Don't like picks!
Hi Neil; ok my first question to you - I've never used a pick & feel like I'm losing control when I do. I've always strummed w/ my thumb, but see you strum with your middle finger on the down & index on the up. Since my nails are short & am using brass strings; the up & down sound very different because there is no nail involved on the up. Is this making sense; my question - is it awful to use my thumb?
Barb,
The idea of using middle and ring fingers for the downs and index is to use nails down and flesh up. This gives the downs a stronger accent and is more interesting than both strokes having the same tone. Usually, when you use the thumb, you get the same sound for the downs and the ups. It really boils down to what sound you are looking for in a particular song.
Another reason I like students to us different fingers is to start the groundwork for the coordination necessary for fingerpicking a little later.
Neil
The idea of using middle and ring fingers for the downs and index is to use nails down and flesh up. This gives the downs a stronger accent and is more interesting than both strokes having the same tone. Usually, when you use the thumb, you get the same sound for the downs and the ups. It really boils down to what sound you are looking for in a particular song.
Another reason I like students to us different fingers is to start the groundwork for the coordination necessary for fingerpicking a little later.
Neil
-
AcousticAl
- Posts: 0
- Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:10 pm
- Status: Offline
I'm still trying to get used to a pick too, Barb. I've used one for a while- but I hold it with 3 fingers (2 fingers + thumb). It's not how Neil holds his, so I'm trying to correct that.
I find that it slips and moves around when I'm trying to do it Neil's way. Especially when I relax and try not to hold it too tightly.
I find that it slips and moves around when I'm trying to do it Neil's way. Especially when I relax and try not to hold it too tightly.
I started learning the guitar with a pick and then had to learn to use fingers later. I don't think any guitarist should limit their playing skills by not using a pick. Even the Great Oz, I mean Neil, uses a pick for many songs although I'd bet he's far more comfortable doing fingerstyle.
Learning to use a pick gives you the ability to play with a crispness and punch that is harder to get from nails. And unless you are Mark Knopfler playing lead guitar can be pretty challenging without a pick! :cheer:
Learning to use a pick gives you the ability to play with a crispness and punch that is harder to get from nails. And unless you are Mark Knopfler playing lead guitar can be pretty challenging without a pick! :cheer:
-
Music Junkie
- Posts: 0
- Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:17 am
- Status: Offline
Also, look at several types of picks. I tried many before I settled on a purple Dunlop brand that is pretty thin, but has little bumps on both sides at the back. The bumps really help to keep it from slipping around so much when you keep a relaxed grip. They have made a big difference for me and I would recommend them. To each his/her own though. Just gotta find what is comfortable for YOU.....
-
Music Junkie
- Posts: 0
- Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:17 am
- Status: Offline
BRBbrb wrote:
It is a good thing if you like the sound..... Like Neil said, it depends on what you are going for.Ok; so having the tones different is a good thing!
HI Barb, I use both fingers middle , down and index up, also thumb both up and down, and picks. So it really depends on the sound as everyone has stated. Being able to do them all expands the possibilities and certainly varies the sounds,. So its worth persevering with. Neil has a couple of really good short technique lessons on pick use worth checking them out. I found that when I started I was way to firm holding the pick and only lately have i learned to relax a bit and let the pick roll between fingers so it changes angle for the ups and downs. If you have problems holding it and the pick ends up in that big pick box! There are some good ideas in the forums about how to get round that. I used to drill holes through the centre of some picks which helped give a better grip. If you try to learn Flamenco style and do Rasqeudo you use all fingers up and down PIMA arpeggio down and sometimes AMIP arpeggio on the up with the thumb doing a down and up in between, now that takes a bit of learning, its still a work in progress for me.
BTW: Thanks for the replies guys You know I thought not using a pick was weird until I read a Guitar World interview w/ Lindsey Buckingham who said he never used one either & ya'll know I love the Mac! But, I think for "campfire" songs it would be good - just picking the bass notes is awkward!
PS; I won't bother Neil w/ another question but somebody might know - is he classically trained? His knowledge & technique seem to reflect that.
You know I thought not using a pick was weird until I read a Guitar World interview w/ Lindsey Buckingham who said he never used one either & ya'll know I love the Mac! But, I think for "campfire" songs it would be good - just picking the bass notes is awkward! PS; I won't bother Neil w/ another question but somebody might know - is he classically trained? His knowledge & technique seem to reflect that.