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Hybrid Picking volume inconsistencies
I’m loving the introduction to hybrid picking. It is something I have been intimidated to try before the lesson this week and it has given me confidence to try licks that I wouldn’t have tried before. When I’m plucking the strings with my middle, ring and pinky finger, the volume and projection of the note is very low compared to the pick. My nails are short on my strumming hand so I don’t have that additional ability to use my nails. I have seen guitar players that have picks that attach to their fingers, and I’m wondering about trying something like that out, but I don’t want it to become a crutch.
My question is, for anyone who has tried out those picks that attach to your fingers, what was your experience with them, positive or negative, did they become a crutch, do you still use them today and do you recommend them for a newbie to hybrid picking?
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4 Replies
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Hey @JohnnyDarko Great question. I don’t see finger picks as a crutch. Many fingerpickers use them, because they do add volume to their playing. I have a few sets, but I haven’t acclimated to them yet to have any realtime feedback as to their value or work. I think they’re definitely worth a try. If nothing else, try the thumb pick for bass volume.
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Thanks for the feedback Loraine! I think I’m going to take your advice and buy a set and see how they feel.
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Hiya @JohnnyDarko I will add my comments as a die-hard fingerstyle player…
I’ve tried the fingerpicks that fit over your finger (ie, Alaska Picks) and my opinion of them is that I’ve never gotten used to playing with them. I tried using them for the times when I break a nail on my picking hand (which is very very frequently). They are different enough from my natural nails so that I lose any sense of string awareness and I need to “re-learn” every song from scratch. I have the same issue with just using a thumb pick. I also hate that wearing finger/thumb picks turn my fingertips numb as well.
I suppose if I truly kept at it and learned how to play with them on for long enough to obtain better string awareness, I might like them better. I am sure this is also the same reason why I became a “Hybrid Picking Course Drop-out”… Also I can’t stand “wasting” my index finger to hang on to the pick with my thumb. It’s like playing with only 4 fingers instead of 5. I do like the tone that people are able to elicit using fingerpicks (Sungha Jung for one), but I have gotten used to fingerstyle with shorter fingernails.
Best wishes with the hybrid picking- I may be picking your brain for tips, once you work thru the workshop😂
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Hi Carol, Thank you for sharing your experience so far with the fingertip picks. I share your apprehensions to them as well. I’m going to get a set and see how I like them. My expectations are pretty low for them at the moment, and I am not sure if they are going to assist me in getting over my current obstacle, or hinder me. The guitar playing adventure continues!
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