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→Pick Angle Incident to the String
== Pick Angle Incident to the String ==
Trying to pick the string with its face completely parallel to the string can cause the entire face of the pick to rub against the string during the picking motion. Depending on the type of pick, this may cause hang-ups or other undesirable obstructions to a smooth picking motion. So you almost always want to have the pick angled at least somewhat off of parallel.
The degree to which you do so will affect how easily and how quickly the string will slide down the pick's edge. It also affects how easily the pick or your fingers can flex as the string pushes back more and more against the pick. This affects how far you can displace the string thus your level of dynamic control. It also changes the relative volume of the string sliding against the string vs. its resonance after release.
Usually you want to be just slightly off from parallel to the string. This allows you the maximum dynamic control, with the pick or your fingers' flex naturally allowing it to release as you hit the critical point of displacement. It also has the most resistance to the string sliding down the pick edge, allowing you to displace the string further than you otherwise would.
That said, you may not always want that. Different angles can give different pick attack noise signatures as well as affect the level of overtones vs. the fundamental frequency. A lot of this depends on the pick material and shape, and the exact nature of your picking motion. Its best to experiment with it. A completely perpendicular angle is going to be sharper on the string than otherwise, and with an approach that has significant velocity, this can also trigger harmonics in the string.
== Location on the String ==