Knowing the different pick techniques will  widen your playing ability a fair amount.  We’ll start with the basic 4 to 6 string strum.

   FIGURE A.   For a Strum we want to lightly but firmly hold the pick between your Thumb and Index finger, allowing  approximately half the pick to remain showing from under your thumb.

    FIGURE C. Strum by rotating your wrist as apposed to moving your arm at the elbow, this is important as it

will allow you far more control over your strum.

   FIGURE A. The direction you hold your pick in can

also make a big difference. For the strum technique we

want the pick to point slightly towards the neck as shown in the drawing.       FIGURE D & E. Show how pushing down with your thumb can add extra power to your strum.

      You may think that there isn’t much to holding your pick besides just hanging on, but I bet if you pay attention you’ll notice that you’re already adjusting your pick grip as you play different songs or styles. Learning these different techniques can greatly increase your ability as a guitarist, for example holding the pick slightly pointed towards the neck is great for strumming, while pointing it backwards towards the bridge can greatly increase your picking speed.  Paying attention to your picking techniques is as important as learning your fingering techniques.

      Check out Pick Techniques#2: Pickin’ and Pick Techniques #3 :Speed on the Shred like the Dead page for more tips.          SHRED like the DEAD