How to Make Less Noise While Picking a Guitar

Angling the guitar pick reduces pick attack sound.

Imagine listening to someone playing guitar, perhaps in preparation for an upcoming performance. The melody and chords come through perfectly, you hear no fret buzz, and the guitar has perfect tune. Only one detail diminishes the experience: the jarring click that accompanies each pick attack. Using proper picking technique, choosing the right pick and setting the amplifier volumes correctly will reduce pick attack noise.

Instructions

Picking Technique

1. Bend your index finger and place the pick against the side of your first knuckle near the fingertip. Place your thumb over it and hold the pick firmly, but not stiffly.

2. Relax the rest of your fingers.

3. Strike the string with the flat surface of the pick as close to the tip as possible. Move your wrist parallel to the body of the guitar.

4. Angle the pick so the flat surface can glide off the strings. The tip of the pick that makes contact with the strings should trail the base that you hold.

Pick Selection

1. Use thinner picks for songs that include mostly chords.

2. Use thicker picks for playing melodies on single strings.

3. Select picks with rounded edges for edge-picking fast sections, because sharp-edged picks produce more string attack.

Volume Controls

1. Lower the pickup volume of your guitar with the dial near the tremolo bar.

2. Increase your bass and mid settings on the amplifier.

3. Lower your treble and gain settings.

4. Experiment with your amplifier volume and guitar volume to produce the best sound.

Tips & Warnings

• Play farther away from the bridge of the guitar. This lessens the tension and allows the strings to give.

References

• University of Florida: Guitar Playing for Beginners - Learning to Play