Soft/flexible fingerpicks

petermac
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Soft/flexible fingerpicks Jun 13, 2016 17:42:39 GMT -5

Quote

Post by petermac on Jun 13, 2016 17:42:39 GMT -5

I've just been learning fingerpicking and haven't found anything beyond my fingertips (with sporadic nails) that I can use comfortably.

The typical thumbpick is so tight it turns the end of my thumb blue.

I'd almost rather not use picks at all, but the nails on my right hand keep breaking. Are there "nail strengtheners" other than the acrylic or fiberglass-reinforced?

Suggestions?

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RobertW
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Soft/flexible fingerpicks Jun 13, 2016 19:04:31 GMT -5

Quote

Post by RobertW on Jun 13, 2016 19:04:31 GMT -5

Jun 13, 2016 17:42:39 GMT -5 petermac said:

I've just been learning fingerpicking and haven't found anything beyond my fingertips (with sporadic nails) that I can use comfortably.

The typical thumbpick is so tight it turns the end of my thumb blue.

I'd almost rather not use picks at all, but the nails on my right hand keep breaking. Are there "nail strengtheners" other than the acrylic or fiberglass-reinforced?

Suggestions?

Non-Traditional FingerPick Designs on the old ACG
discussed various fingerpicking fingeroicks available.
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petermac Administrator Posts: 211 AKA: Peter McCormick Location: Cornwall, VT \| Campobello Island, NB Playing guitar since: 2014, at age 60	Soft/flexible fingerpicks Jun 14, 2016 19:38:44 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by petermac on Jun 14, 2016 19:38:44 GMT -5 RW - Some of those look like they're from some bad S&M or bondage porn flick ( (I imagine, of course). :-0 This is the routine James Taylor goes through keeping his nails in shape:
	I had no bucket list so I picked up the guitar... and my life changed for the better.

FloridaGull Administrator Posts: 1,027 Location: Palm City, FL Playing guitar since: The age of 18...with a good 20-year hiatus somewhere in the middle...	Soft/flexible fingerpicks Jun 15, 2016 18:30:08 GMT -5 CTGull, Stud Muffin, and 1 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by FloridaGull on Jun 15, 2016 18:30:08 GMT -5 FWIW, I use only the flesh of my fingertips - no nails, no fingerpicks, no nothin'!
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RobertW
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Soft/flexible fingerpicks Jun 15, 2016 19:39:24 GMT -5

Quote

Post by RobertW on Jun 15, 2016 19:39:24 GMT -5

sometimes i just let the fingerbones stick through for a bright clanky sound.

Last Edit: Jun 15, 2016 19:40:30 GMT -5 by RobertW

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Martin GPCPA5K Stika Spruce/Koa HDL/Birch Stratabond/Morado Fretboard (2015)
Gretsch Mahogany Boxcar Round-Neck Resonator (2015)
Alvarez ABT60 Baritone Spruce/Mahogany (2016)
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FloridaGull Administrator Posts: 1,027 Location: Palm City, FL Playing guitar since: The age of 18...with a good 20-year hiatus somewhere in the middle...	Soft/flexible fingerpicks Jun 16, 2016 11:57:59 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by FloridaGull on Jun 16, 2016 11:57:59 GMT -5 If your strings are wearing your fingertips to the bone, I suggest changing them...
	"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Derick
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Soft/flexible fingerpicks Jun 16, 2016 13:51:31 GMT -5

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Post by Derick on Jun 16, 2016 13:51:31 GMT -5

Peter

No right or wrong answer to this one, it all depends on the tone and volume that you are after, pure acoustic or through an amp, the type of music you want to play, etc
I play pure acoustic, don't need a lot of volume, I cut the fingernails on my right hand very low and just play with the bare flesh of the finger tips.

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modernsaint
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Soft/flexible fingerpicks Jun 21, 2016 15:34:00 GMT -5

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Post by modernsaint on Jun 21, 2016 15:34:00 GMT -5

I try to play with my nails mostly. Was Classically trained back in college but never followed through past 2 years. Because of the training, I do nail shaping and have been fortunate not to have used acrylic nails like James Taylor. I also don't play a frequently as he does so my nails do last longer. I remember my Classical Instructor telling me that I have really strong nails so you could say that I am blessed in that way. They do still break over time as well as crack. I just will will cut the damage area, file to shape and sandpaper. One just learns to cope with what I have for that short interim while they grow back.

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There are no wrong notes, just bad resolutions.

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Post by petermac on Jun 13, 2016 17:42:39 GMT -5

Post by RobertW on Jun 13, 2016 19:04:31 GMT -5

Post by petermac on Jun 14, 2016 19:38:44 GMT -5

Post by FloridaGull on Jun 15, 2016 18:30:08 GMT -5

Post by RobertW on Jun 15, 2016 19:39:24 GMT -5

Post by FloridaGull on Jun 16, 2016 11:57:59 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Jun 16, 2016 13:51:31 GMT -5

Post by modernsaint on Jun 21, 2016 15:34:00 GMT -5

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