🎸 Get my free Metal Riffs and Licks practice guide: www.jasonstallworth.com/guitarist/ 🎸 Get access to my courses, monthly lessons, and more: www.jasonstallworth.com/courses/
One of the many tips you just put out there is don't take it too seriously. That is one thing I learned early. If a riff is just not working stop of a minute or two and just relax. Pick it back up, relax and enjoy the process. Thanks for another great video Jason.
I know i am a bit late to the party on this video but thanks so much for this. Only been playing a week and it's a minefield of "how to hold your pick" videos that made no sense to me, but i tried to conform as that is"the way" you hold your pick. Create a hook with your finger, hold here, add a little witchcraft here blah blah blah ....... Your video is perfect and now i feel comfortable with a pick grip. Yours makes sense. Thanks 👍
Just want to say thank you from the UK, im 28 and always wanted to play guitar (especially metal 🤟🏻) ive only started 3 months ago and you are my virtual guitar teacher, thank you very much!!!!
Thanks Jason for helping me feel more confident in having two different grips. Not sure if this makes sense but I would love to see a video on transitioning between the two grips cleanly. I'm often recording and would love to get through certain sections of a song that require me to change my grip in one run.
Glad this helped. I don't necessarily change the grip of the pick but more so the angle. I do have a video covering that here: th-cam.com/video/ad5SNkSIQHM/w-d-xo.html
I feel like I'm really going to benefit from this. I'm left handed and when I held a guitar before I actually began learning how to play, it felt natural to hold the guitar in the left handed position. My father figure made me learn to play right handed and picking has been something I've really struggled with through the years. I find myself CONSTANTLY working my elbow because I lack the finesse in my right wrist. Your methods will provide added support from my hand to allow me more free range with my wrist. Thank you so much dude, seriously. Can't be fkn around right now because i just had a Septoplasty, and it's going to drive me nuts sitting back just thinking about this. Lol thanks again man.
I have changed the way i hold my pick a few times…but the recent 2 years i found the way it suits me best and feels comfortable. No unwanted sounds from unused fingers touching the strings, no stress on my wrist, easy to reach all strings. I would suggest to anyone struggling withe the right way to hold a pick to experiment with different ways…
Dude this is super useful. Lots of people have this question. You have the James hetfield style of holding the pick 😎 I also angle my pick at a diagonal but my style is to old it between my thumb and side of my index finger instead of the tip of my index finger. Helps me get a lot of power and accuracy. I have been meaning to make a video like this about how I hold my pick for a long time but just never got around to it 😅 right on Jason hope you are doing well!
Man, I never really thought about how I hold my pick until recently (gotten a few questions about that over the years!). I'd definitely like to see your video when you get that out!
Thanks Jason, This worked for me so well! The two fingers (even with one just about on the end of the pic) makes me play a lot better. I can really chuggg and playing with two fingers makes alternate-picking so much easier. I'd of never thought to hold the pick with two fingers and thumb! Had a fun little shred session after watching this so stoked! Thanks Jason.
lol, i am pretty new to guitar playing and i was just looking for how to hold a pick correctly the other day because i also hold my pick with 2 fingers and my thumb for stability reasons, just to see EVERY video or comment mentioning "you only" hold it between the thumb and index finger. To see someone holding it the same way encourages me to ignore all the index finger + thumb purists. :)
The guitar pick I use is a fender extra heavy pick, I was playing a breakdown by BMTH and it has a breakdown in the middle of the song and the breakdown had like palm muted gallops, and my guitar pick was moving to, and idk if that’s a problem.
@@jasonstallworth Oh, well I did use those really think guitar picks that are not meant for metal, I tried doing gallops on those super thin guitar picks and it didn’t work, so that’s why I went from heavy picks.
Hey Jason, I see that we both use the same picking technique! I have a question: How do you mute unwanted string noise from the strings that you're not using when you're doing leads or tremolos? The traditional way doesn't seem to work with this picking technique
for me holding the pick in the traditional way always felt wrong. i also like the fact that doing it with 3 fingers gives you more attack for less effort imo, great for downpicking and tremolo on chords
I've been mainly playing Doom and trash metal on fat strings for decades so was having major issues making my triplets now I'm trying more Black metal, thanks for these tips!:)
When I used to play guitar I always holded the pick with 3 fingers, people used to say I was holding it wrong, I already tried playing holding it "the right way" with 2 fingers and I never managed to play like that, the pick ALWAYS fell from my hand and I had 0 strength holding it, but with 3 fingers was perfect and I managed to play the songs with no difficulty, it's nice to see I was not wrong by playing holding it with 3 fingers. The only thing I never managed to do was those "screams" on the strings where you have to use the pick along with the side of the finger to make it work, for that I needed to switch the position and hold it with 2 fingers, it was terrible.
What are your thoughts on pick thickness? I keep bouncing between heavy and medium. Thank you for this and your stance on "my way" vs "the way" haha. As a beginner still, I am experimenting with different ways and it is good to see other perspectives. Learning from your alt picking videos, I too was holding my pick a little differently - so the tip slips a bit easier, rather than catch on the string. Glad to see it is more common.
I use (and always have) .60 or .73. I've tried heavy picks but just don't care for them. For me, guitar playing is kinda the opposite of going to the gym. In the gym, you force your muscles to work harder and grow. Guitar, I take the easiest and most natural route, and that has always worked best for me.
I have the "orthodox" RH pick holding ironed in for years. But I notice a problem: IF I am not supporting my index finger with the other fingers during aggressive downstrokes, I will hurt my last two index finger digits because of the stress against the sideways angle of the knuckle being pushed against by the thumb. I say this because your picking technique seems to solve this problem naturally. I could see this being a problem for other orthodox pickers who only hold the pick with their thumb and index for whatever reason (like anchoring). Be aware of stress on the joints in unnatural angles.
Yeah this is has worked for me for 30+ years now and I've never had any pains from playing guitar. I've also never thought much about how I hold my pick until making this video! So everything I do is just something that has naturally fallen into place.
@@jasonstallworth I've been using the Snarling Dogs .73 for a few months. I like them a lot. Their measurements seem to be weird, though. My regular pick of choice is the Tortex .60, which feels like it has the same flex as the Snarling Dogs .73. The Snarling Dogs. 60 feels too soft, to me. Your thoughts? 🤘🏻
@@jasonstallworth Yeah, the Max Grips are awesome. Just switched to those last year. Used to use Fender or EBE PIKs, but would always have to take a razor blade to them to add some texture.
i tried holding my pick with 2 fingers just now and it was like holding the guitar upside down and playing left handed lol. there is no way i can do that :P cant teach an old dog new tricks lol
Gotta remember it's not always about doing something exactly like someone else, but getting ideas and using that idea to find the way that works best for you
That's a very unconventional way of holding a pick 😅 But whatever works for you. Im still trying to figure out how to hold it. Because when I alternate pick I find my pick gets stuck too much
Yeah, that's one thing you learn as you play more. Some things that work for others may not work for you. It just comes down to spending more time with your craft. You'll eventually settle into techniques that work best for you and become your own.
![How to Hold a Guitar Pick the RIGHT Way [Guitar Playing Masterclass PART 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/v9RIjw8psHo/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Hold a Guitar Pick the RIGHT Way [Guitar Playing Masterclass PART 1]](/img/tr.png)
🎸 Get my free Metal Riffs and Licks practice guide:
www.jasonstallworth.com/guitarist/
🎸 Get access to my courses, monthly lessons, and more:
www.jasonstallworth.com/courses/
One of the many tips you just put out there is don't take it too seriously. That is one thing I learned early. If a riff is just not working stop of a minute or two and just relax. Pick it back up, relax and enjoy the process. Thanks for another great video Jason.
Yeah dude, that's right...sometimes you have to walk away for a bit and come back to it!
I like how you saw what they asked and gave them what would help and then sum, and that is a true teacher.
Yeah, I really try to listen to my subscribers! I don't feel comfortable creating a product that doesn't give folks exactly what they need and want!
I know i am a bit late to the party on this video but thanks so much for this. Only been playing a week and it's a minefield of "how to hold your pick" videos that made no sense to me, but i tried to conform as that is"the way" you hold your pick. Create a hook with your finger, hold here, add a little witchcraft here blah blah blah ....... Your video is perfect and now i feel comfortable with a pick grip. Yours makes sense. Thanks 👍
Glad to hear this helped 🤘
Just want to say thank you from the UK, im 28 and always wanted to play guitar (especially metal 🤟🏻) ive only started 3 months ago and you are my virtual guitar teacher, thank you very much!!!!
So awesome to hear this and glad my channel has helped you!
Thanks Jason for helping me feel more confident in having two different grips.
Not sure if this makes sense but I would love to see a video on transitioning between the two grips cleanly.
I'm often recording and would love to get through certain sections of a song that require me to change my grip in one run.
Glad this helped. I don't necessarily change the grip of the pick but more so the angle. I do have a video covering that here: th-cam.com/video/ad5SNkSIQHM/w-d-xo.html
DUDE YOUR TONE IS GREAT.THANKS FOR THE TIPS
🤘🤘🤘
This video helped me a ton! You’re channel is awesome man! Big fan thank you for all the great vids 🙏🤘
You’re welcome and glad to hear these videos help!
Thank you soooooo much! Your video was enlightening to me. Your technique really helped me hold my guitar pick in a new way. Greatly appreciated.
You’re welcome brother!!
I feel like I'm really going to benefit from this. I'm left handed and when I held a guitar before I actually began learning how to play, it felt natural to hold the guitar in the left handed position. My father figure made me learn to play right handed and picking has been something I've really struggled with through the years. I find myself CONSTANTLY working my elbow because I lack the finesse in my right wrist. Your methods will provide added support from my hand to allow me more free range with my wrist. Thank you so much dude, seriously. Can't be fkn around right now because i just had a Septoplasty, and it's going to drive me nuts sitting back just thinking about this. Lol thanks again man.
Really glad to hear this helps! The most important thing is to play what feels most natural and comfortable to you.
I have changed the way i hold my pick a few times…but the recent 2 years i found the way it suits me best and feels comfortable. No unwanted sounds from unused fingers touching the strings, no stress on my wrist, easy to reach all strings. I would suggest to anyone struggling withe the right way to hold a pick to experiment with different ways…
Definitely solid advice! Like I said towards the end, different strokes for different folks!
Dude this is super useful. Lots of people have this question. You have the James hetfield style of holding the pick 😎 I also angle my pick at a diagonal but my style is to old it between my thumb and side of my index finger instead of the tip of my index finger. Helps me get a lot of power and accuracy. I have been meaning to make a video like this about how I hold my pick for a long time but just never got around to it 😅 right on Jason hope you are doing well!
Man, I never really thought about how I hold my pick until recently (gotten a few questions about that over the years!). I'd definitely like to see your video when you get that out!
Thanks Jason,
This worked for me so well! The two fingers (even with one just about on the end of the pic) makes me play a lot better. I can really chuggg and playing with two fingers makes alternate-picking so much easier. I'd of never thought to hold the pick with two fingers and thumb! Had a fun little shred session after watching this so stoked! Thanks Jason.
🙏🏻🤘
Nice video. Something to revisit.
You’re skilled at teaching and even better at playing. Thanks man.
🤘🙏
lol, i am pretty new to guitar playing and i was just looking for how to hold a pick correctly the other day because i also hold my pick with 2 fingers and my thumb for stability reasons, just to see EVERY video or comment mentioning "you only" hold it between the thumb and index finger. To see someone holding it the same way encourages me to ignore all the index finger + thumb purists. :)
Nice dude! Yeah, despite what 'purists' say, at the end of the day you have to do what works for you!
Im so glad I’m not the only one who uses three fingers! Been practicing recently with only 2 after nearly 25 years of using 3 is tough!
Yeah at the end of the day, you have to play what feels natural to you
@@jasonstallworth thanks dude, very helpful! Subscribed!
James hetfield holds it like this too
You make it look so easy
🙏 🤘
What is the exact model of that LTD? The pearl binding is absolutely stunning with the reverse headstock. I'd like to own one.
Here' a video with all of the details: th-cam.com/video/6puPdGfYGC8/w-d-xo.html
The guitar pick I use is a fender extra heavy pick, I was playing a breakdown by BMTH and it has a breakdown in the middle of the song and the breakdown had like palm muted gallops, and my guitar pick was moving to, and idk if that’s a problem.
I've never been a fan of heavy picks. I use .60 and .73. I know many metal players prefer heavy picks but they just don't work for me
@@jasonstallworth Oh, well I did use those really think guitar picks that are not meant for metal, I tried doing gallops on those super thin guitar picks and it didn’t work, so that’s why I went from heavy picks.
Hey Jason, I see that we both use the same picking technique! I have a question: How do you mute unwanted string noise from the strings that you're not using when you're doing leads or tremolos? The traditional way doesn't seem to work with this picking technique
Thank you, I cover more details in this video: th-cam.com/video/0N9twl-vPN4/w-d-xo.html
See....this could be part of a beginners course. 🤘🏻💀🤘🏻 thanks bro.
That's definitely something I would include!
Im what some may call a noob at guitar. idk a lot of stuff that beginners should know vids like this one help me become better. thx :D
Thank you, I'm glad to hear this helps!
for me holding the pick in the traditional way always felt wrong. i also like the fact that doing it with 3 fingers gives you more attack for less effort imo, great for downpicking and tremolo on chords
You definitely have to find what works best for you.
I've been mainly playing Doom and trash metal on fat strings for decades so was having major issues making my triplets now I'm trying more Black metal, thanks for these tips!:)
🤘🙏
When I used to play guitar I always holded the pick with 3 fingers, people used to say I was holding it wrong, I already tried playing holding it "the right way" with 2 fingers and I never managed to play like that, the pick ALWAYS fell from my hand and I had 0 strength holding it, but with 3 fingers was perfect and I managed to play the songs with no difficulty, it's nice to see I was not wrong by playing holding it with 3 fingers. The only thing I never managed to do was those "screams" on the strings where you have to use the pick along with the side of the finger to make it work, for that I needed to switch the position and hold it with 2 fingers, it was terrible.
Yeah it’s definitely personal preference. There’s not really a right or wrong answer at, just the way that works best for you!
I thing: a holding pick is the most important feature to play. Great video Jason!!!! 💪😉
It's certainly important, but you need to make sure you're holding it in a way that feels right to you!
@@jasonstallworth of course 💪😉
What are your thoughts on pick thickness? I keep bouncing between heavy and medium. Thank you for this and your stance on "my way" vs "the way" haha. As a beginner still, I am experimenting with different ways and it is good to see other perspectives. Learning from your alt picking videos, I too was holding my pick a little differently - so the tip slips a bit easier, rather than catch on the string. Glad to see it is more common.
I use (and always have) .60 or .73. I've tried heavy picks but just don't care for them.
For me, guitar playing is kinda the opposite of going to the gym. In the gym, you force your muscles to work harder and grow. Guitar, I take the easiest and most natural route, and that has always worked best for me.
Medium!!! Thin suck. If you have big hands heavy. Imo
That’s one issue I have is how I hold my pooch but I’m trying to try a better way. Cool video brother!
Glad this helped dude!!
Yes, that riff was baddass!!! def go back and use it
🤘🤘🤘
I have the "orthodox" RH pick holding ironed in for years. But I notice a problem: IF I am not supporting my index finger with the other fingers during aggressive downstrokes, I will hurt my last two index finger digits because of the stress against the sideways angle of the knuckle being pushed against by the thumb. I say this because your picking technique seems to solve this problem naturally.
I could see this being a problem for other orthodox pickers who only hold the pick with their thumb and index for whatever reason (like anchoring). Be aware of stress on the joints in unnatural angles.
Yeah this is has worked for me for 30+ years now and I've never had any pains from playing guitar. I've also never thought much about how I hold my pick until making this video! So everything I do is just something that has naturally fallen into place.
i just use space below fretboard for support and its it works for me.
What picks do you use?
A mix of Dunlop .60 and Snarling Dog .73
Seems like your way of holding pick might make it easy to do two way of pick orientation: downward and upward pick slanting!
Yea try it, it will soon bed me second nature as you may find that your writer naturally gravitates towards those directions.
The ol 3 finger hold. I bet it eases up pressure on the pointer finger.
Funny thing is I never really paid attention to how I hold my pick until making this video! lol
@@jasonstallworth 🤣🤣 you’re a fookin legend
I use the John Pettrucii Dunlop picks..
I've never used those but I do like the Dunlop Max Grip picks, and I also have some Snarling Dog picks, which are similar.
@@jasonstallworth I've been using the Snarling Dogs .73 for a few months. I like them a lot. Their measurements seem to be weird, though. My regular pick of choice is the Tortex .60, which feels like it has the same flex as the Snarling Dogs .73. The Snarling Dogs. 60 feels too soft, to me. Your thoughts? 🤘🏻
I love them, fit great in my small hands lol 🤘
@@jasonstallworth Yeah, the Max Grips are awesome. Just switched to those last year. Used to use Fender or EBE PIKs, but would always have to take a razor blade to them to add some texture.
I use 1.5mm jazz 111 picks used them once and never looked back
Lotta folks like those jazz picks!
that is so the James Hetfield two finger grip
🤘
Interesting way to hold a pick. I might have to try it out to see if gives me a cheating-like speed advantage 🤪
Thanks for the video!
Yeah, try it out and see if it works for you! I never really thought about how I held my pick until recently!
@@jasonstallworth oh no, I tried it...it was like me trying to play left handed haha.
Check out Bruce Gruben standing how I hold my pick is normal
🤘
i tried holding my pick with 2 fingers just now and it was like holding the guitar upside down and playing left handed lol. there is no way i can do that :P cant teach an old dog new tricks lol
Yeah, you've gotta do what's most natural and comfortable to you, for sure!
For my playing style no way. Index finger thumb. Fast riffing many notes those 3 free fingers are stabilizing below the strings.
It's definitely a personal preference. Gotta do what works for you!
Wow that twisting angle was just so hard to follow....
Gotta remember it's not always about doing something exactly like someone else, but getting ideas and using that idea to find the way that works best for you
That's a very unconventional way of holding a pick 😅 But whatever works for you. Im still trying to figure out how to hold it. Because when I alternate pick I find my pick gets stuck too much
Yeah, that's one thing you learn as you play more. Some things that work for others may not work for you. It just comes down to spending more time with your craft. You'll eventually settle into techniques that work best for you and become your own.
@@jasonstallworth True