mastering techniques like alternate picking, you can elevate your playing to new heights. And if you're looking for more in-depth lessons from the world's top metal guitarists, we at Riffhard have a wealth of resources to guide you on your journey. Keep practicing and enjoy the ride!