Welcome to the garage. Before we worry about riffs or solos, let's build a solid foundation by learning the right way to hold the pick.
A guitar pick has one simple job: transfer the motion of your hand into the strings. Hold it the wrong way, and every note feels like a struggle. Hold it correctly and it completely disappears. You stop thinking about the pick, freeing you up to fully focus on the music.
Step-by-step:
- 1Hold your hand up in front of you like you're about to knock on a door.
- 2Place the pick between the side of your curled index finger and thumb, with the tip pointing toward the door.
- 3Press your thumb down over it and actually knock on the door (or any surface), the pick shouldn't budge.
Feeling too loose? Choke up on it. A common beginner mistake is letting too much of the pick stick out, which makes it harder to control. Let your thumb cover most of the pick for a steadier grip.
🔥 PRO TIP
Loose, not clenched
Don't mind the mess in Olli's garage, you'll get used to the smell. Usually I play fingerstyle because I like the control it gives, but I like to use a pick when I need a bolder sound.
🚨 WATCH OUT
Tilt it a hair
Start with a medium pick, around 0.60–0.73 mm. It's a great balance of flexibility and control, making it an excellent choice for beginners. As your skills grow, experiment with different pick thicknesses to find what feels best for your playing style.
That's it. You're officially ready to rock some power chords! And don't sweat it if you drop your pick from time to time. We all do. That's why we keep a handful in our pockets at all times.
Keep Learning: Check out this helpful video from Garrett Nogan.
Video from Garrett Nogan ↗ . Go show them some love on YouTube.
Your turn ⭐
Grip check
Question 1 of 3
How much pick should stick out past your fingers?
The cheat sheet
- Loose fist, pick resting on the curled index finger, thumb pressed on top.
- Only 2–4 mm of tip pokes out. Choke up on it.
- Tilt the edge into the string for a smoother sound.
- Learn on a medium pick (~0.7 mm); relax your grip.
Common questions
Does the type of pick really matter for a beginner?
More than you'd think. A medium pick (about 0.6–0.73 mm) is the easiest to control: thin ones flap and feel flimsy, heavy ones fight back before your technique is ready. Grab a variety pack and find your favorite.
My pick keeps slipping or flying out of my hand. Help?
Totally normal at first. Choke up so only 2–4 mm shows, keep a relaxed (not sweaty-tight) grip, and try a pick with a textured or gripped surface. It settles down within a week or two of practice.
Do I even need a pick, or can I use my fingers?
Both are valid — fingerstyle is a whole beautiful approach. But a pick gives a louder, brighter, more consistent attack for strumming and single notes, so it's the usual place to start.