Right thumb hurts like @#%$!!

[deadpickle]

I have been playing some of the harder stuff lately and have noticed that my right thumb is hurting more and more. I play with a teardrop pick since I cant play well with those fat picks and I have to use my thumb alot to hold the pick or it will keep turning in my hand. I think it is just pressure but when I relieve and relax my thumb to play it is imposible to do so since the pick always turns and then I got to stop and move the pick so its playable. Am I hold the pick wrong? your suppost to relax when you play but I cant, what do youll think I could do to get my thumb to stop hurting so bad?

[Hydro120]

a) What is the material the pick is made out of? Mine is glossy, and hardly ever turns in my fingers. That might have something to do with it.

b) Are you playing stiff-wristed as well?

c) If you were pinching someone with the same pressure you hold the pick with, would it hurt that person? If so, you are definitely holding it too tightly.

d) If possible, could you post a pic of how you hold the pick?

[justanotherfan]

I tend to grip my pick way too hard. So bad that when i used the midium one they would kina bend. Now I use the hard picks and I am also getting more comfortable and my grip is getting loose. Thank goodness.

I dont play anything fancy yet because I am a beginner.....but I sure hope I do one day!

[Easy E]

I have a problem with catching my index finger nail on the strings when I strum alot. I have about half a nail.

[You_Enjoy_Myself]

I have a problem with catching my index finger nail on the strings when I strum alot. I have about half a nail.

Ditto. I have to keep the nail trimmed, otherwise half of it is long, and the other is ground down to nothing. Looks kinda like a claw.

[Hydro120]

I have a problem losing my pick in the sound hole. Other than that, no strum hand problems.

[deadpickle]

heres the pic:


The pick I use is a Clayton .80mm teardrop pick that looks to be matte.
I try not to play stiff wristed but some times my arm does not listen.

[fede]

I hate picks sometimes....that's why i let my fingernails grow a bit more and play bare handed.

Fede

[Hydro120]

heres the pic:


The pick I use is a Clayton .80mm teardrop pick that looks to be matte.
I try not to play stiff wristed but some times my arm does not listen.

If that's how you hold it when you play, I would suggest maybe holding more of the pick in between your thumb and index finger. More pick sticking out = less leverage and better chance that strumming will force the pick to turn, thus, you have to hold the pick a lot tighter.

[deadpickle]

that would make sense. I also have been trying to put more space between my thumb and index finger so that there is more of an oval shape to my grip and my hand is in a more relaxing position. It works a little better. Ill try using more of the pick but ill have to get my thumb tip up so that it does not catch on the strings, cause that hurt!! Thanks for the help.

[dmbandummer]

I used to have the problem of my pick moving around in my hand. I solved it by punching a hole through my pick with a common hole punch. It provided just enough grip that my pick never moved again. They sell other types with stars cut in them and such, but this is so simple, it's stupid.

[fede]

I used to have the problem of my pick moving around in my hand. I solved it by punching a hole through my pick with a common hole punch. It provided just enough grip that my pick never moved again. They sell other types with stars cut in them and such, but this is so simple, it's stupid.

I think I might try that.

Fede

[deadpickle]

I used to have the problem of my pick moving around in my hand. I solved it by punching a hole through my pick with a common hole punch. It provided just enough grip that my pick never moved again. They sell other types with stars cut in them and such, but this is so simple, it's stupid.

Tried it out and it works pretty good, lets me relax my hand and just play instead of stopping to rest my horrible thumb ache.

[dmbandummer]

I used to have the problem of my pick moving around in my hand. I solved it by punching a hole through my pick with a common hole punch. It provided just enough grip that my pick never moved again. They sell other types with stars cut in them and such, but this is so simple, it's stupid.

Tried it out and it works pretty good, lets me relax my hand and just play instead of stopping to rest my horrible thumb ache.

Glad to hear it helped.