Before learning how to hold a guitar pick, try to get a hold of a few different gauges. There are MANY different styles and gauges to choose from The most common gauges are thin, medium and thick. I have used a standard medium pick ever since I have played guitar.

I tried the thick and thin picks but they just don't feel right to me. I have a friend who only plays with thin picks. We both have a hard time playing with each others pick. Try all three gauges and go with what feels best.

The standard way to hold a pick is to grasp the guitar pick between your thumb and the side of your index finger. There are other ways to hold the guitar pick, but I find this to be the easiest way for a beginner. Hold the pick firmly so it doesn't fall out of your hand.

Here is my first video lesson with me in the video showing how to hold a pick.  Please be patient as I work on my new video recording equipment and software.  Thanks for your patience. 

When you play with a pick follow these guidelines until you feel comfortable.

Use the tip of the pick and avoid digging too deep into the strings.

Try picking the string at different angles. The pick does not have to be exactly parallel to the strings. I personally like to angle the pick down slightly. The best way is to experiment and find what feels best to you.

Watch other guitar players and take note of how they hold the pick. Eddie Van Halen holds the pick totally different than most players. He found a way that felt best to him and stuck with it.

There are no hard rules on how to hold a pick, just suggestions. Experiment until you find what feels best to you.

For an in depth look a guitar picks check out Guitar picks

The right hand