There seems to be a common theme with new pickers not wanting to relax their right hand while picking the banjo.
Stop stretching so much
This can be corrected very quickly. New pickers tend to keep their right hand perfectly still while reaching or stretching for the strings with their fingers. It’s almost as though we’re stretching our picking fingers to the limit to pick the strings when it’s simply not necessary.
What’s the right way?
When your picking with your right hand let it move freely up and down in a rocking motion. Don’t keep your hand in one spot with a vengeance. Let your hand move. You will still need an anchor point with your pinky, ring finger, or both; however, your hand should still be able to compliment your picking fingers.
When you reach up for the fifth string with your thumb, your hand should fade upward and then back down after the string has been picked.
It’s almost as though your picking with the motion of a guitar player’s hand. When your picks are picking upward the base of your hand should be moving upward to help give your fingers some extra power.
When your making a downward stroke with your thumb pick then your hand should be moving slightly downward to relieve some of the movement of your thumb.
Sum it up
In conclusion, the idea is that your picking hand follows the movements of your picking fingers. Don’t keep it stuck in one place. Give it the freedom to move and minimize the stretching and reaching of your thumb, index, and middle finger.
Try it out. You’ll soon notice that your right hand is more relaxed and your playing speed has increased with a smooth texture.
What does your right hand want to do? Are you a floater or a rigid picker?
Leave your comments below.
