Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on March 15, 2015 at 9:49am

I prefer fingers over flat picks and never use finger picks.  I couldn't get the feel of finger picks and the thumb pick angle confused me.  I never could get the right depth.

I finally feel like I'm getting better with a flat pick.

The biggest problem for me as a builder and player is to maintain my nails on my picking hand without breaking them while making a guitar or other activities.  Last Monday night at soccer I took a strong goal kick to my thumb and busted a month's worth of maintenance right off.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on March 15, 2015 at 11:57am

Ouch........

My nails have always broken easily, so it's a problem trying to get them to a good length for playing.

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on March 15, 2015 at 9:51am

maybe   you'd  like these  tom.

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/4PCS-Guitar-Butterfly-Finger-Picks-Fingerst...

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on March 15, 2015 at 10:54am

I tried similar picks to those and didn't care for them either, but they are definitely something to try out for yourself.  There's something about the feel of the string directly on my fingernail that tells me I'm on the correct string and position.  I also like to vary between using my nail or pad of my finger for different sound, especially my thumb.  A smoother bass note.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on March 15, 2015 at 11:58am

Thanks Anon-Pik.

I have a set butterfly picks and keep trying to get them adjusted correctly. I looked at the video on adjusting and the printed instructions that come with them. Still I don't feel like I have the securely attached when I try to play. I'll keep trying though.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on March 15, 2015 at 9:54am

I'll be practicing the hybrid picking as well.  I like the idea of that approach.  In fact, now seems like a good time to start.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on March 15, 2015 at 12:05pm

I've used a flat pick more than anything else since it works well with a slide and I love the slide. The metal (not plastic) finger picks produce a good sound coming up on the the two lower (physically lower) strings. Like Eric, I've struggled with the thumb pick. Can't seem to get the angle of attack correct on a consistent basis.

I need to pick (pun intended) a style and focus on that to develop some consistent playing skills.

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Permalink Reply by turtlehead on March 15, 2015 at 12:18pm

You might want to try holding your guitar so that the neck isn't parallel with the ground.  If you look at banjo players, they have the headstock closer to the ear than the waist.  That will help to get everything lined up.  Also plant your ring finger/pinky on the box, so you have a solid foundation from which to work.

I like the regular Dunlop fingerpicks, but they take a while to become comfortable, then a while longer to get the fine control.  I like your thinking - pick one, dive in and give yourself plenty of time before you get frustrated.  It will come.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on March 15, 2015 at 12:27pm

Roger that. Tilting the neck up reduces wrist strain, too. Never could get the hang of a thumb pick; they just feel wrong to me. And tried banjo finger picks, but have better control with the fleshy part of the fingertips and thumb. Plus, it's fun to do occasional funk thumb thwackathwackathwacka on yer bass string. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on March 15, 2015 at 12:34pm

I know that thwacka move. It is a raw sound that works well with blues and funk.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on March 15, 2015 at 12:32pm

Thanks for the tip Turtlehead. I'll focus on the neck angle next time I pick her up.

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Permalink Reply by turtlehead on March 15, 2015 at 12:41pm

Hope it helps Tom.  It took me a month of solid practice (banjo) to really get a feel for it.

Also Funk Thumb sounds like a medical condition.

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