Pick players help me out

[MarshallNole]

When I play the beginning of Sober by Tool, holding the pick as shown below, it shifts sideways in my fingers until I am basically playing with the side of the pick.

However when I use the 3 finger hold technique it is better, as shown below.

I would prefer the more traditional hold. I don't know why. Can anyone tell me how to secure the pick better while playing this intro? When I am picking notes on a single string it isn't an issue.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Try a Big Stubby 3.0mm. The thicker pick works for me. Also has an indention that your fingers fit into.

You can get the Big Stubby in 2.00, 2.50 or 3.00mm. You may want to get all 3 and then decide which one you like the best.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Big+Stubby+3.00+pick

 

[SunnBass]

Um, more practice?

 

[Stevorebob]

Um, more practice?

And maybe look for a pick with a textured surface such as the Jim Dunlop Ultex or Torex.

 

[shawshank72]

Um, more practice?

I agree with this.
But also it seems you are using a flat smooth pick.
I would suggest a dunlop max grip type of pick.
Something to give you friction as your holding it.

 

[SunnBass]

 

[heynorm]

Anchor your ring finger, when possible as sort of a monopod, on your bass, below the strings. I learned to do that in the 70's when I took flat-pickin' guitar lessens for a few weeks.

 

[bassburner]

Try a Big Stubby 3.0mm. The thicker pick works for me. Also has an indention that your fingers fit into.

You can get the Big Stubby in 2.00, 2.50 or 3.00mm. You may want to get all 3 and then decide which one you like the best.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Big Stubby 3.00 pick

+1 to the Big Stubby. Being a finger only player for nearly 20 years, I had a similar problem with the standard shaped picks but these worked much better for me. I specifically went with the red one, whatever size that is.

 

[MarshallNole]

I already use the Dunlop Tortex Triangle picks. It does make it better but those picks are huge.

So there is no other way to combat this besides using a big stubby or triangle pick?

 

[MalcolmAmos]

I'm sure there are other ways, however, with the bigger strings on our bass the bigger picks do seem to work out best. Because of 79 year old fingers I do have to, at some part in the session, switch over to a thumb pick, as my fingers can not hold on to a plectrum for a complete session. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=photo, thumb pick

I know some Travis Pickers use a thumb pick glued (Elmer's white glue stick) to their thumb and have tried this, it does help, but I find it over kill.

Some people take a plectrum and drill a hole in the plectrum. This does keep it from flying off.

Good luck.

 

[awilkie84]

Try a Big Stubby 3.0mm. The thicker pick works for me. Also has an indention that your fingers fit into.

You can get the Big Stubby in 2.00, 2.50 or 3.00mm. You may want to get all 3 and then decide which one you like the best.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Big Stubby 3.00 pick

I wish someone would make a stubby butt pick with a thinner tip. I prefer a .65 pick, but the added thickness & that recess on the stubby would be great for holding.

 

[awilkie84]

I already use the Dunlop Tortex Triangle picks. It does make it better but those picks are huge.

So there is no other way to combat this besides using a big stubby or triangle pick?

Try the Dunlop Tortex Sharkfins.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

I wish someone would make a stubby butt pick with a thinner tip. I prefer a .65 pick, but the added thickness & that recess on the stubby would be great for holding.

Sandpaper?????

 

[buldog5151bass]

When I hold the pick, part of the last joint of my index finger droops over the side. That seems to prevent too much slipping, although it can happen, especially when you sweat.

 

[awilkie84]

Sandpaper?????

The type of plastic used isn't right to just sand it down. The stubby picks are made out of a more brittle plastic. It would have to be made out of the same material as a typical Tortex.

 

[GreggBummer]

I have recently returned to pick playing after many years. I have had the same issues with the pick sliding around in my fingers. I resolved this issue by moving to larger, heaver picks. Let the pick do the work. Also, I suggest using this technique (discussed here on TB)

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/why-i-keep-hammering-the-carol-kaye-pick-method.452467/

Economy of motion is one of the keys to good technique on bass (and I'd argue any stringed instrument). Ultimately, you'll have to find what works for you. Let the pick do the work.

I have a completely different philosophy to my finger style playing. But that is a different thread.

 

[JustForSport]

Try using (one of) the other 2 corners instead- less angle on the sides on the point, and it won't try to deflect around as much.
And some texture will help- a few scuffs with course sandpaper, both sides.
Doesn't Carol Kaye use the other corners, as well?

 

[Fergie Fulton]

Check out the link for a few ideas about using a pick.

 

[MrTaff]

I used to have the same issue, now I scratch both sides of the pick with a knife which stops it turning around.

 

[andysick]

Like in the video above, if your index finger is perpendicular to your thumb, you will have a great grip on the pick...basically on my index knuckle. That's how i learned after constantly dropping my pick.