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Hold a Pencil - Learn How to Hold a Pencil

By Helen South, About.com

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Using the Extended Tripod Grip

The extended tripod grip is another popular way to hold a pencil

The extended tripod grip is another popular way to hold a pencil.

H South, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Another useful way to hold a pencil is in the extended tripod grip. This pencil grip uses the same hold as the basic tripod grip, with a triangle formed by the thumb, forefinger and middle finger, but further up the pencil. Because it is similar to the basic grip, this is a comfortable way to hold a pencil for drawing, while allowing more freedom.

When you hold the pencil in the extended tripod grip, small movements of the fingers can produce a much larger movement of the pencil-tip, so it is an economical and efficient grip for sketching. For best results, make sure you keep a relaxed grip on the pencil - a tight, vicelike grip is tiring and restricting.

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