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Post by fatfingerjohn on Aug 1, 2023 15:40:43 GMT
Reaching my twilight years and so far have avoided using a pick/plectrum for 50 years. Tried it a few times and just didn't feel right. I'd say keep on playing as you do.
There's a guy who posts up YT videos, who plays a lot of electric guitar for styles that would traditionally use a pick but there's none in sight.
Have a look at his picking technique if you have the chance.
Thanks for your reply. Its very tempting to 'stick with my knitting' as we used to say at work although I will have another try, perhaps with a thumb pick to start. Interesting video thanks; not my normal cup of tea but like seeing how others play. FFJ
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leoroberts
C.O.G.
Posts: 24,503
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Aug 1, 2023 21:29:46 GMT
John, I wouldn't recommend a thumb pick for strummage - unless you get one of the ones specifically designed for it, though they're fine for flat picking. The reason I use the back of my nails for strumming (if I'm wearing a thumbpick for the rest of the song) is that, when I try to strum with it, it gets caught in the strings and pings off to the other side of the room
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Post by fatfingerjohn on Aug 1, 2023 21:43:12 GMT
Hi Leo. Thanks for the advice.
At the moment I just find that actually holding something between thumb and fingers is so foreign to me after 50 years of nails only that it's a huge jump. I am not thinking of actually using the thumb pick to 'strum' up and down; more to do what I call 'pick and strum' in the same way as you describe. Then if I can get used to not using the thumb nail for the 'pick' part it might be a start. This probably doesn't make much sense but I'll just play around a little and see where it goes; probably nowhere!
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brianr2
C.O.G.
Posts: 3,050
My main instrument is: Brook Lyn guitar
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Post by brianr2 on Aug 2, 2023 10:41:04 GMT
If lavaman picked a peck of plastic picks, there’s a peck of plastic picks for fatfingerjohn also to pick. I thank you… Brian
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Post by shez on Aug 4, 2023 9:21:46 GMT
I have just started experimenting with picks recently so this has been enlightening. Thanks to all for the advice and information.
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Post by sweyne1 on Aug 31, 2023 16:50:17 GMT
Agree entirely Leo - Fred Kelly Speed Picks by far the easiest thumbpicks to use for me, and come in a range of sizes, flexibilities etc. However, unlike borborygmus , I am totally incapable of strumming or flatpicking with a thumbpick! But thanks Leo - that's the first time I've been right all day... Keith PS Vinny - me too - thumb and two finger grip on a flat pick. Much easier to be louder and softer, and lots easier for full on strumming. If you squeeze a thin pick between thumb and two fingers, thus slightly curving it, it sounds more like a thicker pick. But yes, hybrid picking does need a little shift of grip. I've just started, yet again, to try thumbpicks. And just now ordered three Fred Kellys, light, medium and heavy to see what suits. I can't comment yet on the feel of them but I think i'll prefer the heavy one because they should give a 'softer' sound compared with the others. That's been my only complaint so far (apart from can't do it very well) that the sound is so much brighter compared with the thumb. Too bright. I'll report back
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ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 33,908
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Post by ocarolan on Aug 31, 2023 17:58:17 GMT
sweyne1- the thumbpick volume and tone match the sound of my fingernails. I do like the sound when playing with a bare thumb, but after so many years it feels very odd as I can't avoid using my fingernails unless they are pretty short. If you use fingertips with no nail then you'll struggle to match the tone (and volume) possible when a thumbpick, but looking forward to hearing how you get on! Good move re trying all three types. Keith
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dogwheel
Busker
Posts: 59
My main instrument is: Doodson by Phil-the-Luthier
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Post by dogwheel on Sept 2, 2023 16:36:37 GMT
I'm very happy with Gibson (Large) Triangle Picks, easy to hold and they seem less inclined to make a break for freedom, cheap as chips too. Just sayin' Despite what you may read I'm not exactly a "Strummer" although that epithet bothers me not at all, in fact mostly mostly I finger pick or flatpick, but I realise I'm a very junior member here. Robin.
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