In this lesson we will learn how to hold and use the guitar pick. But, before we do that, I would like to provide you with the answers you should have gotten for your homework from lesson 5.

The notes on the D string are:

D0 = D
D1 = D sharp
D2 = E
D3 = F
D4 = F sharp
D5 = G
D6 = G sharp
D7 = A
D8 = A sharp
D9 = B
D10= C
D11= C sharp
D12= D

From here, the pattern on the D string simply repeats.

The notes on the B string are:

B0 = B
B1 = C
B2 = C sharp
B3 = D
B4 = D sharp
B5 = E
B6 = F
B7 = F sharp
B8 = G
B9 = G sharp
B10= A
B11= A sharp
B12= B

And as usual, as we continue past the 12th fret the pattern simply repeats.

Now, we want to turn our attention to holding a pick. With your right hand, take and point your index finger towards the ground. Now, take your thumb and rest it on your index finger so that it points perpendicular to the direction of your index finger. Next, take a pick and place it inbetween your thumb and your index finger, such that the point of the pick is aimed in the same direction as the tip of your index finger. Adjust the pick so that it's point sticks out below your index finger's tip. Your thumb should be used to lend support by trapping the pick between your thumb and index finger. Basically, this is how you hold a pick. Over time you will naturally learn to adjust the pick as needed so that it feels comfortable in your right hand.

Now, to use a pick, place the flat side of the pick's point against the string and gently strike the pick down across the string. Do this a few times to get the hang of it. We call this a down stroke. If you take and place the flat part of the pick's tip under the string and stroke upwards, you will be performing an up stroke. If you perform a down stroke immediately followed by an up stroke, we call this alternate picking. These are the three basic forms of picking. Take the time to do each of these three picking techniques for a minute each, then relax.

Down stroke : one minute
Up stroke : one minute
alternate pick : one minute

You probably have noticed that the pick feels a bit awkward in your hand. It may not seem to feel all that natural when using a pick, but the more you do it the easier it will get. When I first started to learn how to use a pick, I would sit for long periods of time in front of the television practicing my picking techniques. I recommend this because if you work on your picking technique while watching your favorite television show, you will be less likely to get borred with practicing the technique. The idea is to practice these picking techniques with slow strokes. Some people pick by moving their arm, while others tend to focus more on moving their wrist or just their fingers that are holding the pick. Personally, I like all three approaches to picking, so try them all out and take note of what feels most natural to you.


Corey J. Bray