I wanted to do a little update in regards to my picking handcramps!
I had alot of suggestions in regards to technique, grip strength and pick type!
So i went out and bought a variety of picks, and though i would give my opinion on them incase anyone else has the same problem.
Note - i have always played with a tortex fin 0.88.
I played the same song with every pick with about 15 seconds rest in between.
dunlop gator grip 2.0mm - Great pick, did not suffer any cramp(good grip)
dunlop nylon standard 1.5mm - another great pick, no issues ( slightly textured so grip is nice)
tortex fin 1.14mm - Minor issues
dunlop gator grip 1.5mm - good pick, no isses
ibanez rubber grip 1.20mm - FANTASTIC pick, you can really relax your grip without fear on this, id love them to do a slightly thicker one.
torext fin 0.50mm - I thought i would suffer alot with this pick but infact, no issues, enjoyable playing with a ligh pick infact,
dunlop jazz 2 red - Weird at 1st as im used to having a bigger grip surface, and pick surface, really good pick when you get used to it.
big stubby 2.0mm - Brilliant grip, excellent pick!
gatorgip 0.58mm - Again very thin but no issues,
Dunlop max grip 1.14 - no issues, good grip.
I have found that, the more grip a pick has you naturally hold it less tight, it seems from me i either need something above 1.5mm or less than 0.60mm, i seem to suffer in between that range.
I will add, i consciously held the pick lighter, and i played a tiny bit higher on the strings opposed to right at the bridge as normal but :-
I played for pretty much 30 minutes straight, normally i got cramp at around 15 minutes.
Therefore i highly recommend somewhere in between the carole kay method and the bridge string wise, get a pick WITH GRIP, it makes one hell of a difference!
Consciously think about holding the grip lighter.!
Also the tortex fin has quite a broad picking surface that hits the strings, as well as a broad surface you grip..... I THINK this my add to the cramp as you are more in contact with the pick and strings ( altho ud think it would be opposite, bigger surface area less vibration etc.
Thats my 2 cents, i hope you find this useful anyone who suffers from cramp
