Flat Pick Holding - Open or Closed Hand?

GuitarFundi · #1 01-12-2011, 05:21 PM

I've been watching different players and notice that some hold their hand closed and others have their fingers extended open while strumming and flat picking.

A correct way? Any advantage to either? Do you use both methods for different types of songs?

Howard Emerson · #2 01-12-2011, 05:39 PM

Open: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R4p5kV5o08

Closed:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alX4xbiqMss

If you can play near as well as either one who could possibly complain.

HE

HHP · #3 01-12-2011, 05:42 PM

Whatever is more comfortable. I leave mine slightly open to avoid too much tension in the right hand.

Misty44 · #4 01-12-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Any advantage to either?

The only advantage is the technique that work's best for your playing style.

Another example of the closed-hand method:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn-Ug...eature=related

GuitarFundi · #5 01-12-2011, 07:44 PM

Thanks
I just had my wrist and arm rebuilt, so I'm literally starting over and having to adjust things. (Not that I could really play before

)

I did some heavy strumming the other night for a long time and boy my wrist hurt and I strum open handed and when the pain started I switched to closed handed. (I did this more because I have problems holding he pick these days and open handed it was walking/flying away from me) The closed hand strumming seemed less natural, but more efficient and the open hand strumming method seems more intuitive but seemed to put more "torque" on my wrist playing fast.

Like I said its like starting over for me. I actually started to relearn lefthanded and decided staying right handed would be good physical therapy for my right wrist/arm, so I'm hoping it works out. I am obsessed now about making it work

El Patso · #6 01-12-2011, 08:28 PM

I would certainly go along with the whole "whatever's comfortable" angle, not to mention that unnecessary muscle tension is nobody's friend.

Depending on what you want to do with a certain piece of music, a more open palm might allow for added use of pinky and ring finger along with pick, if desired.

Hope that helps

El P

www.patsyobrienswebsite.com

jseth · #7 01-13-2011, 12:56 PM

answer = YES!

Lol! I employ both methods... closed hand is usually for brisk lines, single note stuff, "flutter" picking - but generally, I have my palm open to facilitate using the middle, ring and pinky fingers as well as the flat pick. I switch back and forth, as needed.

This is DEFINITELY one of those "there is no RIGHT way" items in technique, IMHO...

815C · #8 01-18-2011, 01:42 PM

Try playing a tune with a closed hand, then try it with your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers extended - almost straight.

I find that I get an improved volume & tone with my fingers extended. But maybe that's just me.

Dan Carey · #9 01-18-2011, 02:04 PM

Try 'em both. Then just do whatever is most comfortable for you.

For a test...start playing by paying no attention at all to your hand position.
Just pick up a guitar and strum a chord.
What position to you naturally gravitate towards?

Fleabyte · #10 01-19-2011, 10:19 AM

I play open handed - poll perhaps?

Minotaur · #11 01-19-2011, 11:27 AM

I always played with a closed hand, but my last teacher got me into the habit of extending my fingers. So that's pretty much what I do now except when I need to anchor my pinky and ring fingers to pick. That's just me. It's whatever works.

Wally · #12 01-19-2011, 11:31 AM

I play open-handed - it's probably a coin flip in the guitar community

st1sj · #13 01-19-2011, 12:11 PM

an open hand is more aerodynamic and therefore creates less drag, which means less effort exerted. ha!

815C · #14 01-19-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 815C

I find that I get an improved volume & tone with my fingers extended. But maybe that's just me.

Anyone hear a difference when playing closed vs. open?

Brent Hutto · #15 01-19-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 815C

Anyone hear a difference when playing closed vs. open?

Yeah, I can't play worth a darn with a closed fist or with spread-eagled fingers so it sounds awful both ways!

Given that I spent my first nearly three years of guitar playing without using a pick and using a "classical" type of hand position with an arched wrist, it was just natural and easy to leave my hand loosely hanging halfway between open and closed and grab a pick with my thumb and index fingers.

If I have to make it go open or make it go closed instead of hanging in that neutral position I get all messed up.