How to Hold a Guitar Pick for Speed

Speed is the name of the game for many metal guitarists, but hitting those lightning-fast notes cleanly requires more than just a fast hand. It all starts with how you hold your guitar pick. Let's break down the essentials of pick grip to help you shred faster without sacrificing precision.

Why Pick Grip Matters

First off, why does it even matter how you hold your pick? Well, if you’ve been playing guitar for a while, you might have noticed that a slight change in your grip can totally transform your playing. A good grip not only boosts your speed but also enhances your control over dynamics and tone. Think of it as the foundation of your picking hand technique. Without a solid base, achieving speed and clarity in your playing is like trying to build a house on sand.

Finding the Right Pick

Before even thinking about your grip, let’s talk about the pick itself. Not all picks are created equal, and finding the right one can make a huge difference. For metal, many guitarists prefer thicker picks, usually around 1.0mm or more. Why? Because a thicker pick gives you a solid feel and better control when you're hitting those rapid notes.

• Material: Experiment with different materials like nylon, tortex, or ultex. Each material affects the attack and tone differently.
• Shape: While the standard teardrop shape works for many, some players find jazz-style picks with a sharper point offer better precision.
• Grip: Some picks come with textured surfaces or grips, which can help prevent slipping during intense sessions.

Basic Pick Grip Techniques

Now that you’ve got the right pick, how do you hold it? It might sound simple, but there's a bit of nuance here. The basic grip involves holding the pick between the thumb and the side of your index finger.

• Thumb: Place your thumb flat on one side of the pick. Your thumb should cover a good portion of the pick's face to hold it securely.
• Index Finger: Curl your index finger slightly so that the side of the finger makes contact with the pick, creating a pinching motion.
• Angle: Many players find that angling the pick slightly towards the strings (around 10-30 degrees) helps in reducing friction, which can enhance speed.

Remember, there’s no single "right" way to hold a pick, but these guidelines can get you started. Feel free to adjust your grip as you find what works best for you.

The Role of Wrist and Arm

While pick grip is crucial, your wrist and arm's role in picking cannot be overstated. The motion primarily comes from your wrist, not your fingers or elbow. This allows for more precision and less fatigue, which is essential for fast playing.

• Relaxation: Keep your arm and wrist relaxed. Tension can slow you down and lead to injuries over time.
• Motion: Aim for a controlled, minimalistic motion. The smaller the movement, the quicker you can pick.
• Anchor: Some players like to lightly rest their palm on the bridge or their pinky on the guitar body to stabilize their hand.

Importance of Angle and Attack

How you angle your pick against the strings (often called the "angle of attack") can drastically affect your playing speed and tone. A slight tilt can make your picking smoother and more efficient.

• Flat vs. Tilted: A flat pick (parallel to the strings) produces a fuller tone but can create more friction. Tilting the pick reduces friction, which can increase speed.
• Experiment: Try adjusting the angle slightly until you find the sweet spot that balances speed and sound.

Interestingly enough, many guitarists who focus on speed use a combination of wrist motion and pick angle adjustment to achieve a fluid and fast picking technique.

Developing Picking Speed

Speed doesn't come overnight. It requires dedicated practice and a strategic approach. Here’s a breakdown of how to build your picking speed over time:

• Metronome Practice: Begin slow and gradually increase the tempo on a metronome. This not only helps with speed but also timing and precision.
• Alternate Picking: Focus on alternate picking (down-up-down-up motion) as it’s essential for fast playing.
• Consistency: Regular practice sessions are crucial. Consistent practice helps build muscle memory, which is vital for speed.

Riffhard has some excellent resources for developing speed. Our Shredule lesson plan includes specific exercises designed to improve your picking speed and precision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned players can fall into habits that hinder their speed. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Excessive Tension: Tension in your hand or arm can slow you down and lead to fatigue. Always aim for a relaxed grip.
• Over-Gripping: Holding the pick too tightly can limit your movement and control. A firm yet relaxed grip is ideal.
• Ignoring Dynamics: Speed without dynamics can sound robotic. Make sure to incorporate varying dynamics even as you work on speed.

Building Endurance for Long Sessions

Once you've got the basics down, building endurance is the next step. After all, shredding for hours is a hallmark of metal genres like death metal and thrash.

• Regular Breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks during practice sessions to avoid strain.
• Stretching: Incorporate hand and wrist stretches into your routine to maintain flexibility and prevent injury.
• Gradual Increase: Gradually increase the length of your practice sessions to build endurance over time.

At Riffhard, we’re all about helping guitarists achieve their best. Our instructors, like Dean Lamb of Archspire, offer insights into stamina-building techniques that can keep you playing at your peak for longer.

Incorporating Speed into Your Playing

Finally, once you've honed your pick grip and speed, it's time to incorporate it into your playing style. Whether it's blazing solos or tight rhythm sections, speed should enhance your music, not overshadow it.

• Balance: Mix fast and slow sections to create dynamic and engaging compositions.
• Musicality: Remember that speed is just a tool. Use it to enhance your musical expression rather than dominate it.
• Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles to make your playing unique.

With practice and the right approach, speed can become a natural part of your playing style, making your riffs and solos stand out.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—a comprehensive guide to holding a guitar pick for speed. Remember, it’s all about finding what feels right for you and building on that foundation. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the most renowned metal guitarists to help you master the art of picking. Dive into our resources and let your playing soar to new heights.