For guitarists delving into fingerstyle playing, the quest for the perfect finger picks is a crucial part of honing their sound. After 63 years of playing guitar and 35 years dedicated to fingerpicking, I’ve explored a wide range of options and landed on what works best for my style and tone. Let’s dive into the world of finger picks and thumb picks, drawing from my personal experience to guide your own search.
Thumb Picks: A Foundation for Fingerstyle Tone
Thumb picks are essential for many fingerstyle guitarists, providing a solid bass note and rhythmic foundation. Over the years, I’ve favored several thumb picks for their unique tonal qualities and playing feel. My go-to choices include:
- BlueChip BCT-JDL and BCT-1L: Known for their warm yet clear sound, these picks offer excellent articulation.
- Jim Dunlop ‘Heavies’ Calico: These provide a robust tone and comfortable grip.
- Golden Gate ‘Clown Barf’ and ‘Ivoroid’: These picks deliver a distinctive sound and vintage vibe.
- Fred Kelly Delrin ‘Slick-pick’ (Medium or Heavy): The Delrin material offers a smooth attack and consistent tone.
What’s important to note is that I use these thumb picks straight from the packaging. I haven’t found the need to modify them through filing, sanding, or reshaping. Decades of practice have allowed me to adapt quickly to different thumb pick types, usually within just ten to fifteen seconds. This adaptability is key for any serious fingerstyle player.
The Finger Pick Dilemma: Plastic and Standard Metal
When it comes to finger picks, my journey hasn’t been as smooth with all materials. Plastic finger picks were a definite miss for me. I found them to be thick and clumsy, making adjustments difficult and the overall playing experience quite unpleasant.
Standard metal finger picks, whether brass or nickel, also didn’t quite hit the mark. While functional, they produced a sound that I perceived as too metallic and “clicky-clacky,” lacking the warmth I sought.
Propik Fingertone: A Finger Pick Revelation
Around twenty years ago, I discovered Propik ‘Fingertone’ picks in nickel with split-wraps, and they’ve been my finger pick of choice ever since. These picks offer a unique combination of features that address the shortcomings of other finger picks.
The design of Propik Fingertone picks is ingenious. The hole in the blade is a game-changer, allowing my fingers to maintain a direct feel of the strings. This tactile connection is crucial for nuanced playing. The flesh contact combined with the nickel tip creates a perfect balance: a warm overall tone with a clear and articulate “ping” to each note.
Furthermore, the blade’s malleability is a significant advantage. It’s incredibly easy to bend and shape the pick to perfectly fit the contour of my fingertip. The split wraps are another thoughtful design element, providing both comfort and easy adjustability for a secure and personalized fit.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Finger Pick
Choosing the right Finger Picks For Guitar is a personal journey. While thumb picks offer a range of materials and tones to explore, finger picks require careful consideration of material and design. For players seeking a warm yet clear tone, combined with comfort and control, Propik Fingertone finger picks stand out as an exceptional option. Experimentation is key, but starting with a recommendation from a seasoned player can certainly point you in the right direction in your quest for the perfect fingerpicking sound.
