FINALLY- No more rotating pick!

[KenL]

I've had trouble with my pick rotating in my grip now for several years due to the beginnings of osteoarthritis in my thumbs. I've tried about every type of pick known to man, but without much luck. The best solution for a few years has been the Monster Grip stick-on rubber things, but some days even those don't work very well. (In the photo on the left.)

But, over the course of a week or so, I've found two products that seem to do the trick. The first is a Fender product, the Mojogrip pick (in the photo on the right). It takes a bit of getting used to because it is very thick, but it absolutely does not rotate. However, I'm not sure I like the tone it imparts. So, still working with it.

The one that seems to be the long-sought solution, though, is in the middle of the photo. Picker's Grip, a waxy sort of substance that you rub onto your pick. It then sort of warms up as you play and makes the pick stick to your grip without being sticky, if that makes any sense. I can use my usual Dunlop .60 picks just fine. Not expensive, the Picker's Grip cost me less than $10.

I'm very happy about this. I seriously thought my flatpicking days were numbered, but maybe not!



20220308_093247.jpg

[Robin, Wales]

You could always try these pointless picks - no problem with rotation there!

Seriously, stopping rotation is a problem for many players. I have super smooth fingertips with virtually no fingerprints - I can't use the fingerprint scanner on my smartphone. I started out using Pick Honey (probably a similar product to the Picker's Grip you have found. But, over time I have needed it less and less - just washing my hands (and the pick) before I play is usualy enough now. However, I went to an open mic' last Friday and did take and use a little Pick Honey, just to have one less thing to worry about.

[dnf777]

Robin,
Those are the ultimate engineer’s solution to pick rotation!!

[KenL]

Robin- Brilliant!

[FrankHudson]

For myself (nutty about picks....) I have a contradictory relationship with pick rotation: I generally don't want it to rotate randomly, particularly when strumming. The rotations leads me to want to "un-rotate it" while still strumming, which leads to the pick flying out of my hand.

Solutions like in the OP work to fix that. I agree with the OP that the rubber sleaves seem to change the pick too much for me, even if they work on grip and preventing rotation.

But...

I also want to rotate the pick sometimes which picking, for slightly different sounds and attacks, including my own method of creating artificial harmonics. So when I want to move to that kind of playing tenacious stick'em stuff would be a problem too.

[L20A]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

You could always try these pointless picks - no problem with rotation there!

Seriously, stopping rotation is a problem for many players. I have super smooth fingertips with virtually no fingerprints - I can't use the fingerprint scanner on my smartphone. I started out using Pick Honey (probably a similar product to the Picker's Grip you have found. But, over time I have needed it less and less - just washing my hands (and the pick) before I play is usualy enough now. However, I went to an open mic' last Friday and did take and use a little Pick Honey, just to have one less thing to worry about.

A round Pick? What's the point.

[DethWshBkr]

I was epoxying 120 grit sandpaper to my picks, I just could not keep ahold of them.
Tried probably a dozen and a half different shape styles and manufacturers.
These are now the only picks I will use.

https://www.davapick.com/picks

[P177]

I solved the same problem by switching to Ibanez sand grip picks which have gripping surface coated with something similar to sandpaper. I love the heavy on my electric, but I only found medium to heavy gauge, so no replacement for my 0.6 orange Tortex I use on the acoustic. Didn't know they make stuff to coat your picks for grip, thanks for sharing that.

[leonski]

I put a small 1/4-inch square of medical adhesive tape in the middle of both sides of my picks. Works very well.

[campfireplayer]

Thanks for the info. I may try that.

[Planemaker]

Cat tongue picks solved this problem for me

[Jamolay]

Originally Posted by L20A

A round Pick? What's the point.

[emoji2361]

[The Bard Rocks]

Originally Posted by KenL

Robin- Brilliant!

But what's the point of it?

[Silly Moustache]

I recommend two things for this situation, that we've all had.

1. 346 Large triangle picks, more surface to grip, more density for the same thickness, and more obtuse points.

2. This slipping pick usually only happens when we are a little more ... tense or whatever.
My suggestion sounds counter-intuitive but it works.
Hold the pick LESS tight, just tight enough.

[rstaight]

This is the reason I started using Black Mountain thumb picks.

I still use a flat pick once in a while but primarily I use a thumb pick.