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→The Pick
== The Pick ==
When beginning, holding the pick (or plectrum) always introduces self-doubt. There's no real right absolutely correct way to do it, as it depends on your hands and the type of pick being used and even your playing style. You will adjust and gain comfort over time. The important things to know are that you have to grip it so that you can pick in both directions - down (from your head towards your feet) and up (vice versa). This shouldn't require any big adjustment - you want the natural give of the pick and the flesh of your fingers to allow you to "push through" the string as you pick, not angling your wrist differently or otherwise manipulating your grip.
Typically you will hold the pick on the fingerprint or joint of your thumb and side of the last digit or joint of your index finger. My index finger is curled so that the last digit is almost parallel with my thumb, and my thumb is straight, not bent at the joint. Only the pick should hit the strings. Either curl your other fingers to make a loose fist or leave them more extended. If extended, you can straighten your fingers or give them a slight curl. I like extended, as it has advantages that we will get to later. I also allow them to curl slightly, which is most natural to me. But the most important thing is to not strain. The more strength you need to give your muscles to keep your unused fingers curled or extended, the more tension it places on your wrist which affects picking strength, speed, accuracy, and stamina.