Opened or closed
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How does your playing affect what style you use?
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I pretty much have to keep my hand closed to keep my other fingers close to the strings. I hybrid pick 100% of the time.
G
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·If I am speed picking using my wrist, I find if I hold my little finger out (like an aristocrat drinking tea) I can go faster and better.
I will pick using the 1st knuckle on my thumb and 1st finger to make a sort of rotating pattern, or rotating the wrist, and rarely the elbow as the fulcrum. Recently I have started to move my wrist up and down (hardly noticeable) like a sewing machine needle which something I saw Eric Johnson explain in an interview. I will also combine these techniques. Open or closed hand is not as important as proper technique to me.
I always use a pick, but am constantly using my other free fingers in conjunction with the pick.
I will pick using the 1st knuckle on my thumb and 1st finger to make a sort of rotating pattern, or rotating the wrist, and rarely the elbow as the fulcrum. Recently I have started to move my wrist up and down (hardly noticeable) like a sewing machine needle which something I saw Eric Johnson explain in an interview. I will also combine these techniques. Open or closed hand is not as important as proper technique to me.
I always use a pick, but am constantly using my other free fingers in conjunction with the pick.
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1,155 Posts
Do you mean open palm like an 'A-ok' hand sign? I keep my hand relaxed, but in a loose sort of closed position. I'm learning a little hybrid picking and you kind of have to keeps your fingers in the same area to pluck a string when needed.
G
Guest
·I have a slight nervous tick that's been with me all my life.
I tend to plant my pinkie on the PG for stability.
I tend to plant my pinkie on the PG for stability.
G
Guest
·This lesson I just saw yesterday will definitely help me with my picking:
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5,124 Posts
It is very much personal - I mostly use closed palm but some of my favorite guitarists have the "fanned" fingers or pinky resting on the pickguard.
A tip I got that I've been using for the last few years is to angle the wrist in order for the side of the pick to hit the strings (2nd pic). It creates a fatter sound.
![String instrument Guitar String instrument Musical instrument Finger]()
![Finger Hand String instrument Guitar Musical instrument]()
A tip I got that I've been using for the last few years is to angle the wrist in order for the side of the pick to hit the strings (2nd pic). It creates a fatter sound.
Wow that was very helpful! It's time to see really, how much tension am I using while playing!
I really try so hard with self speak to reduce the tension in my whole body while playing! I really notice a surge in tension when it's time to play a difficult passage or a solo! It's really mind over matter but sometimes it can be daunting at best.
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6,203 Posts
I watched a video on Ted Nugent and he grinds a big knotch in his guitars so he can plant his pinky. He even did it to a 59 les paul!!
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3,957 Posts
I have to watch tension, too. My left hand gets strained and I have some arthritis in my left wrist, so I really need to make sure I am applying the least amount of pressure possible.
For my picking hand, I find it is usually half-open and relaxed. I sometimes plant my pinky under the Les Paul pickup ring or Tele bridge edge.
For my picking hand, I find it is usually half-open and relaxed. I sometimes plant my pinky under the Les Paul pickup ring or Tele bridge edge.
I can hardly wait to give your LP a go! I will be able to when you come and play!
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I'll be sure to bring it
He literally has $ to burn. What does he care?
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2,033 Posts
I'm not sure. I wish I wouldn't have thought about it.
I can't seem to put the heel of my palm on the strings without opening the fingers at least a bit.
I can't seem to put the heel of my palm on the strings without opening the fingers at least a bit.
Are you comfortable doing that? Does it impede your playing in any sort of manner? If not, just do it!
I for one, cannot play with a closed palm because of two previously dislocated fingers! It's uncomfortable. I am doing just fine playing this way. If the style suits you, then like I said, just do it. There is no right or wrong way only what is best for you!
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