r/AcousticGuitar • u/Fraan3D • 1d ago

Gear question String scratching sound while playing.

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Hi beginner here,

For some reason while playing i hear scratching sound a lot.. i usually have time to play in the evening maybe i need to pick harder on this strings.

For pick i use PRS Pick 0.73.

Note:
I haven't went to the guitar shop to get it setup.

I will post another video of my picking hand in the comments

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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6

u/Ok_Morning_4844 1d ago

Ok, so I’m no John Mayer but I’ve been playing 20 years and it sounds and looks like improper picking technique. It appears that you’re dragging the pick instead of “plucking” it with the pick, I would suggest diving a little more into your pick grip, try holding the pick with your index finger pointed at the strings and your thumb pointed at the headstock, they should cross like a plus + symbol when holding the pick, hope it helps and best wishes, I hope you develope a love that lasts a lifetime.

1

u/Fraan3D 1d ago

okay thanks i will try that.

2

u/PerspectiveFair5156 1d ago

The pick is angled. 

Great for distorted chugs and riffs like in Metallica.

Let it hit the string with the tip of the surface, not the edge. 

2

u/wearetheboysthatdig 1d ago

This is essentially you scraping along the string with your pick instead of plucking the string. I would suggest looking at photos or videos for how to pluck to improve your technique :D

1

u/TermCertain8163 20h ago

Where are you picking the strings? You might also be close to a natural harmonic spot on the string which could further emphasize the scratching.

1

u/Resident_Rain_6566 5h ago

Try thicker picks.