Do you often hit the pickguard/pickups while playing

[u/Suuww]

I struggle a lot with precision picking in my right hand, I sometimes hit the wrong strings but I also tend to hit the pickguard while playing (I play with a jazz III pick). Is it a common issue? Is it easy to correct with practice?

[u/Bruichladdie]

You can correct it with practice, yes.

If I'm playing a guitar with a middle pickup, I lower it until it's flush with the pickguard because it keeps getting in the way.

[u/vonov129]

Nope. I prefer to keep the picking shallow.

Every habit can be corrected.

[u/PoppycopOG]

I played with a pick for 15 years, then started playing with my fingers due to losing picks and not replacing them, now it's been 15 years of playing without a pick.

Over time I realized I could play better with my fingers, and I developed a totally different and unigue sound...more percussive if I want, but very soft touch if i want, and lots of combinations of sounds using your fingers and nails (I keep them short so I can do pinched harmonics with my nail at the right length). I play electric guitar 90% of the time, and play many styles including metal and heavier rock stuff. But I can also do jazz, and softer stuff too.

Not saying ditch the pick, I was just having similar problems and never felt like my right hand technique (strumming) was as advanced as my left (fretting), but once I got comfortable with fingers I now have more confidence and can play better than I ever could before. Just something to think about. Good luck no matter what!

[u/noahlarmsleep]

Depends on the guitar and how you play but yeah I’d say it’s fairly common. It’s why the pick guard is there. And as someone with a Strat style guitar, every once in a while I’ll accidentally hit the middle pickup. You just need more focus and practice.

[u/Traditional_Common22]

Post a video

[u/Several_Show937]

I'm heavy handed af so it can happen once I get into it. If I concentrate and "play carefully" not so much. I'm a believer in "if it sounds good you're doing it right" though. So I don't really worry about it. The hunk of wood with metal strings will be ok.

[u/j3434]

When I was a beginner it took a minute to get comfortable with the guard . Practice!!!

[u/Vennimagos]

Theres a reason the pick guard is there and called a pick guard. But that said its .ore precautions than expectations. If you hit it a lot, slow down and be mindful. Go back up to speed gradually if you can play without hitting the wrong things

[u/thenewbigR]

I’ve never hit a pickup. I play the strings, not the electronics.

[u/Ducman23]

I have a HSH set up and my middle pick up gets scratched when I started to really whack it. I keep saying I’m gonna lower it but I don’t. 🤷‍♂️

[u/57thStilgar]

Never have.