Μy picking Technique

[denis]

Hi everyone iam new to this great forum and my first post is about my picking technique.When the pick hits the string,is almost perpendicular to it but my twist that i also turn the pick clockwise in the other axis at about 20 degrees angle and that gives me great control when i play fast.I want to know if anyone picks the same way iam.

[ghandi234]

man, there is too much math in there for me. if i understand what your saying its like you're lifting up the string, which is like what eric johnson was doing, i think-feel free to correct me if im wrong. if it works thats great. i think you should remember there are great players out there that have no conventional technique at all(pat metheny) btw welcome to the greatest forum.

[Lowthorpe]

Welcome to the forums. :cool:

A lot of people play with their pick angled towards the strings. I personally play with an angle, but quite a shalllow one (almost perpendicular). Some use a much larger angle. It's all about what works for you. If you feel more comfortable and have a greater control when picking at a 20-degree angle or so, then go for it. I am a firm believer in experimenting with things and finding what works for me rather than just doing what the guy next to me does.

EDIT: Just realised you weren't talking about just angling your pick. I'm not exactly sure what you mean, do you mean you hit the strings with your pick perpendicular and then twist it as you pick? Never heard of anyone play like that before (but then again, I haven't looked at the picking style of many players). Again, if it works for you and is comfortable, go for it. Nothing wrong with being unconventional.

Nick

[denis]

Lowthorpe ι think you got it the second time.My picking is like yours almost perpendicular to the strings.That doesnt change and i believe is the most efficient way.But my variation is that when i attack the strings i twist the pick a little(like when you are using a screwdriver)but only a little.I think this creates more surface and helps you develop speed.But it is something i have done instictively.I will try to post some photos cause maybe it sounds complicated when i explain it but it really isnt.

[Lowthorpe]

Yep, I understand what you mean. I've never heard of picking like that before but it certaintly doesn't mean it won't work. Which does your hand feel most comfortable playing with? With gives you the greatest feeling of 'control' over the pick? I was torn between two picking styles about a year ago, with one picking style I felt really in control of the pick, but it was quite uncomfortable and I couldn't play fast with it. The other, was really comfortable and easy to pick fast with but I didn't feel as 'controlling' over pick movement.

After toiling, I decided to use both. I worked enough on my fast picking (which isn't fast per sé) to have a good degree of control on it, but anything that requires a slightly slower, more controled picking motion, I switch. Works for me. The only difference between the two is that I feel more in control with an open hand, but more comfortable with a closed fist.

Nick

[EricV]

As Ghandi234 mentioned, Eric Johnson often picks like that, kinda "digging in", angling the pick...
Eric

[denis]

I believe this picking was developed when i started playing 16th notes at 140 bpm or more and i was striving not to let the pick travel away from the strings but constantly hovering over them.I think it locks my hand into position and eliminates exaggerated motion.
I didnt Know that Eric Johnson uses a similar picking tech.Thanks a lot guys:cool: .