Picks, how'dya hold em?

[cheddatom]

definitely try a thumb pick, it works for me!

[FinnDave]

Seems to be a lot of support for the thumb pick, I'll definitely pop into PMT and get a couple, I have a few hours to kill between appointments at the hospital on Tuesday, so should manage then.

[Dood]

[quote name='paul h' timestamp='1460015145' post='3021711']
Props to Dood for the single most helpful answer in bc history.

Great job
[/quote]


Thank you

[Phil Adams]

I never played much guitar, not much bass either but the time did come to get more serious and generally I prefer finger style, but as I haven't got a tip to my right index finger I play with my second finger. Hence I can't "walk' with the 2, plus my coordination is equal to that of a zombie.
Answer is to use a plectrum (pick as you youngsters call 'em) and like the OP I struggle to hold it. I think the answer in my case is to practise and just keep on until it feels more natural, but the thumb pick is deffo worth trying. I tend to cling on to the pick for dear life for fear of dropping it, which obviously effects my general suppleness.
Give that man a toffee apple!

[Lozz196]

I use the Dunlop Tortex triangular shaped ones, rotation then not too much of an issue.

[FinnDave]

Hopefully, my need to use picks will not be permanent, the docs reckon they can graft in a piece of tendon from 'somewhere else' in me (not something I want to think about!) but it will need at least 6 weeks post op to recover. I probably won't be able to play at all during that time. All because a dozy driver wasn't looking where she was going

[squire5]

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271943819679?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT"]http://www.ebay.co.u...K%3AMEBIDX%3AIT[/url] Wot I use.A dime a dozen,not to flexible and contoured,so easy to grip.Haven't dropped one yet.Lost hundreds.

[FinnDave]

Cheers, look very similar to the ones I use (haven't dropped one yet but hand gets a bit cramped holding them, but it is no longer a normal hand!). I'll give the thumb picks a try next week.

[luckydog]

FinnDave, thumb picks will be interesting, I've never tried. And you have the finger rest just waiting for this moment to arrive ! Leo intended the thumb to be used, I understand, so will be interesting ! PMT stock the 1mm stubbies BTW, they're red.

LD

[FinnDave]

Cheers, I used a standard pick at tonight's rehearsal and for the first time had no trouble with it, and was actually happy with my playing.

[DiMarco]

Do buy some different model picks and see which one you prefer. Ultex is good material as Nylon lacks attack and treble response on bass strings.
I sometimes use .73mm Dunlop Tortex but use the side corners rather then the sharp end. Lately been making a switch to these though:



The Jazz III 2.0 Ultex gives me even more attack and treble response then the yellow Tortex picks do. For modern bass tone this is really nice.
Playing bass with a pick can be really cool in some songs, but still I mainly play fingerstyle myself. Being able to do both is awesome.

Edited April 7, 2016 by DiMarco

[Oopsdabassist]

Morning Dave I use these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plectrum-Dava-Grip-Tip-Pack/dp/B00154OJOI/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1460102088&sr=1-1&keywords=dava+picks

Nice and grippy and they last for ages, also with all the bright colours, easy to find when ye drop em!

Like you I'm a fingers player, but found the some songs just need a pick for speed or attack, these were best of the bunch for me

[FinnDave]

Our drummer suggested a small blob of blue tack on the pick, I tried it last night and it made the whole thing much easier, thicker where I need it plus it moulds itself to my thumb and doesn't slip. I was playing runs as quickly as I used to with my fingers, but with better clarity and tone. The band like the new sound! I miss the organic feel of thumping out the rhythm with my fingers on the strings, though.

[luckydog]

FinnDave, great whatever works (except superglue !)

Pick or fingered it's horses for courses, pros cons and different sound and playability either way. Hey, on the brightside once your hand is sorted out, in time you'll have the choice !

LD

[FinnDave]

Maybe I should try superglue, good tip!

[tauzero]

Never really thought about how I hold it. I do it quite differently to Dood - grip it between thumb and the top joint of my middle finger, with my forefinger resting on the corner of the pick.





It's worth experimenting to see what works best for you. I don't use plectrum much on bass, mainly on guitar, and holding it this way means that I can pivot it around slightly so I'm brushing the strings with the edge rather than strumming them with the point.

[FinnDave]

Visited PMT in Oxford today and they had thumb picks in stock, unfortunately, the angle they sit at on the thumb and the limited mobility of my index finger mean I can't use them. I was there after visiting the hospital where I was told they can't recommend a tendon graft at the moment due to damage to my wrist, so I'm stuck with what I can use at the moment.

[luckydog]

Well, at least you gave it a shot FinnDave. Did you get a stubby to try ? Also, I think a grip between thumb and 2nd finger (supported by 3rd finger) might just work, keeping your index finger up and out of the way if that helps ? Bummer on the delay to the graft.....

LD

[FinnDave]

2nd finger is the one that's f*cked, index finger has the best grip. I tried a few other picks but decided the 351 shape is my best bet at the moment. From the specialist told me yesterday, this is something I'm going to have to learn to live with. I've been referred to a hand specialist physio at the Nuffield, so hopefully they'll help me make the most of what the accident has left me with.

Next gig is just over a week away, no pressure then!

[Rich]

Christ. I really hope it works out ok for you. I would say "fingers crossed" but it seems a bit inappropriate under the circumstances

[luckydog]

FinnDave, my bad about which finger is hurt.

Perhaps you can grip well just using index finger and thumb, no 2nd finger involved even for support? If you point your small finger straight and down away from your thumb it happens naturally I think, but in time that shouldn't be necessary and a relaxed hand is good. That is my normal grip, BTW, no 2nd finger involved even for support and relaxed hand, but the pick needs to be small and short really. HTH!

LD

[FinnDave]

Cheers, that's what I am doing, but the index finger grip isn't as good as it was. Looking forward to seeing the hand physic, my regular physic really rates her

[Dood]

Another option FinnDave, is to go custom!

We have custom basses - but did you know that you can also have plectrums made too? Patrick hufschmid of http://www.hufschmidguitars.com was contacted by a guitarist who had difficulties holding plectrums too, so he made a pick that had a really large grip area but small playing point. Since seeing that post on Instagram, I've been seeings some really tasty plectrums appear on my feed, as you'll see here:

Maybe drop him a line and see what can be done for you? http://plectrum.ch/products - I mean, if a normal thumb pick is the wrong angle, then coming up with a solution to suit you perfectly? I really like that idea. I like solving and creating things! Oh and you'll be the envy of the rest of us if you end up with something similar to the offerings on that website!!

Good luck, I hope that you end up creating something that will inspire (and help) others too!

[Dood]

ahhh! Found it - http://plectrum.ch/product/the-original-mega-anvil-clear-acrylic

[FinnDave]

Thanks, dood, some very interesting looking picks there, fairly eye watering prices though! I'll continue to experiment as my hand is still changing as it heals, but it is slowing down and I will be left with permanent injury there.