Alexei Volkov
Plastic finger picks are a popular choice for musicians, especially banjo and guitar players, due to their softer sound and malleability. They are worn on the fingers, allowing for complex string combinations and are usually combined with a thumb pick. To wear a plastic finger pick, it should be placed on the end of the index finger, with the collar between the fingertip and the first joint, and the picking surface facing down. The pick should be formed to the finger by squeezing the collar and bending the blade to fit the curve of the finger. The angle of the pick can be adjusted for a fuller sound, and the tip can be heated to reduce scraping noises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic, Metal, Cellulose, Stone, Wood, Shell |
| Sound | Plastic produces a softer sound |
| Malleability | Plastic is malleable and can be adjusted to fit your finger |
| Number of Picks | Typically, musicians wear three picks at a time |
| Pick Placement | Place the pick on the end of your index finger, with the collar between the end of your finger and the first joint |
| Pick Direction | The part that picks the instrument should face down |
| Pick Angle | Move the pick to a slight angle to achieve a fuller sound |
| Pick Adjustment | Bend the blade to make the pick curve with your finger |
| Reduces Scraping Noises | Heat the tip of the pick, particularly if it is plastic |
| Comfort | Ensure the pick is not too tight or too loose |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right material for your desired sound
Choosing the right material for your finger picks is essential to achieving your desired sound. Finger picks are typically made of metal or plastic, with some less common materials like nylon, celluloid, and Delrin. Metal picks, for instance, made from stainless steel, offer a brighter, sharper, and more defined tone. They act as a natural amplifier, enhancing the volume and clarity of your playing. On the other hand, plastic picks, such as those made from ABS thermoplastic, provide a warmer and softer tone, creating a more mellow sound. Plastic picks are also more comfortable for extended periods of play due to their lightweight and flexible nature.
If you're seeking a sharper and more pronounced sound, Delrin picks are the hardest of the plastic varieties and are designed to mimic the feel and sound of tortoiseshell. They offer a more aggressive attack on the strings, making them particularly suitable for bassists. Nylon picks, on the other hand, have a softer feel and produce a darker tone. They are less prone to breaking than celluloid picks and offer better grip, making them a popular choice for players seeking a smoother playing experience.
The shape of your finger picks also influences your sound. Traditional guitar picks are flat and held between the thumb and finger, while finger picks wrap around the end of your fingers, allowing you to pick multiple strings simultaneously. The tips of fingerstyle picks are narrower than fingers, providing a cleaner and more precise sound. Thumb picks, which are worn on the thumb, can be combined with finger picks to create a unique sound. Some guitarists prefer to use a thumb pick with bare fingers, achieving a balance between the volume of the pick and the natural sound of the fingers.
Ultimately, the choice between finger picks and bare fingers depends on the genre of music and your playing style. Finger picks amplify the sound, making them ideal for playing in ensembles or loud settings. They also provide a brighter and clearer tone, enhancing the volume and definition of your playing. However, bare fingers can be preferable for certain styles, such as gentle ballads or quiet blues songs, where a softer and more natural sound is desired. Experimentation is key to finding the right sound, and you may find that combining finger picks with bare fingers gives you the best of both worlds.
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Adjust the pick's position on your finger
Adjusting the position of your plastic finger picks is an important step in ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Finding the Right Fit
Before adjusting the position, ensure that you have selected the appropriate size for your fingers. Finger picks typically come in small, medium, or large sizes. Choosing the right size is crucial for comfort and ease of play. If the pick is too tight, it can restrict circulation and cause discomfort. Conversely, a loose pick may slip off or hinder your playing technique.
Positioning the Pick
Place the pick on the end of your index finger. The collar or ring of the pick should sit comfortably between the end of your finger and the first joint. Ensure there is a slight gap between the collar and your finger joint. The tip of the pick, which will strike the instrument's strings, should face downward.
Adjusting for Comfort
Hold the collar of the pick between your thumb and index finger of the opposite hand. Gently squeeze the collar until the pick feels snug but not too tight on your finger. Be cautious not to squeeze too hard, as this may deform the pick or make it too tight. You can also adjust the position of the tip relative to your fingernail. If the pick extends too far beyond your fingernail, gently bend the tip downward to achieve the desired position.
Securing the Pick
To ensure the pick remains securely in place, you can apply a small amount of adhesive or use tape specifically designed for this purpose. Some musicians recommend using two-sided tape, similar to the type used for window glazing. Alternatively, a product called "sticky pick" liquid can be applied to enhance the adhesion of the pick to your finger.
Customizing the Pick
Plastic finger picks can be customized to fit your fingers more precisely. One method is to use heat to soften the plastic, allowing you to bend and shape the pick. This can be done by placing the pick in hot water or using steam. Be cautious when applying heat, as excessive temperatures can make the pick too soft or difficult to handle. Another option is to use a microwave, heating the pick for just a few seconds until it becomes pliable. Always exercise caution when handling heated plastic, and ensure it is safe for the specific type of plastic your pick is made of.
By following these steps and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure your plastic finger picks are positioned securely and comfortably, allowing you to focus on creating wonderful music.
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Bend the pick to fit your finger
Plastic finger picks are a great option for musicians who want to achieve a softer sound. They are also ideal if you plan on making adjustments to your finger pick, as they are malleable. If you're a beginner, start with a thin plastic finger pick as they are more flexible and lighter than thicker picks.
When wearing a plastic finger pick, it's important to ensure that it fits your finger properly. To do this, you can bend the pick to fit your finger. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Place the collar of the finger pick on the end of your index finger, ensuring that the picking surface is facing down.
- Adjust the collar so that it sits between the end of your finger and the first joint. It should be snug but not too tight, as this can be uncomfortable and restrict blood flow.
- If you want the pick to follow the curve of your finger, you can gently bend the blade by pushing the end of the pick against a hard surface while wearing it. Thicker picks may be more challenging to bend.
- To achieve a straight playing angle, which results in a fuller sound, angle the pick slightly. It should cover half of your fingertip when angled correctly.
- If you want to reduce scraping noises, you can heat the tip of the pick, but be cautious when doing so.
- Experiment with different angles and positions to find what works best for you and your playing style. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so feel free to modify your picks accordingly.
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Adjust the angle of the pick
Adjusting the angle of a finger pick is an important step in wearing one correctly. Finger picks are typically used for playing a bluegrass style of banjo music, but they can also be used by guitar and autoharp players. They come in different materials, thicknesses, and sizes, and the type of finger pick you choose depends on your experience level and style of music. Plastic finger picks are a good option if you plan to make adjustments to your finger pick because they are fairly malleable.
To adjust the angle of a plastic finger pick, you can try heating the tip. Hold the pick with a pair of pliers and dip the flat edge into boiling water for about 10 seconds. Then, take it out and twist the edge slightly while it's still hot. This will flatten the edge of the pick against the string, reducing any unwanted scraping noise. You can also try putting the pick in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it, but be careful as plastic heats up quickly and can become too hot to handle. Once cooled, the pick will hold its new shape.
Another method for adjusting the angle of a plastic finger pick is to use tape. Two-sided tape, such as the kind used for putting up plastic winter glazing on windows, can help secure the pick to your finger and allow for some adjustment. You can also try using a liquid adhesive specifically designed for this purpose, such as "sticky pick".
When adjusting the angle of your finger pick, it's important to experiment and find what feels and sounds best to you. Some people prefer to wear their picks sticking out, while others prefer them closer to the fingertip. You can also try playing without the pick to determine the angle you want it to be at, and then hold the flattened pick against your finger at that angle before squeezing it into shape. Bending or twisting the picks can increase the mass of metal hitting the strings, producing a fuller tone. However, be careful not to scratch or scuff the picks too much, as this can ruin the tone.
Finally, it's worth noting that the angle of your finger pick may depend on the type of instrument you are playing. For example, when playing the Guzheng, the right thumb pick is taped at a 30-degree angle to the left, while the left thumb pick is taped at a 30-degree angle to the right.
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Heat the tip to reduce scraping noises
To reduce scraping noises from a plastic finger pick, you can heat the tip. This method works best with the pick worn on your thumb. It is important to note that the pick should not be too tight on your finger, as this can be uncomfortable and restrict circulation.
- Boil a cup of water in a metal pan on the stove.
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Place the plastic finger pick into the hot water and let it soak for about a minute.
- Using tongs, remove the pick from the water and allow it to cool briefly until you can handle it comfortably.
- Place the pick on your finger and adjust the fit to your preference.
- Bend the tip of the pick with your fingers until it reaches your desired playing angle. Some people prefer the tip to protrude slightly from the fingertip, while others prefer it to be level with the fingertip.
Be cautious when using heat to adjust your finger pick. If you are uncomfortable with the process, it is recommended to seek assistance.
It is worth mentioning that there are other methods to reduce scraping noises from finger picks. These include choosing a proper fit, ensuring the pick is in good condition, and experimenting with different pick materials, shapes, and sizes.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the pick on your finger like a ring, with the pad of your finger resting against the playing side. The collar of the pick should sit between the end of your finger and the first joint.
The pick should be snug but not too tight as this may be uncomfortable and cut off circulation.
You can heat the tip of the pick by placing it in boiling water or in the microwave. Once the pick is hot, you can bend it to fit your finger.
Finger pick manufacturers offer picks of varying sizes, but you may need to modify the pick to fit your finger comfortably.
Yes, many musicians wear three picks at a time, with two metal picks and one plastic pick to get a range of sounds.
