3 Finger Picking Grip

This article describes the three finger pick grip as used by the likes of Steve Morse (Deep Purple) and James Hetfield (Metallica)

I started using this method some months ago, and have found it to be highly effective. My reason for changing to this method was that I always found that with the traditional grip, I felt unable to control the pick, and therefore difficult to gauge pick depth and angle. Using the traditional method, tightening the pick grip did not improve this “pick shifting” and only caused additional tension in my right hand.

Hours and hours of picking exercises did not manage to address the problem, but I feel, with this changed grip, time spent on picking exercises will be more effective.

I find myself substantially more in control of the pick, and would recommend this as something to try to anyone who is experiencing a lack of pick control, or slow improvement (after lots of practice) using the traditional picking approach.

Benefits:

• Increased accuracy

• Better grip on the pick, better control

• More solid tone

• Stronger attack on the strings

• Artificial harmonics with right hand index finger are a lot easier to execute

• Easier string crossing, picking string to string

• I have personally found a picking speed increase using this method. Some people do however believe that this method is slower.

Drawbacks

• Pinch harmonics are a little more difficult to execute

• Hybrid picking approach will need to change

The method:

1.    Grip the pick between the thumb and index and middle fingers. I am able to lift my index finger and still have a good grip with just the middle and thumb. Experiment with the best ways for you.

2.    Fold your ring finger into the palm of your hand (I have found that the picking motion is less inhibited with the finger folded away.

3.  I I use my little finger as a support on the face of the guitar (it also serves to dampen the high e string  when necessary)

View from the bottom, showing the little finger extended and the ring finger 'hidden'

Top View

View with right hand on the guitar. Note the little finger damping the high e string

This method took a lot of getting used to, especially after 12 years of using the “regular” picking approach, but the benefits are worthwhile. I have seen a dramatic improvement in my playing, as my entire right hand interaction with the guitar seems a lot more “solid”

Check out Steve Morse’s incredible alternate picking skills using this grip, and try it for yourself!

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