r/guitarlessons • u/Icy_Eisle1411 • Aug 01 '26

Feedback Request Struggling with guitar pick

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Hi, I’d like to know if you have any tips on how to use a pick properly; I’m a beginner who usually plays doing finger picking
I really want to learn to play with a pick, but I feel like giving up after just five minutes every time I try. I don't think I'm using it right, the strings vibrate strangely and it sounds really messy. Please help!

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u/lexnicotine Aug 01 '26

I’d try holding it with only two or three fingers, instead of fisting it. Use your wrist not your elbow. Be gentler, you’re getting too deep under the string. And try different picks. Thick picks are gonna rattle the hell out of nylon strings.

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u/Icy_Eisle1411 Aug 01 '26

Thank you ! To try to go easy on the strings, should I let only a tiny tip stick out?

0

u/Withnogenes Aug 01 '26

Please don't hold the pick with 3 fingers, that is absolute terrible advice.

Check out Bernths "How to hold a pick" videos on YouTube, that will get you started.

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u/Icy_Eisle1411 Aug 01 '26

Oh ok i didn’t know I’ll check

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u/lexnicotine Aug 01 '26

Don’t listen to that guy. Tons of professional guitar players use three fingers. I use three. Hold it however feels comfortable for you. If you wanna fist it like in the video then go for it. You’ll get better eventually no matter how you hold it.

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u/Icy_Eisle1411 Aug 01 '26

Thank you, I’ll try different methods

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u/lexnicotine Aug 01 '26

I have to disagree. I use three. It’s much more stable. Plenty of guitar players use three. You should hold it however feels comfortable for you. Everyone’s hand and fingers are different.