• Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Topic: Finger picks

So, I play mostly fingerpick style.  I don't care for having long fingernails.  I don't care for dull sounding strings.  So, there seemed to be a conflict for me.  Today, I picked up some fingerpicks.  Yow.  It is going to take some getting used to, but I think it'll be worth the effort.  I am going to have to be much more precise with my fingering, which will force me to pay attention to what I'm doing, which in the long run will likely make me a better player.  In the short run, do I ever sound bad?

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • wlbaye
  • Honoured Member
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  • From: Black Hills So Dak
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 1,284

Re: Finger picks

I think clumsy is a good word,for how it feels,It is much like putting on boxing gloves for the first time.

Good Luck, Wayne P

Later, Wayne P

wlbaye's Website

3 Reply by Russell_Harding (edited by Russell_Harding 2008-05-31 23:04:37)

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Finger picks

finger picks are nice as long as you dont have an itch on your nose or eyelid and forget you have them on there great for scratching your back or your significant others smile i tried them but i feel more comfortable without them i use a pick when i play my dobro slide but like anything new it takes getting used to happy pickin smile 

Zurf wrote:

So, I play mostly fingerpick style.  I don't care for having long fingernails.  I don't care for dull sounding strings.  So, there seemed to be a conflict for me.  Today, I picked up some fingerpicks.  Yow.  It is going to take some getting used to, but I think it'll be worth the effort.  I am going to have to be much more precise with my fingering, which will force me to pay attention to what I'm doing, which in the long run will likely make me a better player.  In the short run, do I ever sound bad?

- Zurf

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 338

Re: Finger picks

I've tried so many different types of fingerpicks, and - you're right - they feel like boxing gloves. So I stuck to the flatpick. The closest I ever got to something that felt half normal were propick fingertones ( http://www.guptillmusic.com/propik/fingertone.html ) - specifically the split wrap one.

The most uncomfortable - I emphasize for me, because other people swear by them - are the alaska picks which fit under the nail and you clip to length. They were, however, the easiest to find the right string with - which you'll agree is quite important !

"What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understandin' ."    Elvis Costello

alansheeran's Website

  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 533

Re: Finger picks

I don't use fingerpicks much on a guitar but use a thumbpick a lot. When I get the picks I'll drop them in near boiling water for a few seconds and then shape each one to fit my finger or thumb...that makes them much more comfortable. I'll often use a fingernail file and reshape the pick. Years ago someone told me about Chet Atkins and many other fingerstyle players having their nails done at a salon. I tried it and it has really helped out...I have my nails done with acrylic for strength and durability...

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Finger picks

I fish, garden, paddle canoes and kayaks, and other activities that are not conducive to having nails.  I try to grow the nails on my right hand, but it's just not happening.  They get filthy, break, split, etc.  Plus, when they get long enough to be useful, I hate having them there.  Having them even longer and artificial nails is just not an option for me with my hobbies and generally bad attitude towards having nails on my right hand.  Finger picks or dull sounding picking are my options. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: Finger picks

jaygordon75 wrote:

nails done at a salon. I tried it and it has really helped out...I have my nails done with acrylic for strength and durability...

Some secrets probably are better off kept as such. Do you get 'em painted all pretty with flowers and bunnies? Just messin' wit' cha. Whatever works for you................

Give everything but up.
  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: Finger picks

SouthPaw41L wrote:
jaygordon75 wrote:

nails done at a salon. I tried it and it has really helped out...I have my nails done with acrylic for strength and durability...

Some secrets probably are better off kept as such. Do you get 'em painted all pretty with flowers and bunnies? Just messin' wit' cha. Whatever works for you................

To each their own...perhaps that Hello Kitty line of guitars as well? JUST JOKING

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
Elvis Costello
  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 533

Re: Finger picks

geoaguiar wrote:
SouthPaw41L wrote:
jaygordon75 wrote:

nails done at a salon. I tried it and it has really helped out...I have my nails done with acrylic for strength and durability...

Some secrets probably are better off kept as such. Do you get 'em painted all pretty with flowers and bunnies? Just messin' wit' cha. Whatever works for you................

To each their own...perhaps that Hello Kitty line of guitars as well? JUST JOKING

I really like the little bunnies but don't usually get the flowers...Love those Hello Kitty guitars...specially for metal and thrash!

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.