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Fingerstyle Picks


acoustic guitar finger picks


Blues Guitar Lessons Tips - Picking Acoustic
Guitar Using Bare Fingers Or Finger Picks


By far the very first question you need to ask when starting blues guitar lessons is 'what kind of sound do I want to make?'

The answer definitely affects the choice between bare fingers or finger picks.

First of all, all guitar picks act like a natural amplifier and also gives a cleaner, sharper sound. The tips of fingerstyle picks are a lot narrower than the tips of the fingers, unless you use false nylon nails which can be glued to your own finger nails.

This technique was preferred by the legendary picker, Chet Atkins. The use of a thumb pick made of plastic or nylon is quite common for finger style guitarists, and many use picks for their fingers as well.

Plastic fingerstyle guitar picks have a different shape to the stainless steel , which are stronger, and can also be bent to closely follow the profile of the end of the finger.

This makes that the contact point is almost the same as when playing with the bare finger tip. The great plus for wearing picks is that you play hard and not get blisters or hard patches on your finger tips, which is a great benefit when playing in public with no amplifier, or out doors in the street, for example..

Which guitarists use finger picks?

Some players, like Merle Travis and Tommy Emmanuel, wear a plastic thumb pick but use bare fingers.

Actually, Travis used one finger only, as did a lot of the old legendary blues players.

Acoustic blues guitar lessons need to teach the styles common to both ways of playing - this is the way to make the real sound of old blues guitar.

Some guitar lessons just show one picking style, which tends to limit the style of music you can perform.

How To Wear and Use Finger Picks

Many fingerstyle guitar players wear a plastic thumb-pick and a stainless steel pick on one or two fingers. I have see guitarists wearing 3 steel finger picks, but it doesn't seem to help the sound at all.

A blues guitar expert like Reverend Gary Davis used one steel pick on his finger only, and his sound was incredibly complex.

How To Wear A Plastic Thumb Pick To Play Guitar
You often find many strange ways of wearing steel finger picks, and maybe it depends heavily on the style of music being played.

For blues guitar picking, I prefer the arrangement shown opposite.

The brackets can be bent until they hold the finger really snugly, and the tips can be bent over so that they cover up the ball of the finger end, approximating the contact point between finger and string if you were using bare fingers.

These guys really save the fingers when playing for long periods of time - it's important to know how to wear finger
The image opposite shows the correct way to wear a thumb pick when playing guitar in the fingerpicking style.

In this case, it looks a bit too loose. It's best if it grips the thumb, so that it doesn't turn around and change the angle of attack.

Of course, if it's too tight, your thumb will turn purple!

Best Finger Guitar Picks

There are many brands and types of picks, and I generally choose the ones that have been in the game for a long time, such as Dunlop. It isn't just the style, but thickness, flexibility and durability all come in to play. It's important that the picks slide off the strings with just the right amount of spring, and that they stand up to some hard use.

There;s nothing worse that having a thumb pick break on you when you're in the middle of a song!

Finger Picks and Thumb Picks For Acoustic Guitar

A guitar is a guitar is a guitar, whether it's electric or acoustic. If you want to use picks, then the same technique will work for either.

However, keep in mind that the touch needed to play fingerstyle acoustic guitar is heavier than for electric, so perhaps lighter picks would be an advantage. I generally use finger picks for some songs, and bare fingers for others, such as gentle ballads or quiet blues songs. They each have their pros and cons, and in the final analysis, it's up to you to experiment to find out want helps you to create exactly the sound you want. Finger picks for acoustic guitar can also be used on electric - just be careful with your touch.

We can get into the mindset of needing exactly the right picks to play, or exactly the right fingernail length, or exactly the right hardness on the ends of our bare picking fingers, but this isn't so. You can learn to fingerpick the music you love, whatever you wear on your fingers, and adapt as you need. The right finger picks are just icing on the cake.

Have fun, Jim Bruce

Author: Jim Bruce 
Date: 2014-07-17
Category: Music


Finger Guitar Picks - Plastic or Metal?

Dunlop Guitar Picks - Fingerstyle acoustic
The steel Dunlop fingerstyle pick shown is perfect for the acoustic blues guitar style.

They can be purchased in different material thicknesses to suit both your playing and also the sound you want to produce.

It's important to play around with the tip angle to make sure it doesn't make a horrible scraping noise on the edges of the pick.

The image opposite shows both Dunlop thumb and finger picks. Always remember that the best guitar finger picks are the ones that work for you and your style.

I have tried plastic (nylon) finger picks, but I find them difficult to use and maintain accuracy. Generally, I use this type of tortoiseshell thumb pick, with one steel pick on my forefinger.

Many people (Tommy Emmanuel, for one) us a thumb pick and bare fingers, but I find this unbalancing and spoils my sound.

Stainless Steel Dunlop Finger Pick

Guitar Fingerpicks: Some Conclusions

Comparing Plastic vs. Metal Finger Picks

Plastic Finger Picks:

  • Sound: Plastic fingerpicks produce a warmer, softer tone. They are less harsh on the strings, making them ideal for a more mellow sound.
  • Comfort: Plastic picks are generally more comfortable to wear for extended periods. They are lighter and can be shaped to fit the fingers snugly.
  • Durability: While plastic picks are durable, they tend to wear out faster than metal picks, especially with heavy use.
  • Examples: D'Addario National, Picks Delrin, National Thumb Pick.

Metal Finger Picks:

  • Sound: Metal fingerpicks offer a brighter, sharper sound. They act like a natural amplifier, providing a cleaner and more defined tone.
  • Comfort: Metal picks can be less comfortable initially but can be bent to fit the contour of the fingers. Over time, they adapt to the player's fingers.
  • Durability: Metal picks are highly durable and can withstand heavy use without significant wear.
  • Examples: ProPik Fingerpicks, National Picks, Custom Picks.

Differences Between Using Picks or Bare Fingers for Fingerstyle Blues

  • Tone:
    • Picks: Sharper, cleaner, more defined.
    • Bare Fingers: Warmer, softer, more intimate.
  • Volume:
    • Picks: Louder, acts as a natural amplifier.
    • Bare Fingers: Quieter, more controlled.
  • Comfort:
    • Picks: Can cause discomfort initially but prevent blisters.
    • Bare Fingers: Natural feel but can lead to blisters and calluses.
  • Control:
    • Picks: Precise, consistent attack.
    • Bare Fingers: More dynamic, varied attack.

Table of Various Guitar Pick Types and Uses

Pick Type Material Use
Plastic Thumb Pick Plastic/Nylon Warmer tone, comfortable for long sessions
Metal Finger Picks Stainless Steel Sharp tone, durable for heavy use
ProPik Fingerpicks Metal/Plastic Versatile, customizable fit
National Thumb Pick Plastic Classic blues sound, comfortable fit
D'Addario National Plastic/Delrin Soft tone, good for beginners
Custom Picks Various Tailored to player's preference


How to Use Finger Picks for Guitar

To use finger picks for guitar, slide the fingerpicks onto your fingers, ensuring they fit snugly. Position the picks so the tips strike the strings at the same angle as your bare fingers would. Practice to achieve a consistent and precise attack on the strings.

How to Wear Finger Picks for Guitar

To wear finger picks for guitar, adjust the picks to fit comfortably around your fingers. Bend the brackets of metal picks to follow the contour of your fingertips closely. Ensure the thumb pick grips the thumb securely without being too tight, preventing it from rotating during play.

Additional Insights

Thumb picks are a crucial accessory for fingerstyle guitarists, providing a consistent and powerful attack on the strings. Brands like ProPik, National, and D'Addario offer a variety of picks to suit different playing styles and preferences. Plastic thumb picks like the National Thumb Pick are favored for their comfort and tone, while metal fingerpicks like ProPik Fingerpicks are chosen for their durability and sharp sound.

Plastic Thumb Pick - My Preferred Option

When selecting fingerpicks, consider the type of music you play and the sound you aim to achieve. Plastic picks are ideal for a softer, warmer tone, while metal picks provide a brighter, more defined sound. Customizing your picks to fit your fingers perfectly can enhance your playing comfort and control.

In conclusion, the choice between plastic and metal fingerpicks depends on your personal preference and the sound you want to produce. Both types have their unique advantages, and experimenting with different picks can help you find the perfect match for your playing style. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, investing in quality fingerpicks can significantly improve your fingerstyle guitar experience.

FINGERPICKS, NAILS OR FINGERS FAQ

Do guitar finger picks work?

Yes, guitar finger picks work by providing a sharper, more defined sound and protecting the fingers from blisters. They are especially useful for achieving a consistent tone and volume, making them a valuable tool for fingerstyle guitarists.

Is it better to play guitar with pick or fingers?

Playing guitar with a pick offers a sharper, louder sound and is ideal for fast, precise playing. Using fingers provides a warmer, softer tone and allows for more dynamic expression. The choice depends on the style of music and personal preference.

What guitars are best for finger picking?

Guitars with a wider neck and a more responsive top, such as classical or steel-string acoustic guitars, are best for finger picking. Models like the Martin D-28 or Taylor 814ce are popular choices for their rich tone and playability.

Did Jimi Hendrix use a pick?

Yes, Jimi Hendrix used a pick for most of his playing. He was known for his exceptional skill with a pick, but he also occasionally used his fingers for certain techniques and effects.

Is finger picking better than strumming?

Finger picking offers more control and allows for intricate, melodic playing, making it ideal for genres like folk and classical. Strumming provides a fuller, rhythmic sound suited for rock and pop. Both techniques have their unique advantages depending on the musical context.