Easy Pickin' Lesson

seabeck · #1 June 2nd, 2007

Hi Kirk,

Thanks for another great lesson! I am not used to finger picking at all and this lesson is a good introduction. Do you recommend letting your finger nails grow longer on your right hand such that you can use them to pick or do you recommend something else for beginners? (plastic finger picks?)

Thanks,

Mark

carol m · #2 June 3rd, 2007

Hi seabeck, seeing as no-one has replied yet (Kirk may be sleeping off last night's gig) I'll jump in and reply. I don't think there are any set rules. Most people try a few different things and see what they like best. Many people have their right nails a bit longer than they otherwise might (if you are male) and use a bit of flesh and a bit of nail together.

There are also a couple of Threads on the site about nails, and you could do a 'Search' for them (the search function is towards the top of the page). I personally find plastic picks just 'get in the way' but if you try out a few things you'll see what you like best.

Kirk Lorange · #3 June 3rd, 2007

Thanks, Carol ... you're right, I was sleeping in. By the time I got to bed it was 5 AM!

seabeck, as Carol says, if you can let your nails grow out a bit, you'll find it easier to get a nice crisp sound, but many pickers who can't or whose nails are too thin/weak just use the fleshy tips of their fingers. Make do with what you've got is the bottom line, I guess. If you can grow them out, make sure you give them a quick file (one direction only) to keep them strong and healthy. Give finger/thumb picks a go too ... they cost almost nothing and you never know, you may love them. I used to use them (back in the late 60s) and loved them at the time. You can get a big loud sound, that's for sure, but of course, if you lose one or step on one and break it, you're in trouble.

seabeck · #4 June 4th, 2007

Thanks Carol.

I appreciate your insight.

Mark

seabeck · #5 June 4th, 2007

Thank You Kirk,

I guess I'll stop using the clippers for the time being! I am playing your lesson over and over on my guitar trying to pick up the pace a bit. I guess its all about muscle memory I suppose.

Thanks Again,

Mark