Trouble holding on to pick - what to do?

jaywa · #1 09-09-2009, 06:36 PM

I play about 90% fingerstyle and 10% pick. (I.e., in a 4-set, 50 song night I will maybe play 3 or 4 songs max with a pick.) When using a pick, I have a major problem with the pick rotating in my hand and sometimes it almost falls out of my hand altogether.

I use standard Fender heavy picks. I hold the pick between the thumb and my forefinger, and my other three fingers rest across the strings I'm not picking to mute them. Sometimes I "hook" my other fingers under the strings to get better leverage. I don't want to grip the pick any harder than I do because I don't want my hand to tighten up. Also, I really don't want to use Gorilla Snot or other sticky substance that will get transferred over to my strings when I go back to fingerstyle.

Suggestions? Are those picks that have the textured grip surface worth the extra money in a situation like this?

rocknrollbandit · #2 09-09-2009, 06:38 PM

Practice more with a pick or just hold on to it tighter.... I've never had a problem holding onto picks..

carrythetradish · #3 09-09-2009, 06:43 PM

i've had the rotating problem a few times. not recently though. im currently using these picks so maybe they'll do the job for you.

cavemanbass0805 · #4 09-09-2009, 06:44 PM

i have the same problem. i mostly play with my fingers and a few songs with a pick. i have problems holding on and keeping it level. i'll rough up the spots where my finger and thumb holds on to the plectrum to give it more traction/make it less slippery. that helps a little.

BigOldHarry · #5 09-09-2009, 06:45 PM

Don't make me say it...

scotch · #6 09-09-2009, 06:51 PM

I occasionally get hired to play acoustic guitar. While my bass pick technique gives me no trouble maintaining a grip, my acoustic technique often results in flying picks!

I ended up using my normal, preferred picks, but i dip the grip-end into a few coats of liquid rubber tool-coating. It's available at hardware stores as tool grip-dip. (usually red or black in color. It works great, can be applied to any pick, and lasts as long as the pick!

for instance:
http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-16-FL-...#ht_2588wt_958

bassrique · #7 09-09-2009, 06:52 PM

I've been using these:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ick?sku=110100

The design enables me to hold the pick very loosely, which is good, because I use a death grip on regular picks. They may be too light for your tastes though.

Next time I make an online order for something, I'm going to try these:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...zen?sku=110780

I can see that design working well.

Electric Druid · #8 09-09-2009, 07:05 PM

you might want to try holding on to the pick with your index, middle and thumb. It's not really considered 'proper' technique, but it gives you a better grip. Steve Morse plays guitar like that and it works just fine for him.

I alternate fingerstyle and pickstyle as well, and if my pick is moving around I take it as a sign that I'm playing too hard

dnarock · #9 09-09-2009, 07:55 PM

I play a lil with a pick and had a problem at first than I started holding it between my thumb and my index curled with the other three stright try that

electracoyote · #10 09-09-2009, 08:00 PM

You have to hold on to the pick tight enough so it doesn't fly out of your hand or twist, but not so tight that you develop cramping or long-term problems (which happens to a lot of players who put a death grip on the pick). Since you play 90% fingerstyle, you probably just need more time for the muscles to develop allowing a better grip. Just like weight training, when you lose your grip it means the muscles are failing. Time to give them a rest.

thedude77md · #11 09-09-2009, 08:03 PM

I'm in the same boat. I very rarely use a pick and when I have to, I've switched to a thumb pick. Kinda makes it a non-issue. Also allows you to easily switch from pick to fingers mid tune. I know this isn't proper technique, but it works for me!

artdrtr · #12 09-09-2009, 08:13 PM

Texture pick ^5

I do the same amount of pick play vs. fingering and I couldn't imagine playing without my orange texture pick....

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaywa

I play about 90% fingerstyle and 10% pick. (I.e., in a 4-set, 50 song night I will maybe play 3 or 4 songs max with a pick.) When using a pick, I have a major problem with the pick rotating in my hand and sometimes it almost falls out of my hand altogether.

I use standard Fender heavy picks. I hold the pick between the thumb and my forefinger, and my other three fingers rest across the strings I'm not picking to mute them. Sometimes I "hook" my other fingers under the strings to get better leverage. I don't want to grip the pick any harder than I do because I don't want my hand to tighten up. Also, I really don't want to use Gorilla Snot or other sticky substance that will get transferred over to my strings when I go back to fingerstyle.

Suggestions? Are those picks that have the textured grip surface worth the extra money in a situation like this?

jaywa · #13 09-10-2009, 11:30 AM

Great thoughts, everyone. Right now I'm leaning toward the thumbpick option... but will consider all advice. Thanks!

your idol · #14 09-10-2009, 11:34 AM

i think its dunlop that makes a super thick pick for bass and jazz called the big stubby. theyre fat and have a thumb and finger divot carved into both sides . i used to have the same issue and i dont anymore pluss my attack with them is pury rock fury

Gnar04 · #15 09-10-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassrique

I've been using these:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ick?sku=110100

The design enables me to hold the pick very loosely, which is good, because I use a death grip on regular picks. They may be too light for your tastes though.

Next time I make an online order for something, I'm going to try these:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...zen?sku=110780

I can see that design working well.

i had slipping problems, then again i just started playing with picks, i use those star ones and they work REALLY well.

rbonner · #16 09-10-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Don't make me say it...

Oh what the standard SUPERGLUE response?

agreatheight · #17 09-10-2009, 11:44 AM

Try a Tortex pic - cheap and they are easier (for me) to hold on to.

Noonan768 · #18 09-10-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agreatheight

Try a Tortex pic - cheap and they are easier (for me) to hold on to.

I second that one.. I use the Claytons.. but essentially they are the tortex picks. You can get them in a lighter gauge to match the standard style pick. Personally I like the .88 Greens.

dannoman · #19 09-10-2009, 11:59 AM

Agree on the Dunlop Tortex, you wont have any problem holding on to them. If you are currently using a Fender Heavy you might want to try a 1. MM Blue...

KPAX · #20 09-10-2009, 12:17 PM

Isn't it obvious?
God is telling you to play 100% fingerstyle.
Resistance will be met with calamity.