I'm concerned about my picking techniques. Am I picking incorrectly?

Question

Ok, so when I'm picking, I've noticed that I pivot my thumb and pointer finger which I use to hold the pick, and that my arm and wrist don't move at all unless I'm strumming. I'm worried because every website I go to says that you should pivot your wrist to pick and keep your arm still except for moving to a different string and for strumming. Am I picking incorrectly?

Answer 1

ya

It's all in the wrist

Answer 2

If it sounds good to you go ahead everyone has a different style

Answer 3

Yeah, you are doing it right for yourself. There are many ways of doing it. You just have to find a way that works for you.

Answer 4

You're picking incorrectly.  Try a slow scale or riff that you know and try doing it properly.  The point is to have the pick attack the string at a consistent angle.  That is going to generate a consistent volume and tone.  If you are attacking the low E string (I figure this is NOT a base guitar) then your position on the high E will pull the string away from the guitar body to pluck rather than causing the lateral vibration.

So, yes; you're wrong.  With a bit of practice this should become second nature and should make it easier to play in the long run.

Answer 5

good Q but I havent used a pick in years! hows it sound?

a lot of artists develop bad habits, they also say to keep your thumb in the middle of the neck and not to wrap around, but you ever seen Jimmy Page play, and Jimi Hendrix broke all the rules, Toy Caldwell dident use a pick eather! so there!