Best Banjo Thumb Pick? Top Answer Update

Do I need picks to play banjo? Published: December 3, 2018 | Author: Joff Lowson

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What are picks?

Picks are small metal or plastic objects that you wear on the tips of your fingers and thumb to help you play the banjo. There are many good reasons to wear picks. You get more power and better sound. It’s also easier to play fast while wearing picks. Some people lack confidence at first and tend to play very softly. Picks help you play louder so you feel more confident.

Getting used to picks

It takes a while to get used to playing with picks when you start, so many beginners prefer to play without picks. We’ll talk about playing without picks later, but for most people, playing without picks is a mistake. Why? Because it’s so much easier to get used to if you wear them from the start. It only takes a few weeks or months for it to feel natural, and you’ll immediately start reaping all the benefits – the increased volume and clearer sound. If you get used to playing without them initially, it can be very difficult to get used to later on. I know several players in their 70’s who started out with bare fingers and after forty or fifty years of playing they still wish they could play with picks to get that special sound. Unfortunately, it’s really difficult to switch to picks once you’ve learned to play without them. On the other hand, I know people who have played picks all their lives and then decided to play with bare fingers and it was easy for them to do so.

Play without picks

So why play without picks? Many of my students play with bare fingers and there are many different reasons for this. A guy I know works shifts, so all he has to do is play his banjo late at night. He lives in an apartment with neighbors nearby and playing with bare fingers is quieter than playing with picks. Some people prefer the softer sound of playing with bare fingers. But the number one reason to play without picks is if you just don’t like wearing them! Seriously, if you find that carrying picks just doesn’t work for you, then just play the banjo without them! You can play anything at JoffLowson.com, including Banjo Academy, with or without picks.

Play with and without picks

I’ve played picks for over thirty years and I love the sound they make, it’s brighter and clearer than my bare fingers. However, in recent years I have enjoyed playing without picks at times, just to experience a different sound and feel. Playing without picks can be good on slower songs and also when accompanying a singer with a very soft voice. When I’m in a jam session with people I don’t know that well, I often play the first few songs without picks just to get into the jam. As soon as I feel more comfortable in the group, I put on my picks and play louder. Of course you can also play softly with picks, it’s just a matter of practice. I’ve tried playing a lot of songs without picks and sometimes I like that softer sound, but usually I prefer playing with picks. Even Earl Scruggs sometimes played without picks!

There are some more technical reasons why you might need to play without picks. There are certain types of strumming or brushing actions that are easier to accomplish without picks, so a lot depends on the type of banjo you want to play. For most people, however, I recommend playing the banjo with picks.

See video about banjo picks

The world is full of accessories for everything we do! Banjos are no exception. One of the most important accessories you will buy are your fingerpicks and thumbpicks.

I have a large “collection” of picks and find great joy in exploring the different types that are available. But the “experts” have some sage advice on these wonderful tools, and with festival season just around the corner, today is a good time to revisit the world of banjo picks.

Find all the picks we carry here!

Why play with picks

It’s very true that you don’t have to play with picks. In fact, some styles do not require or encourage the use of picks. The Clawhammer style of playing the banjo is warm and inviting. Most people, but not necessarily all, find that this style of play is best performed bare fingers, and if you’ve ever watched one of these banjo players you don’t usually see them with finger picks and thumb picks on their hands. Most classic and minstrel players feel similarly. A very well known artist has his thumb, index and middle finger coated with artificial nail material to make them thicker so he can make stronger contact without fingerpicks and thumbpicks. This is not uncommon.

Bluegrass players, on the other hand, almost always play with fingerpicks and thumbpicks on their dominant hand. These give you the ability to play with more volume, more consistent tone, greater dynamics, and a more powerful attack. This is because you have metal-to-metal contact, which offers a cleaner connection that doesn’t absorb energy like a softer fingertip would. By moderating this “attack” you can adjust the sound of your music to suit your personal taste. be it sweet or impulsive.

What do picks look like and how do I wear them?

Fingerpicks can be made of metal or plastic. They can be adjustable or come in fixed sizes. At Deering we stock metal fingerpicks that can be adjusted to the size of your fingers for more flexibility in fit. The fingerpick consists of a blade-shaped striking surface connected to a “collar-like” piece that goes around the fleshy part of your fingertip. In other words, the hard surface is on the opposite side of your fingernail.

Some finger picks have small holes in the collar and/or blade portion of the pick. These are there for a better “grip” factor. The flesh of your finger pushes into the hole just a little to give the fingerpick a better “fit” or stability when in place.

The collar of the fingerpick can be adjusted, as can the curvature of the blade around the fingertip on a metal fingerpick. (More on this later in this article.) You should place the collar of the fingerpick just above the first knuckle on your finger; Usually this fits at the base of your fingernail or somewhere above the cuticle.

The thumb pick also has a flat striking face and a curved section that goes around the thumb of your picking hand. Most thumb picks are made of plastic, but the Propik thumb pick we stock here at Deering has a Delrin striking tip (harder and more durable than plastic) and a metal collar that you can adjust. We also have plastic finger picks. You want the thumb pick to fit snugly so it doesn’t slide around and point the blade towards the inside of your picking fingers. Thumb pick tips/blades can vary in length and thickness, so it’s important to experiment to find what length works well for your playing style.

Picks feel fun

Picks feel weird at first. I like the way Bill Evans put it in his book Banjo for Dummies: “It might feel like you’re playing with armor over your fingertips…” In First Lessons Banjo, Jack Hatfield makes it clear that beginners “waste.” often valuable practice time to get used to later. For that reason, it’s best to start using picks from day one.” While picks are uncomfortable at first, it’s easier to get used to them from day one than it is to break an ingrained “muscle memory” habit later.

You see, your hands get used to playing away from the strings as you learn to play. With picks attached, you only need to move your hand back a little to accommodate the presence of the picks on your fingers. Take the advice of these experienced players and longtime teachers. If you’re playing the 3-finger bluegrass style, start with picks from the start so your practice time maximizes the return on your efforts.

How to customize your selection

The curvature of the blade (the part of the fingerpick that touches the fingertip) can be adjusted with metal picks. You can curve it close to the fingertip, make it flatter, or anywhere in between. Ideally, the tip of the fingerpick should sit just behind the end of your finger.

Shaping the tip of a metal finger pick is fairly easy. You place the fingerpick on your finger. You fit the collar snugly to your finger by squeezing it tight. Now take the blade and press it down against a hard surface, rocking it against the tabletop so it curves up and follows the contours of your fingertip.

This should work for most fingerpicks as long as they aren’t too thick. At Deering, all our fingerpicks are 0.0225mm thick; the most universal weight. (More on thickness later.)

There is another variation of the pick that Bill Evans explains very well in Banjo for Dummies. “… attaching the picks to the finger at a slight angle so that when the finger hits the banjo string, the pick hits the string at a more straight or parallel angle. This modification can result in a fuller, more pleasing tone as well as more volume.”

What tips to choose

There are many types of fingerpicks and thumbpicks to choose from. Metal picks are recommended for index and middle fingers, and thumb picks can be a combination of metal and plastic, all metal, or all plastic. These all come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the rainbow of hands that make up the world of banjo players. At Deering we have chosen to offer picks that we believe are as comfortable as possible and work with maximum response.

The propik finger picks that Deering stocks on our website are made of nickel silver and come in two styles: single wrapped and split/double wrapped. Inspired by a popular fingerpick from the late 1920s, their website states, “This vintage-style pick has been updated for greater comfort and tone. A special perforated wrap provides a secure, comfortable fit.” What I like best about Propik is that the double/split wrap gives you a collar that accommodates the shape of your fingertip. If you look at your fingers, you will see that the outermost point is narrower than the area around the base of the nail. With a split/double collar pick, you must tighten two straps to secure the pick to your fingertip; one is smaller than the other. The single wrap pick they make is smooth and comfortable and works great for people who are already used to this type of collar on their finger picks.

In July 1928, a vaudeville guitarist named George D. Beauchamp filed a patent for a “plectrum for stringed instruments.” On December 30, 1930, Patent No. 1787136 was issued to George Beauchamp and National. These are the NP2 finger picks, now made by National 75 years later. On our website we stock the NP2 National Fingerpicks in .0225 German Silver in packs of four. This is a single collar plectrum with holes in both the collar and the blade. Many professionals prefer this type of pick for its performance.

Variations on picks

Picks can come from different metals and this changes the sound of the pick. The nickel silver metal gives you a lighter tone and this is the most commonly used metal. You can use brass picks, which are a little softer, giving the player a warmer tone and a little less pick noise. The brass picks can sometimes be easier to adjust. Stainless steel picks have a long shelf life as they are corrosion resistant and highly polished. This results in an ultra-thick surface that minimizes drag on the strings. In terms of sound, this plectrum is slightly brighter than German silver. Because the stainless steel has less pull on the strings, they are ideal for studio work.

There are picks whose blades are not made of solid metal but have a large hole that allows more of the fingertip to come through. Exposed fingertip design allows picks to touch the string while playing for better control and natural feel and increased volume. They are lighter and not as bulky as traditional finger picks.

You can buy picks with an angle already built in, giving the player the ability to hit the strings more directly, minimizing finger movement and increasing your tone, speed, and volume.

Thicker picks, e.g. B. 0.025 or heavier will give you a brighter tone due to their increased stiffness.

Wear your pick

Once you have your picks, you need to find a way to carry them. I’ve seen a lot of things used and there are a lot of commercial pick bags out there. I’ve seen old prescription pill bottles used because they have a large opening. Some people just carry them in their pockets, but you can easily lose them that way. You can put them in the pouch pocket in your banjo case. You can buy a small zippered bag in any department store in the cosmetics section. The possibilities are endless.

The most unique bag is the one we have here at Deering. Our cane toad pick bag is a real cane toad from Australia that has been tanned and has a zip inside so your picks fit snugly. Trust me…you won’t lose this unless someone walks away with it. Listen!

Finally

Picks are necessary tools, but you should have fun exploring the different options at your disposal. The important thing is to find the ones that work best for YOU!

When most people think of the banjo, they think of bluegrass, Earl Scruggs, and the 3-finger style. You’d be forgiven if you didn’t know that given their dominance in mainstream culture, banjo could be something else. The 3-finger style has reigned supreme in the movies and in popular folk outfits like the Flecktones or Mumford and Sons since Scruggs pioneered it in the mid-1940s.

Far older, though now overshadowed by its up-and-coming younger brother, the clawhammer banjo remains an alternative option for those seeking a smoother, more melodic sound.

Simply put, clawhammer describes a style of playing in which the strings are struck with the back of the index or middle fingernail and then alternately plucked with the thumb. This compares to the 3-finger style, where the strings are all individually plucked with the thumb, index, and middle finger. The term “claw hammer” refers to both the shape of your hand when you play it (claw-like) and the way you hit the strings (by pounding them).

Clawhammer banjo is most closely associated with “old” tunes and traditional American music, although the style is equally applicable to contemporary genres and songs. It is usually played on open-backed banjos, which emphasize its smooth tone and match its creators’ instruments.

So who invented it and where did it come from? To answer these questions, we must look back to the earliest roots of American history, and specifically to the slave trade.

From humble origins

As early as 1620 there are reports of banjo-like instruments being played by the inhabitants of West Africa. These were made of animal skin over the hard shell of the pumpkin fruit, with a stick neck at one end and strings looped over the top to create different tunings.

In the 1600s and 1700s, the transatlantic slave trade was in full force. First in the Caribbean, then as more and more America was colonized, black slaves would bring these instruments with them to the plantations and mills where they were used. Slaves almost universally played these instruments in the clawhammer style, although it was more commonly referred to at the time as a percussion style, framing, or frailing.

By 1800, banjos had taken their familiar 5-string form; complete with tuning pegs, but all entirely fretless. They were still primarily associated with their African heritage and popularity with slave musicians. The clawhammer banjo of this period was often played as a rhythmic accompaniment to a violinist’s melodic lead, producing the early dance melodies we now know as old standards.

White artists like Joel Walker Sweeney and Daniel D. Emmett later learned the clawhammer style from these slave musicians. They used it in the popular minstrel shows that toured the country during this period and taught it to their contemporaries, who continued to spread both the instrument and the style across the country.

An unmistakable rhythm

All of the Clawhammer banjo playing is based on a very simple pattern; the “bum ditty,” so called because the three syllables correspond to the three different movements you make when you perform it. These movements can be broken down as follows:

“Bum”: Strike one of the first four strings of the banjo with the nail of your index or middle finger. Let this note sound for a whole measure.

Strike one of the first four strings of the banjo with the nail of your index or middle finger. Let this note sound for a whole measure. “Di-“: Stroke the strings with the nails on your index, middle, and ring fingers. As you do this, let your thumb rest on the fifth string.

Run your index, middle, and ring finger nails across the strings. As you do this, let your thumb rest on the fifth string. “-Tty”: Pull off the fifth string with your thumb. Your striking finger is now in position to hammer the next string and repeat this pattern.

In terms of musical notation, a bum ditty pattern consists of a whole note and two half notes. This can be built on with a technique known as double thumbing, where the fifth string is plucked a second time between “bum” and “di,” creating a “bump-a-ditty” pattern. The bump-a-ditty pattern consists of four half notes.

Clawhammer banjo players didn’t choose these patterns just because they liked the sound. They arose out of necessity, as practical solutions to the limitations imposed by style. Each movement within the pattern puts the playing hand in the right position to make the next one. This economy of movement allows Clawhammer players to gain speed and maintain a rock-solid rhythm despite the style’s relative unnaturalness.

Advanced techniques like drop thumbs, syncopated jumps, and up-strmming can be used to spice up the clawhammer style. However, at its core, it never deviates from the basics of the bum-little pattern.

The benefits of Clawhammer

Compared to the fast 3-finger style plucking, the clawhammer banjo is much more relaxed. It conjures up images of late nights on the porch, rather than the boisterous dances of bluegrass. That’s not to say that clawhammer banjoists can’t play fast, nor that 3-finger players necessarily have to. It’s just that each style shines in different game situations.

For example, the clawhammer banjo is often much more melodic than the 3-finger style. The rhythmic pattern limits how many notes you can play and when. This means that clawhammer players tend to stick closer to the essential melody notes of the melody being played. In comparison, bluegrass players in general try to create a “wall of sound” where the gaps between melody notes are filled with extras from the chord tone.

The ability to play single notes and strum—a technique not easily accomplished by 3-finger players—also makes the clawhammer banjo an incredibly versatile style. It can carry the melody by picking out individual notes and striking chords to emphasize the rhythm of a song, allowing it to lead or assist other musicians as needed. Singing along to Clawhammer is also more effective for this reason, as you can easily differentiate between instrumental and vocal parts of a song.

Clawhammer banjo also translates well to other instruments. Both guitar and ukulele can be played in a clawhammer style, producing a unique sound that goes well with old-time, folk, and country songs.

Learn Clawhammer with Deering

If you have a banjo handy and an hour to spare, check out Barry Hunn’s step-by-step guide to the clawhammer method. It’s a great place to start your Clawhammer journey. from the most basic hand movements and positions to tricky fingering techniques and your first clawhammer tune!

If you’re brand new to banjo, take a look at some of our tips for budding players that can help you decide exactly what type of instrument is right for you.

resources

Bluegrass banjo for beginners

with the PICKS…

Start carrying the picks immediately. You’ll get used to it in a few days and soon won’t want to play without it. Use two metal fingerpicks and one plastic thumbpick. Thick picks work best. There are many brands out there. There is no need to spend a lot of money on picks. Picks that cost less than a dollar each can be just as good as more expensive ones. (Most music stores sell metal Dunlop fingerpicks. I recommend the .025 gauge – this is the heaviest. Heavy gauges are less likely to soften and will not bend. I also recommend plastic Dunlop thumbpicks. They come in small, medium, or available in large size.) Get your banjo supplies online at Janet Davis Music or Elderly Music.

Question: My metal fingerpicks make a scratching noise on the strings. How can I fix it?

A. Slightly rotate the fingerpicks on your fingers so they form a slight angle with your fingertips. The angle of attack on the string becomes flat as a result:

Also, to reduce the scratchy noise from the metal fingerpicks, it’s a good idea to keep the pick surface free of dirt build-up, so quickly rub the string with a cloth or soft piece of leather, like a piece of chamois leather and ab (soft leather), will get the job done. . Grasp and surround the cord with the chamois and run it up and down the cord. If you clean and dry them every time you play, they will last much longer. Old, dirty, rusty strings are hard to tune. I don’t think you need to buy a special lubricant for your strings. Just keep them clean and free from oxidation and dirt.

Question: My plastic thumb pick makes a scratching noise on the strings….

Answer… How I deal with the thumb pick’s terrible “pick-scrape” problem: Using tongs to hold the pick, I just heat the tip of the flat edge of the pick in boiling water for about 10 seconds, then use the tongs, give it a slight twist so the flat edge of the pick hits the string flat and flush, not at an angle. Also try greasing the edge of the blade of the pimple with some lip balm. I’ve found this works really well to get rid of the scratching noise.

We play in standard G tuning. This is one of the most common ways to tune the banjo, and it’s also one of the easiest for beginners as you’ll automatically get a G chord.

What is “standard G tuning” on the banjo?

Standard G tuning is the most common way to tune the five-string banjo. You can play many different styles of music with this tuning.

Standard G Tuning This graphic is clickable. Click on each note to hear the corresponding banjo sound. 5th string

g 4th string

d 3rd string

g 2nd string

b 1st string

i.e

You need to know the musical names for the notes for several reasons. If you have a friend who plays another musical instrument, such as the piano or guitar, you can ask them to give you a G so you can tune your banjo to their guitar. Another important reason to know these note names is that most electronic tuners will indicate which note you are tuning to. It’s important not only to tune each string of the banjo, but also to tune it to the correct note.

My banjo doesn’t sound good?

You probably just have to get it right. Watch the free videos to learn how to tune a banjo.

What is the easiest way to tune a banjo?

For beginners, the easiest way is to use an electronic tuner. You can get help on this by clicking here.

How many ways are there to tune the banjo?

There are two answers to this question. The process of tuning a banjo can be accomplished in three ways; by ear, by using an electronic tuner, and by matching open strings to fret strings. Any of these techniques can be used to tune the banjo to a specific mood. Most of the songs on this website are in G standard tuning. However, there are other tunings you can use, such as Drop C, Double C, and so on. They use the same methods to tune a banjo to any of these other tunings.

I tuned my banjo with an electronic tuner and it doesn’t sound good, what should I do?

There are several possible reasons for this. One is that you have tuned one or more strings to the wrong note. You need to look closely at your tuner’s display to make sure it’s reading the right note and giving you the go-ahead.

Another explanation is that the human ear is more sensitive than the electronic tuner, so sometimes you can tune all five strings, as far as the electronic tuner goes, but it still doesn’t sound good to your ears. The best way to solve this is to develop your listening skills, or sense of “pitch”.

Finally, there is a chance that your banjo is not set up correctly. First check that all open strings sound good and your electronic tuner says they are in tune. If the fret notes don’t sound good, your banjo needs to be “tuned”. You should check the notes lower down (close the saddle) and also higher up (closer to the drum) to make sure the banjo always sounds good up and down the neck. If you have some notes that don’t sound good, take the banjo to a professional mechanic.

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Tommy uses D’Andrea ProPlec Rounded Triangle Picks and Jim Dunlop Medium Thumb Picks. Get yours now to use or add to your collection.

Tommy Emmanuel Signature Thumb Pick is medium, white, signature in black.

Tommy Emmanuel Signature Flat Pick is 1.5mm, tortoise shell color, signature in gold.

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If you’re new to the world of guitar playing, you might not be well-versed in all the different accessories available to guitarists that can help make your playing not only sound better but be so much easier on your hands ! The world of picks can be extremely confusing since there are so many different types of pick options.

The two main types of picks currently available in the guitar market are thumb picks and flat picks. Below these two main types of picks there are a large number of sub-categories of different types of picks, sorted by the thickness of the picks, the material the picks are made of and the different sizes of the picks. Purchasing a custom selection made specifically to your liking is also an available option!

But aside from all the pick options available on the market, how are you supposed to know which type of pick is best for your personal playstyle and needs? There are several major differences between thumb picks and flat picks, but most people can’t see the differences between the two picks that set them apart.

Today we’re going to talk about why you need a pick to play guitar, what a flat pick is, what a thumb pick is, and the pros and cons of each pick type.

Let us begin!

Do you need a pick to play guitar?

You can play the guitar fully without having to use a pick. Figuring out how to use a pickaxe and learning how to have complete control over it can really take time to learn and develop the skill. Depending on the type of pick you’re using (flat picks or thumb picks), you may find that the pick slips between your fingers and falls into your guitar, or just sits too awkwardly on your thumb.

Remember that there are both pros and cons to using a pick instead of not using picks. Depending on the type of sound you’re trying to achieve, the type of pick you pick can help you achieve the type of sound you’re trying to achieve.

For example, you should consider using a pick if you’re interested in playing rhythm guitar, as you’ll find it much easier to control the volume of your instrument, which is especially important if you’re playing on an amp or similar from noisy surroundings. Depending on the type of playstyle you enjoy playing, playing with a pick can give you more benefits than consequences.

Playing with a plectrum makes it easier to play with faster tempos and solos that are a bit more complex than your fingers can handle. Here are some common techniques that are much easier to play when using a pick:

Sweep picking

picking down

Alternative picking

Strumming heavy power chords

Besides being much easier to implement using certain techniques with a pick, playing with a pick can also help you achieve the sound you are looking for when using these techniques. Playing with a pick produces a sharper, clearer sound than just playing with your fingers. This may not always be the type of sound you want to achieve depending on the genre and song you’re playing, but you can always stop playing by picking a song or two.

With all of this, it’s also important that you understand that playing with a selection isn’t always all fun and games. Playing with a pick has some disadvantages as playing with a pick can bring some challenges to your game especially if you have never played with any type of pick before.

If you’ve had a decent amount of guitar training under your belt and have never played with a pick before, you may find that as you introduce this new accessory into your guitar vocabulary, you need to work on specific techniques to strengthen your fluency with specific techniques. When using a pick, there are certain techniques where it becomes much more difficult to be accurate, even with things as simple as strumming.

It’s a common difficulty for new pick users to have string skipping issues, meaning your pick isn’t hitting all the strings in the order you want to apply. You may also find that you have trouble expressing mood and color in your music since picks can be extremely difficult to control.

If your guitar doesn’t have a pickguard and you decide to play with a pick, you can scratch the finish (and possibly even the body) of your guitar if you’re not careful. Fixing this can come at a hefty price tag, but you can always add a pickguard to your instrument for pretty cheap!

If after all this reading you decide that picks are something to add to your guitar accessories, don’t click just yet! There are different types of picks that you can use for your playing, both of which have the ability to drastically affect your sound and how easy it is for you to play with a pick.

The two different types of picks to choose between are flat picks and thumb picks. Scroll down a bit to get a better understanding of what the differences are between these two types of picks, as well as the pros and cons that the two different types of picks offer.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a flat pick and a thumb pick. It really all boils down to which pick you prefer to hold, which pick you find easiest to play, what style of music you enjoy playing and even what type of pick you think is the coolest to play!

As I always say, before making any final decisions, always try both types of picks and see which one you’re more comfortable with: flat picks or thumb picks. You can buy both, but most musicians usually decide on one type of pick and just stick with it.

By learning to play on two different picks, you’ll find it easier to switch between styles when you want to play songs in a variety of genres. However, take the time to become familiar with one type of pimple before attempting to insert another accessory that requires slight variations in technique application, lest you become confused and frustrated.

Now let’s talk about the differences between flat picks and thumb picks!

What are flat picks?

Flat picks (also known as plectrums) are the most popular tool guitarists use to strum the strings of their instruments. By using flat picks, you have the ability to selectively pluck strings on your instrument, or strum multiple strings at once, without straining your fingers or fingernails!

There are some musicians who prefer to use flat picks over thumb picks because the flat picks produce clearer sounds than thumb picks. To better understand what a flat pick can offer you as a musician, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a flat pick:

Advantages of using flat picks:

Easily found at music stores, online, at your local guitar store.

Even if you forget to bring your pick supply to your playing lesson, flat picks are fairly cheap and not hard to find, so your teacher or guitar pal will most likely give you an extra one.

They can easily have a custom made for you based on size, material and color preferences.

Flat picks come in a wide range of colors and shapes – you can even buy a flat pick punch on Amazon and make your own flat picks at home using old credit cards!

Disadvantages of using flat picks:

They are so easy to use. I actually always have at least five extra packs in my guitar case because I always end up dropping a pick off my stand or into my sound hole at least once per playing session.

They can be uncomfortable to hold, especially if you have sweaty hands and can’t really hold the pick.

You have to use all your fingers to hold a pick, so it’s difficult to switch between playstyles.

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks (12-Pack) | Guitar Center A wider body and rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of all styles. Review Price We may receive compensation from the companies whose products we review. We only recommend products that we believe in and test.

What are thumb picks?

Thumb picks are picks that you wear like a ring on your thumb! In addition to allowing you to wear the plectrum on your thumb, a thumb pick also gives you the ability to use your thumb on the three thickest strings while also using your next three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) to pluck the other three , thinner strings.

Some musicians prefer to use thumb picks rather than flat picks because wearing thumb picks frees up your index fingers so you can play two styles at once.

To better understand what thumb picks can offer you as a musician, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a thumb pick.

Benefits of using thumb picks:

It’s much easier to hear classical-style artificial overtones

You don’t have to worry about your pick falling into your guitar

You can still play all the techniques you now play with your flat pick

Instead of having all your fingers clamped to the flat pick, you have four fingers available to pick, meaning you can switch from fingerstyle playing to other techniques very quickly

You can easily adjust the angle of your pick by flexing the knuckle of your thumb instead of moving your entire wrist

The thumb pick lets you easily play chords (clawhammer style), giving you a clean, controlled sound that’s especially clear on octaves

You can use your fingers to strum difficult strings while playing a solo instead of having to learn a unique plucking technique

Disadvantages of using thumb picks:

It takes a while to get used to the feel of a thumb pick as it feels very odd to have something on your thumb while strumming your instrument

You may find that finding a thumb pick in your size is almost impossible due to the limited range of sizes. If you have large thumbs, you will most likely feel squeezed and constricted by the thumb pick; On the other hand, if you have small thumbs, you may find the thumb pick slipping off your finger, which completely ruins the purpose of using a thumb pick

If you only play with thumb picks, you’ll falter if you end up forgetting to grab your thumb pick when you’re on your way to practice or to record. Thumb picks aren’t as easy to find as flat picks, which means it’s very unlikely you’ll be able to stop by your local guitar shop or music store and buy a thumb pick.

Dunlop Ultex Medium Thumbpicks Gold (4-pack) | Guitar Center Ultex Thumbpicks are bright, punchy, and super durable – they’ll sound great and hold their shape for a long time. Review Price We may receive compensation from the companies whose products we review. We only recommend products that we believe in and test.

Quick tip

If you happen to have bought a kit or collection of accessories for your instrument, chances are you have a flat choice in that kit/collection.

If you want to experiment a little with your sound, change how close you pluck to the bridge of your guitar. If you pluck closer to the guitar’s bridge, you’ll find that your tone is much harder and more intense. Conversely, if you pluck further from the guitar’s bridge, you’ll get a softer, smoother sound. This tip applies to both flat picks and thumb picks.

If you spend a few minutes looking around the internet for different types of picks, you will find that there is an enormous amount of different shapes, sizes, thicknesses and materials used to make the flat picks and thumb picks (depending on which one you use). regard). The variations of picks available on the market produce a different sound of your instrument.

While this difference in sound won’t be as drastic as if you plug in your guitar and play around with a soundboard, you will get slight changes in the intensity of the sound you produce by playing with different types of picks.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, certain musicians will recommend you use one particular pick over the other. Don’t feel pressured to pull one kind of pick over the other just because you think it makes you look cooler. There will be nobody but you to pay attention to what kind of pick you use.

Choosing the best pick for your personal musical preferences will really help make your guitar more enjoyable to play, but also allow you an easier transition between techniques.

Remember that if you buy a set of flat picks and a thumb pick, it’s totally fine as it’s entirely possible to learn how to play both picks fluently. I’d highly recommend buying both and keeping both in your accessory kit, but make sure you can play one type of pick easily before you start learning how to play the other. It ensures that you can easily switch between the two picks in the future.

Good luck finding your new favorite accessory!

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks (12 Pack) | Guitar Center A wider body and rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of all styles. Review Price We may receive compensation from the companies whose products we review. We only recommend products that we believe in and test.

One of the first things three-finger players are told when they start learning banjo is: Always. Wear. Your. Selection. There is a widespread consensus in the three finger community that finger picks are essential to properly develop speed and sound quality.

However, the benefits of using a Clawhammer banjo pick are not widely discussed among frailers. Traditionalists will argue that they are making an unnecessary addition and a good old fashioned nail should do the trick. That being said, there are a few undeniable benefits that certain players might find worthwhile.

Essentially, it all boils down to versatility, comfort and tone.

Pick vs. Nail: The Sound Test

A clawhammer banjo pick fits over your batting finger in a similar way to traditional fingerpicks. The main difference is that they sit in the opposite direction and cover your nail as opposed to your fingertips. Wraparound bands adjust the pick to your finger to ensure it stays comfortably in place.

This can take some getting used to compared to the natural feel of your own nail. What you can expect in return is a stronger tone with longer sustain. The pick’s stiffness means it punches cleanly through your strings without bending under pressure, delivering more punch with every hit.

Different pick materials also affect the quality of your tone. A brass pick can add warmth and bring the sound closer to that of the bluegrass style, while a plastic pick preserves the original tone of your strings while increasing volume.

This effect on volume is particularly useful when playing an open-backed banjo with other musicians. Without a resonator, open backs are often drowned out by louder guitars and could benefit tremendously from a clawhammer banjo pick.

You don’t have to worry about nail care

It can be a constant struggle to keep your claw hammer nail at just the right length and shape. While many players have no problem maintaining a finely manicured nail, for others it is neither convenient nor desirable.

If you work in hospitality, healthcare or heavy industry – to name a few – company policy means the decision may not even be in your hands. You can bet the hard workers who first popularized the banjo couldn’t afford to keep their nails long either. Your game doesn’t have to suffer as a result.

A claw hammer banjo pick allows you to get that solid tone from your instrument while avoiding possible health and safety injuries in your workplace.

Also, the look isn’t for everyone; Wearing a long nail can look a little odd. For those concerned about looks, it might be preferable to go for the detachable option instead.

Greater versatility with multiple instruments

The fragile technique used in the clawhammer banjo is quite unusual when viewed in the context of the broader music world. While a long nail is beneficial here for achieving that consistent downward plucking motion, it can just as easily get in the way when trying to play other styles and instruments.

If the banjo is the only instrument you play – and all you ever want to play – then that’s no big deal. But if you ever thought of picking up:

bass guitar

Fingerstyle Guitar

harp

double bass

violin

Any other plucked instrument…

A long nail can make unwanted scratching noises if caught on the strings. Instruments that use keys like piano, saxophone, and accordion are also easier to play when all nails are trimmed short.

Handling a clawhammer banjo pick makes you a more versatile musician, able to shorten or lengthen your nail depending on the instrument. Learning to play the clawhammer both with and without a pick also gives you more sounds to use when creating arrangements.

So, is a choice the right choice for you?

If any of these resonate with your playing experience, it might be worth experimenting with some clawhammer banjo picks. Finding the right choice for your needs is often a trail-and-error process, and unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Here’s just our two cents:

Deering stands at the ProPik; a brass clawhammer banjo pick with a split-wrap design that allows for more accurate positioning than typical single-wrap models. The ProPik’s added warmth and clarity makes it an exceptional choice for those seeking a brighter, more rural sound.

If you’re new to the world of guitar playing, you might not be well-versed in all the different accessories available to guitarists that can help make your playing not only sound better but be so much easier on your hands ! The world of picks can be extremely confusing since there are so many different types of pick options.

The two main types of picks currently available in the guitar market are thumb picks and flat picks. Below these two main types of picks there are a large number of sub-categories of different types of picks, sorted by the thickness of the picks, the material the picks are made of and the different sizes of the picks. Purchasing a custom selection made specifically to your liking is also an available option!

But aside from all the pick options available on the market, how are you supposed to know which type of pick is best for your personal playstyle and needs? There are several major differences between thumb picks and flat picks, but most people can’t see the differences between the two picks that set them apart.

Today we’re going to talk about why you need a pick to play guitar, what a flat pick is, what a thumb pick is, and the pros and cons of each pick type.

Let us begin!

Do you need a pick to play guitar?

You can play the guitar fully without having to use a pick. Figuring out how to use a pickaxe and learning how to have complete control over it can really take time to learn and develop the skill. Depending on the type of pick you’re using (flat picks or thumb picks), you may find that the pick slips between your fingers and falls into your guitar, or just sits too awkwardly on your thumb.

Remember that there are both pros and cons to using a pick instead of not using picks. Depending on the type of sound you’re trying to achieve, the type of pick you pick can help you achieve the type of sound you’re trying to achieve.

For example, you should consider using a pick if you’re interested in playing rhythm guitar, as you’ll find it much easier to control the volume of your instrument, which is especially important if you’re playing on an amp or similar from noisy surroundings. Depending on the type of playstyle you enjoy playing, playing with a pick can give you more benefits than consequences.

Playing with a plectrum makes it easier to play with faster tempos and solos that are a bit more complex than your fingers can handle. Here are some common techniques that are much easier to play when using a pick:

Sweep picking

picking down

Alternative picking

Strumming heavy power chords

Besides being much easier to implement using certain techniques with a pick, playing with a pick can also help you achieve the sound you are looking for when using these techniques. Playing with a pick produces a sharper, clearer sound than just playing with your fingers. This may not always be the type of sound you want to achieve depending on the genre and song you’re playing, but you can always stop playing by picking a song or two.

With all of this, it’s also important that you understand that playing with a selection isn’t always all fun and games. Playing with a pick has some disadvantages as playing with a pick can bring some challenges to your game especially if you have never played with any type of pick before.

If you’ve had a decent amount of guitar training under your belt and have never played with a pick before, you may find that as you introduce this new accessory into your guitar vocabulary, you need to work on specific techniques to strengthen your fluency with specific techniques. When using a pick, there are certain techniques where it becomes much more difficult to be accurate, even with things as simple as strumming.

It’s a common difficulty for new pick users to have string skipping issues, meaning your pick isn’t hitting all the strings in the order you want to apply. You may also find that you have trouble expressing mood and color in your music since picks can be extremely difficult to control.

If your guitar doesn’t have a pickguard and you decide to play with a pick, you can scratch the finish (and possibly even the body) of your guitar if you’re not careful. Fixing this can come at a hefty price tag, but you can always add a pickguard to your instrument for pretty cheap!

If after all this reading you decide that picks are something to add to your guitar accessories, don’t click just yet! There are different types of picks that you can use for your playing, both of which have the ability to drastically affect your sound and how easy it is for you to play with a pick.

The two different types of picks to choose between are flat picks and thumb picks. Scroll down a bit to get a better understanding of what the differences are between these two types of picks, as well as the pros and cons that the two different types of picks offer.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a flat pick and a thumb pick. It really all boils down to which pick you prefer to hold, which pick you find easiest to play, what style of music you enjoy playing and even what type of pick you think is the coolest to play!

As I always say, before making any final decisions, always try both types of picks and see which one you’re more comfortable with: flat picks or thumb picks. You can buy both, but most musicians usually decide on one type of pick and just stick with it.

By learning to play on two different picks, you’ll find it easier to switch between styles when you want to play songs in a variety of genres. However, take the time to become familiar with one type of pimple before attempting to insert another accessory that requires slight variations in technique application, lest you become confused and frustrated.

Now let’s talk about the differences between flat picks and thumb picks!

What are flat picks?

Flat picks (also known as plectrums) are the most popular tool guitarists use to strum the strings of their instruments. By using flat picks, you have the ability to selectively pluck strings on your instrument, or strum multiple strings at once, without straining your fingers or fingernails!

There are some musicians who prefer to use flat picks over thumb picks because the flat picks produce clearer sounds than thumb picks. To better understand what a flat pick can offer you as a musician, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a flat pick:

Advantages of using flat picks:

Easily found at music stores, online, at your local guitar store.

Even if you forget to bring your pick supply to your playing lesson, flat picks are fairly cheap and not hard to find, so your teacher or guitar pal will most likely give you an extra one.

They can easily have a custom made for you based on size, material and color preferences.

Flat picks come in a wide range of colors and shapes – you can even buy a flat pick punch on Amazon and make your own flat picks at home using old credit cards!

Disadvantages of using flat picks:

They are so easy to use. I actually always have at least five extra packs in my guitar case because I always end up dropping a pick off my stand or into my sound hole at least once per playing session.

They can be uncomfortable to hold, especially if you have sweaty hands and can’t really hold the pick.

You have to use all your fingers to hold a pick, so it’s difficult to switch between playstyles.

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks (12 Pack) | Guitar Center A wider body and rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of all styles. Review Price We may receive compensation from the companies whose products we review. We only recommend products that we believe in and test.

What are thumb picks?

Thumb picks are picks that you wear like a ring on your thumb! In addition to allowing you to wear the plectrum on your thumb, a thumb pick also gives you the ability to use your thumb on the three thickest strings while also using your next three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) to pluck the other three , thinner strings.

Some musicians prefer to use thumb picks rather than flat picks because wearing thumb picks frees up your index fingers so you can play two styles at once.

To better understand what thumb picks can offer you as a musician, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a thumb pick.

Benefits of using thumb picks:

It’s much easier to hear classical-style artificial overtones

You don’t have to worry about your pick falling into your guitar

You can still play all the techniques you now play with your flat pick

Instead of having all your fingers clamped to the flat pick, you have four fingers available to pick, meaning you can switch from fingerstyle playing to other techniques very quickly

You can easily adjust the angle of your pick by flexing the knuckle of your thumb instead of moving your entire wrist

The thumb pick lets you easily play chords (clawhammer style), giving you a clean, controlled sound that’s especially clear on octaves

You can use your fingers to strum difficult strings while playing a solo instead of having to learn a unique plucking technique

Disadvantages of using thumb picks:

It takes a while to get used to the feel of a thumb pick as it feels very odd to have something on your thumb while strumming your instrument

You may find that finding a thumb pick in your size is almost impossible due to the limited range of sizes. If you have large thumbs, you will most likely feel squeezed and constricted by the thumb pick; On the other hand, if you have small thumbs, you may find the thumb pick slipping off your finger, which completely ruins the purpose of using a thumb pick

If you only play with thumb picks, you’ll falter if you end up forgetting to grab your thumb pick when you’re on your way to practice or to record. Thumb picks aren’t as easy to find as flat picks, which means it’s very unlikely you’ll be able to stop by your local guitar shop or music store and buy a thumb pick.

Dunlop Ultex Medium Thumbpicks Gold (4-pack) | Guitar Center Ultex Thumbpicks are bright, punchy, and super durable – they’ll sound great and hold their shape for a long time. Review Price We may receive compensation from the companies whose products we review. We only recommend products that we believe in and test.

Quick tip

If you happen to have bought a kit or collection of accessories for your instrument, chances are you have a flat choice in that kit/collection.

If you want to experiment a little with your sound, change how close you pluck to the bridge of your guitar. If you pluck closer to the guitar’s bridge, you’ll find that your tone is much harder and more intense. Conversely, if you pluck further from the guitar’s bridge, you’ll get a softer, smoother sound. This tip applies to both flat picks and thumb picks.

If you spend a few minutes looking around the internet for different types of picks, you will find that there is an enormous amount of different shapes, sizes, thicknesses and materials used to make the flat picks and thumb picks (depending on which one you use). regard). The variations of picks available on the market produce a different sound of your instrument.

While this difference in sound won’t be as drastic as if you plug in your guitar and play around with a soundboard, you will get slight changes in the intensity of the sound you produce by playing with different types of picks.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, certain musicians will recommend you use one particular pick over the other. Don’t feel pressured to pull one kind of pick over the other just because you think it makes you look cooler. There will be nobody but you to pay attention to what kind of pick you use.

Choosing the best pick for your personal musical preferences will really help make your guitar more enjoyable to play, but also allow you an easier transition between techniques.

Remember that if you buy a set of flat picks and a thumb pick, it’s totally fine as it’s entirely possible to learn how to play both picks fluently. I’d highly recommend buying both and keeping both in your accessory kit, but make sure you can play one type of pick easily before you start learning how to play the other. It ensures that you can easily switch between the two picks in the future.

Good luck finding your new favorite accessory!

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks (12 Pack) | Guitar Center A wider body and rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of all styles. Review Price We may receive compensation from the companies whose products we review. We only recommend products that we believe in and test.