Is the index finger on your picking hand supposed to touch the strings of the guitar?

Question

When I'm playing guitar, I hold the pick between the index and thumb. I'll grip the pick with just a little of the pick sticking out by curling my index finger inward a little bit, but then my index finger starts to uncurl as I play and it starts to touch the strings. So my index finger is always touching the strings just before the pick touches it. Is this the way it's supposed to be? This is not such a big deal when it comes to strumming power chords and you're not too concerned with getting a clean sound, but it sucks when your trying to play single notes.

Answer 1

Generally if you're picking for clean tones, the index finger should not touch the next string, however, if you want certain sound effects that come with practice, it can be advantageous. Practice, practice and practice.

Answer 2

I rarely use a pick only finger picking incidentally I have a huge callous on the back side of my right index finger, Have you tried a smaller pick?

Answer 3

back your finger off of the pick until at least a quarter of it is visible.
if you find this gives you too much flexibility in your pick, get a thicker one.
you may have to alternate between thin and thick picks, you can get one of those attachments to keep them very close by on the body of your guitar. or on the neck of your mic stand.
it takes some quick hand movements to switch, but thats about the best way i can think of.

Answer 4

while you at the instant are not even touching those different strings that vibrate then it only the sound resonating with the aid of them. according to probability attempt muting consisting of your agonize hand. i be attentive to that sounds complicated yet each so often the will arises, like with sweeping. provide that a attempt, maximum suitable of luck

Answer 5

i see what you mean by your index finger uncurling i used to do that too and i didnt mind at first.but then my finger starts to hurt after doing that all the time, dont yours?

you are holding your pick too loose, hold it harder.

Answer 6

Mine does the same. I use it to good effect sometimes. Kind of adds some tonality. When I want rid of it I switch to a heavier pick. I normally use .8mm so I go to 1.0mm Helps keep my hand in different position.

Answer 7

I only dabble in the instrument, but assume that PICKS don't exist,,,would you not be inclined to use every available digit, to produce what works,,,FOR YOU,,, regardless of RULES to the contrary??????????

Let your index finger nail grow.

Rev. Steven