Ring finger picking problem

[WCK]

Dear fellow fingerpickers,

I have recently discovered that I have problem picking with my ring finger, I could not get a good sound from it.

I went through a period of time of putting thumb picks + 3 fingerpicks, and tried Alaska, Propik, and Frek Kelly freedom fingerpicks. And recently arrive in a conclusion that I may not need all fingers to wear fingerpicks to achieve the balance when I am playing with a thumb pick. I have then discovered, for my index and middle finger, I get a good sound playing with short nail and flesh, however I am not manage to get the same good sound with my ring finger.

The nails on the ring fingers are as short as others, I am curious, does ring finger’s fingernails need to be a bit longer than the others fingers? I discover I can’t really release the note with fingernail for ring finger when I pick, for the others I can sort of contact the string with my flesh first and release it with short nails – to my ear I am happy with the tone that I got.

I am waiting (Impatiently) for the ring fingernails to grow a bit longer and now wearing the Fred Kelly freedom fingerpick while playing. I wish I can take off the fingerpick.

Another question is, I read from others source that putting rubbing alcohol (or surgical spirit) will help to grow calluses. Did anyone here try that on the picking fingers pad?

Because of work I always travel and not able to find a teacher, I would really appreciate if you can provide some insight to me.

Thanks for your time!

[mmmaak]

Originally Posted by WCK

The nails on the ring fingers are as short as others, I am curious, does ring finger’s fingernails need to be a bit longer than the others fingers?

On my fingers, yes, but it may not apply to everyone. I too play with short nails, but I do not judge the length of my nails from "above". Rather, I like to have the nails just exceed the fingertips (about 1mm or so) when viewed from the *palm* side. Using this rule, the "white" portion is longest on my ring finger, followed by my middle and significantly less on my index (I keep the pink nail short too). Also, I shape the nails very slightly so that they are marginally longer on the thumb side. I find this gives me a more solid "grip" of the strings.

As for training the ring finger, perhaps a simple "pima" tremolo exercise would help? Try and get consistent volume and tone across the fingers.