Losing my grip on my pick

N

Napthol

New member
I mostly use a red Jazz III for my pick, and I don't have much of the tip showing. Problem though is my index finger is hitting the string, which I don't want. My index finger is really close towards the tip of the pick that by the time I reach the B string (I'm starting a pentatonic scale on the low E string) my index finger is already lightly touching the string.

I wanted to go the the Cracking The Code forum but it's not turning up when I do a search for it. Is the site down or something?

Don't know if I'm holding the pick wrong or what, but I can't have my index finger hitting the string I'm picking.
 
Cracking the Code is really the bible for the mechanics of picking. The site is coming up for me.

I use the Jazz III shape with just a tiny piece of the point showing...and I hit the strings head on. I don't slice through at an angle. My picks are tortex, though, as I don't like the plastic and the relief on normal Jazz IIIs.
 
I started using the big triangle Dunlop tortex picks a while back, as I started dropping picks as I've gotten older. Probably doesn't help you guys with your jazz picks though lol. I don't know how people use those. They are so tiny to me haha.
 
I drop Jazz IIIs so I stopped using them. They take a really light touch, similar to using a coin Brian May style. it also helps if you strike at an angle so the pick slides across the string instead of hitting it at 90 degrees. The strings used to wear down my finger nail to the bare skin, so I took to applying clear nail polish on my index fingernail.
 
I use 2.0-3.0mm Gravity Picks XL size. To use a baseball term I "choke up" on the pick so I am using the same amount of point you would get with a Jazz III. However, the Jazz IIIs don't feel right in my fingers, and as others have said they have fallen out of my fingers. On some strumming patterns, I use a light grip and the IIIs fly out of my fingers. The larger version of the picks just gives me more control. I also pass the pick to my middle finger when tapping with my index finger. The larger pick makes this effort more seamless.
 
Securb said:
I use 2.0-3.0mm Gravity Picks XL size. To use a baseball term I "choke up" on the pick so I am using the same amount of point you would get with a Jazz III. However, the Jazz IIIs don't feel right in my fingers, and as others have said they have fallen out of my fingers. On some strumming patterns, I use a light grip and the IIIs fly out of my fingers. The larger version of the picks just gives me more control. I also pass the pick to my middle finger when tapping with my index finger. The larger pick makes this effort more seamless.
Click to expand...

Sorry to derail the discussion, what is the reason to switch the pick between fingers and tap with the index, instead of tapping with the middle?
 
AdrianSD said:
Sorry to derail the discussion, what is the reason to switch the pick between fingers and tap with the index, instead of tapping with the middle?
Click to expand...

I always found it easier and just have always done it that way. Now it is just muscle memory, I don't even think about it. Sometimes I will use the middle finger with the index for a two-finger tap thing. However never the middle alone, that would feel awkward to me.
 
AdrianSD said:
Sorry to derail the discussion, what is the reason to switch the pick between fingers and tap with the index, instead of tapping with the middle?
Click to expand...

Depends how many/which fingers you are using..



I definitely prefer Jazz III's over normal sized picks for that ^^ very reason...

A lot of 8-finger tapper's either pop the pick in their lap (if sitting down) or between their teeth...I prefer the dexterity that comes w/ it being still in your hand. (I use 7 fingers, not 8 cuz either my middle or index finger is holding the pick)
 
Securb said:
I always found it easier and just have always done it that way. Now it is just muscle memory, I don't even think about it. Sometimes I will use the middle finger with the index for a two-finger tap thing. However never the middle alone, that would feel awkward to me.
Click to expand...

Makes sense, thank you.
 
Come to think of it....I kinda favour my Index over my middle finger as well...(& yes, my fourth finger & pinky too....) :bigthumb:

It does'nt really strike you until you watch yourself play...




I guess I'm so used to others analyzing my playing & sharing their unsolicited thoughts freely (:lmao:) that I don't do it enough myself..

I should do more playthrough-type vids..

But I'm modest & self conscious...


I do like the idea of Epic sweeping cinematic overlays for furthering artistic expression tho' :bigthumb:
 
Last edited:
Something I just recalled reading years ago in a guitar mag about not dropping picks was to mold the pick to your hand. From what I recall get a pot of water to a boil and dunk the pick into the boiling water long enough to soften it and then grip the pick in your hand like you were playing and let it cool. For those that have ever formed a mouthpiece for say football, same kinda idea.

No idea if it works or not and dont recall the amount of time you left in the water before pulling it out but couldnt expect it to be in very long.
 
Hsb said:
Something I just recalled reading years ago in a guitar mag about not dropping picks was to mold the pick to your hand. From what I recall get a pot of water to a boil and dunk the pick into the boiling water long enough to soften it and then grip the pick in your hand like you were playing and let it cool. For those that have ever formed a mouthpiece for say football, same kinda idea.

No idea if it works or not and dont recall the amount of time you left in the water before pulling it out but couldnt expect it to be in very long.
Click to expand...

The way I lose picks, this simply takes too much time. A slight adjustment in technique or type of pick is probably all that is needed.
 
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Hsb said:
Something I just recalled reading years ago in a guitar mag about not dropping picks was to mold the pick to your hand. From what I recall get a pot of water to a boil and dunk the pick into the boiling water long enough to soften it and then grip the pick in your hand like you were playing and let it cool. For those that have ever formed a mouthpiece for say football, same kinda idea.

No idea if it works or not and dont recall the amount of time you left in the water before pulling it out but couldnt expect it to be in very long.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I use Tortex standards. I always find that my picks bend slightly in one direction or the other after a little use and they always feel more natural to me when I'm holding them so the concave side is against my thumb. Maybe I should try molding them a little further.
 
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