Pick rotates in my hand

[cramp]

When I'm playing I often find the pick ends up at 90 degrees to how it should be - I can sort of manage with the pick sideways, but the next step is I drop it while trying to twist it back upright.
I know I'm not holding it as tight as I might, but I like the reduced attack I get by not holding it so rigidly.
Is this a bad habit and should I just man up and grip the thing tighter and deal with tone by hitting the strings differently?

[Loosemoose]

I have this problem and the answer came in the Dava control pick! Don't even know if you can still get them!

[stickyfiddle]

You could try a lighter pick- you'd grip it a little more to get the same attack?

Or get used to playing with the round end; I do that quite often

[RolandG]

The plectrum normally rotates because it is striking the string at a slight angle. Try positioning your 2nd finger so that the edge near the nail supports the side of the plectrum, and prevents it from rotating.

[musophilr]

The plectrum normally rotates because it is striking the string at a slight angle. Try positioning your 2nd finger so that the edge near the nail supports the side of the plectrum, and prevents it from rotating.

I think I'd find it difficult to do that AND have the remaining fingers uncurled to support picking hand damping.

I sometimes have this problem, and if as you suggest it is caused by the pick striking the strings at a slight angle, the remedy would seem to be: make sure the pick always hits the strings with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the string and with its lateral axis parallel to the string. I suspect that on the occasions when I don't have the problem, it's because I'm using the pick properly. Next time I notice the problem occurring I'll pay attention to how I'm holding the pick.

Good thread.

[zenzeypher]

I do it all the time, if I'm doing arpeggios I'll straighten it back out, strumming chords I actually prefer it that way if the section is non aggressive in tone, I find I play softer that way. But 90% of the time especially if I have sweaty hands that pick could be facing any direction

[BigLicks67]

Try a Jim Dunlop Big Stubby pick. It's got a indent to assist the grip of the thumb and forefinger. It's heavy so suits jazz and shred.
Also, if your other fingers are splayed try making more of a light fist and bring your forearm into play, ie rather than bending the wrist use your arm. An old Jazz guitarist was always recommending this technique to me.
If this doesn't work for you then try the Eric Johnson technique:
http://www.dangerousguitar.com/dgtv_...Pick-Technique

[JAYJO]

[QUOTE=BigLicks67;1386372] if your other fingers are splayed try making more of a light fist and bring your forearm into play.
This!
minimalise your movement.Use your forearm and try not to bounce off the strings ie imo less of the pick is more. Use a lighter pick when strumming if necessary but stop that sweaty rotation it will hold you back (imo of course

[musophilr]

I'm not sure I agree with using forearm. If you're flailing from the elbow you can't possibly have any finesse about which strings the plectrum picks up or how it hits them.

[BigLicks67]

I'm not sure I agree with using forearm. If you're flailing from the elbow you can't possibly have any finesse about which strings the plectrum picks up or how it hits them.

I don't use this technique myself, but have seen it done playing fast bebop lines and it worked for him, the reason I included the link to Eric Johnson is because he does the opposite. IE try both ways and see what works.