When first starting out, it is a good idea to buy several picks of various sizes and shapes to see what works best for you. They are pretty cheap, so indulge yourself and get several of various types.

Of course you use the pick to “pick” and / or “strum” the strings of the guitar. For practicing, you should initially stay away from picks that are too hard or ones that are to flimsy. You can experiment with those later. Picks are usually, but not always, triangular in shape and are generally made of plastic, rubber, or wood. Just use one that feels good to you. Go with one of the thinner ones at first (though, not to flimsy).

Before beginning to play, you should seat yourself comfortably in a position similar to the one shown in the video below. Stay relaxed. If you start to tense up, you must consciously force yourself to relax. Tension and stiffness are major enemies of good guitar playing so, as you practice, keep taking inventory of how relaxed you are and strive to keep cool, calm, and relaxed.

I am going to assume that you are right handed – for this article – so, if you are a lefty, just mentally switch hands.

Place the pick between the thumb and forefinger of your right hand with one of the pointed ends of the pick extending about a half inch from your grip. Grip the pick firmly but relaxed. It may take a while to get used to this. Once you start strumming you may drop the pick several times. This is normal. You are learning to strum. And, learning implies that errors will be made. Just pick up the pick, adjust your grip and try again.

Do not rest any part of your hand on the body of the guitar and your fingers should not touch the strings. If you are using an acoustic guitar, your hand should be directly above the sound hole. If using an electric, your hand should be over the guitar body.

DO NOT keep your wrist stiff and move your arm to strum. The correct way is not to move your arm, but use your wrist to make the strumming motion. You should practice running the pick over the strings in a downward motion, making sure each string is hit. Use a soft fluid motion. Now repeat the process using upstrokes. For this practice session you are doing nothing with your left hand (that is, you are not forming any cords) so the sound is not very pleasant. That’s O.K. You are just working on your strumming “form”.

If you find that the strings are rattling, you should strum softer and / or use less pick. It will take a while to get this right. Don’t get discouraged. Many people get discouraged and quit. Winners fall hundreds of times, pick themselves up and try again until they have mastered their task. Think like and act like a winner!

I would recommend that you get a metronome. The electronic ones are fairly inexpensive now and it will help you tremendously when starting out. Set the metronome to about 70 beats per minute and try to keep your strokes in time with the beats.

At first strumming will be a bit awkward. You will be afraid of others hearing you practice. You will want to quit. Don’t give in! Keep going. This beginning period only last for a short while – if you keep practicing!

Watch this YouTube video of Christian artist, songwriter, and guitarist Paul Baloche as he demonstrates “strumming technique”. Although he is using chords, observe his technique and try to imitate what he is doing. If the “no chord” strumming I described is too irritating to you, try a simple chord while practicing your strumming technique.