I've been doing the 2nd version for a very long time and only recently been trying to utilize the "correct " version. It is awkward but I can see the potential with straight up picking. You know EVH held his pick with thumb and middle finger like you when you first started
I've always held my pick with thumb and middle finger, so happy to finally see one other person who does the same. Question... why is that a "bad habit?" If it's comfortable, and you can do everything that you can do with a traditional hold, what's the issue?
I like the second option as the first one is a bit cumbersome and I still tend to drop my pick on faster songs. Very good tips Lauren, I have been watching your videos for a year now and have learned and progressed much: you are AMAZING !
Ma'am I've been playing guitar for over 30 years but I never used a pick because I love to finger pick and just never taught myself and I've watched a lot of video but your video taught me more than any of them. Thank you
Goodmornin Lauren, ThankYou for being the first great smile of my day. You have been such a great inspiration and motivator! I find your style and method of teaching so wonderful. ThankYou for all the work you put into sharing your gifts. Have an awesome day! Hello from Calgary, Alberta
Thanks for this video! I've been holding my pick more or less like method 2 for over 30 years now. With method 1 it is twisting in my fingers, I feel a lot more tense and I have the impression that I will drop it way faster!
I hold my pick between my first finger and thumb with the point of the pick in-line with my first finger. I accept that folding your first finger will give you a larger grip area, but i find my finger joint hurts due to arthritis in my hands. After trial and error with many types of pick, i find Dunlop Jazz iii max grip are the best. Thanks for sharing the "correct" way to hold a pick Lauren
thank you. I don't have a guitar strap . I am a beginner 5 months into my private lessons. My instructor never suggested a guitar strap. I know now why my wrist is weak and hurts sometimes. Again thank you
Once you get used to holding the pick, start experimenting with other ways to hold it, angle of the pick to the strings, and strength and speed of your strum ... you'll be surprised by the incredible diversity of sound and characteristics that come from the guitar... very helpful Video, Lauren ! Thank you
It is more comfortable to use thumb and middle finger, but as you say one runs the risk of the pick moving or falling on the floor or into the guitar sound hole. I practice both methods
Brilliant video Lauren. Option 2 is the best for me as aa beginner. Any advice on how to prevent the tips of my fingers or thumb from touching the strings?
I’m an older player too who has been finger picking and strumming for years. However, I have never been comfortable using a pick but would really like to learn. So thanks for the lesson, Lauren. I know that your ‘proper’ way to hold the pick is the generally approved way ie with curled first finger. But I always feel that’s a very rigid way to hold the pick. It doesn’t feel comfortable to me. It also feels very heavy and loud on the strings. It’s difficult to strum quietly or gently. On the other hand your second or was it third way of holding the pick between thumb, first and middle finger feels more natural to me. I can also produce more varied and pleasant tones in my strumming that way. So what to do? Persevere with the new way (thumb and curled first finger) or continue with the more comfortable but disapproved way?
Hey Lauren 🙂 thanks for your helpful video 👍 I play mostly finger style but this way of holding the pick really helps when I do now use one.... instant results 😀 though it's a wee bit tricky at first to get used to but I feel better control of the pick and more volume.... thanks again 🙏
I hold my pick the first way for intricate picking and trem picking, but I hold it between. My thumb and index plus middle more vertically rather than Horizontally for a more springy strumming feeling, but it tires my wrist out if I'm trying to do more lead style stuff Everyone tells me it's wrong but it works for me
Funny how you mentioned about dropping your pick. I was at an Open Mic night, which was my first time doing. I was strumming along, and I dropped my pick twice. Now I know to use my 2nd finger the next time around when I am doing some aggressive strumming. Thank you for sharing your information about holding the pick!!
I'm re-learning guitar from scratch and i like your videos so far ! i have a question as someone who never used a pick , should i get one ? or is it easier than to play with your fingers ?
I find that I need to get a pick that has a bit of a coarse grip, the smooth picks tend to get slippery and I battle to grip it. I am also battling the early stages of arthritis in my fingers (64 yrs old) but I accept that it comes with age. Thank you all the same for the most informative video. Blessings from Kruger National Park in South Africa. Take care, you are a star.
Guess which way I was holding it. Seems so trival when your trying to learn scales and cords and so on but yet again a simple piece of advice like this and hey ho here we go.
Great lesson! Q: Using a pick feels unnatural to me...I m more relaxed thumb picking and strumming...Is not learning how to use a pick going to eventually become a disadvantage to my progress?
Through trial and error over time, I came up with a way to hold my pick that's right for me...doesn't mean it would be right for anyone else. Cheers! :)
I’ve been playing guitar for only a couple months and have been really intimidated by the pick situation. This is a great video explaining I think I’ll try it today! 😂
Do you have any tips on using the claw instead of a pick... As I am also mostly self taught , and find I prefer not to use a pick ... Just what some people call the claw .. Using mostly the back of my fingers on the down stroke.. That frees up my thumb for the bass strings... Any tips would be appreciated..🙂
Similar thing here. Been using this method for over 30 years. Hardly ever dropped my pick. Feels like I have more control etc. Just learned what the "correct" way is when my daughter started playing.
Hi Lauren, my question is, if i'm out and i drop my pick into a crevice lol (which i have done) and i have no more picks, how do i use my fingers like a pick to strum the guitar? could you maybe one day show us. Thanks
Was hoping this video was about holding your guitar. I've tried it with the neck higher, lower, forward, back. Have yet to find an angle that feels comfortable to me. Wrist ends up hurting no matter what I try. As for the other hand, having no trouble with the pick. Able to hold it different ways at different times, including out of the way for plucking a couple strings at once, especially when playing bass.
@@LaurenBateman Watched it, thanks. Think it's got more to do with the position of my fretting hand. Need to figure out what works for me. Just haven't gotten there yet.
I really struggle to get the right balance. Grip it too loosely and it moves all over the place. Grip it more firmly and all I hear on the up strokes are the high e string which sounds really harsh.
I gave up guitar as its too impossible and painful to play and requires special nerves and muscles in order to do it. Most people are not born to play it. I've tried extremely hard to play but failed everytime so I threw my guitar, kicked it around, stamped on it, spat on it and gave up. It's not fair that some people can play and i cant and never will be able to as its the most impossible thing a human can do. No amount of practice can make you better at playing it it's just a myth. You have to be born to play it
Mike this is 100% untrue. I worked very hard to play the guitar and so don't many guitarists. You need to find the right teacher to help you. Most people who try to do it on their own fail because they don't have someone holding them accountable, supporting them or helping them work through the things they give them difficulty. If you really want to play guitar, you can. I haven't met a student I haven't been able to help. I've taught students who are completely blind, students who are missing fingers, students that have nerve damage, etc. All battles are first won or lost in the mind.
@@LaurenBateman I know people who done it on there own and they are insane and I know people who had teachers and gave up after a few years because they still couldn't do anything so what you are saying is around 15% true
![F.HERO Ft. JSPKK x ลำไย ไหทองคำ x M-PEE - ไม่สนิทบิดหมด (Thai Riders Anthem) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kPJZ0UihBfk/mqdefault.jpg)
✅ Grab Lauren’s FREE Crash Course - laurenbateman.com/crashcourse
I am an older total beginner and I enjoy watching your videos and feel you are a very good teacher.
Awww thanks Charles. Glad to help.
I've been doing the 2nd version for a very long time and only recently been trying to utilize the "correct " version. It is awkward but I can see the potential with straight up picking. You know EVH held his pick with thumb and middle finger like you when you first started
I've always held my pick with thumb and middle finger, so happy to finally see one other person who does the same. Question... why is that a "bad habit?" If it's comfortable, and you can do everything that you can do with a traditional hold, what's the issue?
I think purists don't like it. But I find it very comfortable.
Eddie Van Halen used thumb and middle finger
I like the second option as the first one is a bit cumbersome and I still tend to drop my pick on faster songs. Very good tips Lauren, I have been watching your videos for a year now and have learned and progressed much: you are AMAZING !
Glad it was helpful!
Ma'am I've been playing guitar for over 30 years but I never used a pick because I love to finger pick and just never taught myself and I've watched a lot of video but your video taught me more than any of them. Thank you
Goodmornin Lauren,
ThankYou for being the first great smile of my day. You have been such a great inspiration and motivator! I find your style and method of teaching so wonderful. ThankYou for all the work you put into sharing your gifts. Have an awesome day!
Hello from Calgary, Alberta
Good morning! Hope you have an awesome day as well 🙂
Thanks for this video! I've been holding my pick more or less like method 2 for over 30 years now. With method 1 it is twisting in my fingers, I feel a lot more tense and I have the impression that I will drop it way faster!
Thanks for watching!
I hold my pick between my first finger and thumb with the point of the pick
in-line with my first finger.
I accept that folding your first finger will give you a larger grip area, but i find
my finger joint hurts due to arthritis in my hands.
After trial and error with many types of pick, i find Dunlop Jazz iii max grip
are the best.
Thanks for sharing the "correct" way to hold a pick Lauren
Glad it was helpful
thank you. I don't have a guitar strap . I am a beginner 5 months into my private lessons. My instructor never suggested a guitar strap. I know now why my wrist is weak and hurts sometimes. Again thank you
You may check out my recommendation here kit.co/laurenbateman/beginner-guitar-accessory-recommendations
Once you get used to holding the pick, start experimenting with other ways to hold it, angle of the pick to the strings, and strength and speed of your strum ... you'll be surprised by the incredible diversity of sound and characteristics that come from the guitar... very helpful Video, Lauren ! Thank you
100%
I appreciate that you show the left hand perspective; I can only strum with my left hand because of an injury; this is helpful and interesting!📐 🎸
Wow, Lauren.
I've been holding the pick wrong for a month. Now, the pick doesn't fall inside the box once a week.
And, my upstrums work MUCH better! 🎸
Fantastic!
It is more comfortable to use thumb and middle finger, but as you say one runs the risk of the pick moving or falling on the floor or into the guitar sound hole. I practice both methods
Brilliant video Lauren. Option 2 is the best for me as aa beginner. Any advice on how to prevent the tips of my fingers or thumb from touching the strings?
Brilliant! I can finally hold the pick comfortably and effectively! Gracias!
You got this Stoo! 😀
I’m an older player too who has been finger picking and strumming for years. However, I have never been comfortable using a pick but would really like to learn. So thanks for the lesson, Lauren. I know that your ‘proper’ way to hold the pick is the generally approved way ie with curled first finger. But I always feel that’s a very rigid way to hold the pick. It doesn’t feel comfortable to me. It also feels very heavy and loud on the strings. It’s difficult to strum quietly or gently. On the other hand your second or was it third way of holding the pick between thumb, first and middle finger feels more natural to me. I can also produce more varied and pleasant tones in my strumming that way. So what to do? Persevere with the new way (thumb and curled first finger) or continue with the more comfortable but disapproved way?
I adjust my hand depending on what I'm doing. Play what is comfortable for you
am really so grateful because each video of you I watch really helps me improve and also get the courage that I can do it
Thank you for the support! Keep on playing and always have fun!
Hey Lauren 🙂 thanks for your helpful video 👍 I play mostly finger style but this way of holding the pick really helps when I do now use one.... instant results 😀 though it's a wee bit tricky at first to get used to but I feel better control of the pick and more volume.... thanks again 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
I hold my pick the first way for intricate picking and trem picking, but I hold it between. My thumb and index plus middle more vertically rather than Horizontally for a more springy strumming feeling, but it tires my wrist out if I'm trying to do more lead style stuff
Everyone tells me it's wrong but it works for me
Yeah you figure out what works best. I hold my pick differently depending on whether I'm playing rhythm or lead.
@@LaurenBateman yeah me too, exactly
I use the two finger method for flat picking too, but I’ll try the correct method now, thanks
Thanks for watching!
Funny how you mentioned about dropping your pick. I was at an Open Mic night, which was my first time doing. I was strumming along, and I dropped my pick twice. Now I know to use my 2nd finger the next time around when I am doing some aggressive strumming. Thank you for sharing your information about holding the pick!!
You are welcome!
Very helpful this one thank you Lauren for it..great teacher you 👌👌
Thank you!
I'm re-learning guitar from scratch and i like your videos so far ! i have a question as someone who never used a pick , should i get one ? or is it easier than to play with your fingers ?
Thanks for watching! It's always depends on you and what you prefer
Thank you for covering this very basic information that most other TH-camrs do not
My pleasure!
I find that I need to get a pick that has a bit of a coarse grip, the smooth picks tend to get slippery and I battle to grip it. I am also battling the early stages of arthritis in my fingers (64 yrs old) but I accept that it comes with age. Thank you all the same for the most informative video. Blessings from Kruger National Park in South Africa. Take care, you are a star.
Yes, Dunlop Max grips are great.
@@LaurenBateman 👌👍🤗
Guess which way I was holding it. Seems so trival when your trying to learn scales and cords and so on but yet again a simple piece of advice like this and hey ho here we go.
Glad I could help!
Great lesson!
Q: Using a pick feels unnatural to me...I m more relaxed thumb picking and strumming...Is not learning how to use a pick going to eventually become a disadvantage to my progress?
Certain things are better played with a pick but I use my thumb lot
Through trial and error over time, I came up with a way to hold my pick that's right for me...doesn't mean it would be right for anyone else. Cheers! :)
You got this!
@@LaurenBateman Thank you! By Jove, I think I've got it! lol :)
You teach very differently,
Thank you very much Lauren
You're so welcome
Thank you! (GREAT SHIRT!)
Thanks!
Man what a gorgeous guitar
Thank you!
You are a very good teacher....
TY!
love the shirt and this is very helpful
Thanks!
I just found your channel and I love you. And I love your lessons too. 😍❤️❤️❤️
Welcome to the channel!
I’ve been playing guitar for only a couple months and have been really intimidated by the pick situation. This is a great video explaining I think I’ll try it today! 😂
Hope it helps. You can do it :D
I usually just use my finger and i want to learn using pick. What’s the importance of using the pick?🤔
I talk about that a little bit in this video. Different dynamics and sound for sure:
th-cam.com/video/PqYxHFJvLIw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=JyGNLWEbHrjzuW9a
Do you have any tips on using the claw instead of a pick... As I am also mostly self taught , and find I prefer not to use a pick ... Just what some people call the claw .. Using mostly the back of my fingers on the down stroke.. That frees up my thumb for the bass strings... Any tips would be appreciated..🙂
I like a pick better because you can get more Dynamics. But I do both.
The thumb index and middle is how I started and always felt good and never dropped my pick
Been doing that for 45 years not gonna change now
Similar thing here. Been using this method for over 30 years. Hardly ever dropped my pick. Feels like I have more control etc. Just learned what the "correct" way is when my daughter started playing.
Thanks for your sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Thank so much for sharing this video ma’am Lauren, it’s a great help to me ❤️
Glad it helped you!
wow this is the best lesson ever
Thank you!!
That was very helpful. Thank you! 🙂
Glad it was helpful 😀
Hi Lauren, my question is, if i'm out and i drop my pick into a crevice lol (which i have done) and i have no more picks, how do i use my fingers like a pick to strum the guitar? could you maybe one day show us. Thanks
Search Lauren Bateman, how to strum without a guitar pick
@@LaurenBateman Many thanks.
Was hoping this video was about holding your guitar. I've tried it with the neck higher, lower, forward, back. Have yet to find an angle that feels comfortable to me. Wrist ends up hurting no matter what I try.
As for the other hand, having no trouble with the pick. Able to hold it different ways at different times, including out of the way for plucking a couple strings at once, especially when playing bass.
Hey Sean, I did an old video on how to hold your guitar. Try it out th-cam.com/video/gXhOrkOleis/w-d-xo.html
@@LaurenBateman Watched it, thanks. Think it's got more to do with the position of my fretting hand. Need to figure out what works for me. Just haven't gotten there yet.
I subscribed to you very good teacher
Thank you!!!!
Thanks!
Welcome!
Thanks 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Most welcome 😊
Always Gracious.
Thank you!
It doesn't seem to matter how i hold the pick every so often I drop and lose the pick while playing.
Hopefully this helps.
I just use a quarter and traced it on old credit card 💳 cut out with scissors. Just trying it.
It seems to be working.
Amaaaaaaazing T-shirt!!! :D
Thanks 😀
I really struggle to get the right balance. Grip it too loosely and it moves all over the place. Grip it more firmly and all I hear on the up strokes are the high e string which sounds really harsh.
It's like walking a tightrope sometimes.
Today I Learn how to hold my 🎸 guitar pick part 2
Excellent class
Thank you,Good 🌉 night
👍
Lol I had that bad habit like you 😂😂
Oh good then I'm not the only one
@@LaurenBateman yea lol
Let’s see Paul Allen’s guitar pick
🙋👏👏👏❤
😀😀😀
Like🎉❤
Big hand for her👻
Thank you!
I gave up guitar as its too impossible and painful to play and requires special nerves and muscles in order to do it. Most people are not born to play it. I've tried extremely hard to play but failed everytime so I threw my guitar, kicked it around, stamped on it, spat on it and gave up. It's not fair that some people can play and i cant and never will be able to as its the most impossible thing a human can do. No amount of practice can make you better at playing it it's just a myth. You have to be born to play it
Mike this is 100% untrue. I worked very hard to play the guitar and so don't many guitarists. You need to find the right teacher to help you. Most people who try to do it on their own fail because they don't have someone holding them accountable, supporting them or helping them work through the things they give them difficulty.
If you really want to play guitar, you can. I haven't met a student I haven't been able to help. I've taught students who are completely blind, students who are missing fingers, students that have nerve damage, etc.
All battles are first won or lost in the mind.
@@LaurenBateman I know people who done it on there own and they are insane and I know people who had teachers and gave up after a few years because they still couldn't do anything so what you are saying is around 15% true