you can basically achieve the same effect by playing with the tip of your index finger HOWEVER your fingernails must be just the right length (basically cut even with the end of your finger). When you strike the string with the end of your finger (your finger must be perpindicular ,or 90 degrees, to the string) your fingernail will strike the string while the skin at your fingertip provides the damping of the string. This may take a little practice to get right but you may find that it's a little easier than your method above.