Maya Ellison
Finger picks are typically used for playing a bluegrass style of banjo music, but they can also be used by guitar and autoharp players. Picks usually come in metal or plastic and in different thicknesses. Metal picks produce a brighter sound but can cause faster string wear than plastic picks. Plastic picks, on the other hand, create a softer sound and cause less string wear. To fit a plastic finger pick, you can try softening the plastic in hot water or steam and moulding it to your finger. However, be cautious as the plastic can get too hot and it can be difficult to achieve the right level of softness for bending without losing shape. Alternatively, you can use medical tape to secure the pick to your finger and a nail clipper to shape it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Sound | Softer |
| Malleability | Fairly malleable |
| Thickness | Thin for beginners |
| Sizing | Small, medium, or large |
| Fitting | Heat the plastic, then bend to fit your finger |
| Adjustments | Use pliers to twist the edge to reduce scraping noise |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right material for your desired sound
The type of finger pick you choose depends on your experience level, style of music, and the sound you want to create. Plastic picks are ideal if you want a softer sound. Plastic is softer than metal, so it naturally creates a softer sound with more ease than a metal pick. Plastic is also a good idea if you plan to make adjustments to your finger pick because it is fairly malleable. You can heat plastic picks in hot water and then put them on your finger to shape them.
Metal picks, on the other hand, are ideal if you are going for a louder and more precise sound. Metal picks will help you produce a brighter and louder sound. Metal is also more durable if you play hard and very often. Metal picks are also adjustable and can be molded easily to fit your finger size.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a thin plastic pick as they are great for players who are just starting out because they are lighter.
It is important to note that finger picks usually come in different sizes, so make sure to choose the right size for your finger to ensure comfort and ease of play. You can also experiment with different plastics like ping pong balls and milk jugs to see which material produces the sound you desire.
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Select the correct size
Selecting the correct size of finger pick is crucial for both comfort and performance. Finger picks typically come in small, medium, and large sizes, and choosing the right one for your finger size and playing style is important. A pick that is too large or too small can be uncomfortable and affect your playing.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a thin finger pick as they are lighter and easier to manage. You should also consider the type of music you want to play. For example, metal picks produce a louder and more precise sound, while plastic picks create a softer sound and are easier to adjust.
To find your correct finger pick size, you can use a sizing chart provided by the manufacturer or a finger pick sampler kit. Place your nail directly below the sizing chart and compare the outline shapes of the various pick sizes to find the best fit. Some companies may ask you to email photos of your nails to recommend the correct sizes.
Additionally, consider the length of your fingers. For clawhammer picks, the length from the tip of your finger to the first joint is important. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger size for regular finger picks and the smaller size for clawhammer picks.
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Heat the plastic to soften it
Plastic fingerpicks can be adjusted to fit your fingers by softening them with heat and moulding them into shape. This is because the heat softens the plastic, making it easier to bend without losing its shape. However, not all types of plastics can be softened and bent; for example, Delrin and Polycarbonate cannot be bent.
There are a few different methods to heat the plastic:
- One way is to use hot water. You can boil some water in a kettle or on a stovetop and then carefully dip the pick into the water using a pair of pliers. Hold the pick in the water for about 10 seconds, being careful not to overheat it. Then, remove it from the water and gently bend it to the desired shape.
- Another method is to use steam. You can hold the pick over a steaming pot of water, being careful not to get too close to avoid burns. The steam will soften the plastic, allowing you to mould it to your finger.
- You can also use a microwave to heat the plastic. Place the pick in the microwave for a few seconds; plastic heats up quickly, so be cautious not to overheat it. Then, carefully remove it from the microwave and shape it to your finger.
When heating plastic fingerpicks, it is important to be cautious and avoid overheating or burning yourself. Too much heat can cause the pick to lose its shape, and it can also be dangerous. It is also important to note that some plastics may not be suitable for softening, so it is recommended to do a small test before attempting to mould the entire pick.
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Mould the plastic to your finger
Plastic finger picks can be moulded to your fingers by softening them with heat. You can do this by boiling water in a microwave oven in a microwave-safe container, or on a stove. Then, using tongs or pliers, dip the flat edge of the pick in the boiling water and hold it there for around 10 seconds. Remove the pick from the water and allow it to cool until you can handle it comfortably. Place the pick on your finger and mould it to your finger shape, bending the finger rings with your fingers to fit comfortably. You can also bend the tip of the pick until it is at your preferred playing angle. Some players prefer the tip to protrude slightly from the fingertip, while others prefer intimate fingertip contact. If the pick cools down before you can finish moulding it, simply dip it back into the hot water for another minute or so.
It is important to note that not all types of plastics can be softened and bent. For example, Delrin and Polycarbonate cannot be bent. Additionally, be cautious when handling boiling water and heated plastic picks to avoid burns and discomfort. The pick must be hot enough to bend, but not too hot. You should also ensure that the pick is not too tight on your finger, as this can restrict blood flow to your fingertips and cause discomfort.
Another method of moulding plastic finger picks is to use medical tape. First, wrap the pick around the tip of your desired finger, lining up the edges so they are straight where they meet. Then, wrap one side over the other and mark where they overlap. Use a thin strip of medical tape to tape the sides together, and use a nail clipper to shape the blade to its final edge. You can use a file to smooth things out if needed.
It may take several attempts to get your plastic finger picks to fit perfectly, but with patience and caution, you can achieve a comfortable and customised fit.
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Adjust the pick angle
When fitting plastic finger picks, adjusting the pick angle is crucial for achieving the desired sound and playing comfort. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Choose the Right Pick Size
Start by selecting the right size for your fingers. Finger picks typically come in small, medium, or large sizes. It is recommended to try them on in a music store or refer to a sizing chart online to find the most suitable fit. A pick that is too tight can be uncomfortable and affect your playing, while a loose one might require some adjustment to find the optimal angle.
Angle the Pick for a Fuller Sound
Once you have the right-sized pick, you can adjust the angle to improve your playing experience and sound quality. Move the pick to fit at a slight angle, allowing you to strike the strings of your instrument more straightforwardly. This straightened angle will give your music a fuller, richer sound. Ensure that the pick covers about half of your fingertip when angled correctly.
Heat the Pick with Caution
If you find that your plastic pick is challenging to adjust, consider softening it with heat. You can do this by dipping the flat edge of the pick in boiling water for about 10 seconds. Use a pair of pliers to hold the pick safely. After heating, carefully twist the edge slightly while it's still hot to flatten it against the string. This process will reduce any unwanted scraping noises from the pick.
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The type of pick you use can also impact the sound and your ability to adjust the angle. Plastic picks are softer and more malleable than metal ones, making them easier to adjust and creating a softer sound. Metal picks, on the other hand, produce a louder and more precise sound. Combining plastic and metal picks is also an option, as some players use three picks simultaneously.
Secure the Pick with Tape
To enhance your comfort and ensure the pick stays in place at the desired angle, consider using tape. Medical tape or two-sided tape designed for plastic glazing can help secure plastic picks to your fingers. This method can improve your playing experience and reduce the chances of the pick slipping or falling off.
By following these steps and experimenting with different angles, you will be able to find the most comfortable and acoustically pleasing position for your plastic finger picks. Remember to be cautious when using heat to adjust your picks, and always ensure a secure and comfortable fit to enhance your playing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Finger picks usually come in small, medium, and large sizes. You should try them on to find the right size for you, as wearing a pick that is too large or small can be uncomfortable and affect the way you play. If you can't try them on in a store, look for a sizing chart online.
First, soften the plastic by soaking the pick in hot water for a minute or heating it in the microwave for a few seconds. Then, place the pick on your finger and bend the finger rings to fit comfortably. You can use needle-nose pliers if the plastic is too hot or stiff to bend with your fingers. Finally, bend the tip to your preferred playing angle.
You can use tape to help secure plastic picks to your fingers. Try two-sided tape or sticky pick liquid—the kind used for putting up plastic winter glazing on windows.
