You can get different sounds depending on the angle you hold the pick against the strings. A flat angle, where the pick is parallel to the strings gives you the cleanest sound and the hardest feel. A backwards angle ( / ) gives a clean sound but a smoother feel. A forwards angle ( \ ) gives a rough sound and a smooth feel and is more typically used for rock music. Since the wrist motion is at an angle, the differences between how it will sound and feel will depend on how much of the pick and what angle it is touching the string.

Acoustical guitar usually requires either a flat or backwards angle. After you get used to holding the pick, you have several style variations you can try:

Basic strum rhythm: Strumming several strings at one time. This requires the player to move the pick over all of the strings relatively quickly.

Mae Bell Carter Style: Playing a lead on one string and continuing a strumming at the same time.

Cross-picking: Breaking a chord into its individual notes and picking the individual strings.

Doc Watson style: Single notes, picking individual strings not dependent on chords.