Use of 'thumb pick' in finger picking

Hello Steve,

Yes you should carry on if it is something you would like to learn, the more techniques you know the better. I am a fingerpicker as well, however I do use a plectrum and I use a thumb pick. I started fingerpicking for classical and some flamenco (don't have a classical guitar) but for both styles a thumb pick can be harsh in sound and you aren't suppose to use one for them anyway, so I never used a thumb pick. When I learned some Robert Johnson (who I am pretty sure used a thumb pick) songs, the bass line just wasn't nearly as crisp as his were. You know in acoustic blues you need that crisp bass line so I bought a thumb pick. First thing I noticed was that I couldn't play with it either, got stuck on the strings, missed strings, it was terrible. I thought I was going to have to learn a new way of picking. Turns out, it was all in my head. I was concentrating too hard on trying to use the thumb pick. Relax. When I didn't think about it I played it took five minutes to make the adjustment. I can jump back and forth to finger picking with it or with out it with no problem. One thing to keep in my mind, make sure the thumb pick on your finger so that the plectrum part is perpindicular to the strings, this was also screwing me up. Play a song you know well to get the feel of your thumb being farther away from the strings. If the song is something you can sing to, concentrate on the singing and don't worry about your picking hand. You'll see, it'll fall in naturally and if it doesn't just come back here and we'll try to help again.

Hope this helps!

The last tip was a good one, it all depends on the type of sound you are looking for. I personally do not use a thumb pick, but i do take gelatin capsules and carefully groom my nails. I found that I didnt like the bass ring I got from a pick, the nail even with a tiny piece of meat sounds more natural to me. I also started out plucking the 3 high strings with 3 fingers but found my ring finger got in the way. After watching a Townes Van Zandt DVD I began using only my index and middle finger.

Besides, If your playing gigs or in a studio, a good sound guy can EQ your lows, mids, and highs for an even tone. The sound I get is the sound I want. If I wanted to sound like everyone else I'd trade my acoustic in for an electic.

Hope I could help,
Ed

One kind of thumbpick I especially like is the Fred Kelly Speed Pick. It has a skinny, very flexible tab that allows for bidirectional picking or strumming, and it's handy to pinch it between the forefinger and thumb to use as a flatpick when desired.

I've found the Propiks to be very comfortable and the delrin tip is relatively short, letting you get your thumb closer to the strings. Some folks might prefer that.
http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/PK43D-S.htm

However, after using plain old standard Dunlop thumbpicks for a while, I now find the tip of the Propiks too short. Unfortunately, the Dunlops are less comfortable for me; the mediums are too tight, the large ones somewhat loose.

I'd like a thumbpick with the blade length of the Dunlops and the comfort of the Propiks... :(

Here's a great overview of thumbpicks with a video as well:
http://littlebrotherblues.com/Gear/Thumbpicks/index.html

Hey Rico, does the edge of the Kelly Speed Pick scrape on the strings at all? Does it require you to hold your hand any differently?

Hey Rico, does the edge of the Kelly Speed Pick scrape on the strings at all? Does it require you to hold your hand any differently?Nope. Nope.

I went through this same dilemma a while ago. It took me about a week to get used to the thumbpick, but after that it was definitely worth it.

It helps a ton, especially if you're just starting out fingerstyle. Plus whenever you play, your friends always wonder what the hell that device on your thumb is.

One drawback for me is now I can't go back to using just my thumb, I forgot how. Ah well, such is life. :cry:

Stick with it and you'll be glad.