#1
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Strumming and picking with index finger
Does anyone strum and pick with index finger only? I have tried picking with thumb and all three fingers, but I don't seem to be able to get the sound I like. I also find using a flatpick/plectrum unsatisfactory? I am interested to know about anybody else's experiences.
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#2
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I've used my index finger nail to strum for over 50 years. It's not as supple as it used to be, so it tends to chip and wear down now. I do also use my thumb for up strokes, that nail has managed to hold up better. I too could never master a pick. I've tried picks, thumb picks, fingerpicks and never got on with any of them. I mostly finger pick with thumb nail and index nail (sometimes using middle finger and ring finger, if I concentrate) but I tend to pick out melodies with the flesh of my thumb. I don't think I'm odd, I'm uniquely talented.
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#3
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When I finger pick I only use my thumb and index finger ...is that what you mean? This is me finger picking : This is me flat-picking : Hope that helps.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#4
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#5
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I use my index finger as a flat pick, so to speak. I don't normally just "strum" but rather bounce around the strings a bit. Seems like I can be more "accurate" with a pick. And I can "dig in" more. Sounds different, of course.
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#6
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Use whatever gives you pleasure and the sound you like. I use them all.
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#7
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I use different combinations depending on the instrument and style of music.
- For flamenco I use all my fingers (rasqueado) and thumb to strum. - On electric I usually use a pick, sometimes chicken pickin' with the middle and ring in combination with the pick. I very rarely ditch the pick on electric. - For fingerstyle acoustic I use fingers only, and will often strum with the index or thumb since I am not typically holding a pick (I never use thumb picks) - For "pluck and chuck" fingerstyle (John Mayer for example) I typically just use my thumb and index finger. - For a pure strummer on acoustic I will go to the pick again. I think it is great to practice all different types of styles and playing techniques. Even if you have a specific interest, forays outside the style can really help overall musicianship. Later Rob |
#8
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I only started trying to fingerpick a couple of years ago. But during the previous fifty years, when I always used a flatpick, I sometimes dropped my middle finger down and let it do whatever it could. Now it seems that even with my rudimentary fingerpicking, I still use mostly the middle finger. Looking at this short video I shot of my right hand, I see the index finger moving but I am afraid it’s mostly grabbing air.
This is a ‘41 00-17, by the way. I am fond of it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0L8QH7iJk_8
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#9
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I have a medical problem with my right wrist which causes significant pain and have never been all that comfortable with a pick anyway. Despite that, I still use a pick but mess around here and there using my thumb and index finger. I really need to commit to making the switch permanently because it is better for my wrist but, whenever it becomes a challenge, I revert to using the pick rather than put in the effort to retrain myself.
When using my fingers, I use the thumb for downstrokes and the index finger for upstrokes, but do not stick strictly to alternate picking. I guess I use whatever is comfortable at the time. If you watch the guy in this video, I pick like him except that I never put the fingers together to strum with (and I don't have guitars with whammy bars so do not do the whammy bar wanking that he does): As I said, I really need to just bite the bullet and dedicate myself to learning how to play with thumb and index exclusively especially as I far prefer the tactile connection that I have with the guitar when using my fingers. Not only do I feel more connected, but I feel more musical (if that makes sense).
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---------- "All of Chuck's children are out there playing his licks" |
#10
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Ukulele technique, yes?
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However, I really try to avoid this as much as I can, because I find the strings (if steel) wear down the corner of my nails, which ultimately leads to cracks or splits and I have to cut them right back - which means I can't play my usual fingerstyle. (I can strum just with the flesh of the thumb, up and down, at least if just rehearsing some chord changes - but the sound is much too soft or imprecise for live playing.) So if strumming steel strings I always try to have a pick (or several) handy. (Nylon strings are not so much an issue.) What do you find unsatisfactory? Have you tried different thicknesses and shapes? I go for .73 or less - I find heavier picks clumsy for strumming, and anything thinner is too thin for lead playing or flat-picked lines (because I'm often doing both in the same tune).
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