Paul S Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 I play with a pick. I would like to be able to play fingerstyle as well as I can with a pick so I have both skills at my disposal but, try as I might, don't have sufficient control, consistency or speed. I practice and improve, but not quickly. At the moment I am learning songs for a new blues band and, for some tracks, could really do with less attack - something nearer to a fingerstyle sound but still allow the greater speed and control that a pick gives me. Rolling off the treble/playing nearer the neck/using the fat end of a regular pick etc didn't cut it. After trying a few soft plastic/rubber things that went wrong I wondered if leather might work. I tried an old strap but it was too floppy. Then I found an old leather belt I wore when gardening that has gone a bit hard - I cut the end off that, shaped it a bit - perfect! Weird kind of sound, not quite fingerstyle but a reassuringly soft plunk. Yet easily controlled like a pick. I'll still plug away at fingerstyle as it would be nice to be able to nail it. But for now I have a whole belt's worth of soft picks. Anyone else discovered a Blue Peter approach to playing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 [quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1357673695' post='1926536'] Anyone else discovered a Blue Peter approach to playing?[/quote] I haven't, but I think Shep has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1357673831' post='1926547'] I haven't, but I think Shep has. [/quote] .................. using a bit of old Fairy Liquid bottle? ................. well what do you expect, at least I didn't suggest a pair of Val's old knickers... ...... he sleeps in them............... over his head! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WalMan Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 If you look at this demo for the Steve Harris P part way through the whisperer shove a piece of foam under the strings which might be an option? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A72TYFcqk4E Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cygnus x-1 Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 keep at it, I played for years with only a pick, had a break for a few years, got back into playing ....using fingers, don't know exactly why, just did. That was five years ago, now some songs we play require a pick and I find it hard to play with a pick but I am sticking with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepurpleblob Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 I sympathise, but the other way. I've never been able to get the hang of a pick. No matter what I do, after a few notes it just slips out from between my fingers onto the floor. Mystery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Admiral Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 Another option might be a ukulele plectrum, which is made of compressed felt and might work for you : http://www.ukulele-plectrums.co.uk/designer-blue-feltrum-pack-of-1-p-29.html?zenid=hia63k6861cl8dmpil1epsico7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gapiro Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 [quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1357684189' post='1926854'] I sympathise, but the other way. I've never been able to get the hang of a pick. No matter what I do, after a few notes it just slips out from between my fingers onto the floor. Mystery! [/quote] +1. I can only get through a song on a pick if it is repetitive root notes or similar ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Thicker picks are generally less clicky, also you can look at the picking angle and how it effects the sound you're making. As previously mentioned foam under the bridge would probably help too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted January 9, 2013 Author Share Posted January 9, 2013 Thanks for your input Felt ukelele picks - might well try one of those. Also foam under the strings, which I hadn't thought of either. All the other stuff - adjusting the angle of pick, distance from bridge etc I have tried. Well, apart from washing up liquid bottles and sticky tape, anyway. But, yes, the best thing is to keep practicing playing with fingers until I can do it properly. Strange how we vary - I find pick playing completely intuitive but finger playing totally alien. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Having started on guitar I thought using a pick on a bass would be quite natural for me. For some strange reason it feels completely alien and I just can't do it at all. If I ever want that tone I have to put thumb and first finger together and use the fingenail. I now find that when I go back to guitar I don't use a pick which I couldn't really do before I started mainly playing bass. Sorry, doesn't help, but I do like your fix! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 [quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1357684468' post='1926866'] Another option might be a ukulele plectrum, which is made of compressed felt and might work for you...[/quote] Or possibly one of these? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/193547-pick-boy-felt-picks/page__hl__pickboy"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/193547-pick-boy-felt-picks/page__hl__pickboy[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted January 9, 2013 Author Share Posted January 9, 2013 Yes, i saw that thread but they don't seem to have worked out too well? Anyway, having a capacious waist ensures I have a supply of ex-belt picks for some while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coilte Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 [quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1357673695' post='1926536'] I practice and improve, but not quickly. [/quote] Be patient. Any new skill/technique takes a bit of time, practice and patience to master. You are obviously on the right track, so keep at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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