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thumb pick vs. flat pick


smokeynichol

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Anyone out there stick with the thumb pick as opposed to just a regular flat pick when strummimg/picking. I've heard over the years that a thumb pick is rather hard on the bridge-anyone experience that?? could you have more control in the picking using a thumb pick??

 

You could have more control, or not. Kottke use to use a thumpick, but stopped due to tendon issues. If you play an old National, it has been recommended to use a thumbpick as not using one puts too much pressure on the cone. I do not use a thumbpick on 3 newer Nationals though.

 

More natural for me to use a flatpick when... well, flatpicking.

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I don't use one or the other exclusively, but for most of this year, it's been flatpicks and fingernails mostly. Started getting acrylics on my picking hand when I broke a nail halfway up the quick one day and needed to get it fixed. Like 'em so much that I just haven't let 'em grow out and go back to natural. They were always breaking and chipping before. Now, there's hardly ever a problem worth talking about. So, if I'm fingerpicking, I just use my thumbnail where I used to use a thumbpick.

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Never grew accustomed to a thumbpick.

Maybe it's just because I grew up using flatpicks? Dunno, but I just can't get used to thumbpicks.

I find them too hard, too stubborn and too inflexible.

With a flatpick, I have more control about the attack and I can change the relative stiffness, depending on where I grip it, all things I can't do with a thumbpick.

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Never grew accustomed to a thumbpick.

Maybe it's just because I grew up using flatpicks? Dunno, but I just can't get used to thumbpicks.

I find them too hard, too stubborn and too inflexible.

With a flatpick, I have more control about the attack and I can change the relative stiffness, depending on where I grip it, all things I can't do with a thumbpick.

 

Ever try a Fred Kelly Slick Pick? Think you would like it a lot, as this pick addresses your concerns perfectly.

 

slick_pick.jpg

 

If you can't find one there in Eire, let me know and I'll send you an early Xmas gift. :)

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  • 2 years later...
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I just recently converted to using thumb picks on acoustic. Really happy with the sound for fingerstyle pieces. I tried out a few thumb picks, including the Bumblee and Slick Pick mentioned above. Really happy with the Fred Kelly Speed Pick and Herco Medium. I made some notes after trying out some different picks here: http://www.theguitarjournal.com/thumb-picks-fingerpicking/

 

Jesse

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Not accepting your own timeless celebrity is a quiet strength of yours, Neal. Seriously. You are a music man first, chatsman second but that for which you chat has worth. The key to humility is to accept bestowals of compliment graciously, with a respectful nod and allow its quiet magic to remain a living part of the thread. Why not talk through its recent revival with evolved contribution since your last experience, if any, while enjoying a nice glass of low-fat milk with Vanilla Wafers?

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  • 3 weeks later...
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Nice review. If I played bass more often I'd probably use a thumb pick since I use both fingers and pick. . . .

Okay, if anyone cares I bought a selection of Speed Picks for playing bass and I like the thin version with the medium running second. I also tried a Herco heavy but didn't care for it. I'l try the thin and medium as soon as I can. I agree with theguitarjournal that all the thumb picks I tried were poor choices for strumming; something about the angle and the heaviness of my strumming attack.

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After trying various picks, I like the thin Speed Pick. I also tried thin, medium, and heavy Herco nylons and thin and medium Herco acetate picks. The Speed Pick remains my favorite. Among other things it fits my thumb best. But a couple of the Hercos are pretty good too.

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Can't pick fast with a thin pick. YMMV.

I can't pick fast with any pick so it doesn't matter. I choose based on the sound and how it feels when I'm playing. That means Dunlop .60mm nylon on acoustic and so far Dava Control Pick for electric and occasionally bass.

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