Learning how to pick like Anton Oparin using CtC

Playing Technique
#81

So it looks like AO is tracing the the number ‘8’ when switching strings. That’s a good visual cue. I never considered this.

I think the concept of going ‘straight up and straight down’ for the first 2 notes on the D string and then switching to DSX before playing the 3rd note is for efficiency. It is a larger ‘pivot’ to go from primary DSX to USX when picking the 4th note on the G string as opposed to just slightly tilting your wrist as required from the ‘neutral position’ of ‘straight up and straight down’ for the first 2 notes on D String, ‘tilting’ to DSX for the 3rd note on D string and then USX for the 4 note on G String.

But isn’t this just TWPS as Troy mentioned? Except the difference being that AO may be doing it with a bit more ‘efficiency’ by not being primary DSX for the first 3 notes on the D string?

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#82

I love your study! It looks consistent with what happens to me:

  • A relaxed grip lets the pick form a “ramp” that the string that slides down.
  • A flexible pick lets the pick form a “ramp” that the string slides down.
  • Edge picking presents a “ramp” that the string slides down.
  • Having just a few mm of pick depth is sufficient for the sling to slide down.

What I didn’t realize until I did the same experiment that your tried (because I don’t pick very deep), is just what you saw, sufficient pick depth on a flat pick will effectively block any reasonable pick stroke, even if not hooked.

Therefore, it would seem that you have several options, given that you like a stiff pick and a tight grip:

  • Dial in a little edge.
  • Keep the depth limited.

I believe that Anton uses edge picking but has a reasonable amount of depth because he uses it to modulate his dynamics. Therefore, I suppose that only one thing is left, do a little bit of edge picking.

If you go back to your excellent experiments, try it with a tiny splash of edge picking, and I suspect that you should be all good.

Do you think that being abrupt is necessary, or can one slowly change the escape angle?

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#83

You mean this (unflexible pick)

IMG_20250302_102152
IMG_20250302_1021521920×2560 349 KB

and this, right? (EDIT: it´s not really visible, but the lower part of the pick bends in the opposite direction of the direction of the pick stroke.)

IMG_20250302_102136
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Our conversation solved it for me - as you say, Anton doesn´t pick flat against the string, but with edge picking. Also, we don´t know how rigid his pick grip actually is, so maybe the pick does move a little (relatively firm, but still somewhat relaxed grip). The edge picking alone does the job for me, though, even with a lot of depth and a very firm grip.

As for my own picking, I prefer a medium tight grip combined with edge picking. The pick does not visibly “flap around”, but I guess it is in fact moving.

Anyways, that was a very insightful exchange! Thanks a lot.

#84

He was a great video of his apparently very firm grip and his significant edge picking; he uses his thumb and index finger and then braces the index with his middle finger, if I recall.

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#85

this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5pxfhYJtbA