-
While playing and trying to record some personal licks, I happened to set my pick down and in a moment of laziness used my thumb for a lick.
It was unbelievable to me just how much better it sounded than my pick. There was what I would call, a true warmth about each note that none of my picks can match. And it was definitely darker, without the higher pitch sound the pick makes as it twangs on the metal strings.
I know its is impossible, but do any of you know of a pick that can replicate the warmth of a thumb?
-
08-13-2016 03:24 PM
-
This is only a guess, but if you're really keen on trying to replicate the sound of the thumb, look into a felt ukulele pick. There are videos on youtube on how to make them.
-
Or learn to play with your thumb
-
a felt pick will get you in the right direction...just don't be put off by it when it's brand new...use it..and the tip will eventually reshape to your picking style...
many electric bass players used them to get a warmer tone..and great with flatwounds
dunlop makes 'em..definitely worth checking into.. i used one just this morn!
cheers
-
Felt pick. Rubber Wedgies but they shred Wedgie Rubber Guitar Picks
Last edited by Jabberwocky; 08-13-2016 at 05:49 PM.
-
I've been trying to find a thumbpick that'll do that, for 25 years. I don't think such a thing exists. I'd say one would have to learn some kind of sleight-of-hand to "palm" the pick. For fingerstyle playing, or to switch to thumb-only. Mimi Fox comes to mind as one player who's incredibly adept at this. Myself, since I was never a fast player, anyway, slowing down and switching to thumb (no pick of any kind) and fingers gives me that nice warm tone the OP describes.
-
yeah thumbs definitely been known to work for some...
haha
cheers
-
Originally Posted by Jabberwocky
-
Wow!
Thanks for all these new options that I did not know existed.
Also, I am experimenting with using the thumb on slower lines. I can't use it on fast lines.
-
Originally Posted by AlsoRan
Wes seems like more of a hammer and pull-off style than a picking style. Amazing when the camera showed the thumb in those triplets, just plucking once so the frets could do the real work. I just did my first pull-off a couple weeks ago, and now I'm all over that. Thanks for the link.
-
Originally Posted by macuaig
cheers
-
Originally Posted by neatomic
Last edited by macuaig; 08-13-2016 at 09:18 PM.
-
Originally Posted by joe2758
Last edited by Jabberwocky; 08-14-2016 at 02:55 AM.
-
You might consider other fingers that you can use like a thumb. (Hint: Don't use your thumb this way, you need it as an opposable finger).
It has the added benefit of being a real conversation piece when you play weddings. But don't lose them. They're quite costly.
David
-
Let us not forget the great Jim Mullen - he demonstrates his thumb technique in this video:
-
He also played Tele ( with his thumb ) back in the day...Morrissey Mullen Band..etc...
-
Originally Posted by TruthHertz
-
Doh!
-
Originally Posted by AlsoRan
-
Here's one of mine, not sure he's exclusive to the thumb, but this is swingin'
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Originally Posted by lammie200
-
Whoa, he's playing my guitar (sans burst)! My feelings of six string inadequacy are assuaged!
I like the the way those rounds ring too. I'm a thumb and fingers guy so I'm going to give them a whirl.
-
I've been using a thumb centric approach since beginning exploring jazz guitar, never really liked the sound of a pick against string for myself. Upstrokes are easily achieved with the right angle change versus down strokes. You can generate a remarkable amount of thumb speed by anchoring pinky against pick guard. Lots of tone variations are available shifting position between end of neck and bridge. Lots of possibilities available when you also combine Thumb and Index /Down Up combo on the same string or with string skipping.
Last edited by WillMbCdn5; 08-14-2016 at 08:59 PM.
-
I actually find it quite useful to practice bop heads with my thumb as I am working on left hand slurring.
-
Does anyone make a thumbpick with a felt tip?
Gibson Thin line Guitar Models
Yesterday, 11:07 PM in Guitar, Amps & Gizmos