Picking with fingernails instead

Geoffrey Dyer · Post by **Geoffrey Dyer** » 7 Sep 2008 1:02 pm

I've always played accoustic and lap with my fingernails. I've experimented with those metal picks a few times, but never could get it right.

I've been trying to learn to use the metal fingerpicks all weekend because I like the bright attack, but I don't have nearly the control I do with my nails. When I put the picks on, it's as though my hands are disabled and drunk, getting stuck on strings and hitting the wrong ones. I figure that my hand is so used to playing without the picks, it's like starting over.

What are your feelings about playing with fingernails instead of picks? What are the disadvantages?

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 7 Sep 2008 1:23 pm

Geoffrey Dyer wrote:

What are your feelings about playing with fingernails instead of picks? What are the disadvantages?

Blisters on your fingers.

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 7 Sep 2008 1:51 pm

I've heard a good number of players play without picks. It can work fine. It is a different sound but it can be a good one. If you feel there is something missing with your tone you may want to try picks. Just leave them on and keep practicing with them. Its feels natural after not too long. Look into Joe Wright's method to get your right hand together.

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 7 Sep 2008 2:09 pm

Try some Alaska pics. I use them, love them.

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 7 Sep 2008 2:51 pm

I use my nails+fingertips on steel, and sometimes on guitar, if I'm fingerpicking. But I use fingerpicks with dobro and banjo.

Bo Borland · Post by **Bo Borland** » 7 Sep 2008 4:35 pm

just give it some time, a weekend is not enuf time to get comfortable with finger picks.
It's like riding horses, once you learn how to use spurs, you might not need them all the time, but you should wear them anyway because you can't stop and go get them when you do need them.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 7 Sep 2008 6:09 pm

Mr. Seymore does not use picks,Can't get much better than that.DYKBC.

Richard Damron · Post by **Richard Damron** » 7 Sep 2008 6:11 pm

Geoffrey -

You will, most likely, get valid responses - both pro and con - from the Forum members. I, for example, having studied the Classic Guitar many, many years ago assumed that I would go "pickless" and all would fall into place. Such was not to be and I'm now playing with picks - even the ring finger - on my right hand. Someone will, no doubt, suggest that it may end up being a personal preference for you. So be it.

One example of someone who has had great success without picks is none other than our Bobbe Seymour. You can see a bunch of his videos on YouTube. Virtually no one finds fault with his tone or technique.

My own personal suggestion is that you give ample time for experiment - as I did - and make your own determination as to which of the two you'd be most happy with.

Hope this helps a bit.

Richard

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 7 Sep 2008 6:32 pm

Long nails are okay for nylon or gut strings; steel strings will wear down your nails very quickly. People who play without picks usually use the balls of their fingers and develop callouses on their thumbs.

Jeremy Threlfall · Post by **Jeremy Threlfall** » 7 Sep 2008 8:49 pm

I think Bobbe uses a thumpick but no fingerpicks.

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 7 Sep 2008 8:57 pm

I've seen Tommy a few years back with the Whites on the Opry and also, Buddy has been known to play sans finger picks.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 7 Sep 2008 11:42 pm

better to know how to play w: picks & play w: bare fingers as well
rather than play w: bare fingers & not be able to play w: picks at all
put them picks on & stick w: it
you'll get used to them Geoffrey
i play both w: & without picks
i do prefer without cause of of the tone & chord stuff
on the other hand picks contribute to speed picking & clarity

Tamara James · Post by **Tamara James** » 8 Sep 2008 4:24 am

I couldn't get used to regular picks either. I liked being able to feel where the strings are. I guess personal contact with the strings is a way to say it. I have been using Propics for over a year on my steel and they work out just fine. Just enough metal to get great tone, yet allow me to touch the strings. I had to bend on them some, but that is with all pics.

Almost forgot..if your local music store doens't have them, you can order them from Elderly
http://elderly.com/accessories/items/PK47-L.htm

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 8 Sep 2008 4:30 am

I enjoy the immediate sensation sans picks--like feeling the touch on a piano, when the hammer kicks back and you get the feedback from touch.
It's a warmer sound, but that's what I like.

And if Buddy E. does it from time to time...

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 8 Sep 2008 5:05 am

Kim Deschamps is another player who doesn't use picks (I don't know if he uses them sometimes, but at a Blue Rodeo gig I saw years ago he didn't use them at all).

I [;ay with or without. I kind of depends on what you're playing, I think - if you want to play tons of notes with a precise "snap" to them, then picks are needed; but for general medium-speed playing they're not required.. most steelers aren't used to seeing it and it just looks odd, but like anything else it works if you practice.

I've played lap and dobro that way (with and without picks) for years and never had a blister show up. Same with steel. It also gives you a nice variation in tone.

Twayn Williams · Post by **Twayn Williams** » 8 Sep 2008 10:43 am

Tamara James wrote:I couldn't get used to regular picks either. I liked being able to feel where the strings are. I guess personal contact with the strings is a way to say it. I have been using Propics for over a year on my steel and they work out just fine. Just enough metal to get great tone, yet allow me to touch the strings. I had to bend on them some, but that is with all pics.

Almost forgot..if your local music store doens't have them, you can order them from Elderly
http://elderly.com/accessories/items/PK47-L.htm

+1000

These are the ONLY fingerpicks I can use. I also like their thumbpick.

I find that with PSG I tend to prefer the picks, with lap, I'll go with nails about 1/2 the time. Dobro is all picks all the time. I definitely get more control with nails, but some licks just seem to require picks. Just like 6-string, some things can only be done with a flat pick, others with fingers.

Ignore the people who say you HAVE to use finger picks and point them to Bobby Koeffer

Geoffrey Dyer · Post by **Geoffrey Dyer** » 8 Sep 2008 11:12 am

Thanks everyone,

I'll try Propics and Alaksas. Do you think the fact that my long nails are uncut on the right hand is interfering with the picks now?

My main worry is that sometimes the nails shred. As many of you said, sounds like it would help to be able to do both.

By the way, Jim, is that Sneaky Pete's Flying Burrito Brothers Nudie on your avatar?

Mark Treepaz · Post by **Mark Treepaz** » 8 Sep 2008 12:01 pm

Jeremy Threlfall wrote:I think Bobbe uses a thumpick but no fingerpicks.

Yep. You're correct. I believe that Bobbe Seymour CAN use fingerpicks if needed, but he prefers not to.

Bo Legg · Post by **Bo Legg** » 8 Sep 2008 1:13 pm

I only use a thumb pick on the steel and the lead guitar.
At times I have to use finger picks if I've broken a nail to bad.
So I submit to you, realizing that I'm not one of the imitated, under the heading of useless info for casual reference only.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 8 Sep 2008 1:32 pm

I'll try Propics and Alaksas. Do you think the fact that my long nails are uncut on the right hand is interfering with the picks now?

Definitely. I suspect you're letting the picks stick out too far past your fingertip, and that you just stuck them on your fingers without any shaping or forming. That said, there's nothing wrong with not using picks - as long as you're more comfortable that way, and as long as you realize you're giving up something for that "feeling" you get playing without them...as long as you realize that everything is a trade-off.

Mike Shefrin · Post by **Mike Shefrin** » 8 Sep 2008 2:03 pm

I can play with or without picks. I find that I like the tone better playing with picks although for some reason my blocking technique without picks is much better than with them. I also find that when I want to use four note voicings (for jazz)I have an easier time with the grips using no picks. Fortunately I have very tough nails so I don't have a problem with them breaking but after awhile they tend to wear down and have to be filed and reshaped. Ultimately I think playing with picks delivers a brighter tone, and to my ears sounds better for playing country music. Just my humble opinion of course.

George Plemons · Post by **George Plemons** » 8 Sep 2008 6:08 pm

The great Frank Baum uses no picks on the fingers.

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 8 Sep 2008 7:06 pm

Playin' steel without fingerpicks is a hard thing to do, so I always use picks.

Brett

Rick Hulett · Post by **Rick Hulett** » 8 Sep 2008 7:21 pm

I go to the beauty shop and have them paint acrylic stuff on the nails of my right hand. I've been doing it for years for guitar. It works great and if any of the ladies look funny at me I just tell 'em it make me feel pretty.

Rick Abbott · Post by **Rick Abbott** » 12 Feb 2010 11:28 am

We could revive some threads?

The Steel Guitar Forum

Picking with fingernails instead

Picking with fingernails instead

Re: Picking with fingernails instead