Why Don't I Use a Pick?

[@JamieSlays]

Haha the moving the pick thing and holding the strings for muting is insane

[@georgei9045]

I dont use my middle finger, but i do slide the pick up under the second digit for taps like that .

[@AdamM12590]

Its crazy how funny and likeable you are Andy LOL i tried my hardest not to laugh at one point but then you did the 7 finger tapping gesture with your weird middle finger gtip and i laughed my ass off

[@SalmonBoa420]

Some people sure can be picky in the comments lol your style does carry its own unique sound for sure. It fits perfectly for MPE

[@danielfurr7356]

Did you use the word "picky" on purpose?

[@shaurya4335]

@@danielfurr7356 how did you just pick that out so easily?

[@catharistband]

I have a similar story about how I learned to play, and I hold my pick the same way. Perhaps we're onto something...

[@AbuZahi]

You just resolved a mystery for me because it's always been an enigma to where the hell your pick was.

[@DanielSmith_19]

Man, I started messing around with the guitar over this last summer. I'm a classical saxophonist and the way you describe the learning process with an instrument that doesn't have academic strings and expectations attached to it is spot-on. Thanks for sharing your music :)

[@andygillion]

Thanks Daniël! Best of luck with your guitar journey :)

[@DonkeyFreckle]

I can vouch on the MPE picks I still use them as my main pick. Love them and they're worth the wait if you live in the U.S

[@kieranjameshickman4733]

I hold my pick very normally, just here to boost the video interaction

[@andygillion]

Haha thanks Kieran!

[@DassCrl]

I started playing electric guitar holding the pick between the thumb and middle finger because it felt like a steadier grip, and did so for some years, before changing to index - thumb. This way I get more agility, but it's probably a matter of training and it's all in my head. I use the 2.0mm big stubby, so I'm already boycotting myself. :p That's the issue I always had with holding picks, the fear they slip and drop.

[@andygillion]

yeah that makes total sense! To me it just feels very unnatural to hold it with my index

[@jackharrisguitar]

Andy, this is why we watch your videos - FOR THE GOOD STUFF. And for the lack of pick.

[@ZenMastah]

This technique really makes a difference :o I have so much trouble learning how to tremolo pick, but after I tried your technique, it's actually pretty natural. It feels like I have much more stability, better angle and consistency for tremolo picking. So thanks!

[@andygillion]

Wow that's so cool to hear!!!

[@vaclavgembala6773]

hey, I do the same thing on the bass when I need to switch to fingers, I just hold the pick by the fourth finger

[@Heikken]

I used to angle my pick the "wrong" way, sort of like Ola Englund does (he does it very well) but holding it that way made some stuff difficult to do. I have since then learned to pick the "right" way and I still suck so... yeah.. Just hold the freaking thing and play.

[@ankebebe2329]

I never recognized pick or no pick...I close my eyes and enjoy the music✌🖤

[@guitarwayfarer]

Now I need to go watch your hands in your videos!

[@icetraex]

Brilliant as always! Love the editing... had me laughing a few times. Rock on, Andy!

[@andygillion]

Cheers :)

[@clovewilliam]

I feel so validated! I hold my pick the same way, and learned to hold it that way to free up my forefinger for tapping, too.

[@andygillion]

You're not alone anymore William!

[@freshpeeshes9899]

I just recently ordered a pack of your signature picks, and I'm excited! They look great. Just want you to know that you've inspired me to get back into guitar and you have the style and sound I hope to attain one day. I've been listening to your work since "...And Death Said Live" and you've become my favorite guitarist. I eagerly anticipate what you come up with next. Please keep doing what you do man. EDIT: Got the picks in and been using em for about a week or so. 10/10 love em.

[@andygillion]

That's awesome to hear, thanks so much!

[@josephmardesich5558]

I dont use a pick at all, rather just hold the position of it and use my pointer finger nail instead. I can fast pick, sweep etc no issues, easy to get pinch harmonics and gives you a closeness to the guitar that a pick cannot deliver. My opinion

[@Staminist-MMF-80]

Ahhh, now I see your point! As I say many times to some students, if they can play it better in a certain way that I didn't show them, then I'm OK with the "thing" kids do, but only if it serves the purpose of the song/practice :) @Andy, in UK, do you use the A, H, C, D, E, F... or A, B, C, D, E, F... tones (central Europe, where I live, we use H instead of B)? You know, old schoolers use H instead of B ( B is flat H in fact lol)

[@Lephro]

That Sonic stage finish sound... ahhh i just love what you do :)

[@Master_Eder1]

Nice! That's a great technique. A long time I used to hold my pick with both the index and middle finger. But changed it to index finger later. But it depends on what kind of riff I'm playing. I still hold it with both fingers sometimes, especially when I'm palm muting some moshparts and stuff like that. For tapping I just use my middle finger, so I can easily hold the pick with the index finger. Using the index finger for tapping feels kind of weird and unnatural to me because I'm used to the length of the middle finger for reaching out for the tapped frets, I think 🤔 😂.

[@denisgrajqevci8499]

I started picking for 1 year like this at my beginning! Then i started thinking i am weird and changed my picking style

[@scottmclean8910]

Yo Andy great video I followed you since the streets of rage medley days! That story really resonates with me. My dad showed me a few chords on guitar then I just learned through tabs and learning songs I liked. I’d consider myself an above average player technically but I’ve got to a stage now though where I wish I knew what notes I was playing and some of the theory. I also used the pick exactly the way you described for years but made a conscious decision to change because I felt I wasn’t getting the speed when I moved into “shredding” if you like. I like that you’ve made it work. An interesting thing for me is whether you have your spare fingers tucked up in like a claw shape like a lot of metal guitarists do or kind of flat anchored on the top E string that’s what I’m currently contemplating and sometimes end up switching between the two.

[@xtnpxjakeo]

This was a recommended video and all I can say is, do what makes your sound yours. I know all too well about not playing "properly" but my music stands out from most. Im going to watch some more videos because now I want to see you play lol

[@jaskierdraven9191]

So I just tried holding my pick the same as you do and I actually found it easier. And I was able to do a lick I usually do finger style as it requires moving up and down on singular strings (no idea if that make sense) but I was actually able to do it, first try not even looking. I have learned something haha, thank you!

[@andygillion]

Oh wow, that's awesome!

[@sonicacoustics9176]

You are really talented. Awesome! :)

[@sebastianuhre525]

You are actually really good at making KZbin videos. Your editing is funny as hell! Its entertaining and educational and I'm not even interested in playing music.

[@andygillion]

Cheers Sebastian!

[@georgei9045]

I wish there was some sheet music available for the Skyless piano track. I've got the guitar from Andy's site, but I don't think any of the tracks reflected the piano track.

[@danielmoran1891]

I remember emailing you for an mp3 download of your Sonic The Hedgehog medleys cause my guitarist and I loved those two videos so much :) you've come so far man!!!

[@andygillion]

Haha I remember that too, hope you're doing well man

[@danielmoran1891]

@@andygillion imagine this in a thick, female, Scouse accent: OEW ME GAWD ANY GILLION JUST REPLIED TO ME TWEET, AM DEAD MATE Now forget that ever happened and, if you ever need a vocalist (shameless shill), come find me homie.

[@PiotrthePhrog]

Some badass gang signs at 5:00!

[@everetta117]

I was chatting with garret peters and he noted that I was using this type of grip for a Bodom sweep video I sent him, and he mentioned you (and EVH) use this same grip. I was elated because I was already a huge fan of MPE and your playing specifically. Team eagle grip assemble!

[@jerrykan7545]

How do you play metal guitar in standard tuning ?

[@thygod]

EVH has a fairly similar grip, yeah. (I know this because I do it too.)

[@ChristopherMcLarenExperience]

Bro how come your mic isn't picking up any background noise what so ever? I'm guessing you were at least using a mic into an interface into software right? Not like a camera internal mic lol.

[@seandempseymusic]

Funny enough I hold the pick the exact same way. Cool to see someone else also holds it that way🤘

[@avengedapenguin]

Pick like it owes you money!

[@willthepill11]

Plectrum? Is that the metric equivalent of “pick”?

[@MatthewWiebeMusic]

That pick flicking back and forth seems super sketchy, especially in a live setting. I would be concerned that the “Return of the Pick” (Or...Pick Strikes Back?...A New Hold?) would cause it to fall more often than not. But I guess it’s part of your DNA by this point, so best to not tamper with it!

[@andygillion]

I honestly rarely drop my picks, I didnt even know I was doing this so it's pretty solid!

[@sebastiantamariz7635]

So funny as always, cheers mate! Have you considered stand up comedy over music? Stop, don't... Although you might be respectable at it, I don't wanna risk the future of MPE and the follow up to neverafter xD

[@andygillion]

Hahah maybe one day mate!

[@ihaveriffs8261]

Left a way too long comment on Facebook. So now I got nothin’. Ever think about getting a 7-string? Me neither.

[@andygillion]

I honestly hate the way a 7-string feels in my hands, it just doesn't feel like home to me. But I will most likely get one sooner or later so I have the option for video game soundtrack stuff

[@arsis1102]

@@andygillion when you get handed a 7 string and have no clue,but can play better than most that have either. Andy you deserve alot more than 10k subs

[@EsaValkama]

Really interesting video, I've always wondered about your picking style (I've tried it myself even, but being used to the "normal" grip, it feels a bit odd :D ). Also, I just realized you have the same computer case as I do! XD

[@andygillion]

Haha epic!

[@metal_moonlighter9235]

Well today I learned that Andy is f*ckin hilarious, obviously new here

[@andygillion]

Welcome! :)

[@tw7522]

Andy, Please do another Opeth cover for 10k

[@garyhill4212]

OHHH YHURRR 🦇🦁🦇

[@CatchReleaseRepeat]

I hide the pick like that behind my middle finger too. The big difference here is Andy good, me bad.

[@guitarwayfarer]

He totally saluted with his left hand

[@johnw5734]

Wouldn't that be something if what separates great guitar players from the mediocre rabble (of which I am a member) is the mastery of the pick.

[@epychan922]

i think a lot of guitarists use small picks for speed

[@VirtualRageMaster]

Andy I have loved every freaking note you put through your mind into that "evil grip" ninja-pick-technique for the past decade. Im subbed on both my accounts. Your Streets of Rage cover from 12 years ago is still in my favourites list kzbin.info/www/bejne/fafcZYerhN9nrdE So is your BBC News cover kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5yVepdnra6XjKc Channels like yours inspired me to start my own channel following my passion, high-action VR gaming, 4 years ago. From one Brit to another, If theres any way I could get your music into my gaming vids somehow, it'd be a dream realised and I'd link your channel all over the shop. Well wishes keep the spirit!

[@DavidNwokoye]

Dude we have the same picking technique 👌

[@gokturk15]

Ok I get it but I still don't understand why don't you use a pick?

[@Damnev]

Well now, got clickbaited pretty hard in this one. Bravo sir.

[@andygillion]

Haha my apologies

[@Damnev]

@@andygillion all good mate. It was a good one.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

So basically he is doing pick magic.

[@bigbangattack97]

lol so you just automatically already do what I've been trying to learn

[@Zakery070]

OMG! I can see Andy full face! Until then, only on the right side)))

[@Nyflheym]

OWN style.. that's cool... I was wondering. Why someone is asking about pick... when you also have a custom pick .?? And know from few who have a pick with their names and don't even play something in their bands.. example .. I have 1 pick from Vince Neil from motley crew and he didn't play anything... cheers dude. 🤘

[@andygillion]

yeah, it does beg the question! haha

[@eugenesis8188]

I hold my pick like a gorilla trying to sew. Imagine taking a pinch of salt, only its a pick. My thumb and pointer nails are almost parallel to each other. As far as I can tell, there are no downsides. The only issue is I have to use picks that aren't slippery. The red guitar center picks are the worst. It will fly out of my hand 100% of the time. Things like ernie ball prodigies or black ice picks are the best for me. I just need a tortex like material and a sharp point.

[@andygillion]

A gorrila trying to sew bahah! That made my day. Awesome to hear I'm not the only one :)

[@bendalgliesh5458]

No one will ever get weirder than Marty Friedman on the picking front anyway

[@andygillion]

Oh yeah? I need to check that out

[@ferntreemusic]

Feels good to know such a bloody RIPPER guitarist has the exact same grip technique that I do #eaglegrip

[@andygillion]

#eaglegripteamassemble

[@MrFrostcold]

video ends at 0:30

[@ClinesMindMetal]

Lol...this was epic.

[@c-LAW]

Matteo Mancuso

[@ginodelgobbo9237]

I hold my pick like a plain Jane. I'm not very.... picky about it? 😉

[@powderedwater67]

I never thought your picking style was weird. I've seen it before, that's how finger picking and tapping work in rock and metal. Pretty sure I saw Slash doing that before. Now my natural aptitude in guitar (which isn't great) Is more classical thus I do NOT use a pick, all fingies.

[@guitarwayfarer]

I don't see how anyone didn't know he uses a pick.

[@Ti7aNiC]

Fine, I *guess* I'll subscribe.

[@andygillion]

thanks pal :)

[@flipmlbb]

Ooooooo

[@louiscrowley1755]

I don't know if the humorous tone of your video best represents you as a melodic death metal guitarist....sorry sorry sorry...I had to. Band business decisions vs individual. I get it. Just being a twAT..love the way you pronounce that. Now I can say it in america freely. Gonna order the pick and see what I'm missing with my 20 year old jazz iii

[@andygillion]

haha... look, I'm on your side on this one believe me :) and that's awesome that you're ordering some for yourself, cheers dude!

[@louiscrowley1755]

@@andygillion Still gonna support, share, buy, etc. Vlog or no vlog. I'll text you from Japan after I land and give MPE a listen in oct! Thanks for keeping it silly.

[@louiscrowley1755]

Fyi...picks are sold out. Mini shiv and shiv. 😭

[@andygillion]

ahh, dammit! Sorry man, I'll have to hit up Mr.Winspear and let him know people are trying to order them

[@salkynsuuguitarraqua]

But why don't you use a pick? Hahah))))))))))))))))))))

[@iguessitsumut1371]

[@zaphy6342]

damn these sold out quick

[@andygillion]

Yeah I'm hitting up the guy who makes them to see if he can get more together!

[@andygillion]

Back in stock now! :)