Picking louder

Queenbee

I've been working through the Gypsy Picking book and making good progress. However, when I play with others I often get drowned out when I take a solo. What should I do to get more volume? Grip the pick tighter? Use bigger movements? Arch my wrist more? Accept that I am a quiet player and tell everyone else to shut up? I read on another thread that Mozes Rosenberg is a quiet picker but he doesn't seem to have this problem - perhaps his fellow musicians respect his soloing more than mine

Thanks
M

MichaelHorowitz

Hi...volume is always a challenge for guitarists. Before you even worry about your technique, consider your gear first:

1) A lightweight, bright Selmer guitar with tons of treble will give you much more lead volume then other instruments. Many Selmer copies are not nearly has responsive as they should be...so make sure you have a good one!

2) Even good guitars need to be setup correctly for maximum volume. The right gauge strings, action, and bridge all make a big difference in sound projection.

3) A good pick that really brings the sound out of the guitar. One that is too heavy, or too thin can diminish projection.

In terms of your own technique, make sure of the following,

1) Bigger, but relaxed motions will give you more volume. You want to use gravity as much as possible...gripping the pick tightly and muscling the strings should be avoided.

2) Picking closer to the bridge will give you more attack and projection.

3) Volume is not just about how you play, but what you play. If you're in a situation where it's hard to hear, play ideas which are louder: octave runs, repetitve sweeping patterns, chord soloing, etc.

4) Use the higher register of the instrument...it will cut more.

Also, playing with people who are considerate really helps....if you can't be heard the people you're playing with should take the volume down.

Good luck!

-Michael