How to Strum Smoothly Using a Pick [Guitar Strumming Lessons]

When I first started playing guitar I would watch other guitar players strum away while playing and singing. It looked effortless. It wasn’t until I started trying to play that I realized strumming chords smoothly wasn’t as easy as it looked.
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[@seadoggozo-fishingguitarsa1837]

Hi Thomas! I struggled initially using a pick. Then I started using a really thin one at .38mm. After a couple of weeks moved to .46mm and so on. It worked a treat! Maybe helpful to other beginners..........you can buy packs of mixed sizes.

[@TomasMichaud]

YES... that's great Phil. I wish I would have mentioned this in the video. I usually do have students start with a thin pick. Thanks so much for adding your comment.

[@Day12My]

good point

[@TheThelifegame]

i tried using a thin pick but the sound became very high and made my head hurt when playing.. idk

[@seadoggozo-fishingguitarsa1837]

MayZay I only used it for a short time......and no headaches! 🤣🤣

[@sunnymakkar5266]

Thanks a lot! I didn't knew it's easier to learn with a thin pick. I don't know if that's only me,but I'm able to hear sound of pick being striking to the strings along with the sound of guitar..., Is that normal?

[@sagarnath1829]

Sometimes I totally miss the strings and other times i hit them too hard...Its frustrating

[@gretataylor7548]

I had this when I first started, but if you hold the pick more loosely it stops you from hitting the bottom string too hard (sorry for taking so long)

[@goldielockslady5061]

I have the same problem!

[@morkami9521]

I just started and have a same problem. Thank you for help guys :)

[@janjansen7983]

@@gretataylor7548 I got that problem as well. But when I hold the pick more loosely it slips away haha Man, strumming is really difficult. Way more then it looks. But I'll get there!

[@mayj19]

Same

[@allegory7638]

Finally, someone that explains the down strum and up strum angles so concisely and clearly, thank you!!!

[@leilahfly]

The part about changing the pressure of the thumb, I mean I have been playing guitar for 25 years and that little change is such a tremendous help, thank you for sharing!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Annette.

[@davidmc8478]

thanks, i watched this at just the right time. i have learned to strum but was getting frustrated by the harsh noise and trying all sorts of different angles. Now i know i am heading in the right direction and working on the right things. Clear simple tutorial.

[@mollyjordankoch7712]

I'm new to guitar - plus I'm older - so I feel especially challenged. Your videos make learning feel easy, possible and fun. Thank you!

[@TomasMichaud]

You can do it Molly!

[@datmangotho9618]

Whenever I upstrum, the first two strings stand out a lot and sound super twangy if that makes sense... How do I fix it 😭

[@hybro8]

Mmm, practise really slowly just doing up strums and really emphasise the wrist twisting motion. Also revise your pick grip tightness if necessary

[@datmangotho9618]

Dean Spence Thanks I’ll try it

[@in_dee_city6142]

Same problem here

[@touch3010]

SAme here

[@kelseyboyd9742]

Sameee I suck at strumming😂😂

[@mei.mei1]

Thank you for being so clear and concise! That was really helpful!

[@benwitchell500]

Great lesson - to the point and helped solve something I've been wondering about for a while - thanks!

[@berrybliss8184]

Thanks so much for this - just what I needed. I’m playing electric and trying to do the chords for come as you are and I wanna try and accomplish my favorite nirvana songs and this helped so thanks. I’m not great yet but I hope soon.

[@echavezr2012]

Hi, I just discovered your channel. So helpful and straightforward! Thank you very much and keep it like that. Cheers!

[@TomasMichaud]

It's nice to hear from you, echavezr2012. Thanks!

[@seanlintube]

thank god, this is video I have been looking for! what a relief! thanks for the tips, really useful

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Lin.

[@lawyerlarrry]

Incredibly helpful. Wish I woulda found this video sooner. Thx.

[@jimantonino4394]

Useful lesson even just to put your attention onto your strumming. Good tips. Thanks.

[@TheKrin9]

I will try it, thank you for this information.

[@miszk5690]

Ha, and I felt dumb for not being able to strum... thank you, this is really helpful!

[@10HW]

"so you can sound like a pro on your guitar" We're not there yet, please don't rush me

[@Cattus_Maximus]

so hows your progress after nine months?

[@omkarkaushik6253]

My pick doesn't wiggle wiggle, IT DROPS 🤣

[@Half_cooked_rat]

I play ukulele and this video was just as helpful and the only one I could find that got to the point of the video in a simple and direct way. Thank you!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it helped Maribugg!

[@patkinnane7059]

Just watched your video. I am in the process of learning the guitar. Helped me a lot to understand strumming. Look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Pat.

[@Lightnin991]

Thanks a million for this. I've always played acoustic blues with my fingers. Now I'm learning to play an electric guitar with a pick and I'm finding it incredibly difficult to srum amoothly. Having watched your video about holding the pick and how to strum everything has suddenly improved. The best advice I've found on You tube.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Lightnin991.

[@viktoriiashkurenko2849]

The most helpful video I found on this subject. Thanks man!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ddazuulada]

Amazing, just what I was looking for!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help!

[@govindwagh9546]

with good practice and focus in mind of smooth strumming,it is achieved.after 6 month of good practice I can strumm very smother.sometime it sounds so cool and soothing to myself.thanks a lot

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome Govind. Nothing takes the place of focus and persistence.

[@studiocelestedesign]

6 months to sound okay??? Oh god my downstairs neighbour is going to hate me haha.

[@chantellerosebud1780]

Thank you this video was really helpful 😊

[@rashikphuyal201]

Amazing🔥🔥

[@Russokid17]

this was so awesome to watch. thank you for your work

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Vince.

[@tarakanwar2305]

In fact this a most important Lesson thanks a lot

[@steviesimpson1743]

thank you i now understand how to strum a bit

[@ROAOG710]

super helpfull thanks brotha always enjoy learning from your videos

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Christian.

[@kirkburger7514]

Very glad you put this video out, very helpful

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lilyelizabeth8321]

THABK YOU SO MUCH!!!! i was struggling for sooo long 😭😭 this helped!!!!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome, Lily. I'm glad I could help.

[@Kanaeee170]

This is super useful, thank you!

[@kaminobatto]

That was a very clear and logical explanation! Thanks for that!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome!

[@Stringfreak]

Loved the video. I was struggling with this for quite some time.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Stringfreak.

[@jeffsu5852]

Thanks! This was super helpful. The other begginer videos I watched just said - strum up and down. This was so helpful! Thanks.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful Jeff!

[@alanwakes4786]

Thanks Tomas, great simple tricks to solve issues.

[@TomasMichaud]

Happy to help Alan.

[@animationnation777]

Thank you man this will come in handy I feel a guitar pick brings the guitar alive a little more

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks for commenting, Bill. I'm glad you found this helpful.

[@fisherj06]

This video helped out a lot, thanks!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad to hear it!

[@jasmine-vl9sv]

Omg I was struggling so much but I found this video and it totally helped!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Cinnamøn_ Tøast.

[@shrutirautela57]

Hello sir.. I watched every video on youtube about strumming... and nothing helped me out. Lots of thanks to you from whole my heart sir.. I really improved just by watching your hand gestures. It was a great lesson.

[@bradleycarnell5426]

Thank you! First actual detailed instructions!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome!

[@siennauncertain8898]

Thank you! This made my strumming sound so much better!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help Sienna!

[@b5g5t]

Man, I love you for this video!!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad you enjoyed it FenderGuy!

[@brownsugarv2935]

Thanks ! This helped a lot !

[@padshardbank]

1:27 such a great tip, i've never seen that before but i can feel it makes a difference straight away.

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@hilina.mp3]

this was really helpful, thank you!

[@TomasMichaud]

I'm so glad!

[@peterholliday6126]

Great stuff thanks

[@rbtomio]

Great video! Thanks for posting this. I have been learning to play the guitar for over the past year but have been struggling trying to use a pick. I have used just my fingers up to this point but I know it is better if I learn to play with a pick. I have watched other videos but it has not helped me like yours has. I have always had trouble with upstrums as I don't catch many of the strings or not at all. Your advice to angle the pick and place your thumb higher on the pick to give it more flex really helped. I still have to practice this more but this is the first time I have felt, "I think I can do this!"

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, rbtomio.

[@rebeccadyson2766]

Super helpful!! 💥👍🤜🤛 thanks!!

[@MineGamerofficial]

Thanks for the Angle part,I was using it straight but by angling it's way smooth

[@donaldswan1587]

Really helpful thank you!

[@angkit216]

Thanks bro helps a lot

[@lanorarobertson1510]

Great tips, thank you!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Lanora.

[@miniadventureswithmark3309]

Just what I needed thank you. Now I just need to get accurate with hitting the right strings for the chords I’m playing.

[@TomasMichaud]

You can do it!

[@wildalbalass4867]

Excellent help from an absolute beginner aged 63. Many thanks. Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TomasMichaud]

Happy to help! Hang in there :)

[@danantonio9618]

Very succinct and useful advice. Big help, ty.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful Dan!

[@mackenzieritchie4487]

Thank you so much this was very helpful!!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, MacKenzie.

[@emilycaballero6052]

Thanks for your help! As a future music educator, this was very useful instruction.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful!

[@manar4120]

Thank you! I’ll try this

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome.

[@thegazchambers]

That was a good lesson man 👏👍

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad you liked it!

[@ponxalot]

that was very helpful, thank you!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful! ponxalot.

[@TheSamjomik]

Nice one Tomas!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks!

[@tharangamadushanka4860]

Thanks for the good explanation.

[@TomasMichaud]

You are welcome!

[@sujeewadodamgoda943]

U are ever nice guitar instructor how i feel .. thank you and god bless you

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks, sujeewa dodamgoda. God bless you.

[@abingreegoriouse9572]

Really helpful thanks sir

[@TomasMichaud]

Most welcome

[@mikedouglas9863]

Thanks for the help, subscribed!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks for the sub Mike!

[@johanlofgren7749]

Thanks Thomas. I have played for 2.5 years and still struggle to strum smoothly with a pick. I tend to dig in to much. Still dont feel 100% comfortable when using a pick, but its getting better though. I started with a really thin pick but has now moved up to 0.7-0.9. Loads of practice is the only thing that works for me.

[@TomasMichaud]

Sounds like you're on the right track Johan.

[@mariagraciaspp]

what about now?

[@alex-sv8ru]

Thanks so much Tomas!

[@TomasMichaud]

My pleasure!

[@IgetsnoplayTaylor]

A genius and a life saver!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks!

[@hemendra_666]

thanks, that was very helpful 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it helped Hemendra!

[@terencedaniel4617]

Thanks a lot sir I learnt to strum my guitar within no time after watching ur video.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Terence. Keep it up!

[@user-br9jp1dl9x]

Thank you you are very helpful

[@TomasMichaud]

Happy to help

[@darnellw131]

Man, it doesn't matter how much i practise i just cant atrum smoothly with a pick. With my hand it's just fine, but i can't produce the same sound as to when strumming with a pick so it's really frustrating...

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks for commenting, RickySpanish. I've felt that way many times while learning guitar. Even now I when I'm learning something new. You sound normal.

[@farfalles2665]

Same !!!

[@tyrranicalt-rad6164]

I'm the exact same way I got huge hand picks just don't work for me ...it pissed me off after a few weeks so now I just use my fingers

[@Stickybee135]

I started guitar using a pick but when I started studying fingerstyle,welp I kinda forgot how to use a pick now hahahahha like wtf haha

[@vallesvaldez]

Don't be too hard on yourself. Many players such as Leon Bridges don't play with a pick and they sound great. It has it's benefits but it shouldn't hold you back. There's no wrong way to play guitar. The only rule is to make it sound musical.

[@justus9060]

great video thanks!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad you liked it!

[@mmaaanii]

thank you so much!! After watching this video I can use a pick!!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Dimana.

[@ashmeetsingh3268]

Excelleny tutorial man!!!😇😇

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad you liked it!

[@utkaldiwas]

Helped a lot uncle love ya!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Bee Stinger.

[@whoneedsjug5269]

just helped me strum first time !

[@TomasMichaud]

Rock on!

[@bernhardmair6233]

legend. thank you

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome!

[@JimDorman]

Thank you. I watched a video of myself and didn't realize how roough my strum was. I have trouble with my wrist which makes it hard and even painful. But, this helps.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Jim.

[@annajansson221]

Before I listened to your lesson, I had heard that I should hold the pick very loosely. This didn’t make sense to me but when I heard your advice about rolling the thumb back slightly, it worked much better! Thanks!

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad to help Anna! It is a bit of a balance. If it's too tight it sounds rough. But too loose... well, I've fished many a pick out of my sound hole of the guitar :(

[@karlbridge5844]

Best lesson on how to hold a pick properly out there. Thanks a lot for clear and quick instructions! Now i'm off to annoy the neighbours :-)

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it helped Karl!

[@chrissoda2019]

that helped! thank you very much

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad I could help, Chris.

[@snehalgalashah8359]

Very helpful 👍

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful Shehal!

[@junebug7667]

Hi, I have had so much trouble just actually holding the pick without it dropping out of my hand. Your tip on holding the pick with slightly more pressure on the upper side of the thumb really helped a lot. Thanks so much for this video and your other lessons. God bless you 🙏🙏👍👍

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it helped! God bless you.

[@daxie2610]

Great !!! Thank you.

[@TomasMichaud]

Welcome Dax!

[@butt-head5212]

Thhhshhanks alot man!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome!

[@russelldavidoakley2802]

how do i strum quietly so i can sing over the top without a mic, particularly when strumming fast rhythm

[@imjude_0]

I HAVE THE SAME EXACT QUESTION AND NO ONES TALKING ABOUT IT

[@russelldavidoakley2802]

Yo Boy Jude I play in a small room an I strum with my thumb as light as I can. It works well but I seldom get to use a pick. It’s way too loud. If I strum soft with a pick I can hear the pick clicking against the strings.

[@imjude_0]

@@russelldavidoakley2802 honestly learning to strung with a pick is nice as the sound of the pick hitting the strings is satisfying but if u wanna sing its better to use a mix and adjust audio

[@aerrah_]

Russell David Oakley it’s such a pain and i’m trying so hard to use a pick because my hands are really awkward

[@ridhwan7963]

You can also maybe just play the song with power chords during singing parts.

[@ejazwarsi5909]

Excellent

[@TomasMichaud]

Thank you, Ejaz!

[@deanvaughan6900]

Yes, you're a big help to me

[@TomasMichaud]

I'm glad to hear that Dean.

[@renzflorante8325]

thankk youu❤❤

[@wz4303]

Thank you!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome

[@weiimero]

Subscribed! ☺

[@TomasMichaud]

Welcome aboard We-ii!

[@MrGmax4]

Thank you so so so so so much! God bless

[@sumanmitra6819]

Thank u sir very helpfull keep going sir

[@TomasMichaud]

Always welcome Suman.

[@sumanmitra6819]

@@TomasMichaud but sir strumming and singing at the same time is difficult for me .. But also i am beginner so can u help me sir or make a video pls sir

[@maggie9451]

This taught me so much! It was perfect cause it wasn’t a complicated video and it’s easy to understand.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it helped! :)

[@textGuitarTricks7593ondiscord]

Hey congratulations 🎊 I gat something special for you hit me up to acknowledge your prize now 🎊

[@bishwaspariyar7244]

Thats awesome thank u for this vedio😊 i subscribe your channel

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks for subscribing, Bishwas.

[@snowflakes2096]

thank you

[@josephasundar5637]

Really nice 👌👌

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks a lot 😊