Is there such as thing as too little pick depth?

Technique Critique
#1

Is there such a thing as too little pick depth? I got a stylus pick when they first came out in '89 and in all honesty, I think it’s wrecked my picking.

The issue is that now I play with what I believe is far too little pick depth. My nornal grip results in the pick being visible by only around 1-2mm. I now use the small Jazz III picks and I’ve built speed and endurance, but I’ve always struggled catching unwanted strings, which I now understand can be mitigated with pick slanting. The problem is, with such a tiny amount of pick visible, it’s very hard to get the slant angle to make a difference.

Does this resonate with anyone or am I making excuses for other deficiencies? The simple answer may be to just play with a different pick grip but I may as well learn to play with my toes because after 37 years it’s all locked in and anything else feels alien. Am I a lost cause?

Screenshot_20260111_202711_Gallery
Screenshot_20260111_202711_Gallery1426×1602 239 KB

1 Like
#2

Yeah. You need to be able to modulate pick depth by feel IMO. You’re not a lost cause, I had to relearn pretty much the same thing. It’s very doable, and, frankly, sounds way better

#3

Welcome!

Just to clarify, around here that’s referred to as pick “exposure” - the amount sticking out of the grip. Depth is how much actually hits the string.

I do think that’s a very small amount of pick exposure in the photo - it would strongly limit dynamics and overall control, imo.

Definitely not, though there will be some relearning involved. I’d probably start by using a larger pick (perhaps Jazz iii XL, or Flow) and forcing yourself to use more pick exposure. This will be difficult for a while, as you’re going to lose a reference point - I assume you currently use the flesh of the thumb as a sort of depth limiter. But you have to give it a shot, and then assess how well it’s working, where the problems are, etc…

1 Like