Gradually going pickless

[Mike Neer]

Nailcare is not something I'm going to be able to deal with. I use my hands way too much for other things and it would be disastrous. Fortunately, I'm just enjoying where it's going at this point and, like in anything else, I reserve the right to change my mind.

I will continue to practice with picks, as well. I wouldn't want lose what little bit chops and technique I have with them. Did I mention I use the light gauge picks? That's a good place to start, if you're having trouble getting accustomed to them. I use .013.

But I am finding all kinds of cool uses for that ring finger, using it in ways I would have never figured. Great for playing single line stuff--I could never do that with a pick on it.

[Mike Neer]

Very cool to see this thread... I thought I was alone in forging ahead without picks, but I see that even someone with as much stature as MikeN sees the advantages. ...

Stephen, I'm only about 5'11" so I have to stand on my toes to see the advantages.

[Bob Stone]

A friend of mine who plays early jazz on acoustic (Spanish, or fretted) steel-string guitar uses artificial nails, They are hard and durable. He periodically has his nails done at a nail salon. The artificial nails work very well for him.

I have never tried this, but probably would have to if I played without picks, as my nails are soft and tear easily.

[Stephen Cowell]

A friend of mine who plays early jazz on acoustic (Spanish, or fretted) steel-string guitar uses artificial nails, They are hard and durable. He periodically has his nails done at a nail salon. The artificial nails work very well for him.

I have never tried this, but probably would have to if I played without picks, as my nails are soft and tear easily.

When I have to compete acoustically (like at the picker's circle) I use superglue on top of the ends of the nails... you can set it by sprinkling baking soda on them, then file them. I also carry superglue just in case I break a nail... it's saved me several times.

[Richard Sevigny]

when I put finger picks on, it feels like I'm trying to tie my shoes with a pair of crutches.

Always felt like that to me as well. Also, I switch between guitar and steel while I perform. The time it takes to put the thumb/finger picks on lead to the dreaded "dead air". I decided to dispense with the picks altogether and feel like I have more control.

Of course, your mileage may vary.

[Tom Breitenfeldt]

I feel quite comfortable with these Alaska picks:
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[Stephen Abruzzo]

But doesn't the thumbpicked string sound different from the fingerpicked string? That is my problem with your method. No picks at all is OK and has many advantages.

I have found that there isn't a big difference between Thumbpicked and no fingerpicks....as Mike said. There is a bigger difference between using a Thumbpick and not using one......and between using fingerpicks and not.

Perhaps that is because most steelers use plastic thumbpicks?

Anyway, what you may view as a disadvantage I see as an advantage.....in terms of accentuating or downplaying a certain note, one may have the option of using the thumb or a finger.

My $.02.

[Geoff Cline]

having come to the steel guitar world late in my guitar playing adventures, finger picks were always "a step back" for me. Thumb pick felt/feels natural and a like the attack of the pick on the low strings. But "pickless" fingers just seemed right for all the reasons already discussed).

Then I saw video of Bobbe Seymour and had the "ah-ha" moment. While I still experiment with finger picks (all different kinds) from time to time, thumb pick only is where its at for me.

I've got good nails and do take care of them (non-obsessively). I play flat pick and fingers on electric and acoustic guitar as well. Love the range of tones (and "extra fingers") that bare fingers give. AND its one less thing to think about when packing for a gig.