Question:
I have moderate to severe problems keeping my pick in a proper position while playing. I can minimize the problem by using Dunlop picks (they have a textured grip), but I prefer playing with small picks as I get better pick control. My favorites are the small white Fender picks, but sometimes I find that halfway through a song, the pick has rotated nearly 180 degrees and I'm trying to play lead with the side of the pick! The obvious answer - hold the pick tighter - doesn't work well for me because it binds up my entire hand and I lose speed. Plus, it leads to cramps. Any tips?

Brent

Answer:
Super glue sand paper to the pick on the two sides of the half of the pick you hold leaving the bare plastic tip you plick with exposed. Then you'll have the textured grip you need.

Gman ( o )==#

Love your page, I love your tips and think they're great. I read one there about the pick slipping. I wanted to draw your attention to 'Herco' picks. They are great! They're like a thumbpick only with a real pick. Have to see for yourself. You can strum, pick and the pick stays in place for as long as you need it.

Thanks, Alex

I was just reading the "Slippy Picks" section of your site and I have a tip. Instead of sand paper, I use skateboard grip tape. It works just as good and you don't have to mess around with any super glue. Just stick it on. You can usually find it at skate/surf shops. Great site!

Donated by Stefan

There's something you can get in the drummer's department: Use "Gorilla Snot" ! Apply it to your fingers and your pick won't slip away anymore! Note: If you have got too sweaty fingers, use a wee bit more!

Greetings from Tim

I wrapped a small balloon around the top portion of my pick and secured it down with super glue.

Donated

I use a hole punch to punch a hole in my picks. This works great to keep the pick from slipping and rotating too.

Donated

Hey Gman,

I have had a problem with "slippy picks" for about 5 years now. For as frustrating as it gets, I guess it's surprising I still play but I guess I always kept the faith that I would find a remedy. I've tried everything - gorilla snot, cutting a hole in my pick... you name it, I tried it but I think I've got it figured out (holding my breath).

The pick is wedged (loosely enough for flexibility) between your thumb and index finger. Holding too tight cuts down on speed and flex. As one strums, it is natural to really concentrate on the down stroke. It's a power thing that comes natural. *** The Key*** On the upstroke we think we're pushing up but we may be just dragging the pick with the thumb while the index finger adds some superficial grasp but is really just in tow. I think the key to this problem is concentrating on the push and pull between these two points. Think about the presence of the index finger and the positive and negative force between the thumb and index. Seems really obvious but it's easy to picture the correct way and practice bad habits without realization.

Hope this helps somebody!

Matt F.

I saw the tips on slippy pick remedies, and I've got another one. An older man I play bluegrass with has arthritis real bad, but he loves to play, so he uses double stick tape on both sides of the pick and it doesn't go anywhere the whole time we play. Hope this helps.

J-Walker