[Susanne]

Hi All,

is there a trick to using the thumb correctly when finger picking? The strings picked by index, middle and ring fingers sound pretty good but the bass strings sound dull when I use my thumb.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Susanne

[Shabbadoo]

I find that by finger picking the strings never ring out quite like they would if I were to use a pick, however, if you want them to be louder, you could try buying a thumb pick..
banjo players use these a lot.
Personally, because I'm used to using my thumb, I don't use the thumb pick just because it doesn't feel comfortable to me, but it may be worth a try for you.

[Susanne]

Thanks for the suggestion. I really just want to stick to using my fingers. I did use the pick before and you are so right about the strings ringing more clear, but I want to master the art of finger picking. Will my thumb build callouses like my fretting finger tips? Is there a certain angle or spot of my thumb tip such as side, or top that will eventually build up to making the strings ring clear?

Susanne

[cybersmyth]

Mastering finger picking doesn't have anything at all to do with using a pick or not. That's like saying, "I want to stick with a #2 pencil because I want to master drawing."

Chet Atkins, one of the greatest finger pickers ever, used a thumb pick and so do many county and bluegrass players. It's a matter of preference, whatever you're comfortable with. But if you're going to pick with your fingers and no pick just try to get your nails to hit the strings to make a good sharp sound. Use a classical positioning to get your thumb in there.

-Joe

[strbfields4ever]

I've been trying Kirk's fingerstyle and I really like that. Sounds so pretty.
Seems like we will get all the callouses we need-on thumbs and everywhere we need 'em. Just takes time.
It is easier to play chords as we get them too.
Fingers feel a little funny at first. I notice how numb they feel.

[Susanne]

Thanks Joe for setting me straight on finger picking. I will just continue to use my thumb and eventually (I hope) the bass strings will sound better. I have made some progress but it is going way too slow. Nevertheless, I keep on practicing...

Strbfields - thanks for your input too. I know what you mean about callouses and playing chords. In the beginning I used to think 'there's no way' but, as the experts claimed, practice and it will get easier.....

Take care,
Susanne

[adamlong]

Hi, I don't know if this is something you might have thought about or not but some people, when using the thumb in fingerpicking, break the thumb at the joint when they pick...or they bend it at the joint IN the thumb. Try NOT to do this. If you want a stronger attack with your thumb, focus on keeping it straight in the downstroke. The fleshy muscle in the hand where your thumb meets the hand is where your strength comes from. When you bend the thumb you start pulling with finger muscles and tendons rather than the larger muscle.

Also, try practicing a rest stroke. Stroke through the string and rest it on the next string down. This subtly changes the angle of your attack on the string from across the string to down into the string and guitar, causing more volume.

Hope this helps.

[Kirk Lorange]

All the above is good advice.

If I want a stronger, crisper attack, I use my thumb nail. It's not long, just long enough to see over the top of my thumb holding the nail side away. I used to use a thumb pick, but got out of the habit.

[Spyder F16]

Fingernails come in handy, dont be afraid to use them. Especially if you're playing a song that needs a pick... and you lost them all...