What style of pick you use is entirely up to you. Picks are made from many different materials and many different thicknesses. Some are smooth and some are textured. Thicker picks are good for heavy strumming and single note picking, while thinner ones are better for soft strumming. For now, it really doesn’t make a big difference what you use. Eventually, you will figure out what you prefer. I would start with a medium pick for now. Picks may also be referred to as Plectrum.

Holding a guitar pick correctly helps you play comfortably, smoothly, and accurately. Curl your picking hand into a relaxed fist, with your thumb pointing inward. Place the pick on the side of your index finger’s first knuckle. Press your thumb down on top of the pick, so it holds it firmly in place against your index finger.

Hold the pick firmly but without excessive pressure. Your grip should be tight enough, so the pick doesn’t slip but relaxed enough to allow smooth movement.

Leave a portion of the pick sticking out, enough to strike the strings.

Tilt the pick slightly downward toward the strings. This helps it glide smoothly across the strings and reduces resistance. Try to hold the pick at a slight angle (around 10–15 degrees) when playing for smoother strumming and picking.

Place your hand just above the strings, with your wrist relaxed. Rest the side of your palm lightly on the guitar body if it helps with control. Practice holding the pick like this while playing simple strums and single notes. As you get comfortable, you’ll find a natural feel that balances control with flexibility.

Explore More

Octave Shapes

Octave Shapes

D Major Pentatonic Scale

The notes of the D Major Pentatonic Scale are D, E, F#, A, and B.  D Major Pentatonic Scale – All Across the Neck D Major Pentatonic Scale – Pattern

Finger Picking – Alternating Bass

Let’s focus on alternating our bass line on the lowest strings. Use the metronome and play a quarter note one note on each beat. Count aloud as you play 1-2-3-4.