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Post by Jaco on May 18, 2012 13:45:37 GMT
Michael,
I recently purchased a four pack of The National NP2 nickel silver .025 finger picks, and some medium National plastic thumb picks. I've never used finger picks before preferring to use flesh and nail. So, I'm just wondering is it a matter of getting used to them, and to just keep at it with the picks to feel comfortable with them?
I know sometimes with playing guitar, bad and old habits are sometimes difficult to overcome. But I want to learn to use the picks. I think, but I could be wrong that you get more volume using the picks?
Also with the thumb pick it feels like a lot of pick sticking out there, and I'm a bit clumsy right now using it. Do some players sometimes modify how much pick contacts the strings? And if so what's the best way to modify or take some off?
Any suggestions, advice and feedback is very much welcomed.
Best, Jaco
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2012 13:53:53 GMT
I eventually decided to go either au naturel, or use a flat pick and go hybrid picking ('flatpicking' like rory does). A good decision for me, IMO only. TT
Oops - apologies for jumping the gun - didn't realise that it was addressed to MM
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Post by mitchfit on May 18, 2012 13:59:33 GMT
(not Michael)
yes, the nationals will be louder, unless you have extremely thick nails. and the tone will be different regardless, esp if amplified.
i have my nails long enough to extend past the .015 nationals i use. i have curled the tips of the picks upward dramatically (olde school banjo style) so that they fit up under the nails. not a tone gimmick, but to prevent the pick from hanging up on the string when over exerting the note, and shooting across the room as if from a sling shot.
i cut the ends off on OEM thumb picks with wire cutters, and profile them with a nail file to taste. read: manicure?
<$0.02
mitchfit
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Post by DaveRed on May 18, 2012 14:07:05 GMT
I've always used finger and thumb picks. I started using them such a long time ago that I can't play finger style without them. I use National NS and Dunlop plastic thumb picks on resonator and Alaska picks on ordinary acoustic. I think it's like anything if you stick with it long enough you'll get used to it. Yes they definitely make the resonator louder. I wear the Dunlops as they come but I have to angle the nickel silver pick slightly on my index finger otherwise it tends to rasp against the wound strings.
Dave
I forgot to mention that I do file down the length of the Dunlop thumbpick as I find them a bit long otherwise.
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Post by Jaco on May 18, 2012 14:13:57 GMT
@duece truly it's been so long since I've even used a flat pick. I really love Ry Cooder and he goes au naturel as far as I know preferring flesh and nail. I have some flat picks, you'd think I'd use 'em ....go figure! Thanks bro .... @mitch I have a pretty good thumb nail going, and my finger picks kind of fit as you said under the nails of my index and middle fingers. I'll try what you've suggested for the thumb pick. I can defo hear the difference in tone as you mentioned as well Mitch. @red Thanks Red, I'm going to stick with them and see how I do, but it's going to take some getting used to. I think it might be not being able to actually feel the string that throws me off. waffle Thanks, it will take some time, and I know you're right it can bring out the best in a reso. I also understand like many things it's a personal taste kind of thing. Thanks guys for the prompt replies. Much appreciated. Best, Jaco
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Post by waffle on May 18, 2012 14:15:29 GMT
Jaco23, I'm the same as DaveRed, can't play without them anymore.Took me a while to get used to them, but glad i stuck with them,brings out the best in my reso's.. it's all personal choice though.
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Post by Michael Messer on May 18, 2012 14:19:37 GMT
Hi Jaco, Fingerpicks and thumbpicks are devils to get used to! The only way is just to persevere until they feel natural and normal. It will take time, but if you want that sound and power, it is the only way to get it. You are using the right type of picks, in my opinion. However, possibly not the right ones for you. I used to use those National thumbpicks, but they are a little clumsy. These days I use Fred Kelly Delrin Large Heavy picks, and they are shorter and smoother on the strings. I also don't use metal fingerpicks, I use Dunlop heavy gauge white ones. I buy a bag of them and sort out my favourites, then the rest are just kept as spares. A good pair of plastic picks last me years. I haven't bought any picks for 5 years or so. I like the way they wear down to suit my touch. Plastic picks are harder to get on with than metal, but they have a warmer sound and they won't scratch the front of your guitars. I have used plastic picks for more than 20 years. There is no easy or quick way to get used to them, just don't give in! I started using picks because when I started doing gigs with National guitars in the early 80s, I just couldn't get the clarity and power that other players get. I still like to play certain things with bare fingers and thumb. I play that way sometimes at home, but very rarely at gigs. I have been wearing picks for so long that I don't even think about it. Sometimes they are on all day if I am playing a lot. It reaches a point where I feel naked without them. Certainly, as suggested by Mitchfit, trim or file the thumbpick down to a better shape for you. As a piece of advice - if you do trim the thumbpick down, use metal polish to make the sharp edges nice and smooth and shiny. I occasionally polish my picks, just to get them as smooth as new again. I hope that helps.....and makes sense.... Shine On 迈克尔
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Post by Jaco on May 18, 2012 14:33:55 GMT
谢谢你迈克尔
Yes, it's that clarity and power you mentioned that I want. That "sound." Perseverance is definitely a part of my vocabulary, so I will indeed do so. I will also look into purchasing some of the pick you've mentioned. I imagined plastic picks would give a warmer tone. Thanks for the advice on the thumb-picks after trimming them as well. Yes, it all makes sense.
Best, 雅科
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Post by mitchfit on May 18, 2012 20:53:16 GMT
Michael,
..."As a piece of advice - if you do trim the thumbpick down, use metal polish to make the sharp edges nice and smooth and shiny."...
hmmm, will have to try this trick out.
thanks, mitchfit
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Post by gaucho on May 18, 2012 21:30:47 GMT
All of you that don't like the size of thumb picks need to try these. They have excellent feel and tone! Fred Kelly speed picks
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Post by gaucho on May 18, 2012 21:35:53 GMT
As for fingerpicks, I tried literally everything. You don't hear much about the John Pierce Hi-Riders but they are the best I've used. They look bulky but they are not. They are comfortable, fit and stay on well and have a great tone.
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Post by oldmanblue on May 19, 2012 9:01:12 GMT
michael i am back in the U.K. for a few days next week will i get thumb & finger picks in denmark st.omb
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Post by slidenpickit on May 19, 2012 10:13:39 GMT
Hi Jaco, If you do get on with the picks and are playing either with or to people, it's worth bearing in mind how much louder they can make an already loud instrument! Because you are behind the guitar, you don't get the full effect. To demonstrate the increase in volume to yourself, you can play the guitar facing and about a foot away from a hard surface wall or corner. Good luck with the picks!
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Post by Jaco on May 19, 2012 12:14:14 GMT
slidefeverThanks Chris for the great tip. I will try that. Its an interesting point that you make. Yes, I will keep at it with the picks, but I'm sure they will take some time to get used to. Thanks for the reply mate. Best, Jaco
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Post by Jaco on May 19, 2012 12:16:02 GMT
gauchoThanks for the photos and advice on picks. I do intend to try different picks. I purchased these when I ordered Michael's strings. So, in the future I plan to buy more picks. Again thanks so much! Best, Jaco
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