[John]

Well, o.k., here we go--

Since I have been playing blues/jazz, I have not been using picks--just gets in the way of "stab" chords, bossa beats, etc.

Now, tho, I can't seem to find the best way to fast single note runs. I've tried the classical "p-i-m-a" style, I've tried using the tip of my index finger as if it were a pick, I've tried quickly alternating my thumb and index finger on single string runs (thumb down; finger up), and I've tried using my thumb only, a la Wes Montgomery. None of these feels more comfortable to me than the other at this time.

How do the rest of you pick? Any suggestions?

[Donovan]

I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but if you want to do single string runs, you might want to look at this classical tremolo thread here. The technique itself might not be exactly what you are looking for, but it can be quite inspirational when figuring out fingerpicking patterns other than just arpeggiating chord forms. Key points are that the p.a.m.i. pattern comes more naturally because the thumb doesn't tangle up with the index finger (because that's the next finger in p.i.m.a.) at higher speeds. You might also have a look at the flamenco instructional site which gets mentioned in that thread. It might give you an idea on how to fingerpick different things and find out what works for you

[scotty_b]

The Wes approach is very difficult for execution of fast lines. I use a few different combinations when playing (straight pick, hybrid of pick and fingers together and also fingerpicking) depending on the piece/style/tone I am after. I normally use thumb and index finger if soloing with just my fingers.
When playing a bossa I use my fingers and hold my pick in my index finger, and then switch over to solo - or use my thumb and play octaves. I am not consistent though - I am just as likely to use the pick for the bass notes in playing a bossa.

[garydavis]

well, first of all, only use one finger for single string runs... Only use two fingers to pick at once if your picking two stings at once. When I pick, i use my thumb for the 3 bass strings and my pointer finger for the 3rd string, middle for 2, and ring for 1st... hope that helped.

And anyway, try to stay away from the pick, it really limits what you can do.

[lorispencer]

I don't use a pick for any style of picking only for struming and then only occasionally. i am classically trained so i used alternating fingers ad thumb if not trying to do fast single note runs. for fast runs, i find i am faster using my index finger nail as a pick. I put my thumb against that finger just like i was holding a pick and use both sides of the nail (up and down). This works like a stiff jazz pick. this may be odd but it works for me.

[randomaire]

I can honestly say, I would recommend a bit of both... I've always done the pick thing since I started. Now that I'm trying fingerstyle, I can see my definate weakness on this one.

I still have this thing about ripping a nail across a string though, so I'm a tad hesitant to use my nails. So I just tip the strings harder (is this better or worse?) or should I get used to playing with the nails?

[John]

Originally Posted by lorispencer

I don't use a pick for any style of picking only for struming and then only occasionally. i am classically trained so i used alternating fingers ad thumb if not trying to do fast single note runs. for fast runs, i find i am faster using my index finger nail as a pick. I put my thumb against that finger just like i was holding a pick and use both sides of the nail (up and down). This works like a stiff jazz pick. this may be odd but it works for me.

Lori--

Since I'm home with a bit of a bug, I played for about six hours today, sort of in an effort to exhaust my brain and see what came about naturally. Seems I'm playing my single string runs and faster arpeggios exactly as you describe here, using this technique more so than the others I've tried. Maybe that's it, huh?

I'll keep at it, and I appreciate everyone's input here!

On another note (no pun intended), I played most of the day in Dropped-D, which I don't normally do (don't tell Kirk). Trying to rework my root-six jazz chords was a hoot!

Play until your fingers bleed!

John

[John]

Originally Posted by randomaire

I can honestly say, I would recommend a bit of both... I've always done the pick thing since I started. Now that I'm trying fingerstyle, I can see my definate weakness on this one.

I still have this thing about ripping a nail across a string though, so I'm a tad hesitant to use my nails. So I just tip the strings harder (is this better or worse?) or should I get used to playing with the nails?

Hey, Random--

Owl claws are not needed, and in my case, are a hazard in my work place. My picking hand has the appearance of being manicured--you know, about 3-5mm of nail on all four fingers and the thumb. In fact, the nails do not extend to the finger tips. When I play, I find that the natural curve of my fingers over the string puts enough nail down for a good "bite". The tips themselves are very much involved in the finger picking process, at least in my case--anyone else?

John

[737blues]

Originally Posted by lorispencer

I don't use a pick for any style of picking only for struming and then only occasionally. i am classically trained so i used alternating fingers ad thumb if not trying to do fast single note runs. for fast runs, i find i am faster using my index finger nail as a pick. I put my thumb against that finger just like i was holding a pick and use both sides of the nail (up and down). This works like a stiff jazz pick. this may be odd but it works for me.

Got mixed feelings when I hear of a professional doing that Lori. I've been using my index fingernail for a pick, exactly as you describe for ages now, thinking I can get away with it 'cos I'm an amatuer.

Good news is that your playing encourages me to keep doing that. Bad news is that I can't use it as an excuse any more .....

[lorispencer]

Originally Posted by 737blues

Got mixed feelings when I hear of a professional doing that Lori. I've been using my index fingernail for a pick, exactly as you describe for ages now, thinking I can get away with it 'cos I'm an amatuer.

Good news is that your playing encourages me to keep doing that. Bad news is that I can't use it as an excuse any more .....

Picks just feel foreign to me. i nly use them for fast struming when i know that i won't be fingerpicking during the song. for finger picking normally i use my thumb and first three fingers. classically trained don't use the pinky and thats a habit i wouldn't break. fast lead style picking just the index finger as i described.
within the last year i have had to switch to fake nails on my right hand. i keep them just long enough to play and keep them rounded. i use the fake as a support for the real nail and use a heavy coat of the polymer on that set. my nails were strong enough for nylon and electric strings but were breaking on my acoustic guitars. A studio musician friend of mine had used the fake nails for years and had luck with them so i gave them a try. I keep my left hand nails extremly short and straight across. the very different looks on my nails is always a subject of question when someone doesn't know that i am a musician. strange looks at the nail salon as well but now they are used to me and in fact now do several guitar players in town. they have gotten the mix down perfect to make a very strong nail that is still flexable enough to play with.
beats the days when you would do anything if you broke a nail before a show such as gluing it back on or keeping small cuttings of ping pong balls and gluing them to your nails.

[lorispencer]

in case you think i'm crazy about the ping pong ball cuttings -- there are some that still do that -- you glue the small cutting underneath your normal nail to make it stronger and in the case of a broken nail, can extend it until it grows back.

[scotty_b]

The advantage I see in using a pick is that it provides another tonal option, and greater clarity in some of the heavily over-driven tunes I play (such as Satriani and Vai or Gary Moore). I don't like the tone produced from fingers for such things. I do like to switch between a pick and fingers when playing the blues though.

[coldethyl]

Originally Posted by lorispencer

A studio musician friend of mine had used the fake nails for years and had luck with them so i gave them a try. I keep my left hand nails extremly short and straight across. the very different looks on my nails is always a subject of question when someone doesn't know that i am a musician. strange looks at the nail salon as well but now they are used to me and in fact now do several guitar players in town. they have gotten the mix down perfect to make a very strong nail that is still flexable enough to play with.
beats the days when you would do anything if you broke a nail before a show such as gluing it back on or keeping small cuttings of ping pong balls and gluing them to your nails.

Looks like something I should try since I have a bad habit of biting my nails on both hands.
I usually switch between fingerpicking and using a pick, and sometimes I do both. But without the nails, fingerpicking gets a little tricky.

[scotty_b]

I gave up using nails years ago. The index finger nail on my right hand is very weak, and kept tearing on the strings. I tried various methods to get around it, but was not happy with the results. The last time I tried I had managed to keep them for a few months, and then tragedy...I was on the train going to uni to play for an exam, when a woman pushed me in the back. I went flying - as did my guitar - and I stuck my hand out to stop me from falling. My nails were ruined in about two seconds, and about 20 mnutes before I had to play some fingerstyle jazz pieces. I was really comfortable with using the tips of my nails at that stage, and felt very strange attempting to play without them.

[coldethyl]

Originally Posted by scotty_b

The last time I tried I had managed to keep them for a few months, and then tragedy...I was on the train going to uni to play for an exam, when a woman pushed me in the back. I went flying - as did my guitar - and I stuck my hand out to stop me from falling. My nails were ruined in about two seconds, and about 20 mnutes before I had to play some fingerstyle jazz pieces.

Was it a deliberate push do you think, or was it accidental? Did she apologise?