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Topic: Picks |
Keith Glendinning
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 9 Jul 2014 4:17 am |
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I am a new Lap Steel player and I'm having difficulty playing with picks. I play electric/acoustic guitar without and have no problems. I have seen "Butterfly Picks" advertised and I wondered if any SGF forum members have tried them on Lap Steel?
Regards,
Keith. |
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Chase Brady
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2014 5:42 am
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I have a set of butterfly picks. I only use picks on the dobro and banjo. I liked the butterfly picks until the first time I sat in at a bluegrass jam. As soon as I started digging in trying to get enough volume to be heard, they started moving around on my fingers too much. They actually sound quite good, and are pretty comfortable, but if the point of wearing them is to get volume, they're not a good choice. They don't stand up to aggressive playing. They're really intended for fingerstyle guitarists who have trouble maintaining good nails. What I'm using now are "Old 97's". They're very comfortable. If you're going to use picks, spend the time and money to find a pair that feel good. They're well worth it.
There are a number of fine lap steel players who use their natural nails -- and a number who insist that you should use picks. Personally, I think you can get a good sound either way. It's just not quite the same good sound.
--Chase Brady
Check out my YouTube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGB22R_hYOXh55h_zfazCPQ
Nice YouTube comments help local musicians get gigs!
My Web Page: pages.suddenlink.net/chasebradymusic |
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Adam Nero
From:
Wisconsin
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Posted 9 Jul 2014 7:29 am
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Starting out with the picks is a process of trial and error. I felt like a baby cow taking my first steps for at least 3 weeks before I felt even a little comfortable. Pretty humbling and difficult to learn a new trick, especially if you're used to sounding good on some other instrument.
If you're open to sticking with the metal picks, keep a pair of pliers close at hand to shape them into a position that both feels natural and doesn't interfere with your ability to palm block. Again, this is all about trial and error and is personal to the player.
For example, I really like curving them to a point that's roughly equal to the length of my fingernails (I keep the right hand a little long for fingerstyle and classical guitar).
Some really like the Freddy Krueger vibe and have them out quite a bit farther. Whatever works for you.
That said, yeah, I've heard some people also like the butterfly picks you're talking about. Like Chase said, probably not amazing for dobro pickers who really have to dig in to get a lot out of their instrument... but if you're just playing steel, they might work. Never tried 'em.
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2 cheap dobros, several weird old lap steels, and one lifelong ticket to ride on the pedal steel struggle bus. |
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