Fingerstyle players

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Comment by Yvonne Desrosiers on May 9, 2011 at 6:46am

John Fahey was a uniquely gifted individual and his musical contributions are significant.  I couldn't help myself from kicking in some $$ towards this project.  I think it's pretty neat to be part of the process.

Comment by Rosemary j. Lambin on May 8, 2011 at 9:27pm

Yvonne, thanks for the link. What a great project. I hope I can see the documentary.

Comment by David Casseres on May 8, 2011 at 9:28am

Yvonne, thanks for posting that! I want to see that documentary.

Comment by Yvonne Desrosiers on May 8, 2011 at 1:49am

Don't know if anyone has posted this yet but here it is anyway. 

This link will get you to a documentary project on the life of John Fahey.
. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/963556219/in-search-of-blind-jo...

Comment by GNuck on April 27, 2011 at 8:47pm

Hi everyone;

 

I appreciate all of your comments very much. I'm more of a casual player now and do not do any gigs these days so I'm not sure about the acrylics though I may check in to them as they sound interesting versus finger picks.

 

But after looking at the Alaska Pik I think I'll order a set of them first, they look like something that I could get use to, especially the thumb pick, that's where I have my biggest problem with traditional banjo picks. The Alaska Pik for the thumb looks like it fits more like a cover for the thumb in the way that I would feel comfortable using it rather than a long pick pick sticking out the side. Looks like you would be using the side or edge of the tip more in a natural manner.

 

Thanks again for the suggestions!

:-)

Gary

Comment by Mike Nepper on April 27, 2011 at 7:52pm

Hey Gary, I used acrylics for the past 10 years with great success. I use a Fred Kelly thumb pick (ala Chet). I have just recently switched over to Alaska picks. I am making this transition to Alaska picks as an experiment just to try and get away from the constant maintenance of acrylics. I'm about 6 weeks into using them now and so far it is a success. The other down side to acrylics for me is the stuff made my already thin natural nails even thinner. I have learned that the Alaska picks are much more durable than the arcylics and don't need much maintenance at all. The down side of the Alaska picks is that they take some getting used to. As I said, I am 6 weeks into using them every day now and I still have not regained all the precision I am used to with acrylics but I think it will come with time. So, I think one needs to be very patient and give them a couple of months of daily practice at least. If you decide to try the Alaska picks, get a size that is very tight on your fingers (for me a Large) and smooth down the sharp edges that clamp around your finger as well as the picking surface. Anyways, good luck on whatever you end up with.

Comment by Don Thompson on April 27, 2011 at 5:03pm

Hi Gary,

I play acoustic and electric blues in a duo. I use a thumb pick and had tons of nail problems before a local pro turned me on to acrylic about 3 years ago. I get my 1st ,2nd and 3rd done. I go in every couple of weeks for a fill (needed as your natural nail grows out). I leave them a little long for the recoat and shape the tips myself. No problem and great  tone. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? regards, Don

Comment by Joseph Anthony Zarola on April 27, 2011 at 3:50pm

Hello Gary There have been, and will always be a number of differing opinions in relation to fingerpick types, and methods.  I have used salon applied acrylic naisl for over 10 years with ZERO negative results. At $9.00 for a set o3,  l Thumb, 1st, and 2nd., it is very affordable. They last around a month., maybe 5 weeks. I perform locally at least five times per month, and I need consistancy and reliability for my fingerstyle techniques.  I tried many different "attachable nails", nail growth polishes and vitamins, and I was disappointed with them all. Being confident about my performance has always been of ut-most importance.

I also play slide guitar and Banjo, so these acrylics are excellent, and versatile.

 

At $3.00 each, the local nail salons are getting used to seeing the faces of string players, and they know what we want. Having a set applied is a bit un-nerving for some, but after you develop a system of filing and maintaining length/shape, you will never go back. If you are a specialised classical player, or play only electric with low action, and your "striking" patterns and "power" is not that critical, stick with natural nails. But for me, I depend on them, and I highly reccommend them. Many Nashville Performers feel the same. Best to you friend!....Joe. 

Comment by GNuck on April 27, 2011 at 3:25pm

Hey guys and girls;

Any suggestions for an easy transition to finger picks or should I just keep picking with my fingers? I've played this way for years but keep wanting to use picks for the louder tone.

I currently use no finger or thumb picks (or nails). I keep trying to use the picks such as Banjo picks (I'm a beginner Banjo player) but can't use them on the guitar or banjo no matter how hard I try. I get frustrated when trying to use any form of finger pick and mis-strike the strings so I finally throw them off and go back to the fingers.

 

Am I trying to deviate from a method that works for me to one I'll never be comfortable with or is there an alternative out there I might try to get a louder and more distinctive tone compared to bare fingers and thumb?

 

Thanks in advance, love the groups here at AGC. 

 

Gary

Comment by Craig Dobbins on April 27, 2011 at 1:49pm

Looking for a particular Jerry Reed tab? http://www.craigdobbins.com/jerry-reed-tabs.html

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