here are many different positions for the right hand depending on what type of picking technique you are using. There is the standard pick technique, folk fingerstyle, classical fingerstyle, thumbpick style, ect. This lesson will focus on the most used technique of them all, the standard pick technique.
There are many different types of picks. In fact there are too many coming in all different shapes, sizes and colors. A beginner guitarist needs to pick which type of pick they want to use. It is a good idea to start with a standard pick with a medium gauge (medium thickness) but you should also go to your local music store and take a look at all the different types of picks or anytime you're playing with other guitarists, ask to take a look at their picks and try them out. You will soon find one type of pick that you prefer over others.
During this process and after when you have chosen your favorite type of pick, it's important that you hold the pick the right way. The pick should be held between the index finger and the thumb. More specifically, the side of the index finger and the bottom of your thumb.
When done correctly, your index finger and thumb should be making an X pattern, with the index finger crossing below the thumb. Your pick is wedged between these two fingers with the point of the pick pointing out past the index finger. In this manner, the pick is essentially an extension of your index finger. Everything your index finger does your pick does with the thumb adding stability.
Once you have this position you are almost ready to play the guitar, there are just a few more things you need to know to avoid. First you don't want to have any tension in your right hand. Tension is applied usually when either your right hand is crunched together with no space or you stick out all your fingers like your giving the 'ok' sign. Neither of these are good.
Your hand should feel natural. Anytime your hand is not involved in doing some sort of work your hand is almost in the perfect position to hold a pick. Notice that it takes work to stretch your hand out and it also takes work to curl it into a ball. Its when you dont apply any work on your hand does it curl naturally in a comfortable position. That is our goal. We don't want your right hand to perform any unnecessary work. Other then that make sure your using the bottom of your thumb and the side of your index finger and you should be fine.
You now know how to properly hold a pick. You just need to learn how to strum the guitar and how to pick individual strings. Luckily those lessons are available for you as well.
There are many different types of picks. In fact there are too many coming in all different shapes, sizes and colors. A beginner guitarist needs to pick which type of pick they want to use. It is a good idea to start with a standard pick with a medium gauge (medium thickness) but you should also go to your local music store and take a look at all the different types of picks or anytime you're playing with other guitarists, ask to take a look at their picks and try them out. You will soon find one type of pick that you prefer over others.
During this process and after when you have chosen your favorite type of pick, it's important that you hold the pick the right way. The pick should be held between the index finger and the thumb. More specifically, the side of the index finger and the bottom of your thumb.
When done correctly, your index finger and thumb should be making an X pattern, with the index finger crossing below the thumb. Your pick is wedged between these two fingers with the point of the pick pointing out past the index finger. In this manner, the pick is essentially an extension of your index finger. Everything your index finger does your pick does with the thumb adding stability.
Once you have this position you are almost ready to play the guitar, there are just a few more things you need to know to avoid. First you don't want to have any tension in your right hand. Tension is applied usually when either your right hand is crunched together with no space or you stick out all your fingers like your giving the 'ok' sign. Neither of these are good.
Your hand should feel natural. Anytime your hand is not involved in doing some sort of work your hand is almost in the perfect position to hold a pick. Notice that it takes work to stretch your hand out and it also takes work to curl it into a ball. Its when you dont apply any work on your hand does it curl naturally in a comfortable position. That is our goal. We don't want your right hand to perform any unnecessary work. Other then that make sure your using the bottom of your thumb and the side of your index finger and you should be fine.
You now know how to properly hold a pick. You just need to learn how to strum the guitar and how to pick individual strings. Luckily those lessons are available for you as well.
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