How to Handle a Guitar Pick

Getting a handle on your guitar pick might seem like a small detail, but it’s a big deal when aiming for those killer riffs in metal genres. Whether you’re shredding through a black metal solo or keeping it tight with djent rhythms, your pick can make or break your sound. Let’s break down how to wield this tiny tool to unleash your full potential.

Choosing the Right Pick

Before you even think about how to hold a pick, you need to choose the right one. Not all picks are created equal, and the type you choose can influence your playing style and tone. Picks vary in thickness, material, and shape, each contributing to your overall sound.

• Thickness: Thicker picks (about 1.5mm and up) are usually preferred by metal guitarists for their ability to provide greater control and attack. They help produce a punchier, more defined sound, perfect for heavy riffs.
• Material: The material can affect the pick’s flexibility and grip. Popular materials include nylon, which offers flexibility, and tortex, known for its durability and grip.
• Shape: Standard teardrop shapes are versatile, while jazz picks offer precision for intricate solos. Experiment with different shapes to see which fits your style best.

Interestingly enough, a pick that feels comfortable and secure in your hand allows you to focus on playing rather than adjusting your grip constantly. So, try a few different picks and see which one feels like an extension of your hand. It’s not just about preference; it’s about finding a tool that supports your technique.

Getting the Grip Right

Now that you’ve got the right pick, let’s talk about grip. How you hold your pick affects your speed, control, and tone. A common mistake is to grip too tightly, which can lead to tension and hinder movement. The goal is to find a balance between firmness and flexibility.

Here’s a simple step-by-step to help you find the sweet spot:

• Place the Pick: Hold your pick between your thumb and index finger. The point of the pick should extend out a bit, just enough to strike the strings cleanly.
• Thumb Position: Your thumb should be roughly perpendicular to the pick, covering about two-thirds of its surface.
• Finger Position: Your index finger should curl slightly, with the pick resting against the side of your fingertip.
• Relax Your Grip: Keep your hold firm enough to maintain control but loose enough to prevent tension. Your wrist should remain flexible for quick, fluid movements.

Once you’ve got a comfortable grip, practice with some slow picking exercises to get used to the feel. It’s all about building muscle memory, so take your time to get it right.

Angle and Attack

The angle at which you strike the strings with your pick significantly impacts your sound. For metal guitarists, it’s all about aggression and precision. The angle of attack can add a unique texture to your playing, affecting everything from clarity to sustain.

Here’s how you can experiment with pick angles:

• Flat Picking: This involves striking the strings with the pick parallel to them. It provides a clean, consistent sound but can sometimes lack the attack needed for heavier styles.
• Angled Picking: Tilting the pick slightly (around 45 degrees) can create a sharper, more aggressive sound. It can help you cut through the mix in a band setting.
• Edge Picking: This technique involves using the edge of the pick to create a raspier tone, often used for fast alternate picking runs.

Try different angles and listen to how they affect your sound. Each angle can bring out different characteristics, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works for you.

Developing Speed and Precision

Speed and precision are the holy grail for any metal guitarist. Whether you’re ripping through a thrash metal riff or executing a blistering solo, you need to be fast and accurate. But how do you get there? It’s all about practice and technique.

Here are some exercises to boost your speed and precision:

• Alternate Picking: Practice picking up and down strokes alternately. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become comfortable.
• Metronome Practice: Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase the speed. Consistent practice with a metronome can do wonders for your timing and speed.
• String Skipping: This involves jumping over strings while picking. It helps develop precision and coordination between your picking and fretting hands.

Remember, it’s not about rushing to play as fast as possible. Focus on accuracy and clarity first. Speed will naturally follow as you build confidence and muscle memory.

Palm Muting and Pick Control

Palm muting is an essential technique for metal guitarists, providing that chunky, percussive sound. It requires precise pick control and hand positioning to master. Let’s explore how to achieve tight, controlled palm muting.

Here’s a quick guide to palm muting:

• Hand Position: Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge. The pressure should be enough to mute the strings without killing the sound completely.
• Pressure Control: Experiment with different levels of pressure. More pressure will create a heavier, more muted sound, while less pressure allows for a resonant tone.
• Pick Angle: Maintain a consistent pick angle to ensure even muting across the strings.

Once you’ve got the basics, try incorporating palm muting into your favorite riffs. It’s a powerful technique that can add depth and intensity to your playing.

Hybrid Picking: The Best of Both Worlds

Hybrid picking combines the use of a pick and your fingers, offering the ability to play complex, intricate passages that might be tricky with just a pick. It’s particularly useful in progressive metal, where dynamic range and versatility are key.

To get started with hybrid picking, try the following:

• Basic Exercises: Start with simple patterns, using your pick for lower strings and your fingers for higher strings.
• Finger Independence: Practice finger exercises to develop independence and strength. This will make hybrid picking feel more natural.
• Incorporate Into Songs: Once comfortable, try applying hybrid picking to parts of songs you already know. This will help you see its practical applications.

Hybrid picking can open up new possibilities in your playing, making it a valuable addition to your arsenal of techniques.

Cleaning Up Your Sound

String noise is the enemy of clarity, especially in high-gain settings common in metal music. Unwanted noise can make even the tightest riffs sound sloppy. Luckily, there are ways to clean up your sound.

Consider these tips to minimize string noise:

• String Damping: Use your fretting hand to lightly touch unused strings, preventing them from ringing out.
• Pick Control: Maintain consistent pressure and angle with your pick to ensure clean string contact.
• Right-Hand Muting: Use your picking hand’s palm or fingers to mute strings not in use.

By incorporating these techniques, you can enhance the precision and clarity of your playing, making every note stand out.

Practicing Effectively

Practice doesn’t just make perfect; it makes permanent. Developing good habits early on can save you a lot of frustration later. Effective practice involves not just repetition but also intentional focus on areas for improvement.

Here’s how to make the most of your practice time:

• Set Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each practice session, whether it’s mastering a new technique or improving speed.
• Use a Metronome: Keep your timing in check and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.
• Break it Down: If a passage is tricky, break it down into smaller sections and practice each part slowly.
• Record Yourself: Listening back to your playing can help you identify areas that need work.

Practicing with purpose and consistency will help you progress faster and more effectively than mindless repetition.

Resources for Further Learning

While we’ve covered a lot here, there’s always more to learn. For those looking to deepen their understanding and expand their skills, resources like Riffhard can be invaluable. With lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, you can dive into a variety of techniques and styles, all while developing your unique voice on the guitar.

At Riffhard, we offer over 150 video lessons that cover everything from rhythm and lead guitar to songwriting and riffing. Our interactive player allows you to adjust tempo, ensuring you grasp every nuance of each lesson. Plus, with downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files, you can practice at your own pace, further enhancing your learning experience.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to handle a guitar pick is fundamental to achieving the sound and precision needed in metal guitar playing. From the right grip to palm muting and hybrid picking, each technique adds a new layer to your skills. As you continue to refine your playing, consider leveraging the lessons and tools available at Riffhard to further your journey. With guidance from top metal guitarists, you’ll be well-equipped to shred with confidence and clarity.