12-String Acoustic Guitar: Choices of Picks Flatpicks and Fingerpicks

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2004 22:04:57 EDT
Subject: Re: Flatpicks & Fingerpicks for 12-String Guitar

Hi Micky,
I have moved into new ground with the 12 string as a different way to play. I do want to learn the traditional style of play, as the flamenco guitar is done for me at this time. Thanks for the speedy reply. Since the flamenco right hand technique is different, from this new style of play, I have a few more questions: How do I fit the fingerpicks onto my fingers, how far passed the fingertip/nail should the picktip sit and are the same three fingers used (no pinkie)? How do I fit the thumbpick into proper alignment and position over the thumbtip/nail? In flamenco technique we kept the three fingernails short enough to be even with, or minimally passed the fleshy fingertip. Thumbnail was long and angled to act like a flatpick of sorts. I really appreciate your helping me get started on the right path with this new adventure!!!
Sincerely,
Mark

Greetings Mark,

I'm not sure if I had answered the above questions...your message was at the very bottom of a long e-mail consisting of previous communications...

Try the Dunlop .018 gauge for easy malleability...bend the collars so that they fit snug at the tip of the finger. The tip of the fingerpick should be about 1/8-inch + above any fingernails...you'll have to figure out what fits your own playing style. Yes, on guitar, you'll want to use three fingerpicks omitting the pinky. Now, there have been many great fingerstylists that only used two fingerpicks on guitar: John Fahey, Merle Travis, and I believe Dave Van Ronk...some folk and blues acoustic guitarists have effectively used one fingerpick (the index) plus the thumb...

The thumbpick fits easily and is self explanatory...once you have one to try. There's only one comfortable way to fit the thumbpick...of which is tapered to fit on your thumb in one direction with the part that extends to pick the strings facing left on your right thumb. My suggestion would be to experiment with small and medium sizes. You want the thumbpick to fit tight enough so that there's no movement, or shifting, upon it striking the strings.

If you're used to playing with fingernails, you're going to find the fingerpicks and thumbpicks to be quite awkward...they do become a part of you after a few months of constant practice...with this medium, you're going to find that the dynamics on a steel string guitar are easily achieved...on a nylon string guitar, the attack allowed with fingernails is far greater than on a steel string...to gain this same level of attack, and punch, fingerpicks and a thumbpick are essential on a steel string...and, on a 12-string, even more so...

Hope this helps....Mickey