How to Hold a Guitar Pick for Shredding

Getting the hang of holding a guitar pick the right way is a game-changer when it comes to shredding. If you've been struggling to nail those lightning-fast solos or tight riffs, it might just boil down to how you're holding that little piece of plastic. Let's break down everything you need to know about holding a pick for shredding like a pro.

The Right Pick for the Job

First things first, choosing the right pick can make all the difference. Imagine trying to paint a masterpiece with a frayed brush—it’s not going to turn out well. The same goes for guitar picks. If you’re aiming to shred, you need a pick that can keep up with your speed and precision.

For shredding, you'll want to gravitate towards thicker picks, usually around 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. These thicker picks offer the stability needed for fast picking and help deliver a more consistent attack. Thin picks tend to bend too much, which can slow you down and make your playing sound uneven.

• Material: Most shredders prefer picks made from materials like nylon or Delrin. These provide a good grip and a nice, bright tone.
• Shape: A standard teardrop shape works well, but some players opt for jazz picks which are smaller and allow for more control.
• Grip: Picks with a textured surface can help you maintain a secure hold, especially when your hands get sweaty during intense sessions.

Remember, it's all about finding what feels comfortable for you. You might need to experiment with a few different picks before you find your perfect match.

Basic Pick Holding Technique

Now that you've got the right pick, let’s talk about how to hold it. It might seem simple, but this foundational technique can greatly affect your playing efficiency and speed.

Start by holding your pick between your thumb and index finger. Place the pick so that it's pointing out from the side of your thumb, with the pointy end facing the guitar strings. Here’s a step-by-step to get you on track:

1. Place the Pick: Rest the pick on the pad of your index finger, around the first knuckle.
2. Thumb Position: Place your thumb over the pick, ensuring it's perpendicular to the index finger. The pick should stick out just enough to strike the strings without too much excess.
3. Grip: Your grip should be firm but not overly tight. A death grip can lead to tension and fatigue, impacting your fluidity and speed.

It’s crucial to keep your wrist relaxed. A stiff wrist can hinder your ability to move quickly across the strings. Try to maintain a natural, comfortable position to promote smoother movement.

Angle and Attack

Getting the angle and attack right can take your shredding to the next level. It’s about finding that sweet spot where the pick glides over the strings with minimal resistance.

Instead of striking the strings head-on, angle the pick slightly—about 10 to 15 degrees. This angle helps the pick slice through the strings, reducing friction and allowing for faster motion. Here’s how to adjust your picking angle:

• Experiment with Angles: Start with a slight angle and adjust based on comfort and sound. A steeper angle can produce a brighter tone, while a shallower angle offers a warmer sound.
• Listen to Your Tone: As you play, listen to how the pick attack changes the tone. Finding the right angle can make your notes sound clearer and more defined.

If you want to see how the pros do it, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around. Watching their techniques can provide valuable insights into developing your style.

Developing Speed with Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a must for shredding. It’s the technique of alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, allowing you to pick faster and more efficiently. Here’s how to work on it:

1. Start Slow: Begin at a comfortable speed, ensuring each stroke is clean and precise.
2. Use a Metronome: Gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. This helps build muscle memory and timing.
3. Focus on Consistency: Keep your strokes even, maintaining the same distance from the strings on each pick.

It’s important not to rush. Building speed takes time, and accuracy should always come first. Over time, your speed will naturally increase without sacrificing precision.

Economy Picking for Fluidity

Once you’ve got alternate picking down, you might want to explore economy picking. This technique involves minimizing movement by using a sweep picking motion when changing strings. It can make your playing more fluid and efficient.

Here’s a simple exercise to practice economy picking:

1. Start with Two Strings: Pick down on the first string, then follow through with a downstroke on the next string.
2. Reverse the Motion: Use an upstroke on the second string, then follow through with an upstroke on the string above it.
3. Gradually Add Complexity: Add more strings and notes as you become more comfortable with the motion.

As you practice, focus on keeping your movements small and controlled. Economy picking can be a game-changer for speed and fluidity.

Maintaining Relaxation and Reducing Tension

One of the biggest hurdles in shredding is maintaining relaxation. Tension in your hand, wrist, or arm can slow you down and cause fatigue quickly. Here are a few tips to help you stay loose:

• Regular Breaks: Take frequent breaks to shake out your hands and arms, preventing tension buildup.
• Warm-up Exercises: Start each practice session with simple exercises to get your muscles ready for action.
• Check Your Grip: Make sure your grip isn't too tight. A relaxed hold promotes faster, more fluid movements.

Remember, staying relaxed is a crucial part of shredding. The more tension-free you are, the faster and cleaner you can play.

Integrating Techniques into Your Playing

Once you have these techniques down, it’s important to integrate them into your actual playing. Practice incorporating them into your favorite riffs and solos. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Play Along with Backing Tracks: This helps you apply techniques in a musical context, improving timing and feel.
• Write Your Own Licks: Create your own shredding licks using the techniques you’ve learned. This encourages creativity and helps solidify the techniques in your muscle memory.
• Analyze Your Heroes: Study guitarists known for their shredding skills and try to emulate their techniques in your playing.

It might be helpful to check out Riffhard for lessons from top metal guitarists. They offer insights into how these techniques can be used effectively in actual songs and solos.

Practicing with a Purpose

Purposeful practice is what separates good guitarists from great ones. It’s about setting specific goals and working towards them systematically. Here’s how to make the most of your practice time:

1. Set Clear Goals: Whether it's improving speed, accuracy, or learning a new technique, having a goal gives direction to your practice.
2. Keep a Practice Log: Document your progress, noting what you’ve practiced and where you need improvement.
3. Stay Consistent: Regular, focused practice is far more effective than occasional, prolonged sessions.

With purposeful practice, you can steadily improve your shredding skills and reach new levels of proficiency.

Using Riffhard for Structured Learning

If you're serious about taking your shredding skills to the next level, Riffhard offers a structured learning path with lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world. From rhythm techniques to advanced solos, their lessons cover a wide range of styles and skills.

Their interactive player allows you to adjust the tempo of lessons, helping you learn at your own pace. You can also download tabs and Guitar Pro files for offline practice. With resources like these, you'll find it easier to integrate all the tips and techniques discussed here into your playing.

Final Thoughts

Getting the hang of holding a guitar pick for shredding can transform your playing. With the right pick, a relaxed grip, and techniques like alternate and economy picking, you’ll be on your way to shredding with precision and speed. If you need structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from top guitarists to help you master these skills and more. Keep practicing, stay relaxed, and enjoy the journey of becoming a better guitarist!