Hi,
I am currently in Grade 2
I want to move on to using thicker picks. I am currently comfortable with Dunlop Riffs 0.46
For riffs, scales, etc. I use thicker pick Dunlop Delrin 0.71
My problem is strumming and especially the upstrum. The thicker picks catch on the bottom string and create a strong plucky sound. Also then, I dont hit the B or G string at all, so my upstrum sounds harsh and thin.
Any advice on this would be helpful.
Hmm… I’m also in Grade 2 and currently experimenting with different picks. I tested how playing a Dunlop 0.46 Nylon (that’s the thinnest and most flexible I have here) feels compared to a Delrin 0.71.
It’s quite a big difference, since the Delrin is much less flexible than the 0.46. Playing with the 0.71, the pick does not get stuck in the strings or miss them, but I can create these issues by angling my wrist a lot on the upstrum (traditionally one of the bad habits I’m trying to get rid of).
Maybe you could check how much and how you angle your wrist on the upstrum? The 0.46 is likely so flexible that it will “give in” more easily, so that you noticed this small issue only now.
Another thought: The increase from a 0.46 to a 0.71 Delrin (which is rather inflexible in comparison) seems rather steep . Perhaps it could be an idea to increase the pick thickness bit by bit (0.53; 0.60 and so on) and experiment with other picks than Delrins?
While I’m no pro with a hard pick, I do use one. All the time.
And I mean hard as in a wood pick. No flex at all.
Perhaps my pick can reveal something about how I use it.
A wood pick seems to wear. Where I use it.
You can see I use the slight edge of the pick, not the tip.
I also use a slight angle when using it. Tip of pick higher than the part ya hold onto when a down strum. Tip of pick lower than the part ya hold onto when a up strum. Again, not using the tip of the pick.
Since my pick has a identifying side, the treble clef. I always play with the treble clef under my thumb. So the wear is always on the same side as I’m holding the pick the same way I held it last time.
Anyways. Maybe that wear can show some of how I use it.
You can at least see that I do more down strum than up strum as the clef side is up strum, plain side is down strum.
I’m pretty sure Justin has a lesson on how to hold a pick and use it. Pretty sure the things I’ve mentioned are with in his lesson. Sorry, I don’t know which lesson it was, but I’m pretty sure it’s there.
Good luck.
Practice.
I have three different picks in front of me at the moment, a 0.46mm, a 0.60mm and a 0.73mm. When you consider the difference in thickness between them by most standards, the difference between them for playing is vast.
The 0.46mm was my best friend as a complete beginner learning to strum, it would flex in a strong breeze! I’ve since moved to a 0.60mm and for me at the moment that’s the sweet spot. It’s got enough flex for strumming and enough stability to pick some notes. Even the extra 0.13mm at 0.73mm is a hugely different pick with almost no give whatsoever and I don’t like it.
Clearly people can and do strum with thick picks but maybe it’s worth going up in smaller steps, trying a 0.60mm like I use first? Once you get comfortable at 0.60mm, then see if you want to go thicker again?
For sure Matthew!
I didn’t just go from thin to wood.
I did just what you said. I went from thin to thicker. Years later to thicker again. Over the coarse of time (years and years) I ended up using the wood, no flex pick.
Not only that, but I didn’t think I’d like the wood no flex. I just went that route since my wife gave them to me for a present at some point. Lo and behold, I really ended up liking them.
I have had the same problem and it has decreased over time. In addition to pick choice and angle of striking the upstrum, I have found that learning to play with the lightest grip of the pick you can use (while maintaining control) allows even a thicker pick to graze rather than catch your strings. Same idea Justin applies to fretting - just firm enough to make the notes sound.
Hmm, sure… Holding the pick too firmly might also be a reason for the “strong plucky” sound Kirin describes.
Funny that you mention the lighter fretting touch, because developing that is and will be a major topic for me in the next week’s and months 
You will get there Nicole. You are well down the path.
I’m at the consolidation phase of grade 2, i.e. not a pro, but I can share what worked for me. I use the “Dunlop Ultex Jazz III 2.0” pick as I liked the tone; it’s a stiff pick with completely no flex. It definitely took me a while to be able to strum with it. A couple of tips that have helped me:
Hope that helps!
I’ve gone over completely to Dunlop Big Stubby pics, 2 or 3mm, at first I found them difficult to use but persevered and it came through. The thing about them is that they have a nice radius on the edges so unlike a thin pic they don’t get trapped they just glide through. I never dreamed I would use a pic so thick (Ooo poetry!) but don’t know why I didn’t try them sooner!
If you’ve not tried them for the price it’s worth a shot, you never know.
Thanks everyone for helping!
Here’s a summary of what has been advised:
I will try the above, thanks again!
Yep, try different pics and see how they play. Also practice straightening them as you play as they tend to turn at times. I do love the Dunlop thin pic. It has the little dots/nubs where you grip it so it’s easier to hang onto with less pressure I think as you play. The thicker pic is better for single note playing like scale practice. What works for someone may not work for you as well. You have to experiment.
Ok, I just tried all the advice!
I have the mechanics for 0.6 nylon, i just need the muscle memory now!!
Thank you all so much!! Especially the images, they helped so much!
