Picking--Heavy, soft? What is your touch?

Al Carmichael · Post by **Al Carmichael** » 8 Nov 2005 11:35 pm

I've tried picking various ways and have come to the conclusion that a soft touch with the right hand seems to work best for me. I was once told, "Light touch with the right hand, solid pressure with the bar."

Do you vets agree with this general idea, or not? I'm always open to the conventional wisdom as well as new ideas.

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 9 Nov 2005 3:39 am

The STRENGTH of the picking should vary according to the required dynamics, BUT the distance traveled by each picking action should be as minimal as possible !(To facilitate pick blocking and muscle memory)

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Steel players do it without fretting

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 9 Nov 2005 4:36 am

As BasilH said, varying degrees for dynamics. For me, I apply little to no pressure on the bar.
Hook

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www.HookMoore.com

Randy Reeves · Post by **Randy Reeves** » 9 Nov 2005 6:23 am

picking dynamics are essential.

I have begun recording my playing recently . really helpful in determing quality of playing.
I am somewhat concerned about the sound of the pick. it announces itself a bit too much.
maybe I am too focused on that. the dull thip sound bothers me.
when listening to others it doesnt seem as pronounced.

normal or not?
I have no sound sample.
curious if you have similar experiences.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 9 Nov 2005 6:54 am

I am somewhat concerned about the sound of the pick.

Why I like fingertips.
But no matter which, I think developing dynamics with the right hand is utmost, to be explored before learning to rely on the volume pedal. Soft and loud, bright and mellow.
A beginner's $.02.

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 9 Nov 2005 7:28 am

normal or not?

You should not hear the sound of the picks hitting the strings. Also, don't use stomp box compression since that will exaggerate the picking sound.

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Jeff's Jazz

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 9 Nov 2005 8:40 am

The movement of the string; when set in motion, certainly determines a lot of things.
Dynamics is one for sure; but that can also be helped by the volume pedal.
Vibration and Tone go hand in hand. I've worked long and hard on how I want the string to move; to get the Tone I want out of the string and instrument I'm playing. The broader the string moves; the rounder and fuller that note will sound out, in my opinion. Also the direction of that string when picked is a factor. You can actually make the string move differently; by the angle you start the string at attack. The directon of the string movement and how broad or narrow that movement is; sets the vibration of the instrument and the overall tone of the guitar, when the string is picked up by the pickup. To me; the string moving perfectly even side to side over the magnetic field of the pickup and broad enough to vibrate the guitar to its fullest tone, is what I try to do. So that's a pretty good amount of pressure on the strings with the picks.
That's my take on it at least.
Ricky