Guthrie Trapp, the Nashville guitar ace, has unveiled a guitar pick hack that could revolutionize your playing technique. In a recent interview with Rick Beato alongside Tom Bukovac, Guthrie shares a simple yet effective tip that might transform the way you approach your instrument.
Guthrie Trapp’s Guitar Pick Hack
Trapp’s pick hack involves holding the guitar pick ‘sideways,’ using the shoulder part to strike the strings. Inspired by musicians like The Cult’s Billy Duffy and U2’s The Edge, Guthrie discovered that this unconventional method improves the sound quality and enhances the player’s connection with the strings.
By opting for a .70mm medium gauge pick and adopting the round shoulder technique, as opposed to the traditional sharp end, Guthrie found that this approach offers more direct contact with increased surface area, resulting in a smoother playing experience. Tom Bukovac also attests to the benefits, noting that playing with the shoulder allows faster and more fluid guitar work.
Guthrie’s innovative pick technique draws inspiration from his observations of mandolin player Sam Bush, who favored a similar approach with a heavy Fender pick. By reducing the pick’s ‘click’ noise and minimizing string resistance, Guthrie highlights this method’s efficiency and speed advantages.
Tom Bukovac
In addition to his pick hack, Guthrie incorporates hybrid picking with his fingers and recommends heavier 1mm picks for acoustic playing.
Together with Tom Bukovac, Guthrie showcases his guitar prowess in their collaborative album, ‘In Stereo,’ which is now available for order from Baked Alaska Records.
Sideways Plectrum Technique
For guitar enthusiasts looking to enhance their playing style and tone, give Guthrie Trapp’s sideways guitar pick trick a try. Embrace this unconventional technique and explore the potential improvements it can bring to your musical journey. This simple adjustment could be the key to unlocking new creative possibilities in your playing.
If you enjoyed this article, then be sure to read Tom Bukovac’s 4 Mistakes Intermediate Guitarists Make (and How to Fix Them) article.
