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Thread: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

  1. #1

    Default 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    I recently discovered that holding my mandolin pick seems to be more comfortable if I hold it with the pick resting on my first two fingers. I am interested; are there any drawbacks to this style of pick grip?

    Randy

  2. #2
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    I say "whatever suits you tickles me plumb to death".
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  5. #4

    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    Some thoughts from a pro--worth 15 minutes of your time.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xcv6wfirU9Q

    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
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  7. #5
    Registered User Hendrik Ahrend's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    Check out Paul van Vlodrop from the Netherlands, unique right hand technique, but a super musician (and a good friend):
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/e...ul-Van-Vlodrop

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  9. #6
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    Some folks play terrifically with that grip, like Brian Oberlin. On the other hand, I believe Wayne Benson changed from that grip to ‘more normal’ over the ‘Covid time’. He has a good video describing that journey.

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  11. #7
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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    I’m pretty sure that Robin Bullock uses the 2finger style.

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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    As a young mandolin hotshot, I held the pick any-old-way, with two fingers, like a pencil grip, with the other fingers trailing/flailing, with pinky planted, whatever, and managed to blaze solely on my youthful inertia. Now in my advancing years my facility and accuracy with my picking hand is diminished, and I adopted the "correct" (so sez "conventional wisdom") pick grip and it's the only thing that works for me. I was heartened when I learned that Wayne Benson had the same transformation with similarly satisfying results. Whatever works for you, whenever...
    too many strings

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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    I will add to the above, that my transition to my current plectral grip occurred at the same time I acquired a very (very, VERY) nice mandolin. In the process of shopping for this mandolin my friend Tom Rozum offered the wisdom that "this mandolin will teach you how to play it", and he was right! This mandolin responds best to the closed-fist grip and gives up it's optimal tone when plectralized in this fashion.
    too many strings

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  17. #10
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    Quote Originally Posted by Don Grieser View Post
    Some thoughts from a pro--worth 15 minutes of your time.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xcv6wfirU9Q

    Yes, Wayne played with three fingers for along time. Do what works for you.

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  19. #11
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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    There are many different ways that people will hold the pick, think of all the amazing players out there and compare the different ways they hold it. I've found the best for me is the closed right hand, seems the most efficient and can get the most clarity and volume there too.

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  21. #12
    Registered User Hendrik Ahrend's Avatar
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    Default Re: 2 Finger Pick Grip?

    Quote Originally Posted by Skip Kelley View Post
    Do what works for you.
    Generally good advice. May I add that different rh techniques result in different sounds and rhythmic effects. Keep listening closely both to your own playing and that of others.

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