My (limited) experience with finger picks
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- I was (and still) looking for a finger pick that would allow me to play with a more natural feel, and be able to switch styles from finger picking to strumming. I haven't found one till today! Everyone has different opinions on picks, so I'm not endorsing any of these picks. With that said, the plastic finger pics that I featured on this video, are the Amazon Basics Guitar Finger Picks, 30-Pack. So far so good I can't vouch for the longevity of them. But so far they're keepers! The Thumb Pick is a plastic Dunlop Pick.
Warning! Don't keep them within reach of small children. They can be a chocking hazard!
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Realy grateful and thanks a lot to point out this extremely important issue with wonderful solution presented، as also started playing again after 15 years, but couldn't find same ring plectrum in Karachi, Pakistan.
Thanks for your comment!
I want to give an update on these finger picks. I really like them. However they break pretty easily. I am going to buy super glue and see if I can reinforce the places that they tend to crack , before they actually crack. Between yesterday and today three picks broke, however one is still usable. I feel that if you don't play too hard they will probably last a week but that's just a guess. For a time, they weren't selling these pics. I see that they started selling them again. I bought a new pack and I'm hoping that the material will be longer lasting.
Ca you tell me the brand name of the picks used in the video?
Never mind...found it! Thanx
@@timredmon1020 oooooh, where please?
Maybe better for nylon flamenco
Create a laminate of layers of fine tissue paper and super-glue over the cracks, or areas where they may appear. Smooth the result with fine grade sandpaper.
I enjoyed your video, thanks. The search for the perfect finger picks is like the search for the perfect capo. Whatever you get you have to get used to it. I've been playing since 1966 and I learned finger style with metal picks. Started with Ernie Ball, the standard. I got that scratching sound like you showed in the video - but then it dawned on me to take a look at the angle of the picks striking the string. If they don't hit flat then they scrape. So I would twist them on my fingers until the striking surface was corrected, and the adjust the crimp on my finger so they would stay aligned that way. Problem solved. I loved the sound of the metal on metal, just didn't like the scrape.
Then in the 90s I started to experiment. I tried Alaska Picks but they felt like they were going pull out my nails. Very uncomfortable. Then I found Pro Pik. They have a very comfortable design that hugs your fingers - and they make a design that's open to your finger pad. You have to change your right hand posture just a little but the exposed pad gives a softness missing the solid metal variety. So that's what I use now when I do finger style, which isn't often. I mostly use a flat pick these days. Anyway, carry on...
Thanks for your insight! I never heard of the Pro Pick. I'll check them out. As of now when practicing, I just use a thumb pick and natural nails. It's when I'm playing harder (as when performing), my nail shred on the strings.
Good useful video. If you look after them, natural nails are pretty resilient, but steel strings of course wear them down more than nylon. An alternative is acrylic nails and superglue, but that can totally bugger up (technical term!) the surface of your natural nails. I find Alaska picks take a little while to get used to, especially with finger attack on the string, but being able to shape them is great. Remember to identify each pick with each finger, as the strike angles will be different: subtle but important. I have brass steel picks as well , those which curve under the pad of the finger behind the nail which I use for my National. Trick here is to turn the angle of the picks on your fingers so they face the fretboard. It's subtle, but the ragged metallic attack diminishes hugely. Hope this is of use!
Thanks so much for your insightful suggestions!
Make Dunlop medium shorter. File it down and its morse versatile. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your struggles. I'm in the same boat, switching to picks after playing for years w/o and found your video very helpful. I just ordered some plastic Dunlap picks, it should be a challenge.
Thank you! I'm pretty much mostly play with nylon strings and don't have these issues with nylon. So I never got fully comfortable with any of these picks. I'm relatively comfortable with the thumb pick (and I use the Dunlop brand thumb pick if and when I choose to use one). Good luck with your picks!
Thanks for posting this. I was told having no nails was best but the sound is pathetic and I can’t reliably pluck the strings. Those finger picks look good to me so I’ll give them a try
Personally I don't understand how no nails are better especially for a steel string guitar. Even nylon strings can at times benefit from having nails, although I can understand those who don't use nails (for nylon). It's a personal preference.
The metal is loud. Use a plastic finger picks
I know the struggle. The thumbpick really only works great if you're picking aggressively. The finger picks are loose and slide all over the place. Natural nails are weak as fuck. No nails sounds soft and wimpy. I finally settled with artificial (acrylic) nails. It does take a lot of effort to shape and maintain them, and it might get awkward when you're around people who don't know what they're for, but sweet jesus the sound and playability is amazing, nothing beats it. The nail on the index finger can be used as though you're playing with a pick too.
Try the Fred Kelley Teardrop thumb pick is you have a light touch.
My nails are taking a beating as I age, particularly my index finger as I use it much the same way as you, for both strumming and picking. I was gonna embark on the finger pick journey, but I just might start with an acrylic on the index finger, and if like it, I'll continue to explore. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@MikeBikerKickstand You're welcome. I'll warn you ahead of time that getting the shape and length right is really quite challenging, for each nail individually. There are some videos around that can give guidance, but because your way of playing the guitar is personal to you, what's perfect for you might be different from what it is for someone else. Be patient, experiment, consider it a project.
Broadly though, I'll give you 3 guidelines that hold true for every nail:
1) The flesh of your finger should be the first thing to contact the string when you pluck, not the nail.
2) The nail should be of a shape that allows the string to slide smoothly over the nail at its first contact point. Too round and the pluck loses momentum.
3) At the tail end of contact there should be a rounding off to allow for the sharpness in tone.
Sometimes you may file it too short. In that case there's nothing you can do but wait and let it grow. Good luck!
I bought the metal ones too, and hated them! Not only did it sound terrible, but the metal cuts into my fingers. I'm gonna try out these!
This might be my Godsend. I wanted to start picking up Jujitsu and learned I need to cut my nails. Thank God you made this video. I think the Kalena fingerpicks are probably the same as the Amazon Basics one so I'm going with that. Great vid!
Thanks for the compliment ☺️
same, did it work
@@moosic5701 It did, but it turns out the kalena fingerpicks were somewhat fragile. Not good if you occasionally want to strum harder.
@@Musicmonk84 someone actually suggested that i grow my nails and just tape them before every bjj lesson. i dont grow them long anyways so i think that will be the best option to try right now. thanks
I definitely have to look into these. Thanks for the vid. Shalom u' berakha :)
Shalom Rebbe!
I actually like the crisp metallic sound that you frowned upon, so I guess that's just another instance of what makes this meshugganah world go 'round!
I did watch another video where it discussed modifying the AlaskaPik till it suited her.
Thanks for your video.
Dan
Ur videos are so good thank you
Thanks for your compliment!
Hi, I just found your channel. I've always played guitar with a pick, but recently decided I wanted to learn fingerpicking guitar. I had a bag of asst. metal fingerpicks from playing banjo. I found the Dunlop metal fingerpicks do scrape on the wound G string like you said. But, I do have a set of Perfect Touch fingerpicks that I found don't scrape on the strings. They sound great! IDK what kind of metal they are made from, but I seem to remember they are made in Tennessee. I play a lot of niggunim (backup rhythm). I'll check out your other vids for fingerstyle. Thanks.
Hi and thanks for the info! Please do check out the other nigunim! All the best! Yaakov
This is exactly the video I was looking for!!! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you found it useful!
@@FrumPilot Absolutely! Thank you 👍
i like a thumb pick but i hate "finger picks : index middle ring pinky"- I haven't had an issue with chewed up nails but i know of some people who have used brush-on acrylic on their nails to strengthen them. It typically is for the ladies but It is clear and inconspicuous to anyone without a magnifying glass. You might want to try that option
Thanks! But I'm mainly playing nylon, so my nails don't get shredded
Thanks for sharing. Looks like they are available again. Just ordered a set. I have been looking for picks to suit playing a wire harp, these look perfect.
Hope they work out for you. Thanks for the comment
Can you please provide a link?
great video!
Thanks!
Thanks for posting, wish I had of watched this earlier as I bought steel picks and having the same issue as yourself.
Excelente rabino siempre he cuidado mis uñas para ragueo y arpegeos sobre todo el pulgar . Pero esas uñas son increibles para guitarras de cuerdas de aceros. Gracias por la informacion.
For me, finger picks are like trying to trap dance with snow shoes on. I'm trying gel nail extensions next.
💯 without 👎🏿, Awesome! 🔥
Love the Alaskan Finger picks, but the best thumb pick I’ve found is made by Black Mountain, They are great, it’s basically a flat pick mounted on a hinged collar! Love it
Thanks for the video! Very helpful :-)
Thanks for your comment.
@@FrumPilot how are you finding the licks 1 year later?
@@darrynsantanamusic Not sure what you mean "licks", perhaps you meant Picks:). I don't really use them much as I mainly play nylon strings. So I really can't comment anymore on them. I haven't found anything as good, but They do break pretty easily.
Your video really helped me out for my fingerstyle journey!
Glad to be of help!
I use to pluck with my nails. But as time goes by, there are many disadvantages and setbacks on keeping long nails. As age rises the nails gets torn and splits easier. Finger picks are not very comfortable to play with.
Enjoyed the video. Thanks for taking the time to upload this. I just can't get used to the metal finger picks. I'm still searching.
Thanks for watching! I play mostly nylon, but when playing steel, I still use the Amazon Basics, but I file down the tips as they are too long for me. I have broken a few though. I did buy the Alaska Pics, but it seems as though you must shape them first, and haven't yet done that so I can't comment just yet. Let me know what works for you !
Have a look at Alaska Picks
Thanks. I just bought a lap steel, which hasn’t come yet, and I’m terrified of having totes metal picks cause I hate them, so it’s good to have options and opinions.
From my research it seems that metal picks are mainly useful for banjos. Thanks for your comment!
God bless you sir! I am looking for the same thing... I do not like the other picks... they get in the way!
Thanks for your comment!
Thanks man great vodeo
Thank you!
I thought he was heading into "crazy for you"
Thank you for idea on how to use guitar finger picks 👍💪
I noticed The plastic ones doesn't have that scrapping sound
I use the Alaskan finger picks with black mountain thumb pick. I like the conbo because I can switch from finger style to flat picking and back again. Before a friend gave me a black mountain thumb pick, I was using the
I also bought the Alaska Pics, but haven't really used them yet.
Wow amazing sir
Thank you! I'm sorry i didn't respond until now Just saw you comment.
One more👍🏿 to go for 💯
Done😎
@@vickysj8242 thanks! ❤️
thank you so much for this video
You're welcome!
I am beginner, learning finger style, I believe beginners should start playing with flesh (no nails) to feel strings better & to have muscle memory, then “upgrade” to nails / picks if they want… because with either nails or picks you still need a touch with flesh.
Thanks! Very helpful! The metal on metal screeching sounds awful.
Agreed! Thanks for posting!
Thank you & תודה רבה
for the steel fingerpicks, you need to change the pitch/angle of your hand to be more perpendicular to the strings to not get the scratchy sound, it's pretty simply mechanics. See Townes Van Zandt for more information. It's not about finding the right fingerpick, it's your technique. If you really want it, you'll make it work. Perfectly legit if it doesn't work for you, and I'm not saying it should, but you haven't optimized your technique, and in some sense aren't using them correctly.
Thanks for the feedback and I understand you have to be totally perpendicular, but I would have to change the way I play. Thanks again!
I want them
I couldn’t find the Amazon Basics Finger-style pick on Amazon ???? It says not available anymore
You're correct they are not available anymore on Amazon. Some other pointed this out as well, it's a shame because I liked them, although they are not perfect.
@@FrumPilot I like the Video of James Taylor showing how to apply Fiberglass finger style wraps on…I did it once by my self but it is hard to apply….I noticed that the Suzy Bogus and her whole band were doing that method and it worked for them
@@bastardsonofretkillr Thanks, I looked into something like the artificial nails but haven't tried them.
I would love to try these out but I cannot find them anywhere. Can you help? I cannot find them on Amazon
Amazon no longer carries them last time I checked. However there are others that look similar.
I have to have my nails really short at my job, but when I use my fingertips the sound is too soft so I picked up some of these picks that mimic fingernails as a happy medium. But for the life of me, they don't feel like fingernails and I'm trying to figure them out haha
I find they stay on your fingers much better if you place the tip of the finger pick under your natural nail. So you need some nail growth to do this.
Hello, thank you for showing these finger picks. Do they need my own fingernail or do they fit tight without any other fixation? There are similiar finger picks - Alaska Pik, but they need that you have at least some of your own nail and you fix these picks under your own nail. Which I don't like.
There's no where I saw that you should need to put it under the fingernail, however That's exactly what I do, otherwise it's prone to come loose easier. Unfortunately they are no longer available and they are not the most comfortable but it's the best I found so far. I did try the Alaska pics but not extensively so I can't fully comment on them. Thanks for your comment!
Update. I haven't used the fingerpicks too much as I play mostly nylon. As per last comment I made, about how they cracked pretty easily. It is possible because I filed them down that it put strain on the point it cracked, , but I don't think so. I tried using super glue to reinforce the part of the plastic that's more prone for breakage, but I haven't really used them since. If you do buy them please let me know what you think!
do they work on nylon though?
@@moosic5701 they technically work on any string, but nails are usually the best. And I find that nylon does not shred my nails. Sometimes I use a thumb pic with nylon.
I like that guitar very much, could you tell me the model number it is? Has a great sound. We enjoyed your informative video. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment!
That guitar is no longer a current model, but it is a Takamine EG340C. It's not a very expensive model and has a pickup inside which unfortunately can have a tendency to buzz, but all in all I find it to be a very nice guitar for the money.
I have been unable to find these picks on Amazon.
I noticed that as well. I don't know if they will sell again. I really don't use them anymore since I play mostly nylon strings.
@@FrumPilot Would you be willing ro sell them since you no longer use them?
@@stevecolby6177 it wouldn't be worth it to package it up and ship it. There are other finger pics to look into such as the Alaska pics. Though I don't have any first hand use with then.
Thanks!
Thank you!
I can't find them can you please put in a link to these finger picks please
Below is the link, however just looked and it said "currently not available" Had I known I would have another set! I tried the Alaska pics which is similar but much more expensive. They are more comfortable to wear, but the sound is not as sharp as these. I need more time to test them though.
www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Guitar-Finger-Picks-30-pieces/dp/B07V46TH9P/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3F3SMD4LXAIHW&dchild=1&keywords=finger+picks&qid=1609644733&sprefix=finger+pi%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-10
@@FrumPilot not meaning to be rude, but... does Amazon pay you for that link? If so... well, it's your decision. At least I wouldn't recommend anything there. I mean, Jeff B. is one of the richest guys worldwide, and without any doubt one of the biggest winners of the pandemic (who doesn't give a sh*** about paying taxes abroad).
On the other hand, there are still so many alternatives to the big A. Small music shops that really struggle due to the keen competition on the music market and Amazons's almost monopoly status in online shopping business. I would rather support your local music store (as long as it has an online shop) or any other instruments selling online shop, than helping that amoral thug getting even richer... Just my two cents...
@Wayne Stacey: I guees, these picks are called "Alaska Fingerpicks". Just type it into your favourite search engine (adding "-Amazon" to exclude the obvious links you might get first...), and you will find what you need.
Stay safe, everybody. :o)
@@olearntz You definitely have a compelling point. I was asked for the link. And perhaps should have looked first in a music store. However the nearest one that would have any selection is about a 40 minute drive, so it's not so practical for me. And no I don't get paid by Amazon and your point is well taken. Thanks for your input ☺️.
Thank you!
\
You're welcome! I'm sorry i didn't respond until now Just saw you comment.
Sir please suggest me which fingerpick model is best ? Cz there are thousands of models on online shopping platforms
Everybody is different you need to try out different picks and see what works for you and your style of playing. I can only give over my experience, for the style I play. That does not necessarily mean they will work for you, or the style of music you play.
@@FrumPilot Ok sir thank you... Love from India ☺️💖🇮🇳
What a nice video. Question: I notice you don't have a fingerpick on the smallest finger. I'm happy with bare fingers on my nylon string guitar. But I'm experimenting with plastic finger picks on my steel-string guitar. Do we normally leave the smallest finger bare, anyway? Or do people use finger picks on all 4 fingers? Btw, just subscribed! Thanks!
Hi good question! Most finger pickers don't use the pinky. However a minority do. I would think that if you do, then by all means use a finger pick on your small finger. There are times I personally use the small finger, but not enough to use a finger pick on it. Thanks for subscribing!
@@FrumPilot Thanks for your quick response. Funny story: Before I looked on TH-cam, I actually thought the fingerpicks were supposed to be worn the other way around, like cat claws! I got D’Addario large and media. But I can’t fund small anywhere, for the pinky. Good to know that’s not really needed anyway. Never liked the flat pick. So far these plastic fingerpicks are proving a good choice. 👍
Same problem to me. Thanks for your help. Let me ask, does it work out well with the fake product. Hard to find the real ones.
Not sure what you mean by fake product. These pics are trying to mimick the Alaska pic. I feel they are a good value, but the drawback is that they do break. I did buy the Genuine Alaska pic. But have not tried them yet. Thanks for watching!
@@FrumPilot The fake means the copy cat product from China on sale on Lazada and Shopee. It costs less than $1 for a set of four.
@@michellethompson2738 Oh ok I'm not familiar with those products.
Sir what is the name of that finger pick ?
When I play with my nail, plucking on the low e causes a metal scraping sound, is there any way to fix that? I like the volume playing with nails gives but the scraping bothers me
I'm assuming that you use your thumb for the low e string. Sounds to me that you are striking the string in a way that you slide a little bit on it which causes the the scraping sound. I would suggest you verify if that's true you might have to hit the string at a different angle. Alternatively, I believe they sell steel strings that are more tightly wound, and therefore the string itself is smoother, which would minimize the scraping sound. If those don't help, you can try using a thumb pick and see if that would help.
@@FrumPilot even when i strike it straight down, there is a bit of the scraping sound happening but it is minimized compared the striking sideways, i use elixer strings so i think that enhances the scraping noise even more because it is a bright sounding string. I found the only way is to have the only the nail touching the string when i pluck instead of flesh and nail but i find that unconventional for faster songs that i play where i need a fast bass line happening, anymore ways to get rid of the scraping sounds? Do i have to grow my nail out more?
@@naturelife7536 I wish I had a better solution, but I don't. As I said previously, you can try a different type of string more tightly wound, but I would first try a thumb pick to see if that would help. Personally, I mostly play Nylon strings and don't have this issue. Even when playing steel, I don't really notice this problem. I find that using my thumb alone while playing steel strings, the bass strings are not so prominent. But using a thumb pick gives the bass strings much more volume. And punch.
@@FrumPilot I will try using elixer’s polyweb as they are supposedly thicker, the string noise is making me consider playing classical guitar instead 😅
Good luck with it!
What are the names of the String your pics you did that say? And where can I buy them?
Hi The strings I believe (but not 100% sure( are the D"addario phosphor Bonze EJ16-3D unfortunately the pics don't seem to be available anymore on Amazon. Both the strings and pics were purchased from Amazon.
What are they called? Where can you buy them?
They are called finger picks. I bought mine on Amazon but just checked and they are no longer available there. Perhaps they have something similar.
👏👏👏👏
Please send the link to the Finger pics did not find them through Google
They're no longer available with this link. Perhaps there are other vendors who sell a similar item.
Here are the ones I bought;
www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Guitar-Finger-Picks-30-pieces/dp/B07V46TH9P/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3F3SMD4LXAIHW&dchild=1&keywords=finger+picks&qid=1609644733&sprefix=finger+pi%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-10
@@FrumPilot Unavailable. Must’ve been very good
We’re can I get them
www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Guitar-Finger-Picks-30-pieces/dp/B07V46TH9P/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2YH78H4JTYU7P&keywords=finger+picks+amazon&qid=1641186817&sprefix=finger+picks+amazon%2Caps%2C65&sr=8-3
scusa il mio inglese. Ho scritto col traduttore google
In effetti ho capito quello che hai detto. Grazie per il tuo commento!
Hello and congratulations on your video. the materials that are used for the artificial fingerpicks are absolutely not good. the only material that gives a perfect touch very similar to the touch of the real nail is celluloid. Alaska pik and Dunlop Pick are fine in shape but not good in sonic response. unfortunately there is no real celluloid fingerpick. if Alaska pik were made of celluloid celluloid instead of derlin Then we will have achieved the goal
Thanks for your comment. You're right, nothing will beat the real thing, I was just comparing plastic vs. metal picks. It's not perfect, but much better sounding than metal, at least for the way i play. Thanks again!
What about plastic picks
Not sure what you mean. These are made out of plastic. If you are referring to a "flat" pick, that's a whole different type of pick and in this video I was testing out finger picks for each finger (not the pinky). I personally don't use a flat picks, but some use it very effectively.
What is it called?
Amazon Basics Guitar finger picks". I just checked and they are not currently available. Might come back at a later time. When I search for that only flat picks come up, not the finger picks.
What the name of the second one fingerpick?
Hi the Thumb pick I use is made by Dunlop. All of the other finger picks are from Amazon basics. However I find that you need to have some natural nail to keep these on your finger. The plastic goes underneath my natural nail partially and helps it stay on. i also have filed them down a little. Your mileage may vary.
www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Guitar-Finger-Picks-30-pieces/dp/B07V46TH9P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YEHQCFE27JF9&dchild=1&keywords=finger+picks+guitar&qid=1629463958&refinements=p_89%3AAmazon+Basics&rnid=2528832011&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=fingerpicks%2Caps%2C168&sr=1-1
👍
You're wearing the alaska piks backwards.
Hi these are not Alaska pics. The only way they worked for me is the way I have it on. Thanks
sir i need to know what's the brand of it and where can i buy those.. thank you
This is what I had bought from Amazon and what was shown on the video.
www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Guitar-Finger-Picks-30-pieces/dp/B07V46TH9P/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3F3SMD4LXAIHW&dchild=1&keywords=finger+picks&qid=1609644733&sprefix=finger+pi%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-10 I have filed them down which worked better for me. They are not perfect. Sometimes they come off and at times they cracked on me. But currently I still use them when playing steel strings. Thanks for watching!
One more thing about the Amazon fingerpicks. I slide them under my nail and seems to work better for me that way as an extension of my nails. You might not feel the same way, but just wanted to let you know how I personally use them.
I bet you have to practice with them first
You're correct, however I think I only used these for about an hour's time before making this video. I have experienced that the finger pick at times has gotten caught on the strings. I did try the Alaska pic and think those are a little more comfortable, but the notes have a more rounded sound, not as sharp as these. I think these sound closer to actual natural nails. I do need to test the Alaska pics more though, but those are my first impressions.
Thx for this but finger picks are horrible.
Compared to natural nails I agree. But better than nothing imo.
Where can I get the finger picks you used Sir?Who sells them?
Amazon used to sell them. Unfortunately they're not available anymore . Was sold on Amazon basics. Perhaps they have them under a different name.
🤘