How To Strum With A Pick Like A Pro: Essential Tips for Beginner Guitarists

[@LaurenBateman]

✅Support Lauren's Channel by Purchasing One of Her Guitar Courses: 👉7 LEVEL GUITAR SYSTEM: www.laurenbatemanguitar.com/courseyt 👉EXPRESSIVE RHYTHM & STRUMMING: www.laurenbatemanguitar.com/strumming 👉FINGERPICKING 101: www.laurenbatemanguitar.com/fingerpicking101

[@DutchStar443]

Old guy here. Returning to music after five decades of other endeavors. Discovered your crash course and signed up. I like your style. Haven’t been this motivated to learn anything in quite a while.

[@mondellomusic2]

Same here, with emphasis on 'I like your style'. She's obviously given this a lot of thought in detail and communicates that knowledge well.

[@LeonWayne-uu3uc]

Don't forget your password

[@jerrydillard2430]

@@LeonWayne-uu3ucOh crap!

[@EvanCarmichael]

Awesome tutorial, Lauren! Your tips for novice guitarists are clear and so easy to follow. Thanks for helping us strum like pros. -Macy (Team Evan)

[@LaurenBateman]

You are so welcome!

[@starfox2215]

As a beginner I use the Dunlop .38 It has ridges also on it also. Love them

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sundowner62james69]

That Black Mountain pick might be worth a try for me.

[@Billy-h7b]

Love that old radio in the background. All the best from London

[@ValentineBuisson-bk7fu]

Thank you Lauren, excellent content for us beginners 🙏🙏

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching :D

[@laurajaneluvsbeauty9596]

I love that you have older students! That’s great! You’re never ever too old to learn. And learnings a new skill is good for your brain too!

[@icescream124hey4]

i just started learning guitar about a month ago and finally decided to start using a pick and apparently i've been doing it right the entire time

[@shootsnscores-cja]

Occasionally catch myself using my second finger along with my thumb to strum, and then I "correct" myself and change it to my index/first finger. I guess I felt that I was just being sloppy and inconsistent with my grip. Glad to hear that it can be pretty normal to hold the pick like that!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! Bad habits do happen.

[@andysteele5707]

I filmed myself playing and realised that's exactly what I'm doing, I look like a wooden manaquin strumming lol. This helps loads 🙂

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad it helped!

[@MrGmooney]

Playing for 50 years,and I have used many many different picks/plecks over the years. I now use the Dunlop Max grip mostly, however there's one other great flatpick..... German made triangle shaped pick,Herdim. I always use both fingers and thumb

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@Edit-k9i]

Guitar playing got better playing WITH a tin pick😊IT SHIRLY MAKES A BIG DIFFENCE. LIKE TODAY LESSON LEARN ALOT,THANKYOU

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@TheLifescasualty]

I’d like to give rock band /guitar hero it’s props. When I was trying to do hard medium songs, the up strum took my points to the next level. Now that I am a grown up trying to learn to actually play, that muscle memory kicked in. It

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! nice tip you got there!

[@michaelligue3842]

Thank you Lauren , have fun on vacation .

[@LaurenBateman]

You're very welcome! Will do! :D

[@rodneypennington1]

I love her tutorials. She is very generous for spending all the time to make these videos, and lessons. Trying to the the $$ available to sign up for her courses. You are truly a giving person, taking all the time to teach us wannabe guitar players. I'm 74 now....lol

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you so much!

[@jerrydillard2430]

76 here, still playing…not good, but still playing.

[@davidmunoz3268]

Thank you. So helpful. I feel not being comfortable with using a pick has really hampered my progress.

[@hankartime9485]

I'm glad to see you hold the pick with both fingers! I've tried the "standard " way and it's just not comfortable to me.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@wernermischler]

Learned a lot with all your videos I like your style!!

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad you like them!

[@darrenoak7187]

Awsome lesson Lauren. Thank you. I found these picks a few weeks ago they are as light as a feather they have a very nice sound. Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks / Plectrums - 0.38mm.

[@mikecasey791]

love your vedio lesson on how to play guitar its easy for me to follow.....i have drop pick in acustic guitar many times. lol...one of the easiest way to retrive it is get a pencil put duble sided tape on eraser end and use the sticky end to pick up pick.

[@anthonysantos8821]

Before, I was uncomfortable playing with a pick; thanks to this lesson I was motivated to try to use the pick again. Thank you 😊

[@LaurenBateman]

Great to hear!

[@johnsabini220]

Great advice. I started out about 18 months ago and was sold medium picks with my guitar, and I've always felt my playing sounded quite "percussive" . After watching this video I went and bought some 0.46mm picks and my sound has been transformed, sounds brighter and seems to ring out better.

[@LaurenBateman]

Great to hear!

[@brucelinton6881]

Hi Lauren 58 yo long time "noodler" here. Gaining so much from your videos and crash course. Thank you. Ive found for ME the max grip .6 pick works best, even better than the tortex .5

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! Keep on playing and always have fun!

[@saikumarmenon1]

Thank you!! Been at it for 3 months. Got my grip right only now thanks to this lesson!!❤

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad it helped! :D

[@robertquietphotographer]

Hi Lauren, thanks for this excellent lesson. I recently learned that improving my strumming (practice amd practice again :-) ) I managed to break to 60 BPM wall in my chords change specially the easy C to G and easy C to D. I'm now I am approaching Level 3, perhaps in a few weeks ! robert, absolute beginner from Italy

[@LaurenBateman]

Wonderful!

[@Keep-Smiling00000]

Lauren, you are one of the best teachers...I subscribed to your Strumming course and I enjoyed it greatly....thx for all you are doing for us.

[@LaurenBateman]

Wow, thank you!

[@larryhinton3032]

Due to an injury to my right index finger when I was 13, I can't bend the end joint in that finger to really use that grip on my pick. I also like that Gretch hollow body hanging on your wall. One of favorite guitar players, Duane Eddy who recently passed away, played that make of guitar for years.

[@stoopotts6908]

I learn something new every time I watch your videos!

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad to hear it!

[@laurajaneluvsbeauty9596]

I love the red ones but i usually play with an orange one.

[@togaplop]

Thanks Lauren. I know I should play with a pick, but I don't. I just hate the way I sound using it. This helps.

[@ram_page]

Your videos are just super awesome 👍👌 Thank You for the videos. Sending you love all the way from Singapore :-)

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad you like them!

[@bridgetl8363]

This was right on time! Im using a .45 that has a rubber cover around top and my pick stills falls haha. Ive been trying to hold pick the way I see many instuct with my pointer finger all bent, but it feels so awkward. You way feels much more natural and strumming feels a bit easier! Love your videos, thanks!!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@saraloking5993]

Ironically, the .73 "too-thick pick", that you showed on the screen, is the exact same thickness I just used for the last few days, and yeah, my strumming was stiff and awful while I focused on my sore fretting fingers (chord torture). I've now put that pick away and have a .53 (Cat Tongue) pick out, waiting for tomorrow's practice. Thank you for the demonstration.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@EricHatheway]

Ah-ha! I think I found my problem. Thanks Lauren! The wrist motion I make when tucking and curling the pick is pretty limited and tight and the pick snags on the strings a lot. It’s a tense way to hold the pick. When using two fingers and the thumb to hold the pick, my whole hand is more relaxed, my wrist flys up and down really well, and the pick doesn’t snag because it seems to naturally find the correct distance to be able to glide over the strings and make nice sounds. Until now, it’s been very frustrating because nobody likes to practice and sound really bad doing it. ✌🏼😎

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@boboy7101]

Thanks, Lauren 🫡...

[@valdweel]

This is great something a profedsional artist mentioned inc is tap your foot to prevent drift. I have watched Al dimeola Paco Delucis and John Mclaughlin. They are tapping thier feet. Reference Mediterranean Sundance video.

[@Paco-w8y]

Muy interesante gracias Lauren

[@benjamindutcher3263]

I've lost two picks into the guitar hole today and they are starting to get expensive! but i just ordered the black mountain pick and whatever the .50 you showed us LOL.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@jenniegarcia7767]

Great lesson! Thank you😄

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad you liked it!

[@JacktheFreaklol]

I have a thumb pick for the arthritis you mentioned but i noticed it can be very difficult to keep the pick from spinning a bit on the upstrums, even while picking lightly... then again, i am currently using a slide-on type of thumb pick. i might try the black mountain one and see if that makes a difference!

[@stevanrose7439]

I used a store bought pick as a pattern and I use it to trace on old credit cards and drivers licenses. Sometimes they are a little softer and it gives me a little better sound.

[@stevanrose7439]

T

[@johnnydee5653]

Which video shows what strings you strumin relation to chords? You are the best online for me 😅

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@cvetnojsad]

Thanks, Lauren, for Your suggestions! I haven't yet found a most suitable to me Pick. The Black Mountain one is OK, as it cannot fly away or into the hole (🤪), but it is still not so soft, while I'm likely to need a VERY soft one, otherwise I prefere playing with my fingers! Moreover, an accident lately occured to my guitar, I've got one string (High E) out of its spot, and so, any Pick can only sound terrible, I think. I recently even tried and made an experiment, that is moving towards the neck to obtain a lighter sound! I was trying, so doing, to improve my dinamics. (................)

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@sundowner62james69]

I think I might have all the bad habits mentioned ! Anyhow , nice lesson . Thanks Lauren.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@Serguei-n5n]

Hi, Lauren. Thank you for helpful tips (how to grip guitar neck firmly -- to produce clear sound of bar chords). These types of major and minor bar chords shown in your video is not a problem to play. For me personally, the difficulty is to play purely major bar chords similar to A (not bar chord on the 2nd thref). I am scruing or twisting my "bar" (index) finger to get firm contact with strings, however, the major note of these chords on the 5th string sounds ugly. One solution is to apply middle finger over the index finger, but the chords will be changed, say, D - to D7 (bar finger on the 5th thref), what is not always good. So, I'm trying trying to avoid these types of chords. Could you, please, make comments on this issue. Thanks in advance. Sergei.

[@LaurenBateman]

I have a video called 5 ways to play an A chord. Check it out

[@devinwalsh4729]

I usually lose my grip on the pick. so I find if you use a hole punch and put a hole in the center the pick usually stays put.

[@TurtleMountainFarm]

Lauren, you're a treasure!

[@pj8624]

Awesome information!!! Thank You!!!

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pj8624]

@@LaurenBateman It really was helpful. No others on here have explained it as well as you! :)

[@donaldthompson-o2m]

I modify my picks by using double sided tape and P120 grade production paper. Only the top 10mm has the grit on both sides. Works like a bomb. If the grit wears off, peel everything off and add new double sided tape and production paper. Note....I use the production paper as used in the Auto body repair shops...Hope this tip helps you guys....

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jerrydillard2430]

I like the Camaro.😊

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks!

[@intheblinkofaneye-reborn220]

❤🙋‍♂️💜Thanks for this video Lauren 🫶

[@dhirenoza4639]

Great

[@davidr.miller9233]

Placing two sided tape works really well on the pick.

[@mikeeckert2253]

Was wondering what model Taylor is that? It's a beauty!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! it's a Taylor 324CE Builder's Edition

[@sumdood2035]

.50 is the perfect pick for beginners. Anything thicker has a habit of catching on the strings. The downside is that it's worse for picking individual strings.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching and for sharing

[@JamesMinski-hr2fh]

Dropped my pick in the sound haven’t seen it since, but I can hear it sometimes just can’t see it.

[@LaurenBateman]

Awww 😔

[@LaurenBateman]

Awww 😔

[@lorigilmore5521]

I have definitely had my pick fly across the room while I was playing in church, as well as fall inside my guitar and on the floor. Just keep smiling and just keep strumming. ha ha

[@LaurenBateman]

That's right! just keep playing! Thanks for sharing!

[@wdokie8652]

Lost pick to the black vortex of my guitar; I’ll retrieve it when I change strings.

[@LMacNeill]

I like the green Dunlop Tortex pick. Not sure what thickness that is... I bought the multi-color 12-pack (two of each color, Red, Orange Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple) and tried them all, multiple times. The green one just seems to be the best balance between flexible and precise, to me. But, like you said, it's a personal preference thing... My guitar teacher tells me that I get the best sound that I'm capable of getting out of that pick. Which might be a backhanded compliment. 😂 My problem isn't strumming, per se. It's strumming *while also changing chords.* I can strum a single chord quite well. I've been a drummer/percussionist for years, so I have a decent sense of timing. But here I am, strumming along just fine, and then I have to change chords and it all goes to hell. 😂 If only I could do both, I might actually be able to play music on this thing... Another question -- what kind of guitar is that? Clearly it's a Taylor. I'm pretty sure it's an 800-series. But I can't find an 800-series on their website that's in that specific color. Best guess is an 814ce Builders Edition, but I don't think that's quite right... I'm just curious -- it's a great-looking guitar.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! For the guitar it's Taylor 324CE Builder's Edition

[@LMacNeill]

@@LaurenBateman Ahh -- the beveled armrest fooled me. Thought it was an 800-series because of that. Didn't realize the 300-series Builder's Edition came with that. I don't think you can get a regular 300-series with that feature... I have a Taylor Academy 12e with the beveled armrest -- *best* thing ever! I don't know if I could ever own an acoustic guitar without that feature now. I'm spoiled. 😂

[@pawelsawicki1750]

12:17 I cannot stress enough, how right it is: as a beginner - amateur, I confirm: whenever I actually start to pay attention on it, I fail. :) As stupid, as it sounds, the best play is, when I do not give a shooot about how I sound :)

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for sharing! Keep on playing and always have fun!

[@pawelsawicki1750]

@@LaurenBateman Thank you :)

[@weldonpinder7295]

I noticed youre using your elbow to srtum i heard a guitar teacher say to use your wrist but i guess its a preference

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@bangonfishingadventures]

ive come along way watching this channel. Im now having problems strumming patterns and singing togeather. Any video on that

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@bangonfishingadventures]

@@LaurenBateman any videos on singing and playing guitar techniques

[@LoriCollins-q5v]

I’m right handed, but left brained, I’m just beginning but feel dyslexic.

[@LaurenBateman]

🫤

[@Thomas_jr22]

Hey Lauren i was just wondering if you coukd do a lesson on Every rose has its thorns?

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! For your song request, please do submit that to this link: www.laurenbateman.com/faq/

[@AaronMiller-cs9ye]

Hi Lauren I have no tendons in my index finger on my strumming hand and have to use my middle finger and thumb to hold my pick do you have any tips

[@LaurenBateman]

Hi Aaron, I sometimes hold the pick like that too! You're good. 🙂

[@aleksandarkuzmanov1811]

Lauren how do we learn strumming patterns that fits the song?

[@LaurenBateman]

That's a great question. A lot of that comes down to ear training. I have a full rhythm series you can check out that might be helpful. Search Lauren Bateman Rhythm Guitar Series.

[@richardTitsworth-vm9kn]

Have you ever used the rounded side of the pick for strumming???

[@LaurenBateman]

I have not. I know Hendrix did sometimes to get a different sound.

[@LPS-mh8kx]

I really like the Black Mountain pick, as I like to finger pick with a bass line. My only wish is that the pick itself had a better edge finish, I’ve had to try to sand/dremel the edges to smooth them out. You wouldn’t think that would be important, but 64 years of playing you’re kinda sensitive to this stuff.

[@moorek1967]

Dunlop didn't teach me guitar, you did. So I would like a pick with your logo on it. But if you recommend Dunlop to help you, then I will purchase it.

[@breezlee59]

Strumming makes me think of the Yogi Berra malapropism “You can’t think and hit at the same time.”

[@Edit-k9i]

I had my pick fall many time incide my guitar,ha!😂

[@johnthompson5409]

what I'm hearing is "Do What Works For You". and "Enjoy What You Do"..

[@deanbadbear9711]

Hi Lauren////What gauge and brand string do you prefer on your acoustic guitar? It looks like your purple guitar is an electric Ibanez guitar like the one I have. Thank you for your advise.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! Here is one of my videos that might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooTZaYh_bLdmmcU

[@deanbadbear9711]

@@LaurenBateman That was perfect Lauren .... you're the best and the best teacher by far !!! Dean

[@LeonWayne-uu3uc]

I bought a strumming course for a pretty good price from her i had it loaded on an old ipad it died and i couldnt seem to get logged on with my phone i sent a bunch of emails none were answered i gave purchase at your own risk

[@LaurenBateman]

Please email us at [e-mail]

[@nicolebarnett8702]

I've been teaching myself for years and still suck with a pick. I have taken photo paper and traced the pic on 3or4 pieces cut them out and taped them together for the easier pick for me. 😏

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! Keep on playing!

[@YoYoZamolo]

I can’t upstrum 😢

[@jackdelainey8229]

Those who say they can and those that say they can't are both usually right 😉

[@YoYoZamolo]

@@jackdelainey8229 so your saying I’m not alone then?

[@aleksandarkuzmanov1811]

You can everybody can, i was like that when i started out, but then i saw a video, they said just imagine your pick like its a brush and your brushing at strings, helped me out quiet a bit, hope it will help you aswell 😁

[@YoYoZamolo]

@@aleksandarkuzmanov1811 cheers for the tip mate 👍 been playing a year, not making much progress though 🤣

[@aleksandarkuzmanov1811]

@@YoYoZamolo thats how ive felt in begging, it should click once you learn it its there, right now im struggling with patterns i do it once correct and then f up, it pisses me off but gives me motivation to make it right, you are not alone in this, everyone been in your shoes once

[@stormaurora5536]

Do you need a pick? Can you just use your finger to strum?

[@LaurenBateman]

You can either use a pick or not. I will depend on your preference

[@joseantoniodiasbatista6074]

😎🎸👊🇧🇷

[@user-iamRobinV68]

Lauren has picks???? Let me at them! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@LaurenBateman]

Ha ha. Yes I do have some. I made them for my live event.

[@cookingwithalphonse5239]

🙏🏻🙏🏽🙏🏻

[@Edit-k9i]

GOT ME A 50MM

[@Danny-qq5nr]

I prefer thumb and fingernails more of a natural dancing beat wall of sound

[@echoesdetoi537]

I love you. It's a proposal.

[@bentucker2301]

Im a few months in and just started to think about my right hand and why it sounds plastic and flappy 😂

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching! Keep on playing and practice, practice, practice!

[@bentucker2301]

@@LaurenBateman every day. I got my basic chords down. Working on moving between them, barres, strumming and I now understand the note layout and the basics of chord shapes up the neck. When I'm not in the mood to hear myself practice because as a beginner what we're making doesn't always sound nice, I do spider exercises. KZbin has been a great way to figure out what I need to learn. Thanks

[@j.allensmith8241]

My son says he loses his pic all the time 😂

[@LaurenBateman]

It also happens to pro's. Thanks for watching!

[@Neil-qf6df]

Using a pick gives a completely different sound than strumming with a finger or thumb...a much brighter sound.

[@LaurenBateman]

Yes! That is correct! Thanks for watching!