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Curve the index finger and lay the pick on the finger. Then bring the thumb firmly down on top of the pick. Many players have their own technique, but this is a good starting point for the beginner. I prefer a heavy pointed pick, but a medium to heavy pick is best. You may have to try different brands and compositions of picks before you find the one that's best for you. |
You can support and stabilize your picking hand by anchoring the pinky finger on the pickguard as illustrated. Some players rest their palm on the bridge or prefer to keep their hand free and unanchored. When playing rhythm, your hand will be unanchored. Lead players will often times anchor their pinky on the pickguard. |
With the thumb & index finger firmly holding the pick, approach the strings at approximately a 45 degree angle. This method is just a common standard that is taught in most circles. Many players have their own style and method of attacking the strings. As you begin to develop as a guitarist, you will probably find the technique that feels best for you. |
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| Whether you are right or left handed, the fretting hand should be positioned with the thumb squared firmly on the middle of the rear part of the neck. There should be some space/daylight between the palm of the hand and the neck of the guitar. This allows your hand to move freely up and down the fretboard. Clamping the hand around the guitar neck like a baseball bat could slow your playing down tremendously. The thumb can be used to fret a bass line, but that is a more advanced topic. |
In most instances you should avoid rolling the thumb over the edge of the fretboard. Although Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn and others used their thumb to fret the bass notes while playing rhythm sections, beginners should apply the methods as illustrated. Using the thumb is a great playing technique after you have first mastered the basics. If you have been playing with the thumb rolled over the fretboard, try the method I have explained for a few weeks and see if it improves your playing abilities. |
When fretting a chord, keep some space between the palm of the hand and the guitar neck. Position the fingertips slightly behind the metal frets while pressing down firmly on each note of the chord you are playing. This helps to prevent string buzz. Also, pay careful attention that you are not touching the stings that are not to be fretted. This will deaden a note and it will not be able to ring out. Some chord fingerings will require that you deaden a string by touching it with an adjacent finger. |
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