Picking with fingernails instead

Geoffrey Dyer · From: Bakersfield, California

I've always played accoustic and lap with my fingernails. I've experimented with those metal picks a few times, but never could get it right.

I've been trying to learn to use the metal fingerpicks all weekend because I like the bright attack, but I don't have nearly the control I do with my nails. When I put the picks on, it's as though my hands are disabled and drunk, getting stuck on strings and hitting the wrong ones. I figure that my hand is so used to playing without the picks, it's like starting over.

What are your feelings about playing with fingernails instead of picks? What are the disadvantages?

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

I've heard a good number of players play without picks. It can work fine. It is a different sound but it can be a good one. If you feel there is something missing with your tone you may want to try picks. Just leave them on and keep practicing with them. Its feels natural after not too long. Look into Joe Wright's method to get your right hand together.
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Bob

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

Try some Alaska pics. I use them, love them.

Stephen Gambrell · From: Over there

I use my nails+fingertips on steel, and sometimes on guitar, if I'm fingerpicking. But I use fingerpicks with dobro and banjo.

Bo Borland · From: South Jersey -

just give it some time, a weekend is not enuf time to get comfortable with finger picks.
It's like riding horses, once you learn how to use spurs, you might not need them all the time, but you should wear them anyway because you can't stop and go get them when you do need them.

Charles Davidson · From: Phenix City Alabama, USA

Mr. Seymore does not use picks,Can't get much better than that.DYKBC.
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Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC !

Richard Damron · From: Gallatin, Tennessee, USA (deceased)

Geoffrey -

You will, most likely, get valid responses - both pro and con - from the Forum members. I, for example, having studied the Classic Guitar many, many years ago assumed that I would go "pickless" and all would fall into place. Such was not to be and I'm now playing with picks - even the ring finger - on my right hand. Someone will, no doubt, suggest that it may end up being a personal preference for you. So be it.

One example of someone who has had great success without picks is none other than our Bobbe Seymour. You can see a bunch of his videos on YouTube. Virtually no one finds fault with his tone or technique.

My own personal suggestion is that you give ample time for experiment - as I did - and make your own determination as to which of the two you'd be most happy with.

Hope this helps a bit.

Richard

Alan Brookes · From: Brummy living in Southern California

Long nails are okay for nylon or gut strings; steel strings will wear down your nails very quickly. People who play without picks usually use the balls of their fingers and develop callouses on their thumbs.

Jeremy Threlfall · From: now in Western Australia

I think Bobbe uses a thumpick but no fingerpicks.

Gary Walker · From: Morro Bay, CA

I've seen Tommy a few years back with the Whites on the Opry and also, Buddy has been known to play sans finger picks.

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

better to know how to play w: picks & play w: bare fingers as well
rather than play w: bare fingers & not be able to play w: picks at all
put them picks on & stick w: it
you'll get used to them Geoffrey
i play both w: & without picks
i do prefer without cause of of the tone & chord stuff
on the other hand picks contribute to speed picking & clarity

Tamara James · Posted 8 Sep 2008 4:24 am

I couldn't get used to regular picks either. I liked being able to feel where the strings are. I guess personal contact with the strings is a way to say it. I have been using Propics for over a year on my steel and they work out just fine. Just enough metal to get great tone, yet allow me to touch the strings. I had to bend on them some, but that is with all pics.

Almost forgot..if your local music store doens't have them, you can order them from Elderly
http://elderly.com/accessories/items/PK47-L.htm

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

I enjoy the immediate sensation sans picks--like feeling the touch on a piano, when the hammer kicks back and you get the feedback from touch.
It's a warmer sound, but that's what I like.

And if Buddy E. does it from time to time... Cool

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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Kim Deschamps is another player who doesn't use picks (I don't know if he uses them sometimes, but at a Blue Rodeo gig I saw years ago he didn't use them at all).

I [;ay with or without. I kind of depends on what you're playing, I think - if you want to play tons of notes with a precise "snap" to them, then picks are needed; but for general medium-speed playing they're not required.. most steelers aren't used to seeing it and it just looks odd, but like anything else it works if you practice.

I've played lap and dobro that way (with and without picks) for years and never had a blister show up. Same with steel. It also gives you a nice variation in tone.
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No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

Twayn Williams · From: Portland, OR

Geoffrey Dyer · From: Bakersfield, California

Thanks everyone,

I'll try Propics and Alaksas. Do you think the fact that my long nails are uncut on the right hand is interfering with the picks now?

My main worry is that sometimes the nails shred. As many of you said, sounds like it would help to be able to do both.

By the way, Jim, is that Sneaky Pete's Flying Burrito Brothers Nudie on your avatar?

Mark Treepaz · From: Hamburg, New York USA

Bo Legg · Posted 8 Sep 2008 1:13 pm

I only use a thumb pick on the steel and the lead guitar.
At times I have to use finger picks if I've broken a nail to bad.
So I submit to you, realizing that I'm not one of the imitated, under the heading of useless info for casual reference only.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Mike Shefrin · Posted 8 Sep 2008 2:03 pm

I can play with or without picks. I find that I like the tone better playing with picks although for some reason my blocking technique without picks is much better than with them. I also find that when I want to use four note voicings (for jazz)I have an easier time with the grips using no picks. Fortunately I have very tough nails so I don't have a problem with them breaking but after awhile they tend to wear down and have to be filed and reshaped. Ultimately I think playing with picks delivers a brighter tone, and to my ears sounds better for playing country music. Just my humble opinion of course.

George Plemons · From: Corsicana, Texas, USA

The great Frank Baum uses no picks on the fingers.

Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

Playin' steel without fingerpicks is a hard thing to do, so I always use picks.

Brett

Rick Hulett · From: Hood River, OR

I go to the beauty shop and have them paint acrylic stuff on the nails of my right hand. I've been doing it for years for guitar. It works great and if any of the ladies look funny at me I just tell 'em it make me feel pretty.
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Derby D10, Hilton, Peavey 112

Rick Abbott · From: Indiana, USA

We could revive some threads?
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