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callouses and "grippiness" on my plucking fingers


foo_fighter

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I am using roto sound round wounds and have built up callouses on my plucking fingers. the problem is that sometimes they dig into the string and "grip" causing problems with mainly with timing. I suppose the simple answer is to try a different brand of strings but I was wondering if anyone else has a problem similar to this and how to remedy it. thanks. Foo

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I know EXACTLY what your talking about. It interferes with timing and fast plucking.

Switch strings.

Last week I bought a set of Rotosound Swings and took them off the bass the next day - terribly "grippy"

Go to a nickel wound string like D'Addarios. Elixirs are a nice slippery string as well if you like them (I do).

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If you absolutely love the Rotosounds and can't stand to part with them you could also try:

 

1) Putting a little GHS "Fast Fret" on the strings where you pluck them and/or on your fingertips before you play. I've also heard of a couple people who rub their fingertips on the tips of their noses to grease the action.

 

2) Using an emery board to slightly smooth your calluses and the transition between your calluses and non-callused skin. I have used this method for awhile because the rock-climbing I do makes my calluses extra-rough and grippy.

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In some cases, you can also rotate your plucking hand towards the thumb by a few degrees: this way you're using more of the side of your finger to pluck than the tip.

 

This also helps to get more of an upright type of tone: I've seen Jeff Berlin do this (that's who I stole it off of)

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