Hands?!?!?! open or closed???

dmbjimmy · Unread post by **dmbjimmy** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 8:39 pm

Hey guys, I need some help concerning what form my strumming hand should have. I hear that the best way to strum is to have the pick held between the thumb and index finger and the remaining 2 (middle), 3 (ring), and 4 (pinky) fingers left open without touching the strings or pick guard. Yet, when you watch Dave play he has his 2, 3, and 4 fingers closed.... so which way is it? I've been playing for almost a year a half and I can play stone, billies, and LIOG with my hand open but when I close it I play like crap...should I stick with the fingers open? I personally think it looks ugly when playing on an acoustic.... please post your thoughts... and thanks!

Fellforher · Unread post by **Fellforher** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 9:12 pm

It all depends man, when im playing something like watchtower, I always close my hand to strum because it gives a little extra umfp when I need it (like the Downstroke F on the jam) But when I play stuff like john mayer, or #34/Satellite, I keep my hand open because it allows me to mute much better with the underside of my palm. You can also do fingerpicking stuff with your hand open using a pick. My advice is to learn both, learn everything you can and you'll become a better guitarist, even if its useless knowledge.

MattyTrane · Unread post by **MattyTrane** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 9:15 pm

i hold it differently depeneding on situation too.

dmbjimmy · Unread post by **dmbjimmy** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 12:56 am

hey thanks guys that helps a lot. Thanks

MattyTrane · Unread post by **MattyTrane** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 1:19 am

np

Xoosh · Unread post by **Xoosh** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 11:59 am

I never hold it differently =( i always keep it closed.

/x

gcom007 · Unread post by **gcom007** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 12:45 pm

keep in mind that dave isn't trained...you're really supposed to keep your hand open. I can surprisingly to myself at this moment do both but you have more control over things when you play with your hand open...

gravedigger · Unread post by **gravedigger** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 2:38 pm

gcom007 wrote:keep in mind that dave isn't trained...you're really supposed to keep your hand open. I can surprisingly to myself at this moment do both but you have more control over things when you play with your hand open...

yeah, its best to keep your hand open - for the control, as gcom says, and for palm muting and some such, then if you want to fingerpick, the pinky is often used to press against the pick guard for support and control. I'm pretty sure just the natural relaxed position is the proper way. I mean your fingers curl a little but the closed fist is kinda unorthodox and they get in the way of the strings.

waffle_house_jam · Unread post by **waffle_house_jam** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 10:39 pm

id definitely say open, but thats just because i never learned to play with a pick- i fingerpick all the time

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Hands?!?!?! open or closed???

Hands?!?!?! open or closed???

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