How To Strum a Guitar With a Pick For Beginners - 8 Top Tips - Drue James

[@cp21236]

Real simple.........Technical & easy understanding. Thanks

[@wileyadams9436]

Learning to hold and use a pick seems too easy for an entire KZbin video right?? WRONG!! This is WELL worth the time and provides a great foundation. Thanks so much for producing a video that will get so many beginners and probably some experienced players on the right path.

[@The51Jasmine]

I started playing about a year ago and as I learn to strum better, I have found that I am holding pick totally wrong! Its always slipping, so this video has been great. Thank you so much! Quick question, when practicing scales (alternate picking) should one use a thicker pick?

[@waynerook239]

Just the lesson I’ve been searching for thank you

[@DrueJames]

Happy to help!

[@obkaufman]

Thanks so much. Fixed my strumming. Flick the wrist. I could not figure it out. Thin picks. Great lesson. Much appreciated.

[@danydhondt4677]

by far the best tutorial on plectrum technique! Your almost scientific approach is superb. Thanks a million.

[@DrueJames]

Glad you liked it!

[@germanxmascookie]

I'm a 20+ year player getting back to fundamentals. This dude's videos are some of the better options here on KZbin. Kudos, my man.

[@jaggervalentino3473]

i know Im randomly asking but does someone know a trick to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot my account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@benjaminisrael7005]

@Jagger Valentino instablaster :)

[@jaggervalentino3473]

@Benjamin Israel thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@jaggervalentino3473]

@Benjamin Israel it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you saved my ass :D

[@benjaminisrael7005]

@Jagger Valentino You are welcome xD

[@keithbaldock128]

Definitely the best plectrum tutorial I've found. It's answered all my frustrations.

[@DrueJames]

Great to hear!

[@richardayres2949]

Thanks Drue, the most useful video I’ve seen on strumming.

[@DrueJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ashimtalukdar6187]

Best strumming lesson

[@VbrSoro]

after two months of frustration with bad sounding upstrokes, i realised using a 0.85 pick was the issue after watching the video.switching to a just a 0.75 was enough of a difference to have no more issues with them and im gonna get a .5 too. THANKS ALOT,I REALLY WAS GETTING FRUSTRATED AND U SAVED ME

[@miker115]

This is, by far, the best video I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen many) about holding a pick and how to strum with it.

[@sgalloway]

Immediately had good results from this video. I was having a hard time strumming upwards without making it choppy and stopping the flow. I adjusted the fingers to hold the pick and I stopped bunching the other fingers and relaxed them and with a bit more practice it sounded so much smoother.

[@jimleffler7976]

You are right, I've been concentrating too much on finding chords instead of getting the strumming down but I'm getting there. Great video 👍

[@MarIna-ef1hw]

wow! thanks a million! I'm a complete beginner and I've watched a number of videos trying to figure out how to strum, but yours has just worked straight away!! I'm so happy :)) thank you, Drue!

[@DrueJames]

+Marina Goryashchenko Glad it's helped you. Keep on playing and tell your friends!

[@combsaaron]

+Marina Goryashchenko agreed

[@phoenixcampagnuolo8375]

Check on these awesome guitar picks offered by R.P. Industries!! www.bonanza.com/listings/R-P-Industries-Guitar-Pick-15-pack-/545267462 They’re smooth and very durable while also producing a great sound. Best of all R.P. Industries sells them in packages of 15. That’s 3 extra picks for the same price! This product is recommended for any guitar player. Be sure to check out this pick and share with your friends.

[@swingnswaybaby]

Mar Ina wow! Same here! I was totally holding the pick AND strumming incorrectly. Plus I was paying an instructor to do it wrong! Hate it when that happens! Now have to relearn 😡 Keep on strumming Mar Ina! 👍🏻😃🎸 Thank you Drue!!!

[@sahartorialai1843]

Mar Ina a

[@mraframpton]

Thanks Drue - I have had multiple attempts at guitar over the years and am currently trying again - I've always found the nuances of strumming difficult to grasp but your video goes through some very important concepts in a clear, well paced manner. Just watching once has boosted my confidence and eagerness to persist :-)

[@MrStpurno]

I'm really happy with how quickly i was able to correct my strum by going back to basics with you. Thanks heaps

[@mohandas3212]

This is best theory lesson....

[@mujier]

This is the best strumming lesson I saw on KZbin by far. Thank you

[@DrueJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bheckel169]

What really helped me was your advice on the type of pick to use. I've been using a .75 thickness and kept digging into the strings too much on the upstroke. Once I went to a thinner pick, a .50, it made a world of difference and the strokes became clean and more uniform on both the down and upstrokes. Thank you.

[@MrFrancistango]

Genius, finally someone spelling it out, now I actually get it and can really grasp the practise of strumming. You tied in all the factors of grip, stroke movement (up and down), pick angle during each stroke, plectrum depth and importantly pick selection, which made my technique rapidly improve.

[@roof312]

Drue...that hint at 11:47 is incredible!!!! I have been so frustrated with my upstroke because it never sounded like my downstroke. Truthfully, I have worked hours and hours and hours just strumming only upwards but to no avail. Within 10 minutes of wathcing that hint I have gotten them sounding the same. Again, thanks so much!!!

[@MovieMaker309]

This is an excellent vid Drue, thank you. Years ago I played acoustic using thumb and fingers, but having taken up the guitar again a couple of years ago - this time electric - I finally realised I needed to start using a pick. I'm really pleased with my progress at picking, but strumming feels like I've taken a backward step! Your video is really helpful, comprehensive and one I'll probably re-watch several times.

[@benscalp]

The ONLY 'how to use/hold the pick' video that makes sense to me. The other videos aren't as near as complete as this one. Thank you SO MUCH.

[@AniketKapse]

Best tutorial on strumming on KZbin! No bullshit

[@phoenixcampagnuolo8375]

Check on these awesome guitar picks offered by R.P. Industries!! www.bonanza.com/listings/R-P-Industries-Guitar-Pick-15-pack-/545267462 They’re smooth and very durable while also producing a great sound. Best of all R.P. Industries sells them in packages of 15. That’s 3 extra picks for the same price! This product is recommended for any guitar player. Be sure to check out this pick and share with your friends.

[@TR-ed5so]

I have watched countless hours of strumming videos and I want to congratulate you. This video is the Gold Standard, no stone left unturned. For a novice like myself that is having strumming problems this is video will help me tremendously. Precisely what i needed , thank you.

[@cameronfish5280]

I haven’t used a pick the whole year I’ve been playing, I could just never pick it up but since this video I’ve really improved

[@cameronfish5280]

David O'Reilly ;))

[@angusdevine7045]

Hi, fantastic tips on holding the plec ,changed my guitar playing!!

[@jasonmcelhaney646]

I have been searching for a good video on how to strum. I am new to the guitar and this video was just awesome. By the end of the video I was able do an upstroke strum for the first time constantly. THANK YOU, DRUE!

[@TimoDrawsAndPaints]

This was eye opening. I got my guitar few days ago, so this helped a lot on what to aim for when strumming. At the moment it's pretty much lottery on which strings I hit each time, but I never thought this would be easy, so I'm practicing 10 minutes per day strumming only. Better now than 2 days ago, but with these tips I'm sure that in few months it'll go smoother.

[@DrueJames]

Great to hear! Keep on playing!

[@Doc.LifeFactsHacks]

Thank you Drue for an extremely comprehensive and vital (from a beginner point of view) lesson on guitar strumming. Now the first thing that I am going to do is "unlearn" what I've taught myself, watch this vid a couple of times and then ruminate. When I feel that all the pieces are in place, I'll pick up my guitar. My strumming is pathetic; I really needed a tutorial like this one. Thanks again for all your time and effort!!!

[@mattsmith2051]

This was the most useful clip I have watched on strumming to date thank you thank you

[@marshallwoodson]

Very good and back to the basics tutorial. I have been struggling with my strumming and these tips improved the sound and consistency of my chords.

[@NortonsNestMonthly]

Thank you for going into accessible detail about strumming. Chords just don't sound right without these tips and I appreciate this video.

[@DrueJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cridr]

this is the best explanation for the upstroke youtube alg could give me in 2020, thank you !

[@sarcoma5106]

Before beginning my practice session, i watch this :)

[@michaelneelin1847]

I'm a beginner at playing guitar and this answered a lot of questions on wrist position, how to strum, and how to grip the pick to get the sound I want. I tend to try to muscle everything I do in life and this requires finesse. This video really helped thank you!

[@DrueJames]

I'm glad you liked it Michael! Keep on playing!👍

[@meanmstrmustard]

Wish I'd found you long ago. I've been struggling forever with upstrokes in keeping the sound smooth and consistent. Flexing the distal joint of the pointer finger should have been obvious but it wasn't. Many thanks!

[@dirtfalconi4779]

this was a reassuring video. started learning dyring covid and havent had any lessons... its nice to hear someone just run through the various levers i should be considering to make it work. cheers

[@DrueJames]

Glad to help

[@TheEjgilly]

Wow thanks Drue. I am a beginner who learned without a pick at all. Recently purchased a guitar that is not nearly as bright as my previous one, and it needs a pick to unlock the tone of the instrument. But it has felt so WRONG and sounded WORSE to play with a pick. Learned half a dozen things in this video that helped tremendously. Off to practice!

[@judyhoomalamalama]

This was the best video for holding a pick properly and my strumming actually started sounding better. I'm a beginner & subscribed to u videos. Keep them coming. Thank u

[@adamkastor]

great lesson! Played a few years now and never used picks before. Tried to figure it out so many times with different videos but I never felt comfortable. Then I watched this video and just understand everything. How to let the pick move betweeen your fingers. I'm so greatful I watched this video! Thank you so much, Drue! When I started to play a few years ago I always watched your videos. That's how I learned to play. You're a great teacher and thank you for doing such an amizing job! :)

[@phoenixcampagnuolo8375]

Check on these awesome guitar picks offered by R.P. Industries!! www.bonanza.com/listings/R-P-Industries-Guitar-Pick-15-pack-/545267462 They’re smooth and very durable while also producing a great sound. Best of all R.P. Industries sells them in packages of 15. That’s 3 extra picks for the same price! This product is recommended for any guitar player. Be sure to check out this pick and share with your friends.

[@ХуанТарди]

Thank for this video full of good advices for a beginner like me that started two weeks ago

[@midnightrabbithole]

Thanks a lot! Been playing for about a year now- self/youtube taught and I still struggle with holding the pick. I have no problem with strum patterns, but never really learned how to hold it properly. Great video!

[@angelmeyers1455]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO FOR ME! FINALLY A STUMMING VIDEO THAT REALLY HELPED ME HEAR THE IMPROVEMENT I'VE BEEN HOPING TO HEAR IN MY PLAYING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF MY ENDEAVOR 8 MONTHS AGO. I'M SO STOKED I AM LATE FOR WORK. I WAS BECOMING SO DISCOURAGED BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEEM TO QUITE "GET IT" AFTER 8 MONTHS OF SERIOUS DEDICATION TO REALLY TRYING....THIS HAS GIVEN ME HOPE ONCE AGAIN 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@dhruvarora4818]

hav been playing guitar since lockdown started..and always felt my strumming had some issue(been using first 3 fingers to hold the pick), using thumb n index feels a little strange...but I feel the wrist movement is much better and hopefully I should get adjusted to it soon...Your video is a blessing for all those trying to self learn guitar..Thanks a lot for it!!.

[@DrueJames]

I'm glad you like my videos Dhruv! Keep on playing!

[@chirag19812008]

This is amazing...my only regret is I should have watched it earlier..got into wrong habits while playing guitar...struggled so much...the techniques in the video work straight away...now I have to unlearn and learn again...thanks a million for this video...

[@RiojaRoj]

Drue, Thanks so much !.... finally after years of trying to master using a pick you've answered many of the issues I've struggling with. Even at the lessons I've had, no one properly explained how to use a pick. In fact I was told to use about a 0.9mm ! Now maybe I'll get somewhere ! Thanks again Roj

[@tuzkiiiii]

Another tip that i found to be really helpful is to strum all strings at once, it's a bit tricky to explain with words, but it's like hitting the strings at the same time, instead of arpeggio (let the pick slide slowly on each string) this will make the chords sound a little better and give more control over the pick, hope this makes sense :D

[@DrueJames]

tuzkiiiii Yes, don't be coy with your strumming. Hit those strings!!!

[@phoenixcampagnuolo8375]

Check on these awesome guitar picks offered by R.P. Industries!! www.bonanza.com/listings/R-P-Industries-Guitar-Pick-15-pack-/545267462 They’re smooth and very durable while also producing a great sound. Best of all R.P. Industries sells them in packages of 15. That’s 3 extra picks for the same price! This product is recommended for any guitar player. Be sure to check out this pick and share with your friends.

[@marionsiempre7417]

This video did amazing wonders for me. Thank you so very much!!!!

[@marcwood7869]

I knew when I was strumming there was something very small I wasn't quite getting right, that little tip about pointing the little finger out has massively improved my sound and even how the pic feels I'm my fingers.

[@budcarr8673]

omg this was awesome. been struggling so bad with up strumming. thank you

[@jaroznasik3897]

loving this Drue

[@hillers54]

Great video Dru 👌👌👌🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶

[@henriqueramos09933]

OMG!! I was looking for a lesson like this.. Awesome, very good job man! Love you.. (sorry for my english, i'm from Brasil)

[@eternityintroductions418]

Thank you for this video I've been struggling with this since starting and it's been driving me made. Watched this once and instantly sounded great! :D brilliant

[@stobbi38]

The most helpful one I've come across on this topic. You're the first one i've seen mentioning how to make a thicker pick move more loosely, helps a lot.

[@sambranch2539]

What an amazing video & teacher 🙏🏻

[@suffpapst]

very good lession, minimalistic as I expected!!!

[@sidpeter9042]

Very good lesson ,a must for every beginner .thanks

[@DrueJames]

Glad you liked it!

[@x96mustanggtx]

Great video, answered a lot of questions that I had and I think it'll definitely help me with my strumming, which is my main focus right now. Like you said learning Chords doesn't take nearly the same amount of time and effort as learning how to properly strum and control the pick. I'm focusing on just my A, D, and E Chords right now and want to get my Strumming to a decent level before moving onto more Chords. Thanks!

[@salpalazzo779]

Thank you for this video. As a much older beginner, your explanation helped me understand the whole strumming with a pick process.

[@duckcox]

Wow thanks Drew I think I can strum now! Your lesson really did help thank you so much

[@Blueninja3]

This was soooo good. Thank you

[@sso1328]

Thank you soooo much, my strumming just got x10 better after this video, you're the best!!!!!!!!!!

[@audichap1]

so many useful tips. The most thorough I've seen yet, for my biggest problem. Big thanks for your time, and explanations. Gaz.

[@phoenixcampagnuolo8375]

Check on these awesome guitar picks offered by R.P. Industries!! www.bonanza.com/listings/R-P-Industries-Guitar-Pick-15-pack-/545267462 They’re smooth and very durable while also producing a great sound. Best of all R.P. Industries sells them in packages of 15. That’s 3 extra picks for the same price! This product is recommended for any guitar player. Be sure to check out this pick and share with your friends.

[@krista2377]

Thanks for the video! I was watching different videos trying to figure out how to strum, and yours is the most helpful.

[@Swissfairy]

Thank you so much! You’re a great and wonderful teacher.

[@danparks8894]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing

[@DrueJames]

You are so welcome!

[@imrithvishwamitr8770]

Very well explained Sir.thanks a lot.

[@DrueJames]

You are most welcome

[@jens1475]

Hey Drue, your video was really useful to me. I'm playing electric guitar and had some trouble with upstrokes. Looking for help here on KZbin lead me to your video. Thanks for sharing! Best, Jens

[@susanchoe2170]

Tq.sir ,l 'm MALAYSIAN ,I LIKE THE WAY U TEACHING . hope can see u more ,👍👍👍👍👍

[@DrueJames]

Thanks and welcome

[@nicolen.9642]

Thanks dear Drue for sharing! Strumming isn't always easy!

[@James_Carter65]

Drew that was hugely informative for what I thought was a simple topic.. I am off home to examine my strumming technique in more detail, as I know I have a few things to learn there!!🎸

[@SpookyHaunter]

Great lesson, thank you so much

[@Blueking09991]

Thanks from across the pond for the lesson I think its really going to help me.

[@JustieCrustie]

Good lesson & easy to understand..you have good teaching methods. Thankyou.✌

[@T101cyberdynesystems]

Good video, with plenty of tips

[@jonathanthorburn5640]

Great instruction

[@agrin4681]

Thank you!

[@DrueJames]

You're welcome!

[@piceofcake6095]

I have the Red tortex but its in a shark fin form, and its my favorite. I LIVE IT😘😍🤩

[@d.kim366]

wow man. best tut ever on youtube. thx soooo much!!!!apreciate.

[@johnnybx3254]

Great tips 👍

[@nustiuma]

this video was incredibly informative, i was doing so many things wrong.

[@sumdood2035]

.50 is a good starting recommendation. I had to figure that out myself. But what you also need to make clear is the material. Some materials (like Dunlop Ultex) are WAY stiffer than their rating would suggest. Most of the basic lessons out there tell you to "start with a medium pick" on an acoustic. That's really BAD, discouraging advice. Usually a "medium pick" that the guitar stores like to give out for free or even sell you if you want to buy picks, is a Nylon or Celluloid Medium Pick. Both of these are relatively stiff and will get caught on the strings with a new player. Especially on the up stroke. As a beginner, I would suggest a pick that will flap through the strings. I've found good luck with Delrin Material, or the Dunlop Tortex Flex at .50mm. Nylon is also OK if you go really thin, like .38mm, or .46mm. Also, your idea that tightening up your grip rather than digging into the strings to play louder, is one of those "epiphany" or "light bulb" moments. Once the new guitar player discovers it, it changes the whole dynamic of how they play.

[@LonskiBig]

.............1:50 mark......Thank you for saying that.....I've always used my fingers and not a pick for some reasons. A pick always sounded too harsh and bright to me, whereas a hand sounded more warm. It sounded "different" but not necessarily "worse or better", just different. Next, by trying to concentrate on up, up, down, down, up it would simply mess me up and couldn't play the song at all.....Electronics can magnify sound and change tonal qualities, so the lack of volume with a hand/fingers can be compensated for by the right equipment.....

[@nicolen.9642]

Lonnie Christopher Same here. Too harsh the pick, and I'm more relaxed for the up down strokes without the pick. I use my thumb and fingers (Travis picking). 🎶🤗

[@erdogan330]

great lesson thank you.

[@pennpointdesign]

Thank you so much for this video! I have been going on the assumption that I have to hold my hand very closed and tight. I feel like I am stabbing my guitar instead of strumming it! The way you advise to do this is SO much better and I already sound softer and smoother. Cheers to you!

[@DrueJames]

+Mary Anne That's great to hear Mary. Keep up the good work.

[@davidward6066]

Thanks very much for the tips, they have really helped my strumming!

[@2scents434]

Great lesson playing for less than a year and do alot of your tips BUT im not flicking it im pivoting off the guitar. So ty sir!

[@garimabhardwaj6963]

Nice video.... really helped

[@Dutcharmytent]

Another great lesson

[@UnShakErr]

very helpful, thanks.

[@AnxietyAddict]

Thanks for the lesson Drue. I have found that I was flicking up too harshly on my up-strums so that piece where you spoke about loosening your wrist joint so it doesn't catch was very helpful. I originally thought it was because of the 0.46 pick I was using which I think is way too thin it's like paper but I usually use it just to get used to the feel of strumming, then I go for something a bit heavier like a 0.60 or 0.81 at the most. For more intricate picking or when I am practising scales I'll use Dunlop USA Jazz III, it's length means I can be more precise. Anyway, glad to see you're uploading vids again I thought you'd stopped.

[@DrueJames]

ASMRWhisperLight. Hey, no I haven't stopped uploading videos. Still doing 2 a week. Have you subscribed to my channel? As for your up strums always aim for a similar dynamic (loudness) as your down strum. Once you can do this, you can start to add in accents (louder strums) to suit the music you're playing. Keep on playing.

[@jonnyballgame34]

thank you

[@ethanf7757]

this is super helpful 👍

[@krishna7991]

Is strumming by pivoting your elbows or by flicking the palm also subjective? Because a lot of the others, rather all of the videos I have watched so far, suggest that we do the strums with the elbow..

[@sumdood2035]

agreed. EVERY how-to video, including on the paid sites like jamplay suggest using your elbow as a lever. Maybe it's better at the beginning to teach you how to allow your pick to "miss" strings on the upstroke or downstroke.

[@alistairwatson7263]

I had a horrid wrist cramp strumming with it.

[@Linkz03]

I know can guitar teachers unit as one and stick with one answer lol

[@charliecantchinchin5829]

@@sumdood2035 i was a learner using this weeks of learning and getting dishearted as soon as I switched with this method i got my joy back as far better for me anyway .

[@StoicTrader-]

@@charliecantchinchin5829 You like the wrist method better? Every teach on KZbin has been teaching the elbow method but now I'm finding the wrist method way easier for me to do. I dont know which is correct.

[@bhupeshsawant6237]

The criking sound of pic plus sound of strings is the result or there is no sound of pic ?? While I play there is the sound of pic as well . I am a total beginner so asking

[@hairy6826]

Thanks a ton, Drue, for this wonderfully informative video. This is extremely useful for absolute newbies like me, who have just picked up a guitar. One newbie question - how many strings do we need to hit on the upstroke... not all I believe? If only a few of them, then how many - just the 6th, 5th ,4th only each time? Thanks again!

[@DrueJames]

hairy6826 That's a great question and it's very much down to song style and personal preference, but as a very general rule you don't strum as many strings on the way up. But, as I said this depends on the song. If you're hammering our a big chorus sing along, you're more likely to hit more strings that a gentle slow tempo ballad. Keep on playing.

[@x96mustanggtx]

Awesome question, I was wondering the same thing!

[@davehill5539]

Thanks

[@Celt-gc6hn]

Great video, very helpful. Do all this advice apply to electric