#1
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Strumming Without a Pick
I never ever use a pick. The problem is that our new bandmate does and I cant seem to find a balance between us sonically. His amplified guitar sounds great-mine sounds muddy by comparison. I haven't been able to compensate by increasing the tone or rolling off some bass. When I do I hear too much clackity clack from my fingers and nails. I have all of the LR Baggs Align session pedals except for the EQ and also an old Fishman Aura Imaging Blender unit but have not come up with the right combo yet. Other than learning how to use a pick is there any advice you can give me? I play a Taylor 214e (ES2) a Carvin M980 (Fishman Prefix) and an old Guild F45 (old Fishman electronics) into a Fishman Artist amp...Thanks...
Last edited by lanielsen; 03-30-2021 at 08:32 AM. |
#2
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I started out as a teenage no-pick picker and realized right away I was outgunned. I really don't think there's a way to solve this with gear or technology.
Under normal circumstances I'm a player and a studio engineer and a live mixer, so I've not only heard a lot of other folks in the same situation, I've been given the responsibility for making it sonically work. All I can say is, you really need to learn to play with a flatpick and/or fingerpicks. Or be the only guitar player in the band. |
#3
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Make sure that what you play is different enough from what the other player plays?
What is your strumming technique? Down with fingernails and up with thumbnail?
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Breedlove, Landola, a couple of electrics, and a guitar-shaped-object |
#4
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I find it easier to strum without a pick, and the lack of precision in terms of attack on the strings seems to covers a lot of my fingering mistakes. 1/16 note strumming patterns are also easier. But I kind-of think no-pick is a lazy idea, so I force myself to use a pick. I find that soft picks are the least challenging, but I'm trying to work my way to stiffer picks, as when done right, they sound better to me years.
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#5
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#6
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I came from the ukulele where picks are few and far between. At first I strummed my guitar like a ukulele but then when I started taking lessons my teacher pretty much told me to learn how to use a pick if I wanted to play guitar with others. So I have and I don't really think there is a way around it unless you expect everyone else to accommodate.
I still do the finger strum playing solo and for some songs, but I've pretty much gone away from it as I get better at using the pick.
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Please don't take me too seriously, I don't. Taylor GS Mini Mahogany. Guild D-20 Gretsch Streamliner Morgan Monroe MNB-1w https://www.minnesotabluegrass.org/ |
#7
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That's one of two obvious answers, I guess. Either you step up your game or he sinks to your level. This is an opportunity for you to grow.
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#8
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I played with no pick for years. decades. It was more fun. I
liked it. Besides - picks suck. I played electric guitar with some guys on Thursday nights for a while, they wished I'd use a pick. I could do slow flat-picky things but trying to play a clean lead at the proper speed to "Help On The Way" or to try and learn bluegrass songs like "Black Mountain Rag" just wasn't happening. Turns out that only the big pile of picks I bought 20 years ago suck ... playing with the right picks is great ... As far as I know Ricky Godfrey doesn't use a pick. Mark Knopfler doesn't us a pick. Everybody doesn't need a pick. -Mike |
#9
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I believe the only way to intelligently decide to not use a pick is to learn how to use a pick. Then with knowledge and experience you make an informed choice.
So so so many players are intentionally limiting their toolbox out of....what? Fear? Laziness? Stubborn-ness? I encourage everyone to continually learn and avoid being a permanent beginner. I like to flatpick. I like fingerstyle. I've tried and decided I don't like pick-less strumming on any steel stringed instrument. |
#10
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Best, Jayne |
#11
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#12
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I'm an all flesh fingerstyle player, but I've learned to down strum with the backs of the nails of my middle-n-third finger, and upstream with the edge of my thumbnail. I tried using a pick, but they just end up in places I can't reach while playing. Actually I have developed three ways of strumming…from my YouTube channel Hope this gives you new ideas. |
#13
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There's more rhythmic definition with a pick, too. How you feel about that depends on how good your time is, I guess.
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#14
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Try changing the shape of your fingers. When I play fingerstyle, I find that the more curled up my fingers are, the softer it sounds. If I extend it a bit, it seems to hit my nails more and it creates a brighter sound.
As with individual fingers, I find that my thumb, and index produces the loudest sound, so you might want to play around with that. Also playing near the bridge can make it sound brighter. |