Originally Posted by: gary_g5I'm attaching a picture of the way I've always held a pick (using my index and middle fingers on the bottom of the pick). I learned the guitar about 15 years ago, played for a few years like that, and then I didn't play at all until about a month ago. Now I'm trying to retrain myself to hold the pick with just my thumb and index finger, but I'm finding that the pick spins and/or rattles around too much while I'm strumming, so I inadvertently switch back to using that extra middle finger to help stabilize the pick. After seeing many tutorials and lessons on picking techniques, I'm guessing that it's important for me to learn to use only my index finger and thumb, right? Is using that extra middle finger going to cause problems for me? Would switching to a different size or shape pick help? I'm using the standard shape Dunlop Tortex pick.

Gary,
I think people are right that it is ok to have a 3 finger grip. However, I have a different viewpoint....

I had a 3 finger grip for years, and decided to switch to a 2 finger grip about 8 years ago after running this site for a while and realizing many people advocate the 2 finger grip.

The reason I decided to switch to the two finger grip is it did seem to allow for faster playing. So if you care about faster playing, I would recommend you continue working on the switch. If not, I don't see much other reason to switch.

I found that it was useful for several months to practice both ways, until the 2 finger grip became stronger. That way not all your practice is frustrating.

My two cents. Hope it helps.

Jon