Pencil Hardness : The Only 4 Pencils You Need To Draw Anything 

Hmmm...2b or not 2b, that is the question.

Hb, 2B, 4B, 8B. 4B is probably the most amazing. 4B does what 6B does but isn't a soft mess. 8B for the darkest of areas.

My step-dad (who was much artist than me at the moment) left a whole stack pencils after he passed away. They must be very old because some of them are virtual "antiques". I picked them up and started drawing myself. Maybe he was thinking of me! Great video for starters who have only a preliminary idea of pencil grades!

When you are limited on pencils and resources your best friend is pressure. If get good at varying the pressure to get tone you can get away with just a 2b pencil. You will be limited in your range as far as darks but you can make some killer drawings

lol, I'm a seventy's girl and when I saw your sketches, my mind automatically thought, magic mushroom, mary-jane, and acid/speed tabs. lol. Besides this point, I decided to study pencil sketching techniques and really enjoy contrasting. Never any big lines. I tend to stay very light and very small circular motions. , You know what a good cook says....add a little at a time when using salt. You can always add, but you can't take away. Luckily we have erasers, but I try not to have to use them too much...like that's not easy, lol. Great instructional video, clear and concise. It's obvious you know what you're talking about. Your informative tutorial should be watched by students in schools. I am retired but know students would enjoy the lesson. Keep on teaching us, many thanks for your time and interest in us newbies.

I tried to pay attention but I couldn't think of anything but your beautiful hair.

I am 79 years old and am about to order my first set of pencils. Where do I begin? I watched your video and read comments written below. It will be interesting where I go from here. Thank you.

The #2 "school pencil" is an HB….just a bit softer than the H. so that’s why it’s a good choice 😊

The best pencils for me are HB, 4B, and 8B. HB is great for initial sketches and light detailing. For darker areas like shadows and hair, I use 4B and 8B. If I press lightly with 4B, I can achieve effects similar to 2B and 3B, and if I apply more pressure, I can get shades close to 5B and 6B, just like with the 8B. So, there's no need for me to have 2B, 3B, 5B, 6B, or 7B, it's all about how we use them.

Actually I would suggest having a wide selection of hard and soft pencils as you layer on top of the lights and gradually go darker which I think will help the graphite not shine as much

I even use that 8B as a substitute for color pencil black, it is definitely my favorite pencil.

I’ve just bought a new pencil kit and i’m so so excited to use it !😍

Don't hate on the Ebony pencils. Yeah, they come out shiny, but pick up an artist's chamois, or trim the bristles of an old watercolor brush down, and boom! That shine comes right off with a little headlight fluid. Not kidding. I'm not even a freaky good artist, but I can get every single tone range with An Ebony pencil. Hell, I've completed entire drawings with just two pencils: An Ebony and a General's Charcoal. Plus, powdering the graphite from an Ebony pencil and grabbing a soft brush is a great way to get a huge area covered with a nice, dark graphite tone to start from.

Thank you for this video. Very helpful for someone who is just starting out learning to draw and sketch.

Thank you very much. I got 12 of those pencils for Christmas, and I didn't have an idea where I was gonna use which pencil.

good suggestion at the end to experiment later with every pencil on the gradient. one thing i'd suggest is to decide early on how dark you want the darkest part of your drawing to be at the end, or how much you want it to 'pop out'. since picking the lightest is easy, you'll have the start and end of your gradient right there and decide what shade you'll need for all the different middle details, if you're sticking to monochrome drawing

Can't believe you dissed the ebony! I love using that one as a finishing pencil.

Thanks for the clarification. I will experiment and see which 4 numbers work best for me.

Let's not forget anatomy and perspective.Anyhow, even with just one lead you can cover the entire perspective range of light and dark. Contrast ultimately determines light and dark. Crosshatch rather than blend early, as to not rely on pencil leads. Also good idea to try using pen or liquid ink (be that fountain pen, ruling pen, or brushes).

Totally agree!

This is a great video! I didn’t know much about pencils and it’s pressure at first

Thank you for the help,i'm a 77 yr.old beginner that's getting better thanks to folks like you !

Thanks for the video. It started me thinking more about what I need. I draw mainly landscape that is in between detailed and expressive. I decided ideally I would need at least 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B. Note this skips every other one in this range (nearly, if you leave out F). Since I prefer an even number set I decided to throw in a B as well. If you say, pick just four. It will have to be 2H, HB, 2B, 6B. Pick just one? It's a tough choice between HB or 2B. I think I will go for 2B.

This was helpful, as the selection can be overwhelming, when trying to pic just a few, from all the available choices.

I never use H pencils. I've tried using 2h's and 4h's, but really you don't need them as long as you use the side of your pencil. Now if you like to press down when drawing that's a different story. The pencils I would recommend are HB, B, 3B, and 6B if I had to choose 4. I mainly use a 2B when shading and anything after a 6B is hardly ever used. You almost never need Jet black, unless you doing a drawing that involves outer space or something. Just my opinion.

Love how you encourage a minimum pencil selection. I use Tombow Mono 2B and 6B, but go with a Mirado Classic HB for my middle grade. Got a whole set when started sketching but ended up just using these three. Wish I had found your video before ordering my set :).

This video really helped me. I have no idea what prompted me to pick up a pencil and draw a woman's face Saturday. I was satisfied with my first drawing but I knew I needed the correct tools. This was great and straight to the point for a newbie. Where is the E Book you were talking about?

Thank you so much for this!!! I usually use F but was wanting to know which pencils were best!! Thank you and I am now subscribed!

I use a lot of B2, HB and H3 & H4. As well as a nice mechanical pencil, a good eraser and the color white. :)

I like to use 3H-7H pencils for my sketching. I’ve tried for years to use HB pencils to sketch but I just don’t like the softer leads for some reason.

I found out about the 9B and I was really looking for a dark pencil so thank you

OK, this video sounds a bit 'cookie' at first ('...shapes of the rainbow...') BUT it's actually very useful and does help out with a very confusing issue with first time sketchers - particularly if you have started with one of those pencil sets that has 6-8 different hardnesses of pencil. Personally, I am currently working with a 2H (soft outlining), a 4B, a smudge-stick and a pencil style eraser (with brush attached). I am finding 'less is more' at the moment. Though I do have a 9B waiting in the wings just in case! Thanks for a useful video.

Staedtler mars lumograph black 8B, Kohinoor 4B, Faber castell 9000 HB/F, Mitsubishi 5H

Thank you. Great info> appreciate it!

GREAT Tutorial and Practical Information. With Gratitude for your Time and Work. Thank You!

I just watched this when my full range box 10H - 12 B came but i need half of them for artschool next year

Not bad but... HB , 2B , 6B , 9B are a better choice.Recomendations, for getting started: Faber Castells Pitt Graphite (Best quality no shiny glare) or Staedtler Mars Lumograph (more charcoal output) are the best out there. I also recommend: a Mono Zero eraser for details and effects, a Hi Polymer Pentel eraser (either the common or the light), a couple of mechanical pencils or at least one for details, like the Pentel Sharp P203 and P205, or the Faber Castell Executive at 0.5mm. (If you want a versatile pencil for both writting and drawing, then the F C Executive 0.7mm with 2B F C or Ain stein leads (Uni Nano Dia,are also a great lead for that pencil, the Ain Stein are better for drawing and the Faber Castell are more versatile, so, for either writting or drawing). A blending stump. a 15 or 20cm ruler. An M+R pencil sharpener or a KUM. A Soft dusting brush, for sweeping away eraser left overs. A 2mm mechanical pencil, like the Faber Castell 4600 won't be bad either!! a Carson 1557 block or a XL desin ! and you're set!!

I'm just starting to draw, this was very helpful.

thank you.. . this is really helping me.. . I like this easy to understand..

Great information ty I’m a beginner I needed this

I'm using 4H, HB and 3B - 6B. But I wouldn't use more than 3 different pencils for one drawing. I tested my 2B, 3B, 4B, 6B and 8B and there's very little difference so I don't feel like it matters! 4H is only for sketching and grids, almost invisible.

Thanks for the kind reply, i love how artists help each other and its not some bitching competition like few other trades. Thanks again

Thank you, very useful. Especially the part where you showed all the pencil types on a line graph.

0:42 "Shapes of the rainbow" xD

Love Jerry's Artarama! let there be art! I like adding charcoal (black & white) over graphite...

Hey Nicholas, How do you mean? As far as the smoothness of the paper? They would be the same in that copy paper would be more like hot press types of paper and be more smooth. The weight of the paper determines the thickness. So in that way no copy paper would not resemble 140lb paper. Hope that helps.

Super Cool!!! I am looking forward to learning more. Thanks

It depends on how dark your drawings are, the grain of your paper and the brand of pencil/graphite you use. For me the hardest I use is HB (which btw is the usual equivalent of a no2 pencil), I use that for the initial sketch because it leaves a smoother line, in fact the harder the lead the more grain it fills on the paper, the softer the lead the grainier the texture. I can get most of my work done with 3 grades because I do a lot of bending with graphite powder.

G'day from down under I'm just starting out and I found this video was great !

Thank you Kevin! ✏️👨‍🎨🙏

My pencils are HB, Staedtler Blue 4B, Staedter Black 8B and Student grade pencil 2B, which is cheaper than the normal 2B.

Holy crap the frame of this video is amazing...

This video was so informative.......as a beginner to the art of sketching and drawing with pencil the choices of pencils out there can get really confusing. Thanks so much for sharing this information and clearing up some of the confusion!! Can't wait to get started!! ; )

When I first started Fashion Design course we had not much money . My parents bought me four pencils HB, 2B ,4B and 6B and one set of 12 bi pencils of studtler luna water soluble pencils. My teacher just only told how to hold pencil and how to shade . When I completed potrait , that teacher who never gave anyone more than A grade , she gave me A++ all by herself. I used to be the worst student in her class who could not draw even few straight lines. She never paid attention on me. I also used to take holidays on Wednesdays as sketching class used to be on every Wednesday. But when she one day she taught me how to hold pencil and how to shade she was stunned at the result . She must have realised never to underestimate any one all one need is your little attention.

Awesome video quality, great advice for those trying a new medium or just starting. I'm looking forward to new content let me share what I use for my black & white/pencil drawings: * Two mechanical pencils (2B) .5 & .9, * charcoal stick or powder. * Q-tips * paper blender * black color pencil "inktenze" * pocket water brush * needing eraser * 2 black liners .5 & .9 by Prismacolor * opaque white gel pen I agree with demonjack 123, pressure is key.

thank for explaining...my daughter sent me 124 piece beginner case for Christmas ...I'm totally lost...love all the types of pencils...I could use some help .....This is a comprehensive 124 piece collection of sketching and drawing artist materials ideal for the beginner, student, or artist. This set features a wide assortment of pencils, pastels, and charcoals fitted into a convertible, two-drawer chest that opens to reveal a third tray of product. The storage chest converts into a sturdy table-top easel. The mast and holders for the easel assemble quickly and easily, then simply remove and conveniently store in the chest when traveling. Set Includes: 12 Color Pencils 12 Graphite Pencils 12 Watercolor Pencils 12 Pastel Pencils 12 Soft Pastels 12 Compressed Color Sticks 6 Fluorescent Pencils 6 Sketching Sticks 6 Charcoal Sticks 5 Blending Stumps 4 Metallic Pencils 4 Pc Vine Charcoal 3 Charcoal Pencils 3 Woodless Graphite Pencils 3 Woodless Charcoal Pencils 3 Watercolor Sketch Pencils 1 Artist Mannequin 1 Sandpaper Block 1 White Taklon Brush 1 Kneadable Eraser 1 Drawing Eraser 1 Sharpener 1 Drawing Artist Pad (9 in x 12 in) 1 Sketching Artist Pad (9 in x 12 in) 1 Artist Box Easel.... love to sketch ❤❤❤..But I could some instructions on the tools...if you can help it would be greatly appreciated...thank you

WONDERFUL easy to follow, informative video. THANK YOU! any help on the best erasers to get?

Just looking at this guy gives me lifelong munchies.

Thanks very very good video; I've got all my questions answered and ready to take a dive into a new experience!!!!

I used to hoard a lot of supplies but then one day I found immense pleasure in creating beautiful drawings using the cheapest options possible.

I personally like to do really light sketches, so I use a 5H pencil because I'm strange like that.

Glad it helped real3rdlife. Happy Drawing!

6:20 I like the LSD strips on the right ;) Thanks for the video, btw. Much needed.

This video helped me to select the right pencils.Lovely video!

Lovely .nice information.shading of eyes ,cheaks ,forhead,nose,lips,.ears with three pencils u advised.

I use mechanical pencils - mostly a .5mm 2b. I'm wanting to get a darker lead and was wondering if you'd suggest a .5mm, .7mm, or .9mm width. I also want to get a .3mm for fine detail but am not sure which lead hardness would be best. Sharpening pencils drives me nuts and they never stay sharp enough for long.

I personally like 2H pencils for planning a sketch, but your suggestions are cool

This video is way beyond helpful!! THANK YOU :) :) :)

I have 9b 6b and 3b and this helped me very much with how i was gonna use them, even tho im really good at drawing this helped very much. I mean its the first b type pencils i have.

Hi. This is a very good video. I have a goal of doing on self-portrait per week and I just decide to jump in. Before I do my second one I am going to work on shading. My first one isn't bad for a first one and everyone I showed it to could recognize me. So from "not being able to draw" to my first self-portrait in 2 days after making the decision.

Sir what's the difference between the HB and F grades?

drawing lessons from jesus?

Shapes of the rainbow... Gotta start using that

So a harder h pencil is good for getting a sketch down and it's easy to remove to fix flaws?

Thank you! It was useful and informative...

This was so helpful, thank you!

Oh this is so informative...I only use H for my drawing from start to finish, even with shading...haha...thanks man.😉

Very useful tutorial

Correct. that's exactly what i mean. It's crazy to think about it but the basic tools like a 2b pencil we all take for granted arena't available in other places.

thank you~! this was really helpful for me ^-^ tho i only use HB for just drawing and 2B for like kinda shading or to make the drawing more darker. thank you again ^^

I tend to use HB (I have collected a lot them over the years, I tend to use them for everything, and they are cheap and don't break internally so I can treat them horribly. They are great for bringen along and doodling everywhere. I love my 2Bs (but I leave them at home), I like to use them the most for more serious sketching/drawings (6B is my darkest for depth. I don't even own 7b or 8B). I don't like using H pencils in general, too much pressure and you the get pressure lines in your paper that you can never erase. However H grades are indeed great for working with a ruler, making realy light straight lines, to make guidelines for perspective in landschapes and cityscapes. H must stand for Hardly used. I've been using the same 1H, 2H pencils for over a decade.

What would you recommend for sketching

Very Useful.Thanks for sharing.

Mechanical pencils will all contain the same leads. They do however give the image a more precise and sterile feel and are good for getting some really high detail. I would experiment with a mechanical and traditional to see how you feel using each. Each has its benefits and draw backs. Hope that helps. If you have anything else I'd be glad to help.

I use 3 - 4B, 2B and a standard child's pencil for drawing guidelines

hey, great video :) thank you so much for sharing what about erasers?? can you make another video about erasers?? which of them should be use for each pencil??

Thanks! Very useful knowledge to share.

title: “the only four pencils you need” video: recommends 3 🤔

Thank you very much for this very informative and educational video. All the questions that I had about all the different drawing pencils you answered for me in only 14 minutes. Thanx again, Have a Blessed day!! SuperSniperSal USMC Disabled Vet

Cool, I found this very helpful...quick question. When it comes to portraits or more realistic drawings, should I start with the H or 2B, and what can I use for shading? Cheers

Great information. Thank you.

tbh? 4H, F, HB, 4B seem to do all I need them to. I always have a few of them laying around.

Amazing video. Also nice Leaf behind the pencils i thought i was imagining it at first XD

For the longest time I was trying to figure out what the H pencils do. I used them to do outlines at first but I find that the hard lead makes dents too easily with the hard lead which just leaves white marking when I start shading.

Lol I use 4B, 6B, 2H, 3H, and 4H. Nice range and midtones. But sometimes the 4H scratches cheap paper that I use for my sketchbook.

Thanks for the video, nice artwork by the way.

i subscribed because its relaxing listening to you talk while i draw lolol i know im weird

Yo what is the deal with EE pencils, I have 2 of staedtler EE and they're almost like charcoal in wood, so I want some tips pretty please!!

Mushrooms, herb, and lucy :)lol...awesome video. Infinite thumbs up (Y) :D

What if you are depending solely on the pencils to blend when drawing an image eg. a tie. Surely you can't jump from 2B to 7B