How to Hold a Flatpick

The Mandolinist's Tool for Volume and Clarity

In this lesson, you'll learn about different types of flatpicks and how to hold one.

There are several different types of flatpicks to choose from. It doesn't matter what you settle on at this point but as you progress, your taste in tone and feel will change and you'll want to find a flatpick that suits more of what you're looking for. To hold your flatpick, make a thumbs up away from your body as if you were gesturing to a friend. Place the pick on your smallest knuckle so the point is sticking out and then gently lower your thumb onto the pick. Your grip should be just heavy enough to not drop the pick. Once you have a good grip, rotate your arm and lower it back to your starting place on the mandolin. The point of your flatpick should be pointing towards the body of the mandolin.