If you are new to playing guitar I would recommend that you use a pick when you first start playing.

Although strumming is possible using just your fingers there is no point in making life difficult for yourself.

Here are 3 simple steps you can use right now to hold the pick more easily.

You Do Not Want To Hold The Guitar Pick Using Only Your Fingertips

Another crucial mistake new guitarists make is holding the pick between their fingertips. Doing this makes you feel as if you have more control, especially when you start playing. They do this because it feels as if you have more control at first. Instead when you grip your pick try to keep it between between the rim of your index finger and the outside edge of your thumb. If you grip your guitar pick between the tip of your finger and your thumb you will probably drop it because you have very little grip.

Use Just 2 Fingers To Hold The Pick

A lot of new guitarists will make the mistake of holding their guitar pick with 3 fingers because it feels easier initially. Sometimes even the best guitarists do this you are only making things harder for yourself. The extra finger can be very useful when you start finger tapping or playing pinch harmonics. Holding the pick with 2 fingers allows it just enough flexibility to strike the strings. If you hold the pick too firmly (e.g. with 3 fingers) the tone may sound strange because of the angle you strike your strings at.

Decide What Guitar Pick Style And Thickness Works For You

When you initially begin playing the guitar it is a good idea to get a pick of a medium thickness. A lightweight pick will feel flimsy in your fingers as you play and will be difficult for you to play your guitar with. Hard picks tend to strike the strings a little too hard for a beginner. One of the picks I most liked when I started playing was the Dunlop 0.6mm nylon. It’s nicely textured, easy to hold and it’s not too stiff, but it has a good sound.

Avoid Clenching Your Fist As You Hold The Pick

Clenching your fist as you hold the pick will result in a loss of control because all of the movement must come from the elbow and not the wrist.

– Once you have used these tips to master holding the pick you may want to discover more tricks. Check out teach yourself to play guitar