Finger picks are usually used for playing banjo in bluegrass music, but can also be used for guitar and harp - along with other types of instruments. They are usually made of metal or plastic and vary in thickness; the type used depends mainly on the level of experience and style of music. Choose the ones that suit you best, wear them and arrange them according to your preferences, so you can create beautiful music that will delight the listener.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Finger Pick
Step 1. Choose the right size
They are available in small, medium or large sizes; choosing one that is too big or too small can annoy you and negatively affect the way you play. The ideal would be to go to a musical instrument store and try them out physically, but if you don't have the chance you can find a reference chart online.
If you are left handed, you should look for left hand picks
Step 2. Choose carefully from the variety of picks available
Some can be very cheap, around a euro, but others can go as high as 30. You may be tempted to go for the more expensive ones to make sure you sound great, but that's not always the case. Cheap picks are often just as good as the finest ones.
If you prefer handcrafted metal picks, be prepared to spend the extra money
Step 3. Choose the metal ones for a more robust sound
Plastic picks are just as good, but if you are looking for a specific sound, metal picks are more suitable. A metal pick can produce a more robust and precise sound. And if you play very often and vigorously, a metal pick will last longer than a plastic one.
Step 4. Choose plastic if you are looking for a softer sound
Plastic is softer than metal and therefore makes it easier for you to achieve a smoother sound than you would with metal. The plastic also allows you to make some changes to the pick, given the malleability of the material.
It is possible to combine metal and plastic, as you can often play using more than one pick at the same time, wearing them on different fingers
Step 5. Start by using thin picks
Being lighter, they are the ideal solution if you are not yet used to wearing them on your fingers. They are also more flexible than those with a greater thickness, which makes them easier to use. Thin picks, however, are not only suitable for beginners, they are also ideal for achieving a more delicate sound.
Step 6. Use thicker picks to play faster
This type of pick is perfect for more experienced players, capable of more control. They are also suitable for quick succession strumming, which is quite common when playing the banjo. You can also use thicker picks if you want a more robust sound.
Part 2 of 3: Wear a New Pick
Step 1. Place the pick on top of your index finger
This type of pick usually needs to be fixed before starting to play. To do this, first place the pick on the tip of your index finger. The wraparound part of the pick should be between the tip of the finger and the first joint, with the part that pinches the instrument facing down. Musicians often wear three picks at a time; in this case put the other two on your thumb and middle finger.
- If you are using three picks, it is advisable to wear two metal and one plastic for good tonal variety.
- The edge of the pick should not fit into the joint of the finger.
Step 2. Fit the pick to your finger
Hold the pick between the index finger and thumb of the other hand and squeeze it to fit snugly on your finger, but don't overdo it.
The pick should protrude slightly from the end of the finger
Step 3. Try bending the blade if you want the pick to follow the curve of your finger, but it's not necessary if you're happy with how it fits
If you want the pick to bend along the curve of your finger, you will need to bend the blade. You can do this easily by pushing the end of the pick against a hard surface while wearing it, such as a table.
If the pick is very thick, it may be more difficult to bend it
Part 3 of 3: Adjusting the Sound
Step 1. Move the pick so that it is slightly tilted
This will allow you to pluck the strings of your instrument at near right angles, which allows you to achieve a fuller sound. If the pick isn't too tight, you should be able to tilt it a bit. The pick should cover half of the tip of your finger when angled correctly.
Step 2. Minimize the rubbing noise of a plastic pick by heating the tip
This is best suited to the pick you wear on your thumb. Hold it firmly with tongs and dip the flat tip into boiling water for 10 seconds. Then take it out of the water and fold the edge while it is still warm. This serves to flatten the surface in contact with the string, thus reducing the screeching of rubbing.
Step 3. Keep the metal pick clean to avoid interference in the sound
Rubbing also happens with metal picks, but you can reduce the noise considerably by keeping them clean. Use a soft chamois cloth. Rub the surface of the pick with the cloth to prevent dirt from accumulating.
It is also good to keep the strings clean, in order to prevent the pick from getting dirty
Advice
- To eliminate the rubbing noise of a plastic pick, you can wipe over the edges of the lip balm.
- Go to a musical instrument store for advice on which picks are best for your fingers and your musical style.
Warnings
- Make sure the pick isn't too tight, otherwise it may bother you and prevent good circulation.
- Be careful when using heat to modify the pick. Get someone to help you if you feel unsure about soaking it in boiling water.
