So, after playing guitar since I was like 10, had 6 different teachers, and I can shred, sweep, etc...

I noticed I don't hold the pick properly.... I hold it with my index finger AND middle finger, instead of the proper relaxed fist with the pick inbetween thumb and index finger




Do you guys think I should bother switching or does it really matter that much? I noticed a few famous guitarists pick the same way as me...

I can't really pick strum as fast like that, but obviously since I don't play like that it isn't the same. The only thing popping into my head right now is that it is probably easier to palm mute in the conventional style, but that's up to you to figure out.

i used to hold the pick like that, the main problem for me was i couldnt use my middle finger for other things, like plucking a string at the same time as picking one, or tapping.

I would recommend that you switch to only thumb and index

This post was edited by AlbinoBlackMan on Jan 2 2009 01:30pm

[grab her tush] pardon me, is this seat taken?

i can still play with only my thumb and index, its just that the way I hold it its pointed on an angle, not perpendicular to the strings

i did the SAME thing with stuming
b.c everytime i used only index and thumb the pick fell
then after like 4 yrs i used my thumb and index b.c i pinch hamaromic'd more offten

i am in the process of changing from your style to the correct style after 14 years of playing. my main reason is when playing at large acoustic jams on mandolin and guitar i can get more sound (and better tone) holding with two fingers. also it seems like it will be easier to pick fast with the correct technique. never have any issues with electric guit tho, so you could get away with it.

but i suggest changing, theres no such thing as "too late" to adjust your technique.

Technique only goes so far bro, if you can pull of sweeps and
shred without a problem then don't bother switching it up. If
your comfortable with it then that's all that matters.

Switch. Don't let these guitar illiterates fool you. You'll notice that the strength between your index/middle does not compare to index/thumb. You'll eventually reach a limit on things you can do.

I wouldn't say that, but there are limits I feel. I used to use my thumb, index and middle finger on the pick at the same time and have grown out of it because it limited the actual movement and reach from a regular palm muted position.

This post was edited by Ludafish on Feb 23 2009 11:34am