7 Guitar Pick Grip Techniques - Ergonomic Comparison & Review

Only you can determine what the best grip technique is for you. In this video, we take a look at the most common guitar pick holding techniques from an ergonomic and biomechanical perspective. Hopefully we'll challenge you to experiment, reduce injuries, and expand your skills and get more enjoyment out of playing the guitar.
▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 - Introduction
00:58 - The 7 techniques Overview
02:30 - "Pad to Side"
02:57 - "Pad to Pad"
03:36 - "Angle Pad"
03:48 - The Other 3 Fingers
04:45 - "Far Knuckle"
05:20 - "Middle Knuckle"
05:50 - "Middle Finger"
06:25 - "Three Finger"
05:20 - "Middle Knuckle"
07:14 - Wrap Up
Bog Street Ergonomic Picks
Website: www.bogstreet.com
Instagram & Facebook: @bogstreet
Contact Paul - paul/at/bogstreet.com
Troy Grady: / troygrady
Original Poll Page: troygrady.com/2016/10/24/what...
If link is not working: the poll is here: crackingthecode.typeform.com/...

[@unrefined5156]

Super underrated video. This is probably one of the best picking breakdowns Ive seen.

[@rickywhite6245]

I recently bought your picks & loving them! Thanks!

[@danserogermusic104]

Oh my! What an awesome video! Different angle on pick-gripping techniques, it should be mandatory to all new guitarists! Thank you very much, and BTW nice logo on the t-shirt!

[@harryebbeson]

I will be getting in touch. I am 70 now and find my pick grip has changed a lot. Always trying to find the best. Your strength and grip changes over the years. I still use some of your first picks from when you got started! Since your picks don’t really wear out, I will consider new picks to work better!

[@BogStreet]

Thank you so much Harry! Really appreciate the feedback and your support :-)

[@PradipParmar-qt3fz]

😅​

[@jdgtrist5840]

Great video Paul. Made me really look at the way I hold the pick.

[@BogStreet]

Really appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@SybilGrace]

Great video. 👍 great to see that you're considering these different grips into your design. My index finger is twisted sideways so my pick grip is unique.

[@BogStreet]

Thanks for watching Sybil! - you rock (literally) :-)

[@LiamRobot2014]

Amazing video, love how througouly you analyzed this. Question- Ever since I've started playing 2 years ago, Ive never been able to hold the pick correctly. Ive experimented with pad to pad, pad to side, angle pad, and other stuff. Sometimes rarely it feels like the pick is held correctly in very specific finger positions that are hard to duplicate, and I can play fast with lots of control, but that goes away fast when it slips a tiny bit. I'm also double jointed in my index finger (idk if this has to do with it.) Ive experimented barely pressing at all, pressing lightly, and hard and nothing seems to work. Would you have any tips? Thank you

[@GB-od6ee]

Triangle picks like the fender 346 shape(not the dorito one) force the pick into the perfect position in your hand. I learned this watching the great Frank Gambale. It helped me with keeping the pick from rotating in my hand while playing hard.

[@LiamRobot2014]

@@GB-od6ee Thanks, I figured it out! Had nothing to do with the grip, I was just overthinking the picking motion, and didn't realize holding the pick is just a game of pressure control with each strum.

[@lindaandreasen9735]

Thank you! An objective approach to picking rather than preaching what the teacher wants you to do. I’ll be experimenting with the different types now to see what works best for me. Picking at my age is more and more of a challenge with each year.

[@BogStreet]

Really appreciate that feedback. I hear you on the challenge with each year that passes :-)

[@user-rt1si7uh7t]

Thanks for the tips.

[@BogStreet]

You bet!

[@johngregsonguitar]

Fantastic analysis, on one of my favourite topics!

[@BogStreet]

Thanks so much for that John

[@johngregsonguitar]

@@BogStreet I can go one further actually, I’m happily using your Axe Cut picks daily on my current gig!

[@fredwehunt7487]

Really enjoyed the video; lots of food for thought. I use a variation of the 3 finger grip where the middle finger is actually against the back of the index finger; that gives it more support and grip strength.

[@BogStreet]

Thanks for taking the time to watch Fred. That's a new variation on the 3-finger that makes a lot of sense.

[@CarlosNaranjoMUSICCHANNEL]

An ultimate guide about holding the pick, THIS!. Also keep in mind the sound it changes related to the pressure of the pick, also if you do strumming or soloing, pick thickness etc. so it's also another factors about choosing your holding type. Thanks!

[@numb2156]

Bought some picks from you guys love them 2 mill for my bass guitar 🎸

[@BogStreet]

Awesome! thank you. :-)

[@DanteS-119]

I have never been able to secure the picture between my pointer finger and my thumb very well. I found myself early on naturally doing with the three finger method, but not as shown in this video, rather I use the two fingers, my pointer and thumb, for regular strumming, with only my middle finger there for extra support and I’m not really using it, whereas I switch to pinching between my middle finger and my thumb when doing more fast slanted picking, in which case my pointer finger is there just for stability and not actually gripping anything. I suspect this may be incorrect as I am a beginner, but the flexibility that I have being able to switch depending on what I’m doing makes sense in my head and I don’t drop the pick

[@jerryross821]

Three finger grip for all the reasons stated as well as easy transition to pad/side which I use at times as well… in addition it is the right time to discuss the pic/style used with each grip and perhaps why… for instance I use fender 346 (rounded triangle) which provides three sided grip, no matter how you grab it you have the same point profile vs the standard Fender 351 design (current industry standard shape) or the smaller teardrop shaped jazz style pics which are perfect for a pad to pad or pad to side grip… well presented discussion

[@BogStreet]

Thanks Jerry!

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

I've been using pad to side because this is what is mostly shown by online teachers... Then I saw Tom Hess' video about "the best way of holding the pick" (pad to pad), I started to use that method to try it, and it did change my perspective a bit especially in terms of muting ( he suggested to use thumb to mute thicker strings instead of inside of the palm as most do, because it allows to be precise with muting easier). After a while I ended up using angle pad with other fingers open for muting and hybrid picking, to combine everything I need from my picking hand. In my opinion this brings the best of both worlds

[@BogStreet]

Thanks for sharing that feedback Sebastian

[@klauskarlkraus]

Tom Hess is not a very good example for anything

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

​@@klauskarlkrausInteresting you say that, could you say a bit more? I found his lessons on youtube and website helpful😄

[@klauskarlkraus]

@@Sebastian_Mroczek well first he is not very good himself. 2.he has this cult/scientology thing going on 3. He is working a Pyramide scheme

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

@@klauskarlkraus Thanks for your response. Allow me answer quite as objective as I can. If he is good or not is quite subjective, but I see him doing this neoclassical shred runs pretty smoothly, so at least he is better than me, which means I can learn from him. As well as it is not the rule that your teacher needs to be better than you to teach you something. Secondly I don't really care who he is and what does privately, he can be an antichrist. I only want to learn some guitar stuff from him, as I do from many other teachers from youtube etc. Pyramid scheme? Maybe he does something like that, but as far as I see he is basically hyping his own students' channels on youtube. That's just simple marketing strategy. They invite each other for webinars calling themselves experts at their own fields, and you know what? I think they are all quite good at teaching their subjects. At least I have learned a lot so far😄

[@johnletitia]

Thanks!

[@ThatKpopGuitarist]

Huh, looks like I'm angle pad. Never even knew it. 😂😂 Great video, Paul!

[@BogStreet]

Hah! Thanks Andrew!

[@charlie35lc]

Great video! I appreciate the lack of a one size fits all viewpoint. I'm an acoustic guitarist and an angle pad guy. It's what feels best to me in terms of pick security and the least tension in my hand, wrist and forearm. Over the past few years as I've gotten more into flatpicking and increasing my pick thickness. By the time I got up to a 1.0 mm Tortex, I found the pick security was becoming more of an issue. Rather than move towards pad to pad or squeeze tighter. I went to a larger pick. I almost exclusively use a Dunlop Primetone Triangle Sculpted 1.4 mm. The pick security issue went away and I can keep my most relaxed angle pad grip. My fingers vary between out and curved. When I make a fist, I get more tension. I've tried the pad to side grip on the recommendation of a bluegrass picker but I find that creates more tension in my hand. I think part of the issue is that my fingers are not thick so the pick wants to more naturally pivot to the angle pad grip. To keep that pick on the side, it's pressing against a smaller area and feels unstable. My point is just to reinforce what you say. Everyone is different and there are lots of factors that come into play.

[@AndrewDay_Aston-Martin-DBS5126]

To fix rotational slip use triangular pics, you don't have to squeeze as hard as it naturally resists rotation when using pad to side method, plus you get three tips so they last three times as long - win, win, win! I have used 'Dunlop Tortex' 0.6mm for 40 years.

[@jeffreywinsor350]

I've been playing a long time. I'm primarily an acoustic player. While I've been using the "Far Knuckle" technique for a long time recently I find myself exploring the 3 finger technique. I'm finding I get a better tone and smoother strumming if I hold the pick with 3. I'm wondering if I should commit to the 3 of go back and grind the "far knuckle"!. Love to hear from others. JW

[@alexsmart5452]

You made me think about it and when I was thinking about it I used the 3 finger one(2 1/2..really). Once I started playing and stopped thinking about it I saw it was the pad to side with the side of my middle finger supporting my pointing finger at the knuckle and stabilizing the pick with the fleshy area right next to the fingernail, keeping it from move to far to the right(down) from the pressure of playing...so a hybrid of the pad to side and the 3 finger. Probably the very best combination since after 3 months playing Im already an expert. I know all 8 chords...take it with some salt.

[@MarcellinusVD]

Interesting ! I use pad to pad fingers out :)

[@blitzwhelm]

I've been experimenting on all the mention techniques above, the most ergonomic for me is the three finger. You can speed as much as you want with no stress on your fingers, i didnt encounter the trade of on it.

[@falseprophetsthorn8723]

#3 for lead. Angle pad. Fingers out unless hybrid picking. Pad to pad for rhythm - it allows the pick to rock and be less aggressive.

[@kozeek82]

I'm far knuckle but my index finger always hits the strings. Been playing off and on 20 years so its hard to change how I hold the pick but I really don't want to hit the strings. Thanks for the video

[@user-rt1si7uh7t]

I broke my index finger so ive had to start playing with my thumb but im open to learning new ways for holding a pick.

[@BogStreet]

Dang, sorry to hear about that.

[@andymat7359]

Interestingly I was a middle finger picker for 25+ years, I've been using side 1st finger now for about three years, I drop the pick a lot and struggle with really strummy rhythm parts sometimes, maybe this video will help!

[@Kerphelio01]

I've been playing guitar for several decades, and over the years I've tried different grips. Early on I played "Far Knuckle" for probably 5 or 10 years. Then I eased up and became a "Pad to side" player. But alas, I never was really happy with my picking. It seemed like I just couldn't get the control or precision I wanted, plus I always felt that the pick was slipping out when speeds got higher. Last year I tried, on a whim, middle finger and shortly after that three finger. Let me tell you, it was (and still is) feeling _really_ awkward and strange. But in spite of that, my control has become significantly beteer instantly - even when the pick felt like a completely alien object. It was fascinating to observe - it felt hella strange, but my speed and accuracy were still better. I now think that my overall problem is that my hands are probably not as strong as other players, and that lack of strength forced me to press much harder in the typical grips, while the middle finger and three-finger approach has given me the strength I was missing so I can actually play without as much tension. I don't know why it's more accurate, that's really unexpected, but probably a side effect of the whole tension thing. As of right now, I change my grip based on application - three finger for soloing and scales, but still "Pad to side" for strumming etc. It still feels strange, but I'm getting more used to it. Who knows, maybe next year I'll hold the pick between my pinky and index, lol...

[@Tarbashh]

I've always done pad to pad, since I first held a pick 17 years ago. I've straight up had people tell me it was wrong. But any time I try to use any other grip, I feel clumsy, and lose any semblance of fine motor skills.

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

I’ve tried most of these and am not fully satisfied. Pad to pad is the most comfortable but muting is an issue. Pad to Side results in my index too often hitting the strings; also, the pick turns around as I play. Angle Pad is fine for a few bars but then turns into one of the previous two grips. Far knuckle is the best (for me) for tremolo picking. I want to work more on it.

[@Billybob1767]

What would you suggest would be the ideal grip for reducing strain e.g. if dealing with tendonitis or RSI?

[@GB-od6ee]

The great Frank Gambale uses the far knuckle grip with a triangle pick.

[@BluesInSeattle]

I have an upside down "angle pad" and I can't break the habit. My thumb is hyper-extended when I play and the pick plays at an angle that is opposite to what everyone else does. I don't know how it happened, but 45 years of playing that way has me stuck.

[@rklewis2]

I've been doing pad to pad for...ever, I guess. As little of the pick as I can use. Actually, I like the pick to be worn down to a curve. Not curved like the sides of the pick, but the point being worn away. What I've found, and I've been playing for over 40 years - is that this is not helpful for any fast alternate picking. It does allow me to pick smoothly, but not all that fast. Consequently, I've found that it unconsciously affected how I approach playing, wherein I throw in more legato stuff. Being left-handed, and playing right-handed makes that somewhat easier, or at least more sensible to me. I honestly never thought about it before. I mean, I knew how I held the pick. I've tried thumb to side, but I didn't stick with it all that long, as it just didn't feel natural to me. Another thing of note (for me, anyway), I have dry skin, so I have to grip that pick a bit tightly, or it can (and has) moved in my hand. Really, I've thought about ditching the pick many times over the years. Pretty sure I can get away with it without losing much in the way of speed, and I'd approach everything in new ways that may actually be better for me. I've tried it before, and I don't lose much.

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

So whatever way you're doing it is backed up by research as totally valid.

[@carznart]

I cannot strum the strings, very frustrating because the pick will not stay in my hand. Had this issue for a long time

[@metallicaspiker16]

Angle pad grip here. I tried to use middle finger grip for a bit after watching Rob Scallon and his crazy chops, but it just felt way too weird. I also tried the three finger grip since I’m a MASSIVE Metallica fan, and one thing I’ve found is that with rhythm guitar, it seems to add an extra “oomph” to the attack on the strings that I love, but I don’t like the extra tension in the hand from it. Angle grip allows me to really dig in without having to exert an insane amount of pressure on the index finger, and having sharper picks seem to help with the lack of attack from rounder, more traditionally tipped picks, and Bog Street absolutely delivers! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@BogStreet]

Thanks so much for that feedback. I'm trying to challenge myself to try new things - especially when I'm playing different kinds of music.

[@BANGKOKJUNGLE]

I have used my thumb nail for more than 30 years but it has restricted my ‘vocabulary’ of riffs and note choices all these years. Can you recommend the best grip to take advantage of my past experience….thanks.🎸

[@BogStreet]

I'd say maybe experiment and explore the pros and cons of each approach :-)

[@jcmazet2351]

It's funny cause I started by holding my pick in the pad to pad position because I was mimicking Michael Romeo (The speeds he manages with this grip is beyond me) and a few years back I felt more and more unconfortable and changed all together to the pad to far knuckle. When I watch old videos and recent videos it seems so weird :p

[@mattbuiskool9439]

The relative softness of the pad of the index finger compared to the boney side definitely affects the tone created from an acoustic guitar.

[@brettharris328]

I think another reason the pad to side method is most popular is because it what many teachers say is “best” to all their students.

[@tr-austin]

I've used the 3 finger grip all my life...

[@Dosenravioli69]

Do you play great soli with it? Im also using this technique since i started play like 2 years ago and well i feel comfortable wirh it but im afraid of playing soli in the future... and tabbing is also very hard i think about changing the grip

[@opethmike]

I'm "three fingers". I just can't find any other grip choice comfortable or playing.

[@ebeep]

3-finger here.

[@fbaesh]

👍👍👍

[@rosco1pug]

The thing that has stopped me from getting serious about using a pick is that they're all made of polymer and they slip around as you start perspiring. It all becomes very non-intuitive as I adjust my grip to control the sliding of the pick.

[@dieterheinrich8377]

There are picks with "cat's tongue" texturing.

[@komaung7471]

Very night

[@NateBreidenbaugh-gg7fs]

I’ve pretty much abandoned picks. I’ve tried every imaginable grip, pick, two fingers, three fingers, all of it. Nothing is comfortable, and everything is a source of muscle tension. Frustrates the hell out of me.

[@BogStreet]

Have you trie Bog Street picks?

[@NateBreidenbaugh-gg7fs]

@@BogStreet I haven’t. Might have to give them a go!

[@vijaygujarti7147]

Tc

[@larrysanchez3214]

Are u kidding thumb point finger and pick your nose