Using ur Nail as a pick...Larry graham style

[Chili]

Does anybody have any good tips on how to get started with this, i was waching an instruction video with larry graham, but he doesnt really show u how to do it, he just plays if u want me to stay, and sed he doesnt like to use a pic so he used his nail, i can get a sound when i do it, but it doesnt have that same effect as when larry does it, does anybody use this tech??

[Folmeister]

I do, but only for short periods of time. I really don't have any insight except to suggest that you act like you are holding a pick but strike with whatever part of your nail you feel most comfortable. Just be careful. One gig I developed a nasty blister on one of my picking fingers and played a fairly aggressive tune with my nail to avoid the pain. I ended up wearing through the nail, causing even greater pain.

[Minger]

I don't think its a good idea, but thats just me...thats gonne get painful after a while.

Can fingenails develope the same thing as calouses? 0.o

[thewanderer24]

first, I agree, it can get painful pretty quickly, especially if you want his sound. I think the main thing Larry does to get his sound that most of us don't do (especially since we're taught to do just the opposite) is that he attacks the hell out of the strings. He hits em hard and with authority.

I have never bothered to see if the pain goes away with practice, as it's not a technique I've seen a big use for. YMMV.

[Chili]

I am used to hitting the strings hard with my finger style or when slap popin, oh and ur nail wearin through, now that sounds painful, Do you's rest ur thumb on ur finger when doin it?

[thewanderer24]

The little bit I've played around with the technique, yes, I rest my thumb against my finger, like I'm holding a pick