2 or 3 Fingerpcks?

Sigi Meissner · Post by **Sigi Meissner** » 10 Mar 2003 6:12 am

I'm curious how many of you use 3 instead of 2 Fingerpicks beside the thumpick.
IPO it offers additional grip possibilities beside the thumbstroke, in particular on the C6th neck. Also the basic cords which most of them consist of 4 notes can be gripped at once. Does anybody sees a disadvantage in using 3 picks?
This question is probably already asked a few times. Maybe someone has the link to this from a past forum topic.

Greetings from Switzerland
Sho-bud LDG, Mullen D10 8+6

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 10 Mar 2003 6:28 am

http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/004354.html

just one of many past discussions....

BTW I use thumb and three finger picks, have for 30 years.

clarification after reading some of the subsequent posts:

I don't have, nor remember having, any trouble with balance twixt ring finger and others as far as strength of attack. I use four finger rolls and picking patterns frequently as well as four note chord grabs.

I did have to retrain my hand for proper palm blocking after playing 2 years or so flat handedly "wrong", so at that time I started reworking my right hand technique I added the third pick too, 'cause if I was gonna do that work I might as well add the extra finger in....

I also use my pinky knuckle, or the edge of my palm for harmonics...

My primary problem is making sure the picks adhere to my fingers[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 10 March 2003 at 11:14 AM.][This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 10 March 2003 at 11:15 AM.]

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 10 Mar 2003 6:47 am

I use two fingerpicks as I do harmonics with my thumbpick and the tip of my ring finger. Also as I play lead guitar with the same picks I use the ring and little finger when I need a "meat" sound.....JH

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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 10 Mar 2003 10:23 am

I use three finger picks (and a metal thumb pick), but only because I started out doing four finger pattens on regular guitar and just never took off the ring finger pick. However, I hardly ever use it on steel. The ring finger is the weakest and clumsiest of all the fingers (pianists have whole exercise sets for it). Even if you pick the right string with it, it is very hard to pick it with the right strength to balance with the other stronger fingers. Actually, adding the 4th note to a chord (usually an octave lower than the top note of the chord) doesn't really sound that great most of the time (it's not the steel sound we are used to hearing). For that matter, sometimes two note grips sound best. So all in all, the ring finger is a tough one to work in, but a few people do it, so it's not impossible.

Finally, as pointed out above, a pick on the ring finger eliminates using that finger for harmonics, which is the way the best players seem to do harmonics.

chas smith · Post by **chas smith** » 10 Mar 2003 10:42 am

I switch back and forth, if it's just E9, I use 2, if it's C6 and E9, I use 3.

Finally, as pointed out above, a pick on the ring finger eliminates using that finger for harmonics, which is the way the best players seem to do harmonics.

I've had to learn how to use the knuckle of my pinkie.

Dennis Boyd · Post by **Dennis Boyd** » 10 Mar 2003 12:00 pm

I use 3 finger picks and 1 thumb pick. The 4 note grips are essential for 9th and other upper extension chords on the E9th tuning. Playing harmonics with the little finger is no problem.

Dennis

Doug Seymour · Post by **Doug Seymour** » 10 Mar 2003 3:03 pm

I have to agree with Charles, C6th is a four
pick tuning (nice bigger modern chords.....
John Mahegan,,,piano theory) and E9th is 3 pick tuning.....most harmonies there are triads....3 note harmonies. That's what we hear being done the majority of the time on these two tunings it seems to me.

Reece Anderson · Post by **Reece Anderson** » 10 Mar 2003 3:04 pm

Using 4 picks provides the option for wider voicing of chords. Some chords and voicings must have four notes to complete the chord/voicing.

"Raking or rolling" the strings with three picks to achieve the desired chord, will not always result in forming a definitive voicing.

In my opinion, why not use a finger that is doing nothing other than harmonics (a very small percentage of the time) when it has a vast musical potential for almost continous use.

Harmonics using the ring finger is common, however, using the little finger for harmonics can be achieved with a little practice.

I have observed those who play with their little finger out, have slightly more difficulty in becoming accoustomed to the 4th pick, but its certainly not an insurmountable task, especially when considering the vast potential of the addition of the 4th pick.

It is my belief, the best way to learn to use the 4th pick is to put it on and NOT use it until you no longer notice it being on your finger when playing. Only then can most begin to use it effectively.

I have personally never known who, how, or why the two finger pick trend was started in the first place. Possibly someone can enlighten me.

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 10 Mar 2003 3:53 pm

There is no disadvantage with 3 fingerpicks. The ring finger is not used as often, but sure comes in handy on 4 note chords.
I use Gene Jones' tip: washable glue stick from my boy's school supplies. A lil dab'l do ya. Lasts all day. Don't like it? Wash it off. Works for me.

[This message was edited by Ron Randall on 10 March 2003 at 03:59 PM.]

Doug Seymour · Post by **Doug Seymour** » 10 Mar 2003 4:45 pm

I think Maurice has the best idea for using the 4th pick I've ever heard! Don't try too hard to use it, from day one, but rather leave it there till it seems to be a natural thing to do. There certainly are some great
4 note voicings on 6th tunings with fuller modern harmony chords that are better sounding with four notes. (not only to be done with a sweep.....4 consecutive notes)

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 10 Mar 2003 5:34 pm

I am glad to see my old friend Reece giving us the straight dope.

I was at his factory in around 1968 or so, picking up a new MSA D12. Reece told me to hang a pick on that third finger and just leave it there .

I did, he was right, first thing I was playing with 4 picks and getting those full correct chords , that he does so well.

He, Doug, right one! Four Picks for all the 6th tunings. Three is enough for E9.

I hated to give up my Harmonic finger, but as he says, it wasn't long before I got used to using my little finger for that, which I didnt use much anyway. I do a lot more palm harmonics.

Thanks again ,Reece , for all you have done in the Steel Guitar world.....al

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 10 Mar 2003 7:14 pm

I use three finger picks, I use my ring finger for the chromatic strings on E9th. It seemed a logical way to do it when I was learning. It requires less finger movement.

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 10 Mar 2003 8:28 pm

Either use four or use none(except always use a thumb pick). I have always used three finger picks, 'til I tried using none, I still truly prefer using three F. pix.
Try using none for a while, you might be happy with the variation in control you can develope in tone and speed.
My deal is, use three or don't use any.

Les Picks III

Graham Griffith · Post by **Graham Griffith** » 10 Mar 2003 11:21 pm

Get hip to Joe Wright's "technique" approach. I took it on a year ago and haven't looked back. Three finger picks are definitely better than two.

Graham

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 11 Mar 2003 8:57 am

I use three finger picks. I've experimented using picks on every finger, but I realized that using three picks is easier for me. Brett Day, Emmons S-10, Morrell lapsteel

jlsmith48 · Post by **jlsmith48** » 11 Mar 2003 11:46 am

I put on 4 finger picks when other steel players are present. It doesn't help, but it sure gets a lot of attention!!