When shrugging with a extra wide grip (closer to the inside collars) you are getting more of a stretch on the traps, affecting development from a different angle. As when Olympic lifters grip for the snatch, most of the whole diamond shapes traps are affected. Even a grip, where the hands are very close together (almost touching) might be include in a serious trap routine.
One of the better trap mass building movements are power cleans and Hi-pulls, which also affect the whole of the shoulder girdle. Including the rear delts strongly. Don't have to use massive weight & low reps. The normal BB'ing rep protocol of 8-12 can work extremely well for size and strength. Check out the development of Olympic lifters and thebenefits of these pulls for thick and powerful traps.
Trap bars are very good. Trap bars place the thumbs forward, giving a more natural grip, andreduice tension on the wrist/forearms. DB's, when doing shrugs, will tend to rub against the side of the leg when moving into heavier weight.
The upright row is a favorite exercise for me. Guy's will have problems with it, if raising the bar out and away from the body, giving extra stress on the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints. Try keeping the bar close (almost touching) to the body at all times. Suggest a EZ bar, there are different angles to EZ bars depending on the company who made them. One arm DB upright rows are exceptional, usually bracing the free arm onto something. Wider the upward arc hits the delts very well also. Good Luck.
