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GMC Forum _ Kristofer Dahl _ Pick Holding

Posted by: tobscore Apr 23 2008, 12:16 AM

Hey Kris,

Ive been playing guitar now for 11 years but have always been a been a bit slack so i am no way near the standards i could be if i had put in the time and effort. You and the other GMC instuctors have really inspired me to max out full on shredding.

Just one quick question though. On your alternate picking excersizes you go through how a pick should ideally be held with a downward angle. I hold my pick at that 45 degree angle but i hold it upwards. ( this is due too my 10 years doing the same) is this going to be any disadvantage to me in the long run and should i relearn how to hold my pick downwards (like most instructors in the GMC do..... pinch harmonics seem easier though this way).

Thanks in advance,

Luke

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 30 2008, 11:36 AM

Hello tobscore,

This is a tricky one to answer. From your description it sounds like you hold the pick the same way as Marty Friedman.

I personally do see some disadvantages with this (muting of strings is harder, etc) - but on the other hand Marty is one of my favorite guitarist and he did it "inspite" of his picking technique.

I know this answer might sound controversial as Marty himself states that his way of holding the pick is a "semi-conscious" decision.

I think my final words of advice would be to have "pick holding" in the back of your mind when practicing - but spend more energy on the actual music, tone etc.

Hope it helps!

Posted by: tobscore May 1 2008, 08:30 PM

cheers kris,

This does help a lot as marty is too a great influence on me, my muting work and riff work i consider to be preety high ive just never really nailed the soloing side of things. I need to get down on some of them metal soloing lessons me thinks!

cheers