Strumming w/o a pick!

JaDaRu · Post by **JaDaRu** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 7:40 pm

How do you guys do it? I use my thumb to strum and it always sounds incredibly muffled/vibrationy/unpredictable....What should I try to make it sound decent?

Jason

isaac · Post by **isaac** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 7:50 pm

practice?

i started out without a pick...it came naturally to me. just try as best as you can to use the side of your thumb near the tip....and work on flexibility. sometimes i would practice by resting the rest of my fingers below the strings and i wouldn't move my hand at all, just my thumb.

fatjack · Post by **fatjack** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 8:26 pm

use your fingernail as a sort of "psuedo-pick", just put your fingers together as if you were holding a pick and then strike the string with your fingernail

vipergts281 · Post by **vipergts281** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 9:36 pm

fatjack wrote:use your fingernail as a sort of "psuedo-pick", just put your fingers together as if you were holding a pick and then strike the string with your fingernail

Thats what I do. Except I have problems on the upstroke. The string tends to go under my nail. And my nails are short.

Any suggestions fo that? I guess just keep practicing.

fatjack · Post by **fatjack** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 9:38 pm

vipergts281 wrote:
fatjack wrote:use your fingernail as a sort of "psuedo-pick", just put your fingers together as if you were holding a pick and then strike the string with your fingernail
Thats what I do. Except I have problems on the upstroke. The string tends to go under my nail. And my nails are short.

Any suggestions fo that? I guess just keep practicing.

or keep your nails longer...

Pickles · Post by **Pickles** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 9:41 pm

fatjack wrote:use your fingernail as a sort of "psuedo-pick", just put your fingers together as if you were holding a pick and then strike the string with your fingernail

i do that... luckily i can play with or without a pick because i went through a phase in which i didnt use a pick for a while.... i cant play fast without a pick though

I'mWithFatjack · Post by **I'mWithFatjack** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 10:28 pm

fatjack wrote:use your fingernail as a sort of "psuedo-pick", just put your fingers together as if you were holding a pick and then strike the string with your fingernail

ive played similar to that for 8 years, i never really use a pick on a consitant basis... just all depends on your personal preference

JaDaRu · Post by **JaDaRu** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 10:40 pm

Thanks for the tips guys, I've been experimenting all night.

Jason

PureDaveAddict · Post by **PureDaveAddict** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 10:52 pm

what sound you get out of non-picking really depends on what angle you hold your hand at while strumming, so try mixing it up a bit, and just find the best position