I started my guitar journey back in 1974, heavily influenced by the legendary John Denver. Like him, I initially gravitated towards plastic fingerpicks and a thumb pick, diving into his Greatest Hits songbook. It wasn’t long before I transitioned to the brighter sound and durability of metal fingerpicks. Whether I was immersed in Travis picking patterns or interpreting a Don McLean classic, fingerpicks on all four fingers became my standard. Life took a turn after college in the late ’70s, and performing took a backseat to work. My fingerpicks, relics of that musical chapter, were safely stored away in a Kodak film canister, only to be revisited during occasional bare-fingered personal playing sessions.
Over the years, I’ve observed a fascinating spectrum of picking preferences among guitarists. Don McLean, for instance, favored fingerpicks without a thumb pick. Conversely, many contemporary fingerstyle players showcased on YouTube often opt for just a thumb pick, leaving their fingers bare. Then there are players like the iconic John Denver, entirely pick-free, embracing the natural sound of fingertips on strings. And who can forget James Taylor, a proponent of natural nails – an avenue unfortunately closed to a former nail-biter like myself.
Personally, I’ve struggled to replicate the sonic balance and control I achieve with a full set of fingerpicks when using fewer. It’s not just about the sound itself; my fingers simply don’t seem to pluck with the same precision and intention unless all four are equipped. It’s either the full complement of four, or nothing at all for me.
Recently, I unearthed my trusty, half-century-old fingerpicks. After a period of re-familiarization and practice, I’m excited to reintroduce them into my monthly Happy Hour performances. I truly appreciate the balanced tone and expressive nuances that my four-pick setup provides.
This brings me to wonder, what are your preferences? Are Finger Guitar Picks still a common choice in today’s guitar landscape, or are they becoming a relic of the past? What are the reasons behind your picking style? Let’s discuss the world of finger guitar picks and their place in modern guitar playing.
