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steam-powered
Aloha
15 Posts |
 Posted - 05/26/2008 : 07:21:02 AM
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I've looked in the archives and it seems that fingerpicks haven't been brought up since 2006.
I use fingerpicks when playing slide on my National round-neck; I use fingerpicks when playing lap-style; No problem with using fingerpicks here, I've been using them for a couple years now.
The other day I was playing the guitar I keep in DADGAD tuning (I don't use fingerpicks for DADGAD) and switched over to the guitar I keep in taro patch tuning. My fingerpicks were in the basement so, for the first time, I played the first few tunes in Ozzie Kotani's book (I'm only up to the third song thus far; I'm new to slack key) without using any fingerpicks. Just bare flesh on the strings.
Well, I really liked the sound! The harmonics aren't as bright and the volume is certainly lower, but I was quite taken with the warm quality produced by using bare flesh against the strings. Anybody here opt to not use fingerpicks for slack key? I know that some folks don't use them because they refuse to take time and get used to them. I'm asking those of you who regularly use fingerpicks for other styles of play: are you also taken with the sound produced in slack key with just bare flesh?
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Amor et Hilaritas |
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2008 : 5:02:27 PM
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I tried picks with slack key - took time to learn how to use them - note the past tense.
I play a nylon string guitar and simply can not get the nuances of timbre that you can with nails and flesh. In plain English - they're good for volume but nothing else. (Well, maybe if you have a gig and you break a nail on the way to a gig, and happen to have a spare set of picks in your case.) |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 1:26:47 PM
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For me picks on the fingers kill expression. On the thumb they make too much bass when it is the trebles that need to stand out. IMHO only the plastic glue on kind are viable and actually quite good for when you break a nail.
Heaven forbid you would choose to play with metal finger picks on a six string guitar. To me they have no use beyond a Resonator, a banjo, or maybe a 12 string. And, I do mind if other people swear by them even if they are among the legends. They are making a bad choice period!
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Bob |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 02:06:49 AM
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Actually, the thumbpick volume can be modulated quite nicely. Dusty does it beautifully, and lots of pros do too. Even I can - but not as well as Dusty; it just takes practice and a little thought. Fingerpicks vs. the damping ability of flesh, is quite another matter.
...Reid |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1153 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 05:15:56 AM
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Yep, for me the secret is my large, heavy Johnson thumbpick. I also use Alaska Piks on my index and middle fingers. I get the feel of the strings with them.
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Dusty |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 07:25:45 AM
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I had a lesson with Ozzie once and right off he pointed out that when playing with a thumbpick, I had little flexibility in controlling the bass line -- making it too strong at times when it is only meant to support the melody. He recommended that I switch to a longer natural thumbnail. It has taken a while, when playing close attention. I think I can be more expressive.
However, I have been practicing a few fingerstyle arrangements with a walking bassline (some Chris Tomlin songs for a wedding) and I can't get the bass line loud enough with just my thumb. I put one of my thumbpicks back on and that solved the problem.
The point is to be flexible and listen to what you are doing. If it sounds better to you, do it.
I also agree, that Dusty has terrific control when using the Alaska Piks and Thumbpick. |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 07:48:10 AM
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And, just to belabor the topic further (my last, I promise) - Keith Marzullo is very expressive using his Zookie M-20 thumbpick. I didn't hear anything he *can't* do.
...Reid |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2008 : 10:07:44 AM
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I agree that good players can adapt to a thumbpick very well.
Alaska piks are also a decent choice for fingers.
My choice is guitarplayer nails when I break a nail.
The main thrust of my opinion was towards metal picks anyway.
I saw a video recently of a performer (not big-time famous) that used metal picks. While this performer is talented without question, the brittle clanky sound the person was trying to sing over made me think to myself...OMG, how could this be acceptable!
There is no need for me to be so opinionated against them but thats how I feel so I just let 'er rip this time.
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Bob |
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Joel
Aloha
9 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2008 : 10:21:23 AM
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| I notice most professionals use at least a thumb pick and I think maybe it is purely for speed and volume. I have tried it and found it awkward and it severely limits the sensitivity and range of sound you can get when compared to nails. |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2008 : 10:40:48 AM
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Looking at players that I admire, there is no right or wrong answer. I have been blown away by both players with picks and those with nothing but their fingertips.
Lately, I have been playing with a thumbpick (not all the time) and fingernails. I like that the thumb pick gives me a stronger bass. In the past, I've also played with the flesh of my index, middle and ring fingers. That works just fine too, but the finger nails help you really dig in when needed. |
Andy |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2008 : 11:28:13 AM
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Funny how these things go Andy.
You are trying to increase your bass by using a thumb pick and
right now I am trying to reduce the bass (volume). I have been lowering my hand position and flattening out my thumb. |
Bob |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2008 : 1:21:30 PM
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| Play naked with Alaska Piks. You get the advantage of natural-sounding picks AND the warm quality of flesh on strings. |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
Edited by - cpatch on 06/04/2008 1:22:24 PM |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2008 : 02:08:50 AM
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Who was your last teacher Craig?  |
Bob |
Edited by - RWD on 06/05/2008 02:09:48 AM |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2008 : 12:17:11 PM
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| but those alsska piks pinch! |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2008 : 12:55:59 PM
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Bob: 
Mika`ele: You have to get the right size and then trim and bend them to fit. |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
Edited by - cpatch on 06/05/2008 12:56:12 PM |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1153 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2008 : 2:05:54 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Mika ele
but those alsska piks pinch!
They loosen on their own, after a while. Or as Craig said, you can bend them to fit. You can also file them to smooth and shape, like nails. They do wear out and break after maybe 6 - 12 months.
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Dusty |
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