How to Use Picking Techniques on a 12-String Guitar

Guitarists first created picks by filing down bone, metal and rock. The first plastic picks were made in 1922. Plastic is now the most common material for making guitar picks. Use picking techniques with a 12-string guitar to improve your guitar performance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a pick shape and width. Picks are normally triangular-shaped but there are variations of this shape to accommodate different styles and guitarists. The equilateral pick is the best shape for beginners because every edge can be played with. The width or thickness of the pick also varies. Most 12-string guitarists use between a medium and thick pick.

2. Hold the guitar pick between your thumb and forefinger with the pointed end facing the guitar strings. There are other techniques used by other guitarists. James Hetfield holds a pick with his thumb, middle and index finger. Eddie Van Halen holds the pick between his middle finger and thumb. Freddie King and Jimmy Rogers used 2 picks at the same time.

3. Angle the pick in different ways to create different styles and tones. Play around with the angles to find the sound you like.

4. Strum the guitar over part or all of the 12 strings. This is a common pick technique used with 12-string guitars.

5. Strike the strings with your thumb bent on the down stroke. Straighten your thumb for the up stroke. This is circle picking. Circle picking gives you fluidity and speed.

6. Pick the guitar strings from the side using the surface of the pick to create an articulate tone.