Plectrum index finger position.

[freeridden]

Does your index finger curve in or does it make a T shape with your thumb ( and subsequently run perpendicular to the strings)?

 

[two fingers]

If I'm understanding you correctly, perpendicular.

I'm working on getting down the thumb and fingers technique similar to what Sting does (with curved fingers), but when the music starts, I default back to my old ways.

I just need more practice.

 

[freeridden]

Here are pictures to illustrate. Pic 1 is parallel to the strings. Picture 2 is perpendicular to the strings.

 

[two fingers]

My apologies, I completely misunderstood. My pick technique is like your first pic.

 

[Seashore]

Perpendicular, but not like your pics -- I've never been comfortable holding my pick against the side of my index finger. I know people who do it but the mechanics of it don't click with me. I pinch my picks between the pads of my thumb and index finger, with the point of the pick going in the same direction as my index finger, and occasionally I'll stabilize it with my middle finger as well. Most of my bass picking is adapted from guitar - palm muting, gallops, alternate picking, even working on some tremolo picking lately although I still think half-tempo double picking sounds better most of the time.

 

[freeridden]

Interesting. I'm trying to see what most people do as I'm just starting out learning to play with a pick.

 

[nnnnnn]

Here are pictures to illustrate. Pic 1 is parallel to the strings. Picture 2 is perpendicular to the strings.

Are you not using the pointiest corner of the pick against the strings? I think I hold the pick somewhere between the positions in the two pictures, except with the pick 90 degrees from what you've shown so that the pointiest corner of the triangle is turned to the strings - with my thumb approximately parallel with the strings.

 

[freeridden]

What do you mean? I am holding my hand up in the air in both pictures so my hand is nowhere near the string. As far as I know I pluck at a 90 degree angle to the string. my question is more in line with where your index finger sits on the back of the pick.

 

[nnnnnn]

What do you mean? I am holding my hand up in the air in both pictures so my hand is nowhere near the string. As far as I know I pluck at a 90 degree angle to the string. my question is more in line with where your index finger sits on the back of the pick.

I mean that it appears that the orientation of the pick within your thumb and finger is such that one of the rounded corners is what would touch the strings, but most people would use the pointy corner. If you rotated the pick about 90 degrees you'd have something similar to the grip I use. (Though there is no "wrong" way, it's personal preference.)

 

[freeridden]

Ah no. That pick is shaped like that. All sides look like that. It's a 3mm pick.

 

[sedan_dad]

I use my index finger nail like a pick if I need a pick sound. This way i can bounce between playing with my fingers and pick style within the same song.Sounds kind of weird, I know.

 

[nnnnnn]

Ah no. That pick is shaped like that. All sides look like that. It's a 3mm pick.

Oh, sorry. I misinterpreted the photos, assuming it was a "standard" pick shape with a point.

I think either variation of the grip is fine, whatever you find more comfortable, allowing for palm muting.

When I play guitar I usually hold the pick so that more of my thumb goes past the pick to allow for doing the occasional pinch harmonic, and I tend to carry that grip over to bass even though I wouldn't be playing harmonics like that on bass, but on bass I play fingerstyle 95% of the time anyway.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Ah no. That pick is shaped like that. All sides look like that. It's a 3mm pick.

I started using a thick pick and discovered that I prefer a much thinner pick (.70mm) for most of the songs that (for me) require a pick. The thinner pick has more flex and allows me to articulate faster and more even alternate picking. It also gives a “thuddy” sound when I palm mute the string I’m striking... a la “Silly Love Songs”. I use flats, so it sounds great using this technique.

However, I am a fingerstyle player 95% of the time. After some practice, I can play any song with a pick that I play with my finger plucking approach. It’s an art form that takes dedication. Spend some time each day playing with a pick and you will become more and more comfortable with it... no matter which way you grip the plectrum

 

[AndyPanda]

This clip is about mandolin but his reasoning may apply to bass as well.

 

[nightchef]

Ah no. That pick is shaped like that. All sides look like that. It's a 3mm pick.

Interesting. Pic 2, in particular, really makes it look like the corner pointing straight up in the pic has a narrower (pointier) angle than the one pointing down and to the right, which looks more rounded. If it's an optical illusion it's a really strong one.

Anyway, for me, in between the two pics but closer to 2, with the index finger curved so that the top of the knuckle is right behind the upper left corner of the pick as you look down at it, and the top finger joint runs almost parallel to the left pick edge. The finger is also rolled in slightly against the pick so that I'm holding it with the area that's kind of on the border between the side of the finger and the pad.

 

[Ric5]

Here are pictures to illustrate. Pic 1 is parallel to the strings. Picture 2 is perpendicular to the strings.

I use a pick … but I don't hold it like that at all

I hold the pick so that I put a good fingerprint on either side of the pick with the thumb and index finger




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[Ric5]

 

[Ric5]

 

[Ric5]

I learned to play with a pick copying this guys style … and I hold the pick pretty much the ways he does

 

[JohnArnson]

This is pretty much how I use and hold my pick.