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how to keep hold of your pick???
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: GUEST Date: 20 Jun 07 - 05:41 PM cheers folks!!! plenty to be going on there. . . but keep the ideas coming!!! |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: Gurney Date: 20 Jun 07 - 04:27 PM 1/ Paint the pick with rubber solution glue. The sort that idiots sniff. 2/ Wrap the pick in paper masking tape. The more you use it, the 'stickier' it gets. you can also finagle ridges under the tape. 3/ Superglue a strip of plastic at near right-angles to the tip, so that it fits into the palm of your hand. I've had the same problem. Could you tell? |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: MissouriMud Date: 20 Jun 07 - 03:32 PM A small strip of double sided tape provides enough tackiness to keep things in place. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz Date: 20 Jun 07 - 02:46 PM Tunesmith: Essay on pick holding by Tuck Andress was great and just about covers it. Yes, Brent uses a thumbpick(another variety of plectrum) and fingers,(talk about fingers, let us not forget Lenny Breau, Danny Gatton, and Jennifer Batten, see "Flight of the Bumblebee", the video, my Top Friends on myspace. You might say "That's impossifus!" No friends, it's real. She can do that...) but for the benefit of our beginner mandolin player who started all of this, it serves merely as an introduction to the infinite variety of combinations(for my Folk shows I use, in part, a clear Dobro thumbpick and National steel fingerpicks). Tuck mentions George Benson, who I had the opportunity (and honor) to briefly play with. It seems to me to be about creativity and using whatever works to get YOUR sound. The water is deep. If I elaborate any more and tell our mandolin playing friend that while holding the pick and moving it clockwise and counterclockwise, it is also possible to train yourself to use the other 3 fingers to do some pretty interesting things, it might confuse him/her. Brent is so amazing. I have his video and have him as a friend on myspace. Inspiring. George Benson was like Bruce Lee, so fast when he was 19, see George Benson: Cookbook(LP) When the decision was made to use his vocal abilities, a lot of what he could have played during the breaks was toned down. (They had to slow down Bruce Lee for the films, the hands were so fast nobody could see them move). HAPPY PICKIN! bob |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: Rasener Date: 20 Jun 07 - 02:20 PM Ah I didn't know that Joe, I thought it was for all posts. JGM >>As for the original thread title, I'm taking lessons from a handicrafts teacher on that one! << Sounds like you are in for a good night :-) Unfortunately, although I know it is a serious thread, I can't stop hooting with laughter at each post. That's guest's fault for spelling pick wrong. :-) |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: Jim Lad Date: 20 Jun 07 - 02:13 PM I switch over to Thumb & Finger pick when I'm not strumming but have never thought the Thumb Pick would be suitable for that. Is there a particular brand worth trying? |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: Grab Date: 20 Jun 07 - 01:31 PM My best suggestion is to get a bigger pick. I had the same problems, until I found that Jim Dunlop do some large triangular picks ("Tortex Triangle"). The larger surface area means that you need less pressure to keep a grip on it. My weapon of choice for mandolin and guitar is the 1.14mm (purple), although I've got a couple of each of the others in case I want less attack for some reason. The Dava Control is another possible solution. It's got a thin point in the middle so that the tip can "hinge" away when you pick, whilst the top still stays firmly in your grip. I didn't get on with them, but after I found the triangle picks I gave all my others to a friend, and he's now a total convert to the Dava Controls. Or try a thumb-pick. I like the idea of that oud pick - have to experiment with that. The problem is finding a suitable thickness of plastic, I guess - most plastic bottles are pretty thin. Graham. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: John MacKenzie Date: 20 Jun 07 - 01:26 PM Don't use picks very often, but I've found the matt finish on Shark's Fin picks is very good to hold. As for the original thread title, I'm taking lessons from a handicrafts teacher on that one! G |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: kendall Date: 20 Jun 07 - 01:20 PM Villan, Guest posting is ok in the music section. They are banned from the BS section. What Midchuck suggests works for me. However, not too many holes, they will weaken the material and they will split. I have found that the older I get the dryer my skin gets, so the ends of my fingers have a hard time holding a smooth pick. Fortunatly, Jeri gave me two of Rick Fielding's picks that have a certain design on them in bas relief. They help me grip them. I also guard them from borrowers. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: GUEST,Tunesmith Date: 20 Jun 07 - 01:20 PM A previous poster mention Brent Mason. Brent doesn't use a plectrum. He uses a thumb-pick and fingers. As does another amazing player Scotty Anderson. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: GUEST,Tunesmith Date: 20 Jun 07 - 01:17 PM This essay on the subject by Tuck Andress is definitely worth reading!! essay on plectrum holding |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: Rasener Date: 20 Jun 07 - 01:03 PM ROTFLMAO Bente :-) |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: bfdk Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:51 PM Same in Danish, Les, and I'm still working on cleaning the screen.. :o)) Bente |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:51 PM A bit of clarification (hopefully)...When I'm playing, the pick is actually MOVING. That is to say, the song might open with a simple rhythm pattern we all would use with up and down strokes. Then, as the song progresses, the thumb pushes the pick against the forefinger, causing it to rotate so it is then being played on the side as the lead break in the song comes up. Then, angling the pick (let's say 45 degrees, could vary, depending on the tone I want), the attack changes, so the string is hit from the side to create a harmonic. That technique, coupled with subtle changes from the hand which is chording/single line playing, will give you those classic blues leads. Depending on your imagination, the technique works quite well in Folk too. Throw out the rule book for a bit and experiment. You might come up with an "A-HA" moment, and add a new technique to your arsenal...all the best. http://www.myspace.com/bobryszkiewicz |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:45 PM I've tried just about every type of pick with some sort of grip improvement feature that's ever come down the pike. They always feel awkward to me. A regular pick feels like a natural extension of my thumb and finger, but gimick picks make me aware that I'm holding onto something. Maybe if flying pick syndrome was a major problem I'd stick with one of them long enough for it to feel more natural, but I rarely drop picks as it is. The only concession to grip that I make nowadays is to use nylon or Delrin picks with a powdery finish. I won't use anything with a slick, shiny surface. The powdery coating gives just enough extra grip without any awkward feeling. Oh, by the way, I noticed that when I quit drinking my ability to hold onto a pick increased tremendously. Imagine that! |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: GUEST,Sapper on the OHLE Test Train Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:42 PM Forgetting the Dutch confision, Am I the only one who saw an extra "R" in the title? |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: mandotim Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:34 PM Wegen picks come in all sorts of shapes and thicknesses. The big advantage is that they are properly bevelled. This allows the player to drive 'through' the pair of strings, rather than brushing them. I think that this is essential for good tone on a mandolin, irrespective of the style of music. (Opinion, of course...others will differ). You can use any of the points, and it is easy to vary the tone by changing the angle of attack as the pick strikes the strings. Tim |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: The Sandman Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:24 PM Gerry o connor[banjo]recommends a nylon 60mm,these seem to be alright for the mandolin.I generally fingerpick the guitar, but when I do flatpick the guitar,Iwould use something heavier than 60mm. do the michel wenger picks[ioom] work as well for traditional irish /scottish as they do for bluegrass,Iwondered if they might be a tad heavy. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pick??? From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:19 PM Here's a vid of an Ud player - Hamza el Din. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Jim Lad Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:16 PM I'm with Midchuck on this one. Get yourself a single hole punch. Looks like a cheap pair of pliers. I used to do that and it worked well. For some reason, it never crossed my mind to use a drill. PLECTRUM |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Bert Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:00 PM Listed to a few Ud recordings too. You will hear some players who are also blindingly fast and who don't have to hold their fingers in an unnaturally clenched position. They choose a plastic bottle of a suitable stiffness and cut a pick the size and shape that suits them. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:55 AM Hi Kids!: LISTEN TO PEACE...he's right! As you become a more advanced player, you will be able to use the various sides of the pick for effects. And should you take up, dare I use the word? ELECTRIC GUITAR!(I wonder if Bob Dylan is reading this, or Hendrix from the outskirts of infinity?) You will see this technique can produce incredible effects in the hands of a highly skilled player(see Jerry Donahue, Brent Mason; killer Nashville session guys) If you care about tone, you might want to experiment with the infinite variety of shapes, sizes and materials available. My personal faves include: Fender Medium(the white ones) which work very well in blues and flatpicking, and cross over nicely to electric guitar. Just the right(for me) snapback. If you use a pick that's too thin, the snapback isn't good, horrible if you are doing a Doc Watson type flatpicking. If you are a wacka-wacka beginner who knows 3 chords, they'll be fine. My other current fave is a very thick imitation tortoise-shell that I got from Boutique Tone in Montreal. Great for recording near sensitive microphones. A lot of Jazz guys like those very small(about the size of a dime) picks, fast, great tone. Since GUEST is a mandolin person, ya gotta check out Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, etc. These guys are lightening fast, and most likely would or have used picks that are relatively stiff and quick. Anyhound, keep at it til you tame that puppy. Pretty soon, you'll be "in the zone" and the pick will feel natural. Good Luck...bob |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Kevin Sheils Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:39 AM But don't worry about the rubber coated piks! |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Bert Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:37 AM Jack Campin said it. Ud players traditionally used an eagle quill, or so they will tell you. But now they use a strip cut from a plastic bottle. About four inches long and half an inch wide. (Oh dear that sounds as though we're talking about that 'pik' again). |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Rasener Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:22 AM Funny - how did guest get away with being guest without a warning from J O ? |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Rasener Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:19 AM Are you sure you are not Dutch guest? :-) |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: GUEST Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:12 AM cheers folks!!!! I'll have to keep my eyes open for the above mentioned rubber coated Picks!!!! P.S SOrry about the spelling!!!!
Thanks. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Rasener Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:06 AM LOL |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Vixen Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:00 AM I played guitar for 20 years, losing my picks frequently. Then I discovered picks made from cow horn. They seem to get slightly tacky as I play, and they worked great. Then a good friend of ours recommended the following source for picks. We use the M-100s, for Mando and Guitar, and we both love them. Be aware, however, this is a Dutch manufacturer, so DO watch your spelling! Michel Wegen Picks V |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: GUEST Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:58 AM For mandolin you could try not using the tip, but one of the 'shoulders'. You get less 'click' on the strings, so a mellower and (in my view) a better tone, especially for accompanying a song. It also gives you more surface area to grip with. Give it a try. People also sometimes score the pick with a file or sandpaper to make it less slippery. If it's moving as you play you should probably examine your 'angle of attack, and how the pick is hitting the strings - you may need to alter your hand (picking) position a bit. But in the main, Peace is right - practice and persistance'll sort you out. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Midchuck Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:56 AM Drilling 2 or 3 teeny little holes through the wide part of the pick, where you grip it, helps a lot for me. I buy the same picks Barbara suggests, but you got to buy a lot of them, 'cause the rubbery stuff wears off fairly quickly in use. Peter. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Rasener Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:54 AM I think somebody should correct the spelling of "Pik" into "Pick" In Dutch pik means a male private part, which then makes the first post highly amusing to people who understand Dutch. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Jack Campin Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:35 AM Why do guitarists and mandolin players keep on using silly little triangular things when ud players worked out a better design more than 1000 years ago? If you use a strip of flexible stuff a few inches long, the palm of your hand can help hold it in alignment. It's much less strain on your fingers. I have a few suggestions on my cumbus page: http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/jack/Music/Cumbus/cumbus.html |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Barbara Shaw Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:29 AM There have been some older threads where I asked this very question. Since that time, I found a new pick called "Cool" which has a slight rubberized grip on both sides where the thumb and 1st finger grip it. Works GREAT! My son gave me a pile of them as a gift, so I don't know how much they cost, and he either got them at Guitar Center or Rudy's in Manhattan, both places he formerly worked. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: JeremyC Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:13 AM Hell, I've been playing guitar for half my life, and I still occasionally lose my pick or have it shift to the side while I'm strumming. The most annoying thing of all, though, is that sometimes, when I'm strumming, I'll catch the nail of my index finger on the strings. My right hand nails are longish and acryllic-ed for fingerpicking because I have thin natural nails (and they tear, break, and do all sorts of awful things). So I'll hit my index fingernail on the string and it'll sometimes actually catch and gouge the acryllic on the side, which HURTS. So there's a problem I have yet to solve. |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Dave Hanson Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:10 AM Gorilla Snot. eric |
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Subject: RE: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: Peace Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:08 AM It's a delicate balance between too tight and not tightly enough. Just takes time. |
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Subject: how to keep hold of your pik??? From: GUEST Date: 20 Jun 07 - 10:07 AM I have just started learning the mandolin, having played fiddle for a number of years. The only problem im having is that as im playing a tune, my pik will start slipping in my grip and the tip will begin to rotate one way or the other. This often ends up in me having to stop playing to re-place my pik in its right position. I have tried to grip my pik harder and that doesnt work, it just hurts my hand!!! Has anybody got any tips???? or is this just a common problem which disapears in time??
Thanks. -Joe Offer- |
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