info needed on metal things on fingers

[ten left thumbs]

I need some really basic info on playing - I normally use a pick (strumming or picking) but would like to get into folk music. The style here is to use fingernails. I can't grow fingernails because piano is my first instrument and for good technique I need short nails. I do use fingertips for some things but I think I'm not getting the volume or clarity I want.

I was wondering about using the metal things I sometimes see folk guitarists using on fingers - I have some at home and just tried them out, I seem to get a clearer tone that way. But before I go practising and getting used to them I feel like I need some really basic info like:

what thes

• e things are called
• what types there are - there's a different one for thumb and fingers
• how they are supposed to fit
• technique

s for picking - is there anything I should avoid?

tia for all help. There's probably a youtube vid out there for me, I just don't even know what to search for.

[the*doctor]

I'm pretty sure they're just called finger picks. Usually metal or plastic, they sit with the curved side the same way as the fleshy part of your finger.

I have some, but always hated them. They just always felt clumsy to me. I hope you have better luck with them than I did.

[ten left thumbs]

Finger picks, ok that makes sense. they do feel clumsy, which is why I never persisted with them, but now I'm thinking maybe I should stick at it.

I always thought the curved bit went the other way (to be an extra finger nail) but they work better as extra finger pads.

Any thoughts on metal or plastic for steel strings?

[the*doctor]

It's up to you and what you think sounds better. Plastic is more mellow and soft,real is mire biting and hard sounding.

Personally, I'd go for plastic.

[ten left thumbs]

Thanks.

[mr. beaumont]

I feel like Freddy Krueger in em. Go with the flesh.

[tonedeaf]

Listen to the folk players, particularly the best instrumental folk players:

Leo Kotke
John Fayhe
Pat Donahue (possibly my favorite guitar player)

I suggest you sign up for Pandora.com and when you create a station, use these three players. You will hear a great variety of other excellent players, many of whom use finger picks.

[ten left thumbs]

Good tip, tonedeaf.

Mr Beaumont, the flesh is weak, very weak.