What's the indisputable best way to hold a pick to play the guitar to play a

Question:I hold the pick with my thumb, first finger, and middle finger. I'm a good picker and strummer, however upstrokes aren't as smooth with this technique. Anyone have a better way to hold the pick?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I hold the pick with my thumb, first finger, and middle finger. I'm a good picker and strummer, however upstrokes aren't as smooth with this technique. Anyone have a better way to hold the pick?

They say that the best way to hold the pick is with the thumb and index , like somewhere between the index joints, but it is really a personal matter of what suits you best. The pick size, thickness and shape has to do a lot with it. Hard picks give you speed and more crispy sound. It is good that the pick is not going out much off your hand and you just touch the strings and not dig into them for max speed. Also check different angles towards the strings and practice with a metronome making sure that the picking is good all the time. Increase the speed slowly and soon you will shred like Steve Vai. I haven't managed yet my self but i have really got much better than before.

as far as speed and control go, I hold the pick with my thumb and index finger, and angle the pick relative to the strings rather than flat, also lightly resting the heel of the hand on the bridge to make palm muting easier