A Quick Pick Fix
If you're a guitar player that uses a pick, there's something you can do right now that will instantly improve your sound. You don't even have to go out and buy any new expensive equipment either! Woo!
Simply put, the grip in which you hold your guitar pick plays a huge role in the way you sound. Go grab your guitar and pick, and see what I mean.
Use Your Pick As A Tone Shaper
The first thing I want you to do is play a chord. Any chord is fine for this. If you don't know any chords yet, just use your open strings, that's fine too.
Now squeeze your pick as hard as you can, and strum with a normal strum. Notice that:
- Not only is it louder, but...
- Do you hear how bright, edgy, and aggressive that strum sounded?
Now, I know it sounds like I'm complaining about how it sounds, but I'm not at all. In fact, it's actually not a bad thing, and in certain situations, it's exactly what you want.
If you're playing a fast paced rock song, or something else that needs an aggressive sound, it's perfect. You should hold your pick tighter for a genre like that. However, it would be a little out of place to have a death squeeze if you're trying to play something softer and lighter.
Now when I say, "You should hold your pick tighter", I don't really mean that you have to squeeze the life out of it. We're just doing that right now so you can hear the difference. When you go to play for real, even a little bit more squeeze than normal will go a long way.
One More Test
Ok, so I'm sure you can see where this is going, but let's try the opposite now. Strum your guitar again with a normal strum, but now, hold your pick as lightly as you can without dropping it.
Notice this time now, how the chord sounds smoother, softer, and more rounded? Definitely not the sound you're going for with an aggressive rock song!
So, with this thought in mind, try to consciously be more mindful about how you're holding your pick. Try using different grip strengths to "sell" different genres and styles you play. Every song has a "feel/mood/heart" to it, and you can emphasize that feeling, even if just in the tiniest, little bit, by being more aware of your picking hand grip. Every little bit helps, right?
Most of the time we never think about something like this. I know I don't! I know that how I'm holding a pick is usually the last thing on my mind. But as you have just heard for yourself, even the slightest nuances in your pick grip can really effect your sound.
Bonus Tip
It should also be noted that your grip can allow you to "mix" , "glue" , or "blend" yourself in (or out) of a group of other players.
For example, if you want to stand out, or put yourself "up front in the mix" (the overall sound of the group), then try squeezing a little harder. The brighter tone will let you cut through and stand out.
Want to sink back into the mix, and blend in more? (or hide! #noshame because we've all been there!) Loosen your grip and you will dull, or "round off" your tone, causing you to slip into the background.
Conclusion
Hope this helps guys! Leave a comment down below if you found this post useful, or want to share some other strategies you have on the topic of guitar picks.
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