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What is the RIGHT Way to Hold the Pick?! (Patreon)

Published:
2024-07-20 16:12:33
Imported:
2026-06
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Content

What is the RIGHT way to hold the pick?! Is it leading edge? Trailing edge? James Hetfield 3 finger? Western Grip? On today's video, your good buddy Uncle Ben Eller here is gonna school ya good. I'll show you the difference between leading and trailing edge picking, show you when and why I practice both, and give you my theory as to WHY some players gravitate towards one grip versus the other. It's a pretty crazy theory, but I've tested it and it's TRUE! This video will help you find the BEST way to hold the guitar pick for maximum speed and comfort!

Huge thanks to your fellow supporter Seth for suggesting this video. Lemme know what technique you wanna see explored next!

Files

Previews only

THIS is the BEST Way to Hold the Pick!

Downloadable practice tracks, bonus guitar lessons, and MORE here: https://www.patreon.com/BenEllerGuitars This week, ALL my Patreon supporters get TABS for this lesson PLUS practice tracks to help you get it up to MAXIMUM SPEED AND Guitar Pro files! GET INTO IT! Snag your official SHRED TILL YOU'RE UNDEAD merch here!!!! https://vonkowen.threadless.com/collections/ben-eller Get sweet deals on all the nice things i use here @Sweetwater !!! Sick deals on all kinds of good stuff: https://imp.i114863.net/jxdA0 What is the RIGHT way to hold the pick?! Is it leading edge? Trailing edge? James Hetfield 3 finger? Western Grip? On today's video, your good buddy Uncle Ben Eller here is gonna school ya good. I'll show you the difference between leading and trailing edge picking, show you when and why I practice both, and give you my theory as to WHY some players gravitate towards one grip versus the other. It's a pretty crazy theory, but I've tested it and it's TRUE! This video will help you find the BEST way to hold the guitar pick for maximum speed and comfort! Jackson SL2 Soloist Fractal Audio Axe FX 3 Albanian Mule Hair extensions (custom) #guitarlesson #guitarlessons

Comments

Matthew Briggs

I usually say the way that's the most comfortable for you is the best, as long as it's not going to injure something. That being said, subtle technique changes can have a big impact on picking. I try to keep the pick properly slanted for maximum smoothness. I can't make a proper fist while holding the pick, so pick slanting has helped a lot.

Jim Lewis

I've been able to get Trailing Edge to work for almost everything except six-string strumming, particularly upstroke strumming. Not sure why this is an issue, but I'm sure it's in the angles.

Tekin Mustafa

I’m struggling understanding the way you hold the pick with the side of your index finger and pad of your thumb.

NYCM&AHole

I do both, apparently. Depends on what I’m playing - rhythm vs leads/runs, and then what type of picking (2 note per string runs vs general shred runs).

Frederic

Great video Ben ! What’s the pick you’re using ?

Villi Mag

Sending someone death threats because of his picking style is like sending death threats to a drummer who uses traditional grip when playing metal. How does that even affect other people, maybe even living halfway around the planet? People really need to get their heads out of their a**es.

James Hebden

Hi Ben ! I’m left handed, but I play right handed. I find that I tend to over grip the pick and also scrape the strings slightly with my pointer finger at times. I’m wondering if you have come across any students or band mates who play with their opposite hand? Cheers for your content and lessons and for being the best step dad ever 😎🤘

Ryan Mcleod

This is a great video, dude. The pencil example was incredibly helpful and makes a ton of sense. Need more picking content with the magnet!

Jake Raymor

that pic of Tosin's thumb made me lol for some reason

Gregg B.

Hmm my picking feels pretty smooth and natural. My writing on the other hand is terrible. I have an idea brb... 🫠

Nason Renegar

Thanks so much for that video Ben . I am a trailing edge picker . I have the hitch hiker thumb and it was the low string chugging in the beginning that led me to think it would work for me but as I am only about year into playing so I have second guessed my style that I was embracing knowing that most don’t pick that way. Thanks for the encouragement and the taking the time to make that video 🤘

Shahar Bar

Steve Morse also uses the Hetfield 3 finger pinch.

Brian Hudson
>>144180063

Hey James, I’m right handed, but I play left handed. I prefer to use my strongest hand (i.e. right) on the fretboard.

Stepdadshred

since i have the handwriting of a child maybe i need to do the opposite and relearn how to hold a pencil using how i hold the pick!

Mike Barrow

I've been holding the pick wrong for years. It's probably why I can't play fast. My pick seems to be flat at a right angle to the strings. I tried this leading edge thing and it feels like I'm learning to write with the other hand. Feels a bit depressing that I'd have to either relearn or carry on with my shit style!

The Zoo Media Network

What is the phone holder (red U) you’re using in this video, Ben?

Guitardavepdx

I'm missing muscles in my hands, primarily the ones that gives my thumbs straight. I took what Doug Mark's taught in Metal Method and watching James Hetfield and mashed them up. The whole pencil grip technique has blown my mind...after 30 years I might revamp grip

James Sheehan

Question! Great video! You got me hooked on methOD and I've trying to thinking about my fretting hand in similar ways to how Troy Grady presented all the wonderful information about the picking hand. I really can't pin down why my left hand (fretting hand) can't repeatedly tap with a single finger as fast as my right hand (picking hand) on a table. I've been playing forever (35 ish years) and inspite of daily practice I seem to have a cap on my fretting hand speed. I am trying to find a natural position where at the very least I can use all of the speed (as slow as it feels) that I have. Do you have any experiments like the scribble test for the fretting hand that can show or help a brotha figure out the best hand position to keep your fretting fingers nimble?

James Sheehan
>>144180063

@Brian, Did you switch at some point or did you start that way? I am seriously thinking of changing.

James Hebden
>>144180063

Hey Brian, it’s strange isn’t it! ? I can’t even hold the guitar properly the other way around!

Graeme Puttock

I'm left handed AND a trailing edge picker. What a freak.

Jovian

Interesting correlation between holding a writing implement and holding a pick. What about someone who is left handed but plays guitar right handed?

Jim Delaney

So just something to add here in case anyone else experiences it. I normally wouldn’t have clicked on a video on how to hold a pick properly, as I’m way to cool for these basics! Except I’m not!! And it made me have a breakthrough moment. I am a hitchhiker thumbed trailing picker. I just always found it to be the smoothest for me. One thing that has plagued me for years is that my pinch harmonics have never been as good or effortless as other players I’ve been around. It took this lesson for me to realize (and this could just be me personally) but if I switch my attack, they are night and day better! In seconds the lightbulb went on, and my guitar was squealing like your stepmom after that 4th glass of wine!!!