-
Step 1
Know the sounds that different guitar picks produce. Plastic or nylon picks tend to create a "clicking" or weak sound. Picks made from Tortex (similar to tortoise shell) produce a heavier tone with less "clicking."
-
Step 2
Select the right size pick for your hand. Generally, small guitar picks offer better control, while large picks can be difficult to handle (especially for beginners).
-
Step 3
Consider using a thicker guitar pick to increase your instrument's volume and improve its tone. Thinner picks don't yield the same quality sound and are difficult to use.
-
Step 4
Practice the correct way to hold your pick. With the palm of your "picking" hand facing you, make a loose fist. Keeping your thumb and index finger together, turn your hand until your thumb's knuckle faces you.
-
Step 5
Use your other hand to maneuver the pick between your thumb and index finger and behind your thumb's knuckle. Point its tip away from your fist and extend it out about 1/2 inch.
-
Step 6
Place your picking hand over the bass guitar's sound hole. Don't lean on the guitar or strings.
-
Step 7
Strike your bass guitar's lowest string with a downward motion (use your wrist, not your arm), and then pick the same string with an upward motion. Repeat using your guitar's other five strings, to perform what's known as "alternate picking."
-
Step 8
Strum your guitar by picking all six strings in an upward or downward motion or both.
-
Step 9
Master the technique of using a pick by playing scales (if you're a beginner) or one of your favorite songs.
-
Step 10
Add treble and depth to your instrument's sound by changing where on the bass guitar you play.
-
Step 11
Take a bass guitar lesson to learn the proper way to use a pick. Your instructor can make recommendations and suggestions based on your playing technique.
