James Hetfield’s picking technique exposed

-CONNECT ON SOCIAL-
Follow me on Instagram - / nikaxeguitar
Facebook Page -- / nikaxeguitar
My Endorsed Products
Stringjoy Strings (amzn.to/43ZkLRF)
Maono Microphones (amzn.to/3H8mlXF)
Maono Audio Interface (amzn.to/3HcRadO)
Cable Free Guitar (www.cablefreeg...)
GEAR I USE
Monster Prolink Cable (amzn.to/3Lp24iV)
Guitar Strings 11-56 (amzn.to/3UZZV0m)
Guitar strings 10-52 (amzn.to/41ZZNQX)
Picks: Jazz III (amzn.to/3VkCfEl)
Nazgul/Sentient Pickups (amzn.to/3L3iYSZ)
Fretboard Cleaner/Oil (amzn.to/3V5aGyw)
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (amzn.to/40xPcvb)
CAMERA/STUDIO GEAR
Sony ZV-E10 Camera (amzn.to/3V81l9m)
Govee Multi-Color Bluetooth Lightbulb (amzn.to/3Ndj9xJ)
Govee Smart Light Bars (amzn.to/3L3PynD)
Lav Mic for iPhone (amzn.to/3AuaWNY)
Lav Mic for Camera (amzn.to/3AsVy4I)
Led Desktop Lights (amzn.to/40EoTnl)
Tripods (amzn.to/40Epeq7)
My Coffee
Mayorga Mayan Blend (amzn.to/3n5i4gE)
If you like the content and wanna support a Vet, you can buy the team a coffee: www.buymeacoff...

[@wyly4864]

*My girlfriend hearing first 5 seconds of audio* Her: WHAT.

[@black6dahlia807]

Didnt even pass my mind 😂

[@Casey3-P-O]

Hahahaha

[@stephangerber6592]

🤣

[@wyly4864]

@@Casey3-P-O Ayy! My name is Casey! 😂🤘

[@Casey3-P-O]

@@wyly4864 congratulations 👏🎉 you have the best name in history. Are you a guy Casey or a female Casey? Just curious. The girl Caseys that I knew in school spelt it like "Kacie".

[@guitarresearchandpracticet5841]

"That's what" -She

[@nikaxeguitar]

This is hilarious 😂

[@EatThatTTV]

That's what she said!

[@user-pv3bo8ki3y]

Джеймс приезжайте В Россию мы ждём вас металлика вечна 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@SuperJiggawhat]

Perfect bahahahaha

[@pasty3656]

Lolllllllll

[@dezza72]

After 30 years of trying to play like James and now I know what I've been missing.

[@SuperLockguy]

You really never tried picking with three fingers in 30 years?

[@iz2333]

​@@SuperLockguy That's a man who's dedicated to consistent technique

[@SuperLockguy]

@@iz2333 what? I'm not even a guitar player and I've tried two different ways of picking when I was trying to learn at one point. Also it's immediately obvious to me that three fingers would be sturdier than two, kind of like the dude says in the video

[@dickrichard626]

​​@@SuperLockguyah, your trippin' and don't what your talking about, because you don't actually play guitar. 2 fingers is all you need and is much better for grip and palm muting. Sure you can get used to anything, but the fact of matter is that you don't actually need a pick and can use the tip of your pointer finger pressed against the thumb and shred. No pick needed. Doing this is painful and requires training to get used to, but it's the fact of the matter. No one technique is ever the best way for everything, but using 3 fingers to hold the pick is more awkward ergonomically and requires more movement from your hand to do things. It is definately not "better" then using just 2 fingers in any way.

[@SuperLockguy]

@@dickrichard626 okay man you're trying too hard to be a big shot funny guy and not acknowledging what I'm actually talking about. I already admitted I didn't play guitar but thanks for anybody that can't read. If I played guitar for 30 years, I would have tried every damn way there is to pick, all I'm saying. Maybe it's cuz you're not good at comprehending things

[@fernandoramoa7079]

The pick rotates on him because he beats the shit out of it on the strings. That's how metal is played

[@eclark9965]

Rotates for me too.

[@bluewater82]

@@eclark9965 I switched to Jazz III picks with the aggressive grip texture and it eliminated almost all pick rotation. Give em a try!

[@eclark9965]

@@bluewater82 thanks for the tip man. I’m working on the pick work now. Trying to get it going.

[@bluewater82]

@@eclark9965 I played with the 3-finger grip for damn near thirty years. Just didn't feel right with only two fingers and I never pressed the issue. Finally forced myself to only use two fingers for a full week to give it an honest try and see what the deal was, but it only took perhaps a few days for me to click with it and naturally go for the 2-finger grip. I've been happy with it so far. I feel like it loosened up my hand and wrist a bit and it now feels awkward trying to go back to using three fingers 😂

[@eclark9965]

@@bluewater82 after years of just using my fingers and thumb pinched to first finger for the strumming, I’m floored by the articulation the pick has given me. I’m going to force myself to keep using it and perhaps learn hybrid picking. It’s great that there’s always room to improve.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

After all these years I had no idea James used three fingers to hold a pick.

[@seancostello2856]

So does Eddie van halen

[@johnj.baranski6553]

And now your life is complete

[@gdale0777]

Let me open a box of who gives a dayum. My sister plays circles around his arse.

[@RenixGames]

Thats surprising. When I was learning guitar and started getting into metallica I quickly realized hetfield used 3 fingers and always downpicked. I picked up the downpicking but 3 fingers didn't feel right for me

[@rhythmindset6996]

@@johnj.baranski6553 😂😂😂. Literally laughing out loud about this.

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

he also plays power chords with his pinky like a real man

[@jamesragsdale8202]

Kirk bars with his pinky too and a lot of guitar players do because it protects the wrist.

[@ajfalo-fi3721]

I started doing it since I saw kirk@@jamesragsdale8202

[@lalolanda3996]

there's no other way to do it

[@princelysnail1998]

@@lalolanda3996I mean, technically, it’s just a 1 and a 5, but that octave 1 added is just natural

[@lalolanda3996]

@@princelysnail1998 of course. Sometimes I also add a lower octave for that 5

[@sabvath7265]

James: i use three fingers, my adamantium wrist and my god powers

[@Breaker197]

Ayeeee, look at that, my like brought it to the number of the beast

[@tristanbroughton1774]

How he can play the songs he does and sing is pretty amazing legend

[@itsalwayssomething7490]

Let me introduce you to another legend named Dave Mustaine that plays killer riffs and sings. They are the last of their kind and it will be sad when both bands hang it up.

[@elkrumb9159]

@@itsalwayssomething7490they are not the last of their kind, that’s just ignorant

[@scaranvostok3637]

​@@itsalwayssomething7490technically the last of the golden metal kind. Metal will never be the same once these bands hang up.

[@Goose21]

@@itsalwayssomething7490check out Dave Davidson that man plays absolutely nuts riffs and sings

[@triplej8666]

cant really call what dave does singing though lol@@itsalwayssomething7490

[@agtronic]

I’ve been playing for 30+ years and I never even realized that I also use three fingers for picking until seeing this short just now. Not even kidding.

[@justicemcdonald2939]

Same. I was just thinking do i use 3 ? Had to grab a pic and was like yep 3

[@H.E.M.]

3 fingers because the pick to huge for your baby 🥕 fingers #2fingergang

[@zuckleyplays4120]

@@H.E.M. 3 fingers gives you more control over the pick for chugging and down picking and like he said it prevents it from rotating at higher speeds which happens to me a lot playing their songs because I use 2 fingers 😂

[@H.E.M.]

@@zuckleyplays4120 Nah you’re just holding the pick wrong. Don’t hold it like a pencil ✍️ Look up the correct way to hold a pick. Not saying you have to play that way because who cares. But I’m saying this because I use to have the rotating problem but if you hold it right it shouldn’t since is clamp between your thumb and the side of your Index finger.

[@ck2music712]

Me too! 30 years, LoL!

[@hannahtaylor8563]

Me trying to remember how I even hold a pick.

[@mrbigglesworth_Official]

All these years I felt a little conscious that I play with 3 fingers...I never knew James played with 3 fingers...now I feel much better

[@alexmethvin8876]

Don't feel bad. 3 fingers are great for control. I literally cannot play with 2 fingers. Do you man.

[@mrbigglesworth_Official]

@@alexmethvin8876 😂😉

[@revepenate]

Same here

[@RiotKidd]

Same

[@allenstokes7753]

🤯 I have that pick rotation problem. This is the first time I’ve ever hear that suggestion. Ima try it

[@henrygvidonas9573]

Take a nail and a hammer and punch three or four holes with somewhat pronounced edges into your picks. They'll never rotate unwantedly again. It's the old Rick Parfitt trick.

[@garfieldfan3892]

​@@henrygvidonas9573or just buy jazz 3 picks

[@waynecribb4922]

When I try using 2 fingers my picks fly to unknown places. LOL. I agree.

[@vovahimself]

Yeah same. I never even figured it was something unusual to use three.

[@nemesis8626]

Yeah why is that? I swear when a guitar pick falls it goes into some void where it will never be seen or heard of again

[@macanmalaya1]

happens to me all the time😂😂

[@Gcssdvnkloiutesc]

I use FOUR FINGERS that means I’m better than y’all

[@Gcssdvnkloiutesc]

@@nemesis8626most guitarists use two fingers , you can strum with three but you don’t get much finesse or dynamics out of three

[@barneycockburn]

If there's ANYONE to teach picking technique- it's this man. There may be faster legato players, even cleaner pickers... But NO ONE is as accurate EVERY single night/note

[@TheNeckoman]

Teachers will argue that he is failing with technique miserably... but i guess its not all in technique after all...

[@mrpierreedel]

Accuracy is definitely not a word you'd associate with Metallica. Very messy band.

[@scottashe984]

That's a bold statement. One that is only backed up by your opinion. James is great but there are a million 15 year olds that can downpick as fast and clean as he does.

[@artemesaulkov2010]

What a dodgy statement

[@skorpionrazor]

@@mrpierreedel He's talking about James, not Metallica overall. Unlike many other bands, James is the one that keeps the right tempo in the band.

[@itcantrainallthetime9886]

James. You're my hero. Our hero. An absolute legend. I could sit and listen to this dude for hours.

[@SuperJiggawhat]

Three fingers

[@mamyramer1603]

Same, I actually got to finally meet him back in early 90s 91ish Oakland, And i can tell you he didn't disappoint, he actually Clowned my friend who is also a lifelong M. Fan.

[@RyDaHero10]

Hero of the day

[@joeydodge2624]

People actually do sit and listen to him/Metallica for hours...not impressive.

[@jamesbraybrook1301]

if that pick his using is the same one as the set I got (the pack was labelled with his name and the picks have a wolf head on them) they are definitely worth the extra money, I love how they have little grip dots for a better hold.

[@NeighborhoodItalian]

Those picks are excellent they’re the only ones I use now!

[@itiswhatitis5132]

Some guitarists, like Dimebag, score their pick with a razor blade or similar to make a hashtag shaped mark on it for a much better grip, it works well...

[@joshmalcom89]

Sounds like a slash thing 🤣 get it

[@ihavewaited90daystochangem51]

​@@joshmalcom89 boo

[@alaskanmuscle70]

Never thought of that. I will give that a shot

[@frankorobinson1540]

Try a pick with a 80 grit sandpaper texture on both side for that kung foo grip.

[@exoendo805]

RIP Dime

[@joshjackburns]

Exactly the problem I was having with two fingers, why I started using three from the first week of playing

[@cfusmoke7319]

I never thought about using three fingers I might try that

[@areyouavinalaff]

if you start with it rotated around, it won't rotate around.

[@yeeyee1690]

I thought everyone used 3 fingers.I did from the start.Turns out no.

[@H.E.M.]

@@yeeyee1690 the “correct” way to hold a pick is by placing the pick on the side of your index finger and then clamping it with your thumb so it doesn’t rotate as James says. But people hold picks with the tips of their fingers (like James) which isn’t “correct”. I only know this because I took a few lessons a few years back and that has stuck with me. Whenever I try to go back to my old picking habit I just hear the teacher saying that’s wrong 😞

[@dr.loomis4221]

Your boyfriend will love it

[@H.E.M.]

@@laurieleiann904 ayo chill

[@bitchingqueen8766]

i switch between three and two, three if i’m doing chords or more aggressive stuff, two if i’m doing solos, or arpeggios or simple riffs

[@jfo3000]

I naturally slipped into using three when doing brutally fast downpicking, just trying to keep up with the drummer and get through the song.

[@NotZahidatall]

Yeah I use 3 finger too and yeah its a same problem with me cant play with 2 fingers pick technique 😅

[@zZLemonGrabZz]

James jr.

[@jyejye1077]

@@zZLemonGrabZz it’s very common I personally use Van Halen style Hetfield and regular open hand/mouth grip. I actually mainly use a cross between Hetfield and regular and my middle finger just supports my index

[@rhyswalsh4483]

Same man two fingers feels weak when you switch

[@NotZahidatall]

@@rhyswalsh4483 yeah i can't downpick with two fingers 3 finger is best for me it gives me more grip to hold the pick

[@rhyswalsh4483]

@Zahid Ali same here man I think I started on acoustic and always had that grip when I switched over to electric

[@thenext9537]

3, yep. Index, thumb and the middle just rests on it. I’ve been doing that since a kid in 80s.

[@ThailandXpress]

If this guy isn’t in your top 3 rhythm guitar players of all time, you’re just wrong.

[@nikaxeguitar]

💯

[@codybullard7836]

He’s the reason why I switched from lead to rhythm

[@EasyGravy420]

bob weir, hetfield are the top 2 in my book

[@boricuadude26]

Been playing for 25 years now. Started at 14. Always wanted to be a lead guitarist but when I started to learn songs from Metallica and watching James play I said fuck it. Rhythm guitar it is for me. I don't even hold the pick the right way but I can definitely pick with 3 fingers as James does specially on fast songs.

[@brentschmoeckel1420]

My two favorite are James and Izzy stradlin

[@DM-rc4yu]

I use 2.5. LIke, two fingers are doing almost all the work but third one is there for support. Doing it with 2 only seems hard and actually holding the pick with all 3 slows me down.

[@jfo3000]

EVH said he holds it with his thumb and middle, and puts his index on the edge for stability when playing fast = 2.5!!!

[@Taxable_Trophy]

I was laughing at this clip when I first saw it, then I come to realize that I’ve always used 3 fingers, even on solos

[@heathjones9218]

I'm actually happy to stumble on this! I use 3 also. Lol now I feel better about it!!

[@PeteBaldwin]

I’ve always used 3 - assumed that was what everyone did!

[@Gcssdvnkloiutesc]

@@PeteBaldwin virtually no one uses 3 fingers

[@theearthrexden]

@@Gcssdvnkloiutesc and virtually no one down picks like Hetfield.

[@Gcssdvnkloiutesc]

@@theearthrexden right it comes from Johnny Ramone who James idolized

[@JoshMIW]

I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who holds a pick with three fingers, I thought I had just learned it wrong and I’d have to relearn but every time i tried 2 fingers I was super uncomfortable. It’s nice to see that holding a pick with 3 fingers isn’t gonna hold me back

[@Beebeebombie]

I play with two and the pick is always rotating around and I've been looking for a solution. So I'll be trying this out now.

[@TheWhateverMan420]

20 years of a pick falling into my guitar and I'm just seeing this... where was the internet when I was 19

[@daviddisbrow1567]

James is one of my favorite guitarist 🎸 metal is so therapeutic on different levels always a awsome show keep getting better ❤️👍👍👍👍👍

[@user-yz8bk1eu9o]

I also hold on to my plectrum with three fingers and I also use a 1 mm thick tortex by Jim Dunlop purple or black for control stability and really fast no fail playing, almost there are those times where transitioning from a finger picking into picking or vise versa that the sweaty hand just can’t seem to get a good hold and it goes flying, so I have to rapidly grab another one off the double sided tape on the bottom edge of my guitar and hopefully not miss more than a couple of milliseconds doing so….it’s a real challenge to play metal and diversify slow clean acoustic sounding parts in a song say as fast as master of puppets, i at 53 years old just learned that whole entire song, both parts and it is now my warm up song and also my gauge to see if my applying band prospects have that king of determination and skill necessary to be able to not just play it, but play it perfectly with no bad or missing notes and all downstrokes, I applaud you James and all of Metallica for that matter …. Doing that for thirty fivish plus years and stilll continuing to not only play it but holy smokes I think you guys play it faster and better than ever now….and all your other quick songs that take just a bit more skill than all but a Minuit few in this world can even close to play it right….one of my new favs that you do of mine personally is moth into flame, where do you get that inspiration from….I get mine from the one day hope of being on stage with Kady Gaga , that just makes me work my ass off to play better and better, thanks for the awesome inspiration of a die hard metal guitarist Kevin D.Brunswick

[@petefaders]

We've been doing it wrong. The God of Metal has spoken.

[@mase444]

I do both Usually two for lead parts, and three for chords and rhythm

[@groovelife415]

You can hear his elderly man voice beginning to creep in. It's hard seeing the fire of your heroes begin to burn out.

[@tortilla.co605]

it's sad but true. I bet he could still kick our ass. Nothing else matters as long as he's still with us.

[@groovelife415]

@@tortilla.co605 I agree. I hope we have many more years and a couple more Metallica albums ahead of us.

[@radicallybean]

@@tortilla.co605you didn’t have to type all of with two of their songs…

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

Lol. 59 isn’t elderly, his voice still sounds the same as it always has.

[@groovelife415]

@@the_minimalistic_adventure his elderly voice is BEGINNING to creep in. You missed that important word in my original statement, King Daft. Listen to him interviewing in 2015 and now. His elderly man voice is starting to take shape.

[@OptimisticMansion-yl1wq]

I’ve been playing guitar for 40 years and I have never seen anyone hold a pick like that. It obviously works for him. But, it would be uncomfortable for me.

[@matthewiles5714]

Everybody has their own unique way of doing things

[@TexasNativee]

Hearing him talk about the pick moving around while holding it with two fingers is pretty amazing, would’ve thought someone as experienced as him wouldn’t have that problem. Something I still have trouble with at times, might need to try this.

[@dickslickerson486]

Theres a joke about a girl hidden in there somewhere

[@John-mh9ty]

It totally jacked up my thumb angle for harmonics, but I tried working on it for a month once.

[@racistfishbowl1]

I had the same problem growing up. Switching from saxophone, my pick just kept sliding out of my fingers. It might’ve been that I saw a video or two of James playing, but for as long as I can remember I’ve been playing with three as well. Makes for killer downstrokes and complete control. I’ve never been able to play any other way in my 10yrs+ of playing guitar.

[@uhidk6871]

I agree with Hetfield, Three fingers just gives so much more control on picking

[@ellg5278]

It’s not just about the grip of the pick, it’s the sturdiness of the fingers. There’s no play when using more than two fingers when picking fast. I would only recommend using the pointing finger to hold the pick when you need to alternate pick arpeggios

[@TexAgsArmyVet]

I finally found a guitarist that uses 3 fingers like I do! I thought I was odd. I'm just like Papa Het! Now all I have to do is master the insane down picking and become awesome... 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@metalhead8338]

NOTHING CAN STOP YOU!

[@jfo3000]

So did Van Halen, the guitar world is wide open for you!

[@graysonhester2955]

I’ve been playing since 2008 and had never thought about the fact that I, too, use three fingers when picking. Sharing this with Papa Het makes me feel powerful 🤘🏻

[@markjohnston3790]

He's such a special man, that's why Jamie always used three that's the magic number.........🤣😂🎅🎄⛄

[@Hydefighter1134]

If you can't get a good grip on a pick, scratch it on the side walk, or some concrete, the scratches will let you get a tighter grip so it doesn't move around while your playing

[@ricorico8309]

Now we know: rythm guitar is played with 3 fingers

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

That’s a really interesting insight, because just now trying it out, it feels like I’ve got more stability on the down picking than just using two fingers. I also feel like I’m using more wrist action than arm movements.

[@snap-off5383]

He grew up with smooth picks.

[@codybullard7836]

Yep that’s why I use tortex

[@GregFirehawk]

I also do 3. The first time I discussed this topic with someone I learned most people choke it really hard under their thumb with a two finger grip. I hold it on the tips of the 3 fingers, it gives more control and you can really adjust the flex. I think I developed that style because I play with very small, rigid picks

[@thehatemachinestl]

James mentioned this in a guitar mag decades ago and I adopted the approach and its worked out well for me. Its subconscious now.

[@thurtythree9668]

This video is OSHA approved

[@unicornfarm1]

I have been trying to switch from 3 fingers to 2 fingers for YEARs, because I thought it was wrong technique. Little did I know, the frontman of band that got me into playing guitar uses the same “wrong” technique

[@plexus]

the kid who uses all their fingers to hold a pencil.

[@poser_disposer]

I love that this is the only time I've ever seen someone who advocates holding a pick the way i do, and it's the guy who i spent all my beginner years replicating.

[@billymcneill5015]

I use three fingers and it used to still spin playing 30 years ago. While playing really heavy music in the death metal scene. I started using jim dunlop stubbles (concaved version ) and haven't had any problems with my pick spinning at all ever since. I'll go back to sharp plectrum now and then but always go back to JD STUBBIES CONCAVED

[@AgainstEvil8]

I actually have had the rotating pick problem for a few years now. I’m primarily a drummer so I haven’t really cared about it, but after seeing this I’m gonna try it and see if it helps.

[@masitraproductions977]

I also hold a pick this way. What James doesn’t tell you is how terrible it is for lead guitar and alt picking that requires string skipping etc. Its great for tight and fast down strokes or gallop picking tho. Im currently trying to unlearn this picking method.

[@dustymdouglas]

Damn, that is actually really interesting 🤯 I have never even considered using more than two.

[@therealkakitron]

Same here. Been playing for over 28 years and always use a combination of thumb, index and middle finger to hold my picks.

[@Breaker197]

I've heard that he used three fingers before, but i never gave it much thought. Hearing it in his words though, and seeing him demonstrate it, makes me really wanna try it

[@GhostsOfJenova]

I've always used 3 myself. It really sucks for sweeping but for chugging it's perfect.

[@shanehallam9966]

I round my picks at the bottom, the part that touches the strings, so that there is no pointy part to catch onto the strings when I'm tremolo picking. Works wonders and helps me pick faster. You can do this easily just by rubbing the bottom of the pick on the pavement.

[@patrickshannon4516]

He's got some kind of Gallup style picking technique he uses, it sounds really good for the thrash sound, haven't heard too many other players do it that good.

[@HeyJoeyYea]

Playing for 20 years, always held the pick with 3 fingers cause felt comfortable and in control. Contently been told it's wrong.. Thank you brother for completing my inner conflict.

[@jeffreydhill]

I started the same way as James. Switching to 2 with a curled index finger improved my picking precision for lead playing and speed. I will say I prefer 3 with acoustic-style picking, though. He's right about the point of the pick rotating.

[@someinstrumentcovers5292]

I've always found that 3 fingers has helped me aswell especially when I started but now I switch between 2 and 3 depending on what I'm doing. Really just comes down to what's most comfortable for the player

[@Arkh-Lightning-Musician]

As a lead guitarist myself, I actually use 3 fingers even for faster alternate picking lead soloing or any guitar stuff for that matter.

[@botskill100]

I never knew holding a guitar pick using three fingers is such a big deal… I’ve been holding mine like that ever since I started playing.

[@thejimmichanga2913]

Ive used 3 fingers picking for 19 years of playing. Its 100% a bad habit and limits my playing, but now seeing Hetfield does the same, I dont feel as bad. I agree with him, i get a lot more control w/ 3 vs 2, but it makes sweeping and appregios in general much harder.

[@AarPlays]

Actually though, as someone who learned both the "normal" and triple finger pick - it's more to do with attack angle and palm muting. I find getting a near 90* attack on the strings with palm muting is significantly easier with a guitar that's slung lower. It's not just possible to get the same attack and palm mute with traditional style picking

[@kaydeecage6820]

I can't do two fingers either. My middle is on flat side close to bridge end and my index is partially on the edge of the neck end of the pick. Thumb flat across the backside. It gives me great balance and control

[@ZacharyBourcier]

I’ve always played with 3 fingers since the beginning… don’t know why just feels more comfortable. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one I thought it wasn’t normal 😮

[@danfors1333]

I hold the pick between thumb and middlefinger with indexfinger and ringfinger at each side for controlled rotation and relaxed grip.

[@kelleystrange]

I did for years and years. I had to retrain myself. Gorilla Snot helped me keep a better hold it.

[@gigaman1234]

I do the exact same thing unless I’m alternate picking bc I wanna have as much control as possible. Good to know one of the best guitar players in the world does to

[@mrhightimes7304]

My wife agreed to the 3 fingers , she is down 100 percent good advice 😉👍

[@bobbymartin7455]

The tone changes depending on where the pick it’s the string too, trade secret here but use the side of the pick, the thinner half of the side, not the tip, the tip is too thin but the side has better contact

[@dominickefrim3088]

I play with the round edge. I also curl my finger to hold the pointed end on the inside of my finger so it doesn't rotate and use my thumb to grip it. Guitar players pick up little quirks that just seem to work and it's different for all guitarists.

[@Coffeetableleg]

I’ve been trying to learn guitar and been wanting to play 3 fingers but I thought you were only supposed to do 2. 3 feels so much better and stronger to me for control.

[@Thesnakerox]

I once tried playing the Master Of Puppets riff as close to the original speed as I could with all downstrokes. Holding the pick with two fingers set my wrist on fire in seconds. However, when I held it with three, I was not only able to stave off the wrist pain for longer, but I could pick much faster. The only thing about holding the pick with three fingers is palm muting is a little more awkward...

[@nose16]

Used to use this grip ever since i switched to a fist shape my speed accuracy and skill increased pretty much instantly

[@jaypaxton2222]

i curl my finger index finger in towards my palm so my finger and thumb are parallel and hold it between them, great grip for speed and accuracy for single note picking.

[@thed33]

I play very similar to James. Down to the way I hold my pick and power chord. I never realized this til recently.

[@abrielrobertsson4160]

Actually, 3 is better. It gives you more control and stability. However, that only works better for downstrokes, where you use your wrist more and not your fingers.

[@Bruh-ob9mi]

I also use three fingers. I try to use two, but the third finger always creeps back in.

[@lahondafolk4334]

I had honestly never thought about it all these decades . Just picked my guitar to check. Learned that I use 3 playing single notes, And 2 ½ strumming chords. (Brace edge of pick with 3rd finger) Interesting?

[@lutussomnus8483]

I'm so genuinely glad i'm not the only one that uses 3 fingers for pick grip, i never understood the 2 finger approach at all.

[@scottd.1700]

I think the lesson here is don't be afraid to try new techniques and do your own thing. If it feels good and it sounds good, it's good.

[@chrissmith4568]

Woah, same for me, gotta use that third finger on the pick or it "wanders" all over the place (driving me nuts in the process) no matter how loose or tight I hold the pick. But, using 3 fingers (most of the time) with a hard-grade pick combined with the grippy rubber pads on each side....presto!...it works amazingly well...super accurate and comfortable control. I'm just blown away that James Hetfield has the same issue...lol...

[@shelbylover1359]

I use the three finger technique. Because I have the same problem where the pick rotates when I use just two

[@anthonyc19]

People who insist that there is only one correct way to do something don't appreciate that human anatomy can vary in unexpected undetectable ways. What works for one can be awkward for another. Its why people snap and whistle in different ways.

[@TheGuitargary]

3 exactly correct about it, not spinning.

[@mc12358]

I saw a picture somewhere from Kill/Ride Era and James is holding his pick exactly like he described in this interview. If you're a guitarist used to holding with 2 index+thumb, it takes some getting used to, but it allows for more control and power in your picking hand. If only it increased my down pick speed as well 😮‍💨

[@HCkev]

I hold my pick in a similar way as James, with 3 fingers, except my ring finger is folded instead of being extended like James, I only leave my pinky out for muting the strings when palm muting. I'm a self-taught guitar player, I never really took any lessons, I learned trying to play songs I like, that's how I ended up holding my pick like that. (I realized I was holding my pick similar to James like 5 years after I started playing guitar)

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

I might have to give his three finger method a try myself. I’ve always had a problem with my pic rotating while I’m playing as well. And that’s a nightmare, because you can’t really correct the problem when you’re in the middle of playing something!

[@jeffrobodeenyehcmon5925]

Picks bug the blank out of me. I got those new rubber adhesive stickers and I can't believe it but they work.

[@driverchance]

I do exactly the same, because I wanted to play like James. But later on I tried different grip styles and realized James has the perfect grip for thrash

[@DrewSpeedDemon]

I live how he looks like a certified grandpa now lol

[@frankferriolo9212]

Low energy

[@zemlidrakona2915]

I started out using three fingers. The problem is the guitar pic naturally points somewhat up when you do that. Since your guitar points up a bit too, you are always picking almost flat across the strings, which I guess is fine for some people. I found it's easier with 2 fingers since I can adjust the angle of attack more by changing the grip a bit..... But who am I to argue with James Hetfield.

[@iliveinadumpster_withracco2334]

i use three too! i didnt know that most only use two fingers for holding picks…

[@user-kt7ui6fg5b]

I can connect two Fingers (for downpick) with holding to Clean arp on "the unforgiven"