How to Strum Smoothly Using a Pick [Guitar Strumming Lessons]

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  • Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
  • When I first started playing guitar I would watch other guitar players strum away while playing and singing. It looked effortless. It wasn’t until I started trying to play that I realized strumming chords smoothly wasn’t as easy as it looked.
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Комментарии • 368

  • @seadoggozo-fishingguitarsa1837
    @seadoggozo-fishingguitarsa1837 6 лет назад +394

    Hi Thomas! I struggled initially using a pick. Then I started using a really thin one at .38mm. After a couple of weeks moved to .46mm and so on. It worked a treat! Maybe helpful to other beginners..........you can buy packs of mixed sizes.

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  6 лет назад +49

      YES... that's great Phil. I wish I would have mentioned this in the video. I usually do have students start with a thin pick. Thanks so much for adding your comment.

    • @Day12My
      @Day12My 4 года назад +1

      good point

    • @TheThelifegame
      @TheThelifegame 3 года назад +4

      i tried using a thin pick but the sound became very high and made my head hurt when playing.. idk

    • @seadoggozo-fishingguitarsa1837
      @seadoggozo-fishingguitarsa1837 3 года назад +1

      MayZay I only used it for a short time......and no headaches! 🤣🤣

    • @sunnymakkar5266
      @sunnymakkar5266 3 года назад +1

      Thanks a lot! I didn't knew it's easier to learn with a thin pick.
      I don't know if that's only me,but I'm able to hear sound of pick being striking to the strings along with the sound of guitar..., Is that normal?

  • @sagarnath1829
    @sagarnath1829 4 года назад +1126

    Sometimes I totally miss the strings and other times i hit them too hard...Its frustrating

    • @gretataylor7548
      @gretataylor7548 4 года назад +85

      I had this when I first started, but if you hold the pick more loosely it stops you from hitting the bottom string too hard (sorry for taking so long)

    • @goldielockslady5061
      @goldielockslady5061 3 года назад +15

      I have the same problem!

    • @morkami9521
      @morkami9521 3 года назад +5

      I just started and have a same problem. Thank you for help guys :)

    • @janjansen7983
      @janjansen7983 3 года назад +37

      @@gretataylor7548 I got that problem as well. But when I hold the pick more loosely it slips away haha
      Man, strumming is really difficult. Way more then it looks. But I'll get there!

    • @mayj19
      @mayj19 3 года назад +1

      Same

  • @allegory7638
    @allegory7638 Год назад +48

    Finally, someone that explains the down strum and up strum angles so concisely and clearly, thank you!!!

  • @leilahfly
    @leilahfly 3 года назад +26

    The part about changing the pressure of the thumb, I mean I have been playing guitar for 25 years and that little change is such a tremendous help, thank you for sharing!

  • @mollyjordankoch7712
    @mollyjordankoch7712 4 года назад +42

    I'm new to guitar - plus I'm older - so I feel especially challenged. Your videos make learning feel easy, possible and fun. Thank you!

  • @padshardbank
    @padshardbank Год назад +4

    1:27 such a great tip, i've never seen that before but i can feel it makes a difference straight away.

  • @datmangotho9618
    @datmangotho9618 5 лет назад +468

    Whenever I upstrum, the first two strings stand out a lot and sound super twangy if that makes sense... How do I fix it 😭

    • @hybro8
      @hybro8 5 лет назад +52

      Mmm, practise really slowly just doing up strums and really emphasise the wrist twisting motion. Also revise your pick grip tightness if necessary

    • @datmangotho9618
      @datmangotho9618 5 лет назад +9

      Dean Spence Thanks I’ll try it

    • @in_dee_city6142
      @in_dee_city6142 4 года назад +7

      Same problem here

    • @touch3010
      @touch3010 4 года назад +8

      SAme here

    • @kelseyboyd9742
      @kelseyboyd9742 4 года назад +22

      Sameee I suck at strumming😂😂

  • @davidmc8478
    @davidmc8478 5 лет назад +22

    thanks, i watched this at just the right time. i have learned to strum but was getting frustrated by the harsh noise and trying all sorts of different angles. Now i know i am heading in the right direction and working on the right things. Clear simple tutorial.

  • @govindwagh9546
    @govindwagh9546 6 лет назад +44

    with good practice and focus in mind of smooth strumming,it is achieved.after 6 month of good practice I can strumm very smother.sometime it sounds so cool and soothing to myself.thanks a lot

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  6 лет назад +5

      You're welcome Govind. Nothing takes the place of focus and persistence.

    • @studiocelestedesign
      @studiocelestedesign 4 года назад +15

      6 months to sound okay??? Oh god my downstairs neighbour is going to hate me haha.

  • @wildalbalass4867
    @wildalbalass4867 2 года назад +1

    Excellent help from an absolute beginner aged 63. Many thanks. Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

  • @johanlofgren7749
    @johanlofgren7749 6 лет назад +20

    Thanks Thomas. I have played for 2.5 years and still struggle to strum smoothly with a pick. I tend to dig in to much. Still dont feel 100% comfortable when using a pick, but its getting better though. I started with a really thin pick but has now moved up to 0.7-0.9. Loads of practice is the only thing that works for me.

  • @Lightnin991
    @Lightnin991 4 года назад +19

    Thanks a million for this. I've always played acoustic blues with my fingers. Now I'm learning to play an electric guitar with a pick and I'm finding it incredibly difficult to srum amoothly. Having watched your video about holding the pick and how to strum everything has suddenly improved. The best advice I've found on You tube.

  • @darnellw131
    @darnellw131 4 года назад +132

    Man, it doesn't matter how much i practise i just cant atrum smoothly with a pick. With my hand it's just fine, but i can't produce the same sound as to when strumming with a pick so it's really frustrating...

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  4 года назад +22

      Thanks for commenting, RickySpanish. I've felt that way many times while learning guitar. Even now I when I'm learning something new. You sound normal.

    • @farfalles2665
      @farfalles2665 3 года назад +1

      Same !!!

    • @tyrranicalt-rad6164
      @tyrranicalt-rad6164 3 года назад +1

      I'm the exact same way I got huge hand picks just don't work for me ...it pissed me off after a few weeks so now I just use my fingers

    • @Stickybee135
      @Stickybee135 3 года назад +3

      I started guitar using a pick but when I started studying fingerstyle,welp I kinda forgot how to use a pick now hahahahha like wtf haha

    • @vallesvaldez
      @vallesvaldez 3 года назад +2

      Don't be too hard on yourself. Many players such as Leon Bridges don't play with a pick and they sound great. It has it's benefits but it shouldn't hold you back. There's no wrong way to play guitar. The only rule is to make it sound musical.

  • @annajansson221
    @annajansson221 3 года назад +1

    Before I listened to your lesson, I had heard that I should hold the pick very loosely. This didn’t make sense to me but when I heard your advice about rolling the thumb back slightly, it worked much better! Thanks!

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  3 года назад +1

      Glad to help Anna! It is a bit of a balance. If it's too tight it sounds rough. But too loose... well, I've fished many a pick out of my sound hole of the guitar :(

  • @russelldavidoakley2802
    @russelldavidoakley2802 4 года назад +118

    how do i strum quietly so i can sing over the top without a mic, particularly when strumming fast rhythm

    • @imjude_0
      @imjude_0 4 года назад +29

      I HAVE THE SAME EXACT QUESTION AND NO ONES TALKING ABOUT IT

    • @russelldavidoakley2802
      @russelldavidoakley2802 4 года назад +44

      Yo Boy Jude I play in a small room an I strum with my thumb as light as I can. It works well but I seldom get to use a pick. It’s way too loud. If I strum soft with a pick I can hear the pick clicking against the strings.

    • @imjude_0
      @imjude_0 4 года назад +4

      @@russelldavidoakley2802 honestly learning to strung with a pick is nice as the sound of the pick hitting the strings is satisfying but if u wanna sing its better to use a mix and adjust audio

    • @aerrah_
      @aerrah_ 4 года назад +3

      Russell David Oakley it’s such a pain and i’m trying so hard to use a pick because my hands are really awkward

    • @ridhwan7963
      @ridhwan7963 4 года назад +4

      You can also maybe just play the song with power chords during singing parts.

  • @miszk5690
    @miszk5690 4 года назад +33

    Ha, and I felt dumb for not being able to strum... thank you, this is really helpful!

  • @Half_cooked_rat
    @Half_cooked_rat 3 года назад +2

    I play ukulele and this video was just as helpful and the only one I could find that got to the point of the video in a simple and direct way. Thank you!

  • @JimDorman
    @JimDorman 4 года назад +5

    Thank you. I watched a video of myself and didn't realize how roough my strum was. I have trouble with my wrist which makes it hard and even painful. But, this helps.

  • @animationnation777
    @animationnation777 3 года назад +1

    Thank you man this will come in handy I feel a guitar pick brings the guitar alive a little more

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  3 года назад

      Thanks for commenting, Bill. I'm glad you found this helpful.

  • @junebug7667
    @junebug7667 2 года назад +4

    Hi, I have had so much trouble just actually holding the pick without it dropping out of my hand. Your tip on holding the pick with slightly more pressure on the upper side of the thumb really helped a lot. Thanks so much for this video and your other lessons. God bless you 🙏🙏👍👍

  • @mei.mei1
    @mei.mei1 Год назад +3

    Thank you for being so clear and concise! That was really helpful!

  • @10HW
    @10HW 4 года назад +80

    "so you can sound like a pro on your guitar"
    We're not there yet, please don't rush me

    • @Cattus_Maximus
      @Cattus_Maximus 3 года назад +4

      so hows your progress after nine months?

  • @mandyb0725
    @mandyb0725 Месяц назад

    This was so incredibly helpful, thank you so much!!!

  • @miniadventureswithmark3309
    @miniadventureswithmark3309 Год назад +1

    Just what I needed thank you. Now I just need to get accurate with hitting the right strings for the chords I’m playing.

  • @steviesimpson1743
    @steviesimpson1743 4 года назад +4

    thank you i now understand how to strum a bit

  • @benwitchell500
    @benwitchell500 4 года назад +21

    Great lesson - to the point and helped solve something I've been wondering about for a while - thanks!

  • @tarakanwar2305
    @tarakanwar2305 Год назад +1

    In fact this a most important Lesson thanks a lot

  • @shrutirautela57
    @shrutirautela57 2 года назад

    Hello sir.. I watched every video on youtube about strumming... and nothing helped me out. Lots of thanks to you from whole my heart sir.. I really improved just by watching your hand gestures. It was a great lesson.

  • @omkarkaushik6253
    @omkarkaushik6253 Год назад +4

    My pick doesn't wiggle wiggle, IT DROPS 🤣

  • @Stringfreak
    @Stringfreak 5 лет назад +24

    Loved the video. I was struggling with this for quite some time.

  • @echavezr2012
    @echavezr2012 4 года назад +13

    Hi, I just discovered your channel. So helpful and straightforward! Thank you very much and keep it like that. Cheers!

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  4 года назад

      It's nice to hear from you, echavezr2012. Thanks!

  • @FisherMarkJ
    @FisherMarkJ Год назад +1

    This video helped out a lot, thanks!

  • @seanlintube
    @seanlintube 4 года назад +2

    thank god, this is video I have been looking for! what a relief! thanks for the tips, really useful

  • @lawyerlarrry
    @lawyerlarrry Год назад +1

    Incredibly helpful. Wish I woulda found this video sooner. Thx.

  • @IgetsnoplayTaylor
    @IgetsnoplayTaylor 2 года назад +1

    A genius and a life saver!

  • @maggie9451
    @maggie9451 Год назад +4

    This taught me so much! It was perfect cause it wasn’t a complicated video and it’s easy to understand.

  • @TheKrin9
    @TheKrin9 Год назад +1

    I will try it, thank you for this information.

  • @MousyDogFace
    @MousyDogFace 3 года назад +1

    That was a good lesson man 👏👍

  • @MineGamerofficial
    @MineGamerofficial 8 месяцев назад

    Thanks for the Angle part,I was using it straight but by angling it's way smooth

  • @kaminobatto
    @kaminobatto Год назад +1

    That was a very clear and logical explanation! Thanks for that!

  • @kirkburger7514
    @kirkburger7514 Год назад +1

    Very glad you put this video out, very helpful

  • @berrybliss8184
    @berrybliss8184 2 года назад +2

    Thanks so much for this - just what I needed. I’m playing electric and trying to do the chords for come as you are and I wanna try and accomplish my favorite nirvana songs and this helped so thanks. I’m not great yet but I hope soon.

  • @alanwakes4786
    @alanwakes4786 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Tomas, great simple tricks to solve issues.

  • @terencedaniel4617
    @terencedaniel4617 4 года назад

    Thanks a lot sir I learnt to strum my guitar within no time after watching ur video.

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  4 года назад

      Glad I could help, Terence. Keep it up!

  • @patkinnane7059
    @patkinnane7059 3 года назад +1

    Just watched your video. I am in the process of learning the guitar. Helped me a lot to understand strumming. Look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks.

  • @abingreegoriouse9572
    @abingreegoriouse9572 Год назад +1

    Really helpful thanks sir

  • @simchas4u
    @simchas4u 6 лет назад +3

    I had trouble with a pick till I tried a Herco flat thumb pick which I found was the perfect solution. Not only did my strumming improve, but since all the fingers remain free, finger picking can continue as usual.

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  6 лет назад

      That's cool Savta. Thanks for sharing.

  • @jeffsu5852
    @jeffsu5852 3 года назад

    Thanks! This was super helpful. The other begginer videos I watched just said - strum up and down. This was so helpful! Thanks.

  • @emilycaballero6052
    @emilycaballero6052 8 месяцев назад

    Thanks for your help! As a future music educator, this was very useful instruction.

  • @sujeewadodamgoda943
    @sujeewadodamgoda943 4 года назад +1

    U are ever nice guitar instructor how i feel .. thank you and god bless you

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  4 года назад

      Thanks, sujeewa dodamgoda. God bless you.

  • @bradleycarnell5426
    @bradleycarnell5426 6 месяцев назад

    Thank you! First actual detailed instructions!

  • @whoneedsjug5269
    @whoneedsjug5269 3 года назад

    just helped me strum first time !

  • @siennauncertain8898
    @siennauncertain8898 2 года назад

    Thank you! This made my strumming sound so much better!

  • @jjsworld4701
    @jjsworld4701 3 года назад +6

    I don't know how to strings properly. Because I'm a lefty. I feel weird and when I strum it sounds harsh

    • @craigmarsh1963
      @craigmarsh1963 3 года назад +3

      I am also a lefty. Teaching myself to play a right handed guitar. Practice practice practice, you eventually teach your right hand

  • @ashmeetsingh3268
    @ashmeetsingh3268 4 года назад +1

    Excelleny tutorial man!!!😇😇

  • @peterholliday6126
    @peterholliday6126 Год назад +2

    Great stuff thanks

  • @manar4120
    @manar4120 Год назад

    Thank you! I’ll try this

  • @kbe3121
    @kbe3121 3 месяца назад +1

    I have just seen this video and i alot of the times because i just start using a pick i miss the bottom string alot when im trying to play the song mocking bird

  • @ddazuulada
    @ddazuulada 4 года назад +1

    Amazing, just what I was looking for!

  • @jimantonino4394
    @jimantonino4394 2 года назад

    Useful lesson even just to put your attention onto your strumming. Good tips. Thanks.

  • @user-br9jp1dl9x
    @user-br9jp1dl9x 5 месяцев назад

    Thank you you are very helpful

  • @Kanaeee170
    @Kanaeee170 6 месяцев назад

    This is super useful, thank you!

  • @sambott4724
    @sambott4724 4 года назад

    I tried going further away from my guitar on my down strum than I thought I had to and it sounded way better, I think it works because there is more space to adjust the pick

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  4 года назад

      That makes sense Sam. I applaud you for experimenting. I've learned a lot by just trying different things to see what works.

  • @tharangamadushanka4860
    @tharangamadushanka4860 Год назад

    Thanks for the good explanation.

  • @jasmine-vl9sv
    @jasmine-vl9sv 3 года назад

    Omg I was struggling so much but I found this video and it totally helped!

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  3 года назад

      Glad I could help, Cinnamøn_ Tøast.

  • @deanvaughan6900
    @deanvaughan6900 3 года назад

    Yes, you're a big help to me

  • @viktoriiashkurenko2849
    @viktoriiashkurenko2849 3 года назад

    The most helpful video I found on this subject. Thanks man!

  • @lilyelizabeth8321
    @lilyelizabeth8321 3 года назад

    THABK YOU SO MUCH!!!! i was struggling for sooo long 😭😭 this helped!!!!

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  3 года назад +1

      You're very welcome, Lily. I'm glad I could help.

  • @bernhardmair6233
    @bernhardmair6233 11 месяцев назад

    legend. thank you

  • @ROAOG710
    @ROAOG710 3 года назад

    super helpfull thanks brotha always enjoy learning from your videos

  • @karlbridge5844
    @karlbridge5844 4 года назад

    Best lesson on how to hold a pick properly out there. Thanks a lot for clear and quick instructions! Now i'm off to annoy the neighbours :-)

  • @mmaaanii
    @mmaaanii 4 года назад

    thank you so much!! After watching this video I can use a pick!!

  • @rbtomio
    @rbtomio 3 года назад

    Great video! Thanks for posting this. I have been learning to play the guitar for over the past year but have been struggling trying to use a pick. I have used just my fingers up to this point but I know it is better if I learn to play with a pick. I have watched other videos but it has not helped me like yours has. I have always had trouble with upstrums as I don't catch many of the strings or not at all. Your advice to angle the pick and place your thumb higher on the pick to give it more flex really helped. I still have to practice this more but this is the first time I have felt, "I think I can do this!"

  • @MikotoSnow
    @MikotoSnow 3 года назад

    this was so awesome to watch. thank you for your work

  • @brownsugarv2935
    @brownsugarv2935 Год назад

    Thanks ! This helped a lot !

  • @nono...9735
    @nono...9735 3 года назад +1

    Sir you look like Berlin of money hiest.... ❣️❣️

  • @renzflorante8325
    @renzflorante8325 3 месяца назад

    thankk youu❤❤

  • @rebeccadyson2766
    @rebeccadyson2766 2 года назад

    Super helpful!! 💥👍🤜🤛 thanks!!

  • @rashikphuyal201
    @rashikphuyal201 5 лет назад +4

    Amazing🔥🔥

  • @danantonio9618
    @danantonio9618 4 года назад

    Very succinct and useful advice. Big help, ty.

  • @donaldswan1587
    @donaldswan1587 2 года назад

    Really helpful thank you!

  • @chantellerosebud1780
    @chantellerosebud1780 4 года назад

    Thank you this video was really helpful 😊

  • @b5g5t
    @b5g5t 3 года назад

    Man, I love you for this video!!

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  3 года назад +1

      Glad you enjoyed it FenderGuy!

  • @wz4303
    @wz4303 2 года назад

    Thank you!

  • @daxie1026
    @daxie1026 3 года назад

    Great !!! Thank you.

  • @butt-head5212
    @butt-head5212 3 года назад

    Thhhshhanks alot man!

  • @josekrushave3927
    @josekrushave3927 3 года назад +1

    time stands
    1.technique - 0:48
    2.technique - 1.59

  • @amyiyen
    @amyiyen 4 года назад +8

    Im a classical guitar player and i just bought an electrical guitar recently. Using pick is really hard for me...

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  4 года назад +4

      Thanks for commenting, Nevarky. Yes, I'm not surprised... keep at it. It will get better by being persistent.

  • @lanorarobertson1510
    @lanorarobertson1510 5 лет назад +1

    Great tips, thank you!

  • @angkit216
    @angkit216 4 года назад

    Thanks bro helps a lot

  • @utkaldiwas
    @utkaldiwas 3 года назад

    Helped a lot uncle love ya!

  • @alex-sv8ru
    @alex-sv8ru 4 года назад

    Thanks so much Tomas!

  • @TomBinnz
    @TomBinnz 4 года назад +3

    I’ve been learning to play of and on for a year, I can’t play with a pick at all. Super frustrating.

  • @TheSamjomik
    @TheSamjomik 6 лет назад +2

    Nice one Tomas!

  • @ronitsirodariya6231
    @ronitsirodariya6231 3 года назад +1

    I literally broke my pick due to string pressure. Now how to strum perfectly so later I don't break my another pick.

  • @snehalgalashah8359
    @snehalgalashah8359 3 года назад

    Very helpful 👍

  • @hemendra_666
    @hemendra_666 3 года назад

    thanks, that was very helpful 👍🏻👍🏻

  • @Schakaljin01
    @Schakaljin01 4 года назад +2

    Hi Tomas thanks for your guitar leason=) I have a question. I try to train my Guitar pick strumming at the moment. How do you make a smooth movement on specific notes without strumming the other notes ? My Finger strumming works for this problem but i struggle with a guitar pick. 😅Best Regards Qin 😁

  • @Mr.Studer
    @Mr.Studer 5 лет назад +4

    This video really helped! Takes quite a bit of practice.
    Any tips on only strumming 2 strings like the 3rd and 4th and palm muted? I cant get it to be super smooth and i am hitting other strings or get 'hung up' on a string.

    • @TomasMichaud
      @TomasMichaud  5 лет назад +4

      Thanks for commenting, Mr. Studer. I'm going to make a lesson on how to avoid hitting the wrong strings. Would that help?

  • @yashwanthgovardhan4080
    @yashwanthgovardhan4080 4 года назад

    Thank you