picks vs finger picking

[tamolina]

I have a hard time doing double stops or doing any of the sophisticated Chet Atkins/Merle Travis stuff with a pick. But when I try fingerpicking my thumb gets sore as hell. Is there a good technique for playing double stops with a pick that I haven't figured out yet? If I want to learn fingerpicking is there some type of strings that is easier on a beginner?

[KATMAN]

I can't really explain my style ,but I use my thumb,index and middle fingers only. I came up with this own my own and that's how I fingerpick. I always use the root string to start out on,wether it be noted or not. I played "Dust in the Wind" my first time out. You could always take classical lessons and learn how to do it properly,I would if it didn't cost a arm and a leg. Or you can get books or an instruction video. If you're not used to playing with your thumb,play a liitle more till you get used to it,like everything else,just takes time,paitence and practice.

[TheBlueGuy]

Buy a thumb pick?

[Paul J. Edwards]

Bite the bullet dude.

 

It will only hurt for a little while.

 

Are you a girly man?

[digitalsnipe]

Yea, the thumb will hurt until it doesn't anymore. My thumb was sore but I played it anyway. It got over it and I don't think it holds a grudge.

[tamolina]

Yeah, I was afraid that was the answer I would get. Just suffer until my girly man thumb toughens up. I did try a thumbpick, but it felt so damn awkward...I couldn't "feel" the string the way I do with a regular pick.

[TheBlueGuy]

 

Originally posted by tamolina I did try a thumbpick, but it felt so damn awkward...I couldn't "feel" the string the way I do with a regular pick.

 

 

Yeah, they do at first. I actually kept one on my thumb for about a week before it felt more natural. And I mean I kept it on--I even drove around, plucking at the steering wheel with it on.

[digitalsnipe]

A thumbpick has to be comfortable. Then, it has to extend no more than the amount exposed when you use a flat pick. I say that because when you start using the thumbpick for strumming you will put your index finger where it normally goes when using a flat pick. Actually, that's a subjective thing but it is what works best for me when strumming. The index fingernail hits the strings first as a sort of distance gauge so that the tip of the thumbpick doesn't dig too deep on the downstroke. The upstroke is different. I rotate my thumb so that the nail is facing the soundhole and drag up lightly.

 

When you find a comfortable thumbpick you may have to shorten it and sand it to shape. If it is too thick you can sand it thinner. I never have found a perfect thumbpick. I usually "profile" them myself. It's that or spend a lot more time looking for a perfect one - if there is such a thing.

 

All I use is a thumbpick now. It feels as natural as a bare thumb. Actually, I feel funny not wearing a thumbpick although it doesn't hinder me in any way. What does bug me about not using a thumbpick is the base notes just aren't there, by comparison.

[tamolina]

Hmmm. Thoughtful answers from everybody...thanks.

[Jerry NT]

I don't like using a thumbpick. Your thumb will grow calloused just like the fingertips on your fretting hand.

 

double-stop: Playing two notes simultaneously on a string instrument.

 

trill: Ornament consisting of the rapid alternation between one tone and the next above it.

 

 

If you mean the classic definition of double-stop, (or even the trill) it's easier using your thumb and a finger at the same time, plucking the guitar. Kinda like squeezing something between the two. If you want to strum the two, the thumb is appropriate. I find it easier to strum with just the thumb (and it gives a softer sound) than with a pick. Picking idividual notes are more distinct with a pick.

[JasmineTea]

Tamolina,

 

Here's what I did to get calouses for fingerpicking, it worked great and now they actualy have a sharper attack, sometimes too much: Play for like, four days as much as you can stand it, I mean till it realy hurts. I mean till just thought of playing makes your fingers hurt. Then don't play a note for 4-5 days.

• Worked GREAT for me, I discovered it by accident.

[digitalsnipe]

Originally posted by JasmineTea

Tamolina,

 

Then don't play a note for 4-5 days.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4-5 days without playing? Are you a Mad-Man? I have to come home on my lunch hour just to get my fix. Then again, maybe I'm the Mad-Man.

[JasmineTea]

Originally posted by digitalsnipe ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4-5 days without playing? Are you a Mad-Man? I have to come home on my lunch hour just to get my fix. Then again, maybe I'm the Mad-Man.

It was an accident.

[kwakatak]

It sounds like you may want something that has a little less string tension. I recently tried Martin SP Fingerstyle 80/20s and really liked them. I paid $16 for them at a local store but found them for less than half that online:

http://www.juststrings.com/cfm-msp-31fs.html

 

I've also heard that Newtones are really easy on the fingers too, but they're more expensive. You can find them here:

http://www.guitargal.com/strings.html

[Paul J. Edwards]

 

Originally posted by kwakatak It sounds like you may want something that has a little less string tension. I recently tried Martin SP Fingerstyle 80/20s and really liked them. I paid $16 for them at a local store but found them for less than half that online: http://www.juststrings.com/cfm-msp-31fs.html I've also heard that Newtones are really easy on the fingers too, but they're more expensive. You can find them here: http://www.guitargal.com/strings.html

 

 

I think you should use finger picks if you like the sound of them. If you like the warmer sound of flesh than play that way and screw the pain. It will go away soon enough.