Speed #1- Flatpicking Guitar or Mandolin Lesson

[claytrell]

Also, go ahead and bevel the pick a little with a nail file or sandpaper to break them in faster. Look at an old pick to see if you need a left or right hand bevel and sand your new picks to match!

[claytrell]

He’s right about a closed hand. It takes some getting used to, but it makes a world of difference in speed and tone (you aren’t damping the sound of the pinetop with your pinky). Watch Larry Keel play in his videos with Keller Williams here on youtube. That’s when I decided to adopt this technique for flatpicking. When I play Hank III i’ll open my hand a little. ‘pends on the song... Thanks Banjo Ben!

[jimsinthehouse]

I'm a member of Ben's website and it's really helped my playing. If you play banjo, guitar, or mandolin you should check it out, it's the best deal on the 'net!

Banjo Ben Clark .com

[NYhomewrecker]

Thanks for the lesson Ben. I'm using a thicker pick now. I kind of worry about breaking a string half way through a lick though. By the way, what is that thing in your guitar's sound hole? Is it for sustain?

[LinwoodCIII]

You teach well. I have watched you several times and have learned well at the pace that you teach at. Thanks for all us guitar and mandolin beginners.

Linood

[TrappedInABikini]

Thank you so much. Been looking for this one:) can you give a list of pick you recommend for flatpicking?

[GreenAshR47]

I can't seem to hold the pick right to build up speed for crosspicking. If you have a chance can you watch my practice vid & tell me what I'm doing wrong?

[DuskY1991]

I still wonder how people can play those heavy picks... I currently use a 1.5mm pick made of acrylic...

[JulianZeezer]

How about string gauge? Do heavier strings give a speed advantage?

[RareBird0]

You should have your own TV show. Call it "Neo-Hee-Haw". It might work. You're pickin' and I'm a grinnin'.

[MultiFree77]

hey ben, quick question, im 17 and i been playing sicne i was 6, im learning your bag o licks right now, and i was just wondering, ive never ever used a pick and i really never needed to, i use the think part of my left handed index finger(left handed) and i was just wondering if i can still play fast without a pick,

thanks!

[dmmc1043]

great advice! Like you I have spent many years studying guitar technique and have had the fortune of touring with some of the meanest pickers out there, so i'm sure you might have performed with as well... your advice is spot-on!

[grstixx]

Ben, I just found your series of videos. Very helpful and so true. I've been playing for years and want to thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with everyone. All the best to you

[ylfetu]

Brilliant! After just a short amount of practice with this picking technique, I'm faster and have a much better tone. It still feels weird, but even so it's much better than my old picking technique which I've using for over 15 years.

[vcp430]

Adam Steffey plays a lot with the open hand technique. But, when he started mandolin, that might have felt natural for him.

[superfudge322]

man you got a nice house lol

[DustinTheWind2121]

ive always used a thick pic

[PimpXXXGuitarist]

Well dag gum 'ere Ben, you don't HAVE to make your videos 10 minutes long! HAhAHA, just jokin' 'round... You are a good teacher though, my papa would be proud of me from what I've learned from your videos on here, thanks a LOT dude, you're awsome...

[DavesTaylor414ce]

Great videos!! Also purchased a few of your tabs and they are AWESOME!! Great work. Question, what gauge of strings do you use and does that help your speed?

[DavesTaylor414ce]

Great videos!!!! Also bought some of your tabs and they are AWESOME!!! One question, what gauge of strings do you use and does that help your speed?

[DavesTaylor414ce]

Thanks for the lesson!  Very helpful! What gauge of strings do you use and does that help with getting more speed? Thanks so much for your time and effort! Speed #2 is anticipated.

[DavesTaylor414ce]

This has been such a helpful lesson!!! I'm dying to learn from Speed lesson #2!!! Thanks for your time and effort! Oh, what gauge of strings do you use and does that help with the speed? Thanks!

[jocwalk]

Some great advice here. One point to be added is that just because two picks are the same thickness doesn't make them equal. The rigidity of the pick material is a huge factor. I love the Clayton Ultem 1.2 mm picks whereas I was using a Cool 1.14 that had much more flex and produced far less tone. I differ on the closed hand deal though as I think that's just personal preference. Clay Jones and Bryan Sutton are probably the two fastest out there and both anchor their right hands.

[jbtex101]

Ben, This lesson has made for the best night of progress on my flatpicking I've every had! I also started w/ 3-finger banjo and was anchoring my fingers on the top. The pick positioning and closed-fist technique you present has helped tremendously! I've been struggling with speed, and have a long way to go, but you've helped me break through a significant wall. THANKS and GIG'EM!

[ggesin]

I just saw Brad Davis in San Diego at Guitar trader and he was great.

Greg

[marceldada]

Awe, come on man, admit it, you watched the whole (skating) show!

[gluonone]

Excellent lesson! Can't wait for lesson 2. I purchased some of your licks online and they have been great fun to learn! I've never considered bluegrass before (focused on jazz mostly), but I think this is going to add a dimension to my playing and learning. Thanks again!

[MrBoombalitsy]

Hey ben, can I learn to flatpick on any old guiar? My strings seem a little heigh above the fretboard.

[BanjoBen1]

@MrBoombalitsy Well, you can learn on almost any guitar, but it sure makes it frustrating when the action is too high (like you're describing). I had a cheap starter guitar that was hard to play, and it really held me back. I recommend carrying it to a luthier to have it set up, or think about investing in a guitar with more playability. Good luck!

[smartacus88]

@BanjoBen1 that makes perfect sense!...i need a better guitar!....i dont know much about the instruments like you,but the strings feel like they're a freakin quarter inch from the neck and everything i play sounds wirey and jumbled...i cant really play anything other than rhythm on it....i need to get serious!

[khanrad3]

"Basic" but wow how you hold the pick was a huge help for me for mandolin. Better tone and speed and acuracy. An hour later I was playing better. Thanks!!

[khanrad3]

"Basic" but wow how you hold the pick was a huge help for me for mandolin. Better tone and speed and acuracy. An hour later I was playing better. Thanks!!

[THOLT1959]

What is in the sound hole of your guitar? I am sorry I didn't get to come to Newport to see you;( When will you be back in East TN? How can I get your gospel CD?

[TomEnfinger2425]

Actually, Thanks for the tips and the lessons.  I'm working on changing the way that I hold my pick using the Brad Davis technique. Not there yet but I can feel the speed coming. Also after many years of playing with an open hand (not really stationary) I am trying to go closed. This is proving more difficult but i'm willing to give it a good shot.

[TomEnfinger2425]

So what you're saying is that if you want to pick faster, you should watch figure skating on TV??

[TomEnfinger2425]

So what you're saying is that if you want to pick faster, you should watch figure skating on TV??

[AshbyDave]

Mr. Ben : Thanks heaps for taking the time to pass on tips to us aspiring flatpickers! Too bad about your being " crazy busy " ! That seems to be a condition which is affecting so many of us out there today. It reminds me of a quote I read years ago : The time to relax is when you don't have time for it .

[d08scl]

Hey Ben - What happened to speed #2?? I'm suffering from all the ailments you describe in this lesson and was really looking forward to the exercises...

[BanjoBen1]

@d08scl I'm working on it bud! Things have been crazy busy and I hope to get to it soon!

Thanks!

[lumpful]

@BanjoBen1 I as well am waiting on speed # 2, how much longer? just learning mandolin and need all the advice on speed and clarity training. Ive been eagerly waiting, but I,m patient! thank you for being such a down to earth teacher, learning to play from the you tube watching people an d trying to mimic what I see thanks for all your help!!

[BanjoBen1]

@lumpful Haha! Thanks for being patient! I don't know when I'll make another speed video, but I'm adding a full 20-30 minute video lesson every week on my website. Drop by and check it out at banjobenclark do tcom.

[MedicTJ]

@BanjoBen1

I use pennies...good ole' American currency. 3 reasons. 1. I'm cheap. 2. Growing up, I lived out in the boonies and would always run out of the picks I had...so I got tired of it and used the best thing I could think of. A penny. 3.  I'm really cheap.

[KS6stringer]

Absolutely right on! Thanks!

[archguyster]

BanjoBen1, I been trying to find speed #2 is it available? I am holding the pick like you described in this video but would like to know how you hold your right hand to the guitar. Thanks for all your help.

[BanjoBen1]

Hey bud, I haven't made it yet :) I need to get on that! Thanks for your patience!

[archguyster]

Thanks Ben, I've switched to the closed hand new pick positon and I can definitely feel some speed coming. Not to mention the incredible sound change in my guitar (Takimine EAN15C). It went from a very bright trebly sound to a much deeper bass tone. The new pick postion is getting more comfortable, but I just wanted to make sure that I was holding my right hand in the best possible position. No hurry, we know you're busy. Thanks again,

Mike Barry

[waytooepic]

wth

[BanjoBen1]

lol

[mandopickerer]

Heh, I play guitar and mandolin, and have an open-handed technique. I've been trying to use a closed hand position...I need to practice it more.

Thanks for the videos!

[BanjoBen1]

Do what's comfortable for you...I tend to change back and forth as I practice. Everyone is different, and this was just a suggestion. There's examples of incredibly fast players that use both an open and closed hand technique. Good luck!

[mandopickerer]

Thanks!

[kachemnkillem]

What you do is wonderful. You have a lot of fun and do an amazing job teaching. Thank you so much!

[Bucko250]

Ben, I think this is one of the best lessons you have. I've been playing for 12 years and over the past 3 or 4 I've been trying to pick up flatpicking. I'm from Knoxville and would play with some of my buddies that are bluegrass players. I'd always hang up on the strings because I was using too thin of a pick and holding it wrong. Thanks for the video!

[bdm50]

I use a thin pick, hold it with two fingers and anchor with pinkie. Boy do I have a lot of adjustments to make. I've tried and it's tough but I respect the advice and any Aggie who picks like you must be right.

[savannahzmomma1]

Ice skater analogy makes sense!

Closed hand pick puts the pick closer to the fulcrum (wrist) than open hand, so less travel to and fro, less wasted travel!

Great demo of effect of string on thin pick, too! Thank you!

[bluegrassers]

Just watched Brad Davis picking with the index finger at a 90 degree angle to his thumb, I'm a little confused, on the other hand I'm trying your right hand technique and it's improving my speed

[dtx1139]

I totally agree with your "thick pick" ideas. It took me a while to graduate to the thicker picks.

I used mediums when I was younger, then someone gave me a tortoise shell to try and I've never found anything else that plays or sounds as good as the real tortoise.

[flatpicker1234]

I really agree with picks, I have quite a few and they are great. The tone you get is awesome.

[4770pete]

ive been doing this a long time and can say that your pick holding presentation is right for anyone. they just have to do it. if it doesnt make you fast it will make you accurate/i find that to be just as important. thx

[jkipcount]

Really like this one. The figure skating analogy was dead on dude. I like that you're a thoughtful guy. We need to draw on observations from everywhere to be the best we can be at what we do. Good job. You keep filmin', I'll keep watchin'.

[tuber2u]

you do an awesome job, playing/teaching, thank you, all the best to you. dm

[BanjoBen1]

Thanks so much! And, thanks for watching!

[trecool28]

Your videos help me out so much. Please put the next lesson up whenever you can. I need help on my speed a lot.

[anthonyd9024]

I have learned more from watching your videos than I ever did with the $30 video I ordered from Mel Bay.

For example, I just learned Blackberry Blossom last week and played it pretty darn good at my uncle's house this weekend. Anyway, I really appreciate these videos.

BTW- If you're ever up to making another video, I'd like to know which type of scales are used most often with flatpicking and how they can be used to play freestyle.

Thanks Brother!

[BanjoBen1]

I really appreciate that comment, Anthony! Thanks bud!

[rickyfalcon]

I have been playing for a long time and developed a lazy way of holding my pick. When I applied the way you're holding the pick the alternate picking is much much faster and easier. Here's my problem, when I go back to playing rhythm I sound clunky as I feel like i don't have the same control of sweeping the strings on the up stroke that i had before. Do you switch the way you hold the pick going from lead to rhythm or is this just something I need to relearn! Damn my old habits! =P

[BanjoBen1]

Hey buddy! Since I've made this video, I've changed my technique just a bit. I think pickers are constantly evolving a bit. I've had lots of people disagree with this lesson. The truth is, everyone is different. You'll find a lot of great pickers that use this method, and others that have a completely open hand or anchor. I did find that with this technique, playing rhythm was harder. I do change my hand form a bit when I start strumming. I hope to do another vid soon. Thanks for writing!

[rickyfalcon]

Thanks for the quick response Ben! I was somewhat relieved to read you response. I'm fairly new to flat picking and am really enjoying your lessons. I'll be interested to see what you've come up with and how it's been working for ya. In the mean time I'll keep plugging away. *insert G Lick* =)

[salcp8s]

Thanks! Great vid. I've been working on these techniques for awhile, and I still seem to lose my place on the strings. I'm 49 and am starting to wonder if I'm just too old to ever get fast. I'll keep trying, though.

[pretourious]

Great great GREAT info! Thank you! I started also on banjo at age 4 and brought the open hand style with me when I moved to guitar. I'll definitely try this. BTW after starting back about a month ago after 20 years I'm using a 2mm pick. lol yeah I know, its like picking with a 2 by 4 but the tones are great.

[cmcarlson54]

Good lesson and, yes, the closed right hand seems to be faster than the open hand technique (for me). Also, I get more speed if I play with about 1/8" off the tip of the pick. Finally, playing with the forearm instead of the wrist is quicker but this speed is gained at a sacrifice in tone. Just some thoughts. Once again, thanks for the lesson!

[delerious1234]

I have always had right hand speed problems.  Never heard anyone explain the importance of a heavy pick like this. Makes a ton of sense though.

[semper54]

Wow, thank you so much Ben. I'm just starting out and these tips really helped me. At first I was skeptical of the way to hold the pick. At first, I was losing my control, but after a while my control came back. And man no joke, my speed almost doubled (I'm not very fast yet). I don't know if you read these, but I really appreciate your lessons. Post #2!!!!!!!

[BanjoBen1]

Thanks buddy! I do read these! I rarely reply to comments, but I always reply to personal messages through YouTube. I'm glad the speed is coming to you. Since I've made this video, my technique has continued to evolve. It's really what's most comfortable for you. The point of this video was maybe to get folks out of their rut...maybe try something new. Like I said in the vid, there's plenty of fast pickers that use ALL sorts of different pick styles....just try 'em out and see what works best!

[95cooks]

Hey, Banjo-great stuff. I have a quandry: I can do pretty fast runs like Al DiMeola (not quite as fast) but in adapting to the flatpicking stuff I have difficulty sustaining the long runs you guys do.I anchor my pink slightly to the top- when I float my right hand like you I can't get traction or anchoring for speed.But floating seems to allow your hand to pivot freely, which is good. Any thoughts?

[flatpikinguitar]

hey ben, i know you were talking about the pickboy picks, but have you tried dunlope ultex. they are an extremely stiff pick for their thickness. i just bought some and i like them. just wanted to let you know

[kendubs88]

Banjo Ben, Thanks for the great lessons.

[Hensongu]

One of the best lesson for me, yet. Thanks A bunch, I have always wanted know the correct way to hold the darn little thing.

Thanks

[fiddlnbanjo]

Hey guys,, keep every pick you ever run across and if it aint broke,dont throw it away

[strick1869]

Thanks for you advise

[AtomicHercules]

ben, you rule bro. thanks for the tipfest.

[dp11issosweet]

i like to use red bear tortis picks. the heavys are like 2mm +....i use martin strings, .13's

[rab234565]

Hey Ben, Can you tell us when you might be doing Speed #2- Flatpicking Guitar or Mandolin Lesson? Thanks for all you effort and it is very much appreciated. Your teaching style makes sense.

[SodiumMonkey]

Any idea when you might put up lesson 2 to follow this one? I've been playing guitar for several years, but am just starting to learn flatpicking bluegrass guitar. These videos are immensely helpful. I am afraid I am going to learn bad habits and technique when I get started and it will be really tough to unlearn. Thanks!

[Guitarshawn]

Great stuff! Thanks

[mitch101b]

I've been watchin for a while and this is the first time I have commented, but dude, you are awesome! I know you're a busy guy, but after that, I want more! How bout a speed #2? Thanks for posting lessons man.

[Shilohbanjoman]

Very good advice, especially the part about using a thicker pick. The only part that I don't totally agree with is the closed hand on the mandolin. This would work well for someone with small hands. I find that by resting my pinky finger and letting the other two hang, I get a lot more speed. This works well for me on the mandolin, but each person's anatomy is different. Do what works best for for you.

[Zanzubar502]

Your hand is not effected by centrifugal force Ben.

[BanjoBen1]

You don't know that Zanzubar! Bring me some evidence! I want fractions! And algorithms. And fairy dust!

I joking with you bro, but give the analogy a chance. We're not in physics class. Give me a break!

[Zanzubar502]

I know I know I was just giving you grief :D

[keaton7732]

Hi BanjoBen! did you hear the song creepin' in tha play norah jones with dolly parton? there's a magnific short guitar solo that i think (if you like it) you could easily play for us to learn (excuseme for my english).

Sorry if this comment is a little "intrusive".

Anyway thanks!!

[ShayCsper]

cool but there is no Speed #2- Flatpicking Guitar or Mandolin Lesson :(

[gatemouthbrown]

hey this is a great video...did you forget about speed #2?..."g-lick...whew"...lol

[fingeronstring]

Well done. Clean video with Clear and concise delivery.

[sword6204]

One other thing about heavier picks: I'm afraid of breaking strings after switching because of using more force from the follow through of the heavier pick. Also, I love the snappy "pop" of my .53mm pick when It hits the strings.

[sword6204]

"G-lick...Whew, that was a quick one!" Hilarious! On the pick thing, I can't seem to get past the .53mm Tortex (Orange color) that I like so well. It's mainly a tone thing, I get a brighter tone with this pick than with heavier picks. Heavier picks seem to give me that dull tone. What do you suggest? I use Elixir lights .12-.53 gauge strings and have tried medium and even medium lights and my fingers can't handle them. I think I can work with a thicker pick than with thicker strings, lol!

[bendinstrangs4]

thanks dude,i didnt know that my old guitar and NEW pick had a 4th gear in them,thanks again for sharing

[jeffbell12]

WOW...closing my fist really does speed me up. It has also stopped a problem I've been having with the pick turning while I play rythem...I was ending up playing with the side of the pick as it turned.twisted in my grip. It feels uncomfortable...and I'm a bit sloppy(ier) but I could get used to this.  Thnx again Ben!! I can't wait for your website!!

[FeralReason]

Jeff -- I have that problem of the pick turning also. I think this is an issue of the "flat" of the pick being at a slight angle to the string rather than parallel to it. I tried the fist grip but it rotated the pick to even a greater angle relative to the string (maybe it is a structural problem with my wrist.) Did you notice this too ? Are you able to twist your wrist so that the pick is parallel to the string or does it work well enough to hit the string at an angle ?

[honkytonk1974]

I've had that problem as well, next time you're at a music store, take a look at their most expensive, thickest picks (try Wegen Picks), and you'll find a Bevel cut into the leading edge of the pick, and that little bevel compenstates for that angle of your wrist. It's very subtle, and I had a hard time comprehending it, but I filed that bevel onto my Tortex 1.12 picks (I get the BIG amber triangle ones and file the corners to be more rounded), and it addresses that problem.

[IJS84]

Hi ben,

thanx for all the great tips and licks. I'm from Holland and the bluegrass scene is small here and there are no books or lessons available. So your lessons are really helpfull. I'm excually a bass player. Because of the O brother movie I got into bluegrass and started with mandolin but I think I'll get me a Taylor or Martin because speed is building up over here!!!

[dodico20]

maybe the best video that ive saw on this topic 5 stars as always

[dodico20]

ive always played with an open free hand for slower action and closed my hand for faster action it's all summed up here i see the light! great as always

[ppooyy2]

man i just finally worked my way up to a heavy pick!!!ill tell ya its pretty tough but it does pay off over all!!!

[TxBerg]

Great analogy there, old pal!

[Saynotothestoneage]

hahah "shut up"

Great video, look forward to watching the rest of them. Thx a lot

[ljspaziani]

Thanks Ben!! Keep em coming. Speed #2! Speed #2!

[Shady1s]

Hi there,

Great video, but you got me so excited about the next one. Where is it?

[Flatpic14]

ok... I just started watching you this morning and I NEVER find anything worth posting comments to. Thus, this being my secong comment today that must tell you something. I am a flatpicker and I was having a lil prblem with getting some notes clean. I tried your method of tucking the pick in the ridge of the index finger and the difference is amazing. I thought it was my right hand not working.. haha but it was as easy as that! Thank you so much for opening this whole new world up to me!!!!

[KellyMullet]

This is great. I was just now debating the importance of the right hand position. I'm glad you cleared that up for me. I've just this minute changed my hand position and can already feel a difference for the better. I've also been watching your other vids and I can't tell you how much I've improved. I've even made up a few licks using the stuff that I've learned and I've never been able to do that before. so Thanx a bunch and keep 'em comin'!!

And by the way...Brad Davis Kicks Ass!

[csande96]

Thanks for everything your putting out there for us. Ive been watching you for about 2 weeks now and have learned soo much. My wife tells me I think you got that one now "her hint to go to the next lesson....anyway

Thanks!!

[BanjoBen1]

Clarence was awesome! I would tend to agree with you on these points...I just don't know. I may call his brother, Roland, and see if he knows. Cody Kilby, of Kentucky Thunder, also does this. It may have something to do with his form, or he may be like me and can't believe what he's seeing :) If I could pick like Cody, I'd have to watch myself too! Ha, I'm sure that's not what he's doing, but you've struck an interest of mine. I'm off to do some research! Thanks for watching!

[FeralReason]

Thanx for the response and good luck on the Rascal Flatts tour. Bought some heavy picks and 'll be practicing till you post something new on speed. Look forward to your next post and anything you find out about Clarence's (or others') technique!

[FeralReason]

Clarence White continued ...2) He may have been trying to control the angle at which the pick struck the string. If the plane of the pick is not perfectly aligned with the line of the string, one side of the tip of the pick strikes the string before the other, causing a torquing motion to the pick that then has to be compensated for. If the pick is perfectly aligned, this torquing motion would not exist.

Who knows but would be interested in your thoughts on these two issues.

[FeralReason]

GREAT LESSON ! When Clarence White picked a solo or break he stared directly down at his picking hand. Wonder what he was trying to control? 2 thoughts: 1) He may have been trying to control the depth of the pick through the plane of the strings. Keeping it shallow would make crosspicking easier since there is less distance to move the pick perpendicular to the plane of the strings before you more it to the next string. 2) See next post...

[kennyluvr03]

A) This lesson was NOT boring in any way at all.

B) I love the Talking lessons

C) You analogy makes tons of sense to me.

D) Thank you so much for doing these lessons. I've been learning a TON from them. :)

[WEIRDALROXMYSOX]

E) Sense of down home humor!

[murraru]

Dude,

I felt like I needed to cut you a check for such a great lesson and then you brought up the whole figure skating anology! I wont even ask why you were watching figure skating and I live in L.A (ha ha) Thanks again for more great advice, it really helps.

[edrumardo]

Awesome...can't wait for the rest!

[mattcauth]

BB: excellent. I can't wait for more. By the way, you're dead right - when you change techniques, it'll feel weird at first but you'll know real soon if you're on the right track. I've got so many bad habits at this point that I run into this all the time ;)

-Matt

[gwoy2001]

FINALLY...I think I'm actually getting some of this. I've been holding my pick wrong for 10 years. I already feel the difference in speed. I can't wait for your next installment on right hand placement and wrist technique. This is awesome stuff for all of us "closet pickers". Keep the lessons coming...this is the best stuff on the web!! You are doing a great service to many of us. Keep posting!!

[BanjoBen1]

That's what I'm TALKING ABOUT!!! Way to go!

[sillysarah1]

I don't think this was a boring lesson at all Ben, of course I am sure it is more interesting for beginners like me. You analogy actually made lots of sense to me. Way to go Ben!! :)

[Pepe00ad]

Well.. that was actually a wery good lesson with some great thoughts and advice.. And no, your figure-skating analogy is not crazy at all.. Thanks for posting, Ben.

[grundan69]

more good stuff BB, appreciate what you do.