In addition to some of the lessons I am following here, I have been working on fingerstyle. So far, I have just used my thumb and fingers. I don't think I'm going to be able to maintain fingernails, so I decided to try fingerpicks. I think I can get the hang of it, but there is a distinct metal on metal sound as I hit each string, especially with the thumb pick. [br][br]Any ideas beyond trying nylon picks?

A very popular instructor on here favors Fred Kelly Delrin picks. Order them large though.

Another popular one are Alaska Picks or the usual Dunlops you'll find in the stores. The first two you'll have to order.

Alaska picks actually go under the fingernail so you'll need at least a little growth there. I personally could not get used to any of them so I just use my fingers. If your just starting then it might be good to get the feel of them right from the getgo. It's harder to do later on.

Thanks, I don't think the Alaskas will work for me. I may give the Dunlops a try. I'm happy with using fingers, but assume at some point, I may need more volume.

I have a metal butterfly fingerpick that I bought to try it out. I couldn't get it off my fingers fast enough. I don't even think I made it through a full measure.

If anyone wants it, message me. It's yours.

If you play long enough with your fingertips they will develop caluses and you can sound just as loud as somebody playing with the nails, the only nail that you need is the one on your thumb but only the outside edge if you don't wanna use a thumb pick

Herman

Originally Posted by: hsnoeckx

If you play long enough with your fingertips they will develop caluses and you can sound just as loud as somebody playing with the nails, the only nail that you need is the one on your thumb but only the outside edge if you don't wanna use a thumb pick

Herman

It's true. I'm done with all of the weird things on the ends of finger tips and thumbs. Plus I like being able to play any guitar I pick up without worrying about whether I have the "right" pick with me.

Good stuff, thanks everyone.