Picking with your thumb?

Frusciante · #1 07-01-2011, 09:47 AM

So I wanted to start to learn how to practice with a pick though I hate having to hold onto a pick and keeping one with me... so I wanted to know if anyone played picking with only there thumb finger nail as a substitute pick and if it would give an actual pick sound.

TOOL460002 · #2 07-01-2011, 10:07 AM

The thumb up and down on one string is used for a few things, and picking like you want is possible to some degree. Personally, I have to dig in with my right index nail. I can't get the same force (down or up) with my thumb, but maybe I just need to put in more time. You can definitely just crank the amp if its light, but that percussive sound you want is, in my opinion, going to be tough to do with just your thumb.

5StringBlues · #3 07-01-2011, 10:15 AM

I grow out my thumbnail on occasion and use the technique you describe from time to time,but the nail is not very thick and will eventually break off. Playing with your thumbnail will give you a pick sound.

An alternate idea is to use a thumbpick,like Mario Cippollina from Huey Louis' band.

YouTube - ‪Mario's Bass Solo - Japan‬&rlm;

Epitaph04 · #4 07-02-2011, 03:42 PM

Franck Hermanny also does the thumb picking thing a lot.

jay tay · #5 07-02-2011, 03:51 PM

when I played the guitar as a kid, I had a pic that slipped over my thumb, you can get them for all fingers, used in finger picking, I still use the thumb pic whenever I want to pic on the bass, and the advantage is that you don't have to hold anything, so you can still use your fingers when needed!