metal finger picks vs plastic

[TBman]

I bought a few of the plastic finger picks and heat shaped them to fit my fingers. I've noticed it takes a bit to get them in the right position and the tip bent so that I don't bypass the pick and hit the strings with the flesh of my fingertip.

I also watched a video where the instructor used metal finger picks and slightly twisted the tip of the picks to make the angle of attack better so the sound is better. I have a feeling that metal picks would be easier to size to my fingers and wrap over the finger tip to avoid going "under" the pick, but I'm not sure if I would like the sound. Does anyone prefer the metal picks over the plastic or vice a versa?

I have both, but use the plastic finger picks only for recording, and then only when I have to please a finicky producer. I use the metal ones because they feel lighter and less clunky. I have no trouble with the angle of attack. I use brass rather than steel because they are less scratchy, and mine are polished smooth over years of use. The plastic ones will stay on better, but I've found that if I touch my finger to my tongue before I put the brass ones on, they stay put.

[ifret]

I've been using the metal fingerpicks for over 40 years (National). They just feel natural to me. Maybe because it's what I've always used. I tried the plastic ones and it felt very awkward. I think with me it's just that I've always used the metal ones. I can play with a loud, hard attack or a very soft, calm approach (for slower songs). I guess it's really what feels good to you and gives you the sound you want.

[amyFB]

Originally Posted by TBman

I bought a few of the plastic finger picks and heat shaped them to fit my fingers. I've noticed it takes a bit to get them in the right position and the tip bent so that I don't bypass the pick and hit the strings with the flesh of my fingertip.

I also watched a video where the instructor used metal finger picks and slightly twisted the tip of the picks to make the angle of attack better so the sound is better. I have a feeling that metal picks would be easier to size to my fingers and wrap over the finger tip to avoid going "under" the pick, but I'm not sure if I would like the sound. Does anyone prefer the metal picks over the plastic or vice a versa?

I prefer metal picks, National brand, and I fit them a little off center which is the only way I can keep them from getting caught on the uppick.

To my ear the plastic is a softer sound, not so obviously picky, but I've never gotten a fit I like with them and stopped trying.

have fun figuring out what you like!

yours in tune and steel

[kydave]

Metal... I tried plastic ones back in the day, LONG ago.

Nobody I know uses the plastic ones.

[islandguitar]

Metal picks here.......tried plastic once and that was that. I used to play with a set of antique Nationals, but have moved on to Pro Piks, which give me more. Less pick noise when recording and, yes, a little of that feeling of the flesh of my finger when playing. took just a little while to transition from the Nationals....I did one finger at a time which worked for me.

[TBman]

I'll get a few metal ones and give it a go. Thanks everyone.

[6L6]

National 0.013's here.



I really believe that 80% of my tone is the result of two metal fingerpicks and a plastic thumbpick. Only 20% is the guitar I happen to be playing.

Bill

[amyFB]

Originally Posted by kydave

....Nobody I know uses the plastic ones.

I took a class with Pat Donohue (Prairie Home Companion house guitarist) a few years ago.

He uses plastic picks and explained that it took him a few weeks of diligent persistence to acclimate to them, and, at that time he was quite happy with the eventual results.

He said to the class that just about the time he was ready to give up, it clicked into place.

I probably won't persist, but, it is so nice that there is something for everyone!

yours in tune