This Is Why You Suck at Guitar: You Don't Pick SMOOTH!

[@BenEller]

Thanks for learning the secrets to picking more smoother and with less tension! How many echoes of the spirit of Rob Thomas did you count??? Get more goodies here: www.patreon.com/posts/89525382?

[@ryanamendt8363]

Not enough Rob Thomas.

[@BenEller]

@@ryanamendt8363I mean, can’t that be said of ALL videos???

[@satchrules101]

Hey Ben could u do a lesson on when a phrase is complete in a measure with chords flying by . That would be great if you could.

[@joeman5220]

I actually do the back-slant picking most of the time. My hand feels more natural grasping the pick by the tips of the thumb and pointer finger and it does work out pretty well most of the time. The only issue I had was getting consistent low string pinch harmonics while using that grip. Higher string squeals are pretty easy though. Also, Rob Thomas is a great musician- his Matchbox 20 stuff is pretty awesome and I can understand why Santana loved his talents.

[@RainRedMusic]

Like 10 or 11 idk

[@KmartKingz]

I remember when I sucked at xylophone back in the 70s. This was the video that changed it all for me. Nearly 80 yrs later I come back to it for inspiration

[@JM_Smith1]

I've had more pick issues than anything else... staying lose is key like you said

[@fbettr2627]

LOL.

[@jeffpodrug8942]

​@@JM_Smith1Me too. It almost felt like I was inventing them. I think everyone has that come to Jesus meeting with themselves.

[@conkyjoe8932]

​@@JM_Smith1😅😅

[@Fafa_Sauce]

Ok willie

[@Kriegter]

This is probably also why everyone suddenly forgets how to play guitar when they record. Relaxing is quite important

[@markdilley3918]

And gigging. Sometime I hit a realisation that I'm so tense, I'm not plating smoothly. Activey relaxing is a thing.

[@Mark-fo3hx]

I agree, I’m still learning and don’t record anything but I’m trying to get the hang of using a looper. I’ll play the progression I want to loop perfectly right up to the point I hit the pedal. I tense up and it goes to hell.

[@Cruz474]

True and real.

[@Bitstream]

Sad but true! 😄 But now I know why I suck when recording guitar.

[@sashanicodemus4212]

So true. When I'm recording other ppl the never fail routine is start recording before anyone knows. Get so much more useful material everytime.

[@brando851]

It’s crazy how often the natural tendency when playing guitar is to be tense and tight, but learning that playing looser and more restrained sounds way better. It’s something that seems so counterintuitive that it really messes with your mind like “it can’t be this simple can it”?-- such a hard habit to break but I’m working on it. Thanks Uncle Ben for the primo content.

[@kimseniorb]

its not counter intuitive, look at any virtuoso especially the string players and theyre all taught and work constantly from day one on relaxation in every joint. seasoned pros play effortlessly, but for some reason in guitar teaching it’s mostly overlooked

[@brando851]

@@kimseniorb I’m saying it SEEMS counterintuitive--not that it is. Especially to a beginner player. Of course a virtuoso player knows this. Duh?

[@j_freed]

@@brando851 - well it's like professional athletes, they try to find maximum flexibility and range of movement to get the last little percentage of capability and speed. It can make them the worlds fastest runner or top scorer in basketball. Good sports trainers help athletes relax and free up muscle groups so they are not working against themselves, wasting energy or damaging their bodies. I believe in the late 1980s Yngwie Malmsteen had developed serious hand pain issues. Tendinitis I believe.

[@ShreddingDragon]

Yeah, and I think especially the effect we get subconsciously from extreme metal imagery is causing part of this intuition. Theatrical music videos and even guitar playthrough videos where people make faces and headbang and hit the strings as hard as possible to look enthusiastic and badass etc. I mean it's awesome, I love all of that for sure. But that's just a display of showmanship - it's great, but it's not what you're "supposed to do" in order to sound great and to maintain a technique. You're supposed to be relaxed. Sounding great while extremely tensed up is a more like a happy accident and a hazardous quasi-technique. It it may work but it is limited.

[@brando851]

@@ShreddingDragon agree 100%

[@tatsuyoshiguitar]

it’s crazy that this works so well, and my stepchildren now consider me their real dad. thanks

[@vltranine720]

Best comment I've seen in a long time 😂

[@JadeHunter67]

That’s rad…Dad!

[@GuitFiddlerOntheR00F]

The band .38 Special knew what they were talking about "Just hold on loosely! But don't let go! If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control!" That rule applies on so many levels 😉

[@cbrindle91]

😂😂😂

[@alienautopsy9326]

Same thing goes for dating girls

[@originalgiantvintage]

BEST. TIP. EVER. Seriously. Everyone-don’t waste your time on any other exercise until you’ve got this one under control. You’re welcome and thank you!!

[@justsomeguy727]

"i picked up the guitar and i fucking sucked!" Uncle Ben always so relatable

[@joegalford2319]

It's refreshing to hear even great players run into bad days.

[@BK-lx5mo]

I often watch Yngwie live videos as a reminder to stay RELAXED. He makes it look effortless because he’s loose even during his most difficult passages. He’s also great at “economy of motion” - moving your fingers (L) and wrist (R) as little as necessary versus flailing around. Relaxed and focused motion = control.

[@j_freed]

That's funny, I was just thinking about Yngwie Malmsteen.

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

I always like to say "don't try harder, try more betterer" Excellent video, perfect advice. Thanks Uncle Ben!

[@paulhusband9002]

Play it quicker but slower.

[@bigkit9963]

@@paulhusband9002both of these are gold

[@jay-shredds]

I believe the saying is “don’t try harder , try more gooder .” I hope this cleared things up for you . We want to prevent misinformation here

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

@@jay-shredds this is the gooderest advice I have received in KZbin comments. Keep fighting the good fight.

[@jay-shredds]

@@zacharysmithingell5460 yep, I’ve been told I’m the bestest . Thank you !

[@reckless-575]

I figured this out about a year ago. This video is going to help a lot of shredders. Thanks uncle Ben! 👍

[@w328x]

Im a self taught(watch yt videos) guitarist for the last 7 years and have always had issues with the strings buzzing so much after picking. Nobody ever pointed it out to me til now either. Its been only a few days and an immediate improvement in my playing. Appreciate you!🤘

[@jakebriscoe]

I remember this video was the only thing that could distract me from the sound of my step father wrestling my mother back in ‘69…. Now, almost 1.3 million years later, here I am, watching it again.

[@leanmario]

whoa, theyve gotta be pretty old by now, thats gotta be a disgusting spectacle to watch

[@fortheloveofnoise]

​@@leanmarioThe Flintstones

[@Guitarisforgrins]

The amount of Smooth references in this kept it real and I won't forget about it.

[@BenEller]

This is the way!

[@alvinallaster9471]

the intro drums😂

[@romaroalte2645]

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast 🫡

[@WizardinBlack3]

I've been watching this series for years and the videos never fail to help me improve my playing.

[@martinmorales3195]

I think I'm noticing that the looser it gets the flatter the pick meets the string. Dave Mustaine said years ago that he prefers to pick parallel to the string to avoid that pick scrap noise and I've been doing it ever since.

[@MatthewBreithaupt]

The way you drop all those puns in there is almost unnoticeable, you're so smooth!

[@SteveKnoblauch]

great tip holding the pick. i have been playing over 50 yrs. and I found that drilling a hole in the center of the pick really secures control as well.

[@afonsodeportugal]

What do you mean, drilling a whole? Do you mean literally? How wide?

[@ccaputa]

Ben, I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone.

[@nc1969]

I admire your humility. If someone as good as you can share your "bad days"... days you feel useless as a guitar player... there's hope for all of us! Thx for the great content.

[@mikeimmonen6619]

Hit the nail on the head with this one. Loose but tight isn't the same as tense and floppy. The latter is loose where it's supposed to be tight and tight and tense where it's supposed to be loose and relaxed - the right thing is happening in the wrong place, and that's why it feels like you're bending over backwards because that's pretty much exactly what your hand is doing. Fast picking comes from controlled wrist tension and a relaxed grip on the pick, there has to be some tension to keep the motion going, just no death grip or you're screwed right off the bat. Also make use of chunking, emphasize the first note of a repeating pattern, whether that be every sixth note in a 16th note triplet shred or whatever, that'll help you keep up the right amount of tension to stop you from getting too relaxed and falling off tempo. Hit the first note hard to sorta gain momentum.

[@Chris-tl9wd]

As a former drummer I forgot how important it was to be relaxed while playing! Man, such a small tip for some, yet makes a HUGE difference in my playing. Thanks Uncle Ben, this has helped me with my carpal tunnel and wrist problems. Thus letting me rock out longer with no pain! :)

[@xavkoston16]

I'm a drummer that hits pretty hard and for relaxing while recording i try to have some limits because of wrist problems like you said. If i'm not able to relax properly when recording i do just 2/3 takes at 100% then relax a little, listen and re-do what needs to be after that break.

[@dmeemd7787]

I remember a close friend of mine I play with just nonchalantly saying, probably just need to relax a little bit sometimes, referring to right/left hand.. and my brain just played it over and over and over every time I’m playing to the point where there’s no inner dialogue anymore and try and do the same!! it will help so much

[@Tapped-o9k]

Im new to guitar and trying to learn thunderstruck and that just helped a lot

[@Connor-us6jt]

Dude I started on drums and that comparison you made with the sticks to a guitar pick (around 4mins in) is awesome !! Cheers thanks 🔥🎸

[@50-Fifty-Vintage]

Dude it's like you read my mind. I was literally just noticing I was doing this yesterday and realized I probably do it all the time while practicing and don't even realize it. I honestly think this is probably the #1 most important thing all guitarists need to learn if they want to play fast, period. It took me 40 years to figure it out but learning to relax and "un-tense" specific muscles completely transformed my playing (along w/ Troy Grady's video series). This video is seriously The Shit - everyone needs to watch it.

[@nj1255]

I usually tell people that if they feel like they always drop picks or they get turned around in their hands, it's not because they aren't holding the picks tight enough, but because they are picking too deep. Only the tip of the pick should touch the string, not the whole pick. There are times when digging in can sound good, but the majority of your playing should not be like that.

[@redbuttonstudiossc]

all the Smooth jokes and reverb'd vocal clips have me legitimately laughing my ass off. Pure gold.

[@Kwert]

This is something I’ve been working on a lot in my guitar playing, and am trying to be consciously aware of at all times (until it becomes unconscious, of course). It was really interesting watching how the pick moved in Martin Miller’s fingers in one of the clips he shot for Troy. It’s flopping around so loosely but is incredibly controlled at the same time.

[@brendajeannewyche]

I just tried playing that troublesome part while relaxing when holding the pick & the improvement is miraculous. CHANGED MY LIFE! I’m not even joking. Because that part has been my bully for way too long & things are about to change. 🎉🎉🎉❤️😎

[@BenEller]

Yesss so glad to help!

[@SHENDOH]

I'm gonna go practice. Excellent lesson uncle Ben

[@1-eye-willy]

if you hold your pick between the thumb, index and middle finger to start you an work on your grip of the pick and when you feel like you are compitent with holding onto the pick you move onto hoolding thepick with just the thumb and index finger. changing things up are a great way to advance

[@kalvincunhaaguiar2894]

Another thing that helps playing aggressive but clean is learning to mute with both hands and using the thumb on your picking hand to mute almost like a pinch harmonic but not all the way. I hope this helps people 😀

[@crossroads900]

Your videos are always awesome! I'm not a shredder but your advice on guitar mechanics is always spot on. I've improved on numerous picking problems with your videos, great stuff on Patreon too, thanks much, Uncle Ben Rules!

[@BenEller]

Thanks a ton! Appreciate you!

[@dubbleplusgood]

I got my 1st guitar a couple years ago and sucked so bad I gave up soon after. Damn thing's been staring at me every day wondering why I don't try it again. I know it all starts with the pick handling so I'll give it another go tonight. Fingers crossed, but "more loosily" this time. 😊

[@appliedphysicist]

This is definitely a thing that comes with experience. Beginner players often don't realize that strong attack doesn't necessarily come from holding the pick more rigidly. There is of course the worry about dropping the pick too, but that feeling goes away quickly once you do it a while

[@YanGlina]

I used to worry about dropping my pick. Then I broke a string at a show 4 measures before my solo. 😄

[@StrokedTac]

For the last 6 months I have noticed the biggest knuckle on my picking index finger has been getting sore after picking practice. This was the answer. I would go on autopilot and crush the pick. Weird, because I've been playing for over 20 years and just created this new bad habit. I'm assuming I am trying to play too fast too soon on some of these exercises, compensating with tension. Thanks Uncle Ben!

[@kenzuercher7497]

This hits the nail on the head with me. I'm left handed but play regular (pick with right hand). Been an issue for 50+ years, pick flies out of my hand, two hands not coordinated, etc. Your description put it back to sounding good for me! Thank you much, Ben!

[@haplozetetic9519]

As someone who stopped playing for a long time, and lost almost all I had learned, I've found that it's easy to dig in too much with the pick. Playing exercises while trying to make the pick contact the strings by only a hair helps. Initially, there will be a lot of missed notes, but it eventually comes together for much smoother, and cleaner playing without the grinding screech on each note.

[@sorenahlback]

Great subject and advice. I’ve also noticed I must remember to breathe when I play something challenging. Focus while relaxing seems to work best. It’s the same if you for example want to drive a car fast.

[@recordman555]

This video has taught me more about how to use a pick than I THOUGHT I knew over the last 50 years! PREFACE: I was trained as a finger picker (classical, Bossa Nova, etc.), but always longed to play those riffs like Glenn Tipton. Whenever I would try to pick the guitar, I just assumed the pick should be perfectly perpendicular to the string. Guess what? I SUCK! Uncle Ben, you have opened my eyes!

[@BenEller]

Man, I’m so happy to hear that!

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

tension in my right hand is my number one problem! i am left handed but play righty plus I am generally a high tension person anyway...relaxing while playing guitar or living life is a huge challenge for me. Some great advices here though thanks, Uncle Ben!

[@QSGWorldwide]

that intro about holding it too tight worked wonders instantly, now to apply it to guitar

[@michaelsnyder6922]

I’m sure you’ve heard this before but you just gave me the best 8 seconds of my life. Watching your motion while gripping lighter made me realize what I’ve been doing wrong. So thanks I’ve also been putting double sided tape on one side of the puck and I can pretty much hold the puck with zero tension

[@fhatsk8er]

I love your burst tip! I used to play “marathon” exercises all the time, but the past few years I’ve been doing bursts. I think it’s less mentally taxing too which makes it less tense. It’s become more a “Simon says” game, starting with a tiny chunk of a run, then gradually adding more and more instead of just playing a super-long passage at a snail pace. Anyway thanks for these reminders I think we all need!

[@kevincarman5739]

This is the video I needed. I’ve been playing for years and one thing that has really stumped me is my picking. I’ve felt a reoccurring disconnect between my fretting and picking hand and everything you described from the chirp, dropping the pick, even how I hold the pick. Over the last few years, I’ve noticed my right hand’s index finger is crooked and I hold my pick just like you demonstrated when you were showing what was messing you up. Thanks for making this video Ben. You’re one of the best guitar teachers/players around!

[@myoriginalname]

Frank Gambale on his tutorial videos always repeats the same line in between each exercise: “relax”. Such a simple concept yet so effective.

[@xinshon]

Funny fact, some weeks ago i was playing some acoustic guitar and notice a lot of string noise while fooling around with gallops chugs, soo i tried the trailing edge 08:40 and the sound immeadiatly was cleaned, until this day i didn't know that was a thing and in my mind that way of holding the pick was "wrong", soo i tried to clean with the normal hand, but never sounded pure clean, that video releases my soul to do it, thank you uncle Ben.

[@PaulWarrenMusic]

Preach! This was such a big part of my difficulties with picking until I realized what was happening. The more I relaxed everything - arms, hands, pick grip - everything got better. Great video dude! \m/

[@AndrewGrey22]

You're right. I've been trying that since I watched this. It works. I guess I've always been playing that way. Never noticed this til you mentioned it.

[@Cherry_Sunburst]

Good buddy...Uncle Ben! Am I wrong, or haven't you ever did a video of the EVH guitar solo for the song "BEAT IT" Yes, I know there are many videos on KZbin about it, but it simply would be wonderful...if you would do it! A MASTER DOES TRIBUTE TO THE KING...!!!

[@trevclee]

I have a variety of issues. But the one that bugs me the most, is that I struggle to repeat the exact same thing. Either repeating a rhythm section or an entire song in general. Every time I play a song, it's always off at some point despite having played it over 3 years. For example, the Bark at the moon solo, I don't think I've every played it perfectly or the exact same.

[@silvertear87]

I don't know if this is would help, but I started double tracking the rhythm sections on the songs I'm attempting. It's hard to explain but when you have to match yourself and then match yourself with the track it forced me to pay attention a bit more. I'm sorry if that sounds a mess

[@j.bradleyheck1589]

Don't sweat it man, just use your imagination & play whatever comes out of you ! Just jam, just shred, fk it & have fun !!!

[@pennywise4843]

Best guitar teacher on KZbin hands down! Thank you .

[@Slipperygecko390]

I wrapped a pick in sports strapping tape a few times, just the part that I hold. Gives a it a bit more width and it's quite grippy so I can hold it extremely softly, did it when I had a sore finger and I haven't taken it off. I love the feel it gives me and the tone that comes from that. I'm going to try some different materials like dipping one in silicone sealant for more grip. Reggie Young used to play with the wrong part of his pick, the rounded part, and got very smooth tone that way.

[@Mj-gu9rs]

Great video, smoothly done

[@stefanokrivtzoff1593]

Thank to you Ben, I’m rethinking how I pick… now I feel like even my endurance has improved! Thanks a million!

[@kellyp9438]

The .38 special reference…gold my friend!

[@TechnocraticBushman]

Proprioception is the name of the game. My other hobby is rock climbing which is nothing more than efficient movement over stone. That awareness Ben is talking about is crucial in both disciplines it seems. When climbing, in order to progress, you always have to notice what you tense up that really does need to be tense, to conserve energy.

[@steevkelly]

Looks like you're using Dunlop Flow picks at first? those are notoriously 'chirpy' but i love them. Paul Gilbert in the early days used the trailing edge technique but at some point (pre Mr Big) he re-trained his whole picking thing to forward edge. then later on re-learned all over again to use thin picks.

[@andres.g]

Man, you are a genius! I've been looking for months for issues on my guitars as to why it sounded so horrible on the high strings. LOL. The problem was Me. Now it sounds great!!! Thanks a billion!

[@Slipperygecko390]

Yeah dude I notice that you can dig into the wound strings and they just sound better and better but unwound high strings need more finesse

[@christopheredgar7549]

Really good perspective of an issue often blamed on equipment (the easy excuse) rather than on technique (the hard realization). Also, nice burst on that Lester. Cheers!

[@Murf_Workshop]

looser grip, shallow pick strikes, and tighter motion all make a huge difference, and for a while I was only focusing on 2 of the 3, but you only confirmed my recent fix, I started loosening my grip and I also switched to medium celluloid picks, it's been easier to pick smooth, and lately it better suits my mood

[@matthewward5813]

Perfect example: I was working on the first fast passage of Marty Friedman's Symphony of Destruction solo the first arpeggio part. I worked at that thing all day long yesterday. I could get it up to about 85% tempo but every time I tried playing it at normal speed I would tense up and literally tensed up more and more with each run through of it. Well, this morning I came back to my rig and had some sleep and was relaxed and the very thing you are saying I did. I told myself just try and play through it as "softly" as I could. And immediately It came easier to me and had it up to tempo by lunch today. Playing with less tension I think is one of if not the most over looked aspect of musicians everywhere. Thanks for all the lessons Uncle Ben. Much love and gratitude from a fellow hick from Southeastern, Ky.

[@eoinjennings519]

How about avoiding the holding with the tip of the thumb - if it’s closer to the knuckle less temptation for the pad of thumb grip !

[@stupidusername38]

The light bulb moment for me came from watching Mike Michalkows drumming system tuition. Mike spoke about holding the drum stick at the fulcrum point. His grip was so loose and it needs to be because you get bounce back off the snare head. The guitars string are similar, they vibrate, and those vibrations generate kinetic energy. A rigid pick grip fights the string vibrations and makes you tense up as you fight the string . Let the pick move in your grip and you won't lose any tone. Also, tension starts in the shoulders and travels down the arm. Drop the shoulders

[@klauswigsmith]

6:44 GREAT advice. Oftentimes you can practice something too much and you reach a point where, not only does progress stop...it regresses! Whenever I start getting worse at something, I know it's time to either put the guitar down for a bit or practice something completely different, as I know I've done all I can do on that particular endeavour for the day. I'll go back to it the next or following day and I know I'll be better at it.

[@sundogaudio851]

thanks! now i know slash was really grippy gripping the pick in the first few notes of Welcome to the Jung hole.

[@bezerah3695]

BRO YOU REALLY ARE THAT GUY! Thanks for this man this is gonna help me out a lot

[@clouds5]

This is very good. It's one of the main things I learned from vocal lessons. With singing, staying relaxed is not optional. If you tense up your instrument doesn't work :D but it's super important for guitar and other parts of your life too. You can only bring 100% if you're relaxed.

[@aramaroian5831]

Loosening up - gold advice. Recorded a solo couple of years ago that had this mean run on the high freta. Wet at it for 3 hours straight, followed by months of recover acupuncture and whatnot

[@rodrigosallesguitar]

Oh, man.. I hate those days when it feels like I've completely forgotten how to play guitar. Even holding the pick seems strange on these days, hahah. Have you made more videos on this subject? That would be cool! Keep rocking, Uncle Ben! 🤘

[@WitchKing99]

What I love about your videos is that I always learn WAY more then I would have expected! When clicking on this specific video I thought you will teach us a neat trick to have more control in the picking or something like that. Well... You did exactly that in the end but first there was a whole story involved; with your own Suckage™ and life lessons! I think I can put it like this: "You tought us nothing new but rather exposed something that was hidden" And I love this kind of teaching! It was fascinating for me and therefore it sticks better to my memory and I feel inspired and motivated to try it out! Thank you very much! Also: The variety of Smooth jokes was hilarious! Keep it up, Ben! ♥

[@e.d.1642]

Finally someone who puts the subject of the video in the description and in the title. Thank you

[@DarthV506]

Posture also has a huge affect on being relaxed. I'm a home/hobby player, so I'm a master at playing fast while slouching on the couch. I brought a guitar into work to noodle during lunch.... and my office chair isn't in slouch position and I struggled for a while to find the right way to be relaxed. Hunched shoulers and tense neck are giveaways for that. Love videos where people show & own their mistakes/issues and then show how they tackle them.

[@joneill3dg]

I'm self-taught and have always used a pick tilted upwards and played with the trailing end. It would pretty much always confuse my friends who would encourage me to change my picking style. I've tired to change it up, but have never been able to play as smooth or efficient as what was natural for me. This is such a great video.

[@wilmer33086]

That’s a Nice Looking LP, Unc!!!!

[@MehYam2112]

Great points! Reminds me of how some acoustic players prefer a slightly thinner pick for more clarity. Big strums require a stronger grip to hang on, so the floppier pick accommodates for that. With a thick Jazz III type pick, you can bring the flop with a softer grip. Also like that tip about changing things up - I broke through a plateau recently by just holding the pick backwards and seeing how it was. Experimentation should be part of practice

[@Sandy_Clam]

Without even knowing it until this video, this is the exact problem I have been having for years in my playing; been on a major plateau for so long, and looking forward to trying this out. The way you articulate the problems and solutions is second to none, love you Uncle Ben!

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Now that you know, make a shoegaze album, I believe in you.

[@brianjetter1270]

This is one of the life altering lessons- thank you Ben. I’m the 5 times I’ve practiced since viewing this, I’ve thought about this & tried to follow the principle & im reaping major rewards. Everything just feels quicker & lighter

[@trevorpugh6475]

Another TOP video that makes complete sense...I often use relaxation techniques generally but often forget to utilise them when playing so, once again, thank you Ben... keep these excellent tutorials coming! 👉👍🙂

[@ensoniq2k]

As a guitarist and drummer you reference to how drummers hold the sticks really opened my eyes! I always pride myself holding the sticks pretty lose but controlled and it never occurred to me it's really the same with picks.

[@horrifyinggelatinousblob]

this is huge and also applies to fingerstyle/acoustic playing as well, one of the most important lessons i learnt in classical guitar. if your hands are tense your angles will be off and you will lose consistency throughout the performance.

[@seanandben]

Hi Ben. You are the man! I have the same problem at times. I think you're using a "flow pick" 1.5mm and a JazzIII which is what I use and like myself, but I was getting a lot of unwanted "chirping" sounds. This "lesson" sorted out my problem - thanks to you. Best wishes from Ireland!

[@collins2509]

Man, that pick movement is just like the ocean under the moon.

[@chrisnaishguitar]

I've gleaned a lot of great things from your videos over the years. This is one of the most important ones for me. Thank you for posting this!

[@richardwouters4416]

Really good eye (ear) opener Ben!

[@jamesswanson4391]

Ben Eller has some good videos about reducing tension in your playing. That dude is a genius!!

[@GrandaddyJeff]

I have a specific situation that I struggle with this on (first time recording myself playing something) every time. Been trying to figure it out. Don’t even have to go test it to confirm, I know I am tensing up to “nail it” and doing this. Also explains why I don’t have the issue when I am recording myself goofing off and/or improvising. 100% sure I am tensing up on the pick. Time to go fix it. Thanks, Ben.

[@alistairpraet9108]

beautiful vid and advice as always as a beginer this is a massive thing i keep doing without realising so great to see it from your experience

[@BenEller]

Happy to help!

[@Blue_3rd]

Very interesting, thanks Ben - and Rob 👍.

[@hoge1223]

That f-ing guitar is beautiful ! LPs are heavy,expensive and never stay in tune, but nothing else even comes close to sounding or looking as bad ass.

[@BenEller]

Man, mine stay in tune extremely well. Rock solid.

[@wandcfirst]

Gotta say, mine is only just over 8 pounds and stays in tune as well as any other guitar. Definitely expensive though!

[@hoge1223]

@@BenEller Maybe I’m picking too hard 😝. Great video dude !

[@victorteixeira1433]

I have this problem (and many others as I'm learning lol), and I've been wondering if it wasn't the picking. Now it makes sense, thanks Uncle Ben!

[@paulodantas1492]

I'm currenty suffering from an essential tremor in my right arm, and playing guitar is sometimes frustrating. Your video was really helpful because I was playing with my picking hand really tense, and you gave some tips that really helped me.. Thank you so much, Uncle Ben!

[@JustSomeGuyInTheMtns]

My friend you should give J Roddy Walston a listen.

[@4dmind]

Yes, and that tight grip on the drum sticks effect is why some drummers develop chronic arthritis, back problems or chronic muscular problems in their arms or rotor cups. You can get the same effect as a guitarist - I find that if I am practicing a lot for days on end, or writing heavily, and I'm being too tense, I will develop cramping in my arms that will build up after 3-4 days. Whereas, if I consciously stay loose at the pick and on my fretting hand, I play better, my picking to fretting timing is better, my tone is better, and I don't build up the arm and wrist tension.

[@Kevin-v6i1x]

Thanks Ben. I really appreciate the tip. 46 years of playing with tension. I'm on it like blue bonnet. Thanks again.

[@AES47670]

Nice video! I think for me it's the other way around, though. Whenever I notice that my picking turns to crap, it's because my pick is too loose. When I wedge it in tighter so that it's extremely stable I generally get a lot more control and precision. What makes a similar difference to what you're describing here is how much I "dig in" to the strings with the pick. A very firm grip combined with merely grazing the strings with the tip works best for me when playing fast and smooth.

[@jeddak]

The 'tight grip' sound isn't necessarily bad. In the right context, it's very effective. Jake E Lee seems to get a similar hyper-aggressive tone that, to my ears, sounds really cool. Of course, such 'barbed-wire' tones aren't everyone's cup of tea. The bottom line is having the flexibility to play speedy passages with either a "death-grip" or a looser hold, depending on whether you want to dish out chirpy, super-defined note-bursts, or smoother, more flowing lines. It's like over-enunciating words vs speaking naturally - there's a time and a place for each mode of delivery.

[@randallhaney7909]

I am the gate keeper of the picking "Suckage Vortex" But when I need a break from it? I use "Uncle Ben's" 2 string hybrid Picking arpeggio , As per his ("MASTER Hybrid Picking TODAY" Video.) I find it impossible to put the Thumb Crush on the pick while doing this. You can also do the speed burst thing with this one as well.. Gee Thanks Uncle Ben !!

[@jamesjordan3192]

I like that Kerry King solo in the beginning!