FAQ: How should I hold my pick?

Long Answer: Because everyone's hand shape, wrist flexibility, and finger length is unique, the correct answer to this question ought to be equally individual and situational. The trick is to look at the principles and work your way backward. Two things you want, though: pick control and lack of tension. Unfortunately, these two goals can be at odds with each other!

Step away from the mandolin and try this exercise: Reach for a doorknob and as you are lightly twisting your wrist to turn it, sense that gentle, relaxed feeling of natural wrist and hand motion. Memorize that sensation.

Now go to the mandolin and reach for your pick. Hold it between your thumb and 1st finger, just tight enough that it doesn't get out of your hands. Now pick some open strings keeping as little tension in your wrist as possible. Mimic the fluid wrist and hand motion of the doorknob movement. Grip the pick with just enough pressure to keep in your fingers, and only tighten if you need to play louder. Even then, don't lose the relaxed wrist and forearm, even playing fast. (If anything, you need to loosen up even more in the fast strokes.)

Note we aren't telling you how to hold it, this is your choice. Work from the two principles of 1.) good Right Hand finger control and 2.) no wrist or arm tension. Your fingers will fall right into place.

Let us know if these thoughts open some "doors" for you!

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Posted by Ted at 06:00 PM

December 04, 2005 | Fourth Finger Frack

New for December, " Foregoing the Fourth Finger Frack," our featured article in Mel Bay's Mandolin Sessions. Always working to achieve pinky prominence, digital dominance, we introduce yet another exercise to develop 3rd and 4th finger strength and independence.

This one also attempts to develop your ear, as hearing the 3rd and 4th scale degree relationship within the pattern is also imbedded in the exercise. Develop Finger, Ear, and Mind all at the same time:

Read December Jazz Mandology at Mel Bay's online Mandolin Webzine (includes exercise PDF and audio!)

Posted by Ted at 11:57 AM