Finger Picks

[Ragpicker]

Ok, I'm getting old :roll:
My fingernails must be getting softer.
I wore through my index finger nail by strumming (bad habit)
and its quite painfull.
I can't strum to save my life so I mostly try and fingerpick.
My thumb, index finger and ring finger nails are failing fast.
I tried using a white dunlop thump pick, but it seemed way too long at first. I shortened it down with a jewelers file and it now sticks out only a quarter inch or so past my thumb. Much better feeling, however I can't use the metal finger picks no matter how much I try. I just end up poking or banging into the guitar body, or missing the strings altogether. I have no sense of feel with these stupid things.
Can anyone point me in the right direction for fingerpicks with training wheels? (Graham lets see you find a photo for this baby), I'll have my twelve string really soon, and I know my finger nails won't survive that beast.
Any brand, info or suggestions welcome.
RP

 

[West R Lee]

Rag,

You're not alone brother! :lol:

West

 

[Graham]

 

[dreadnut]

rag, whatever you do, don't give up on the metal fingerpicks. Keep working with them, someday they'll be your best friend when you want to fingerpick with some real volume and clarity. And I like the tone of brass much better than steel.

Try Pro-pik brass ANG-1 double wraps.

 

[Graham]

Have you tried the Alaska piks Rag?

I'm still working between a regular pick and my fingers. I mostly strum with my fingers, meat only, no nail. I have Alaska piks, but I haven't given them a fair trial yet. Very steep learning curve for me with them, or any pick I'm afarid.

 

[Frosty]

Hi Rags. I'll seconds Graham's recommendation of Alaska Piks - and you're on the right track by modifying that thumbpick. Thumbpicks and Alaska Piks need to be shaped to permit the most comfortable angle and achieve the best tone, IMO.

I use Alaska Piks exclusively, I like the way then enable you to feel the string with the tip of your finger. Something I can not do with Dunlops, for example.

Here are a few shots showing the piks before and after modification and my right hand in action.

[IMG:480:345]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/nhbanjer/AlaskaPiks/Compare.jpg[/img]

Before and After
[IMG:434:402]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/nhbanjer/AlaskaPiks/Before.jpg[/img] Before


[IMG:427:448]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/nhbanjer/AlaskaPiks/After.jpg[/img] After


[IMG:377:214]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/nhbanjer/AlaskaPiks/PickingwithAlaskas.jpg[/img]

 

[dreadnut]

of course, Alaska picks are worn upside down as opposed to standard fingerpicks.

I may have to try them sometime, although I haven't liked the tone I get with standard plastic fingerpicks, but their blades are so thick :? So how thick are the Alaskas? And how much do they cost? My Pro-piks are about $2.50 ea.

 

[Jeff]

[img:450:338]http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid210/p02230c1c96f9ea00da70fa6af9f1b8a4/edda10aa.jpg[/img]


Here's what Dred's pro pics look like. I can't get used to them either.

The little orange thumbpicks are Fred Kelly "Speedpicks". My personal favorite, they stay put on your thumb & are the most comfortable.

 

[Steelpickin']

I find finger pick ( on six string) to be very limiting...
great for "up strokes" but just try doing a downward brush ( roll?)
index -3rd finger and they will come flying off faster than a hookers pants at a two dollar a night motel! ( dont ask how I know)
Have you tried, gelatin, or bone meal suppliments? Work wonders for some. If all else fails ....go get a set of fake nails or super glue if you have enough of your old nail to glue back in place...Dont laugh about the fake nails...Chester Brian Atkins, as well as many others were known to use them when needed!

 

[Graham]

Dont laugh about the fake nails...Chester Brian Atkins, as well as many others were known to use them when needed!

I don't know how they might help with the guitar thing.....

I'll try them though. :shock:

 

[california]

Try not to give up on the metal finger picks, once you get the right size they'll feel far mote natural than plastics. Unlike most plastic picks, the metal Dunlops can be easily bent to fit yoru style and the shape of your fingers, and good music stores carry them in a variety of sizes making it easier to fit them to your fingers.

 

[capnjuan]

I've always used National metal picks. Tried metal Dunlops but didn't get as good a result. Tried the Alaska Pics....bored everyone to death in another thread talking about them.

They're fine but they just don't fit my fingers well. May try the ProPics soon...or may not...I do okay with the Nationals; they question is always can I squeeze a little more out of my play with another shape/style. No good answer yet.

 

[6L6]

+1 on what drednut said.

I prefer size 0.013 National fingerpicks. Easy to mold to the shape of your fingertip.

6

 

[dreadnut]

Actually, that picture is not what the pro-piks look like, at least not the ones I use. Mine are brass, have a solid blade and a split wrap for the fingers so they fit better. You can see them at Elderlyinstruments.com and I see now they have "Cobalt plated, brass, split wrap Pro-pik fingerpicks" for $9.95 a pair. Standard brass ones are $2.50 ea.

 

[Jeff]

Actually, that picture is not what the pro-piks look like, at least not the ones I use. Mine are brass, have a solid blade and a split wrap for the fingers so they fit better. You can see them at Elderlyinstruments.com and I see now they have "Cobalt plated, brass, split wrap Pro-pik fingerpicks" for $9.95 a pair. Standard brass ones are $2.50 ea.

Well, now you tell me.

I can see how the split wrap would be more comfortable. They have nothing like these in local shops.

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/CB46BLS.htm

 

[california]

Actually, that picture is not what the pro-piks look like, at least not the ones I use. Mine are brass, have a solid blade and a split wrap for the fingers so they fit better. You can see them at Elderlyinstruments.com and I see now they have "Cobalt plated, brass, split wrap Pro-pik fingerpicks" for $9.95 a pair. Standard brass ones are $2.50 ea.

At $9.95 a pair the way I lose the darn things I wouldn't have any money left for GAS -- either the guitar or petroleum based varieties!

 

[capnjuan]

See lifetime supply of Guild finger picks in eBay / Craigslist stuff.