Thumb Pick

[A. L. McCaslin]

Does anyone else use a thumb pick, or am I a lone weirdo?

It just seems like the perfect device. I can use a pick when I need to or use my fingers when I need to. I'll never drop my pick. Slap is hard to do, but I almost never use that technique so it's not a huge deal.

Try it out if you haven't!

 

[MalcolmAmos]

I use a thumb pick on my rhythm guitar. Only one problem -- up strokes -- you gotta have your index finger on the back side of the thumb pick to get an up stroke going.

I very seldom use a pick on my bass. If I do its a Big Stubby 3.0mm plectrum.

 

[A. L. McCaslin]

I use a thumb pick on my rhythm guitar. Only one problem -- up strokes -- you gotta have your index finger on the back side of the thumb pick to get an up stroke going.

I very seldom use a pick on my bass. If I do its a Big Stubby 3.0mm plectrum.

It's true. It basically turns into a pick that you can't drop once you start using it.

 

[quickfix]

Nah. They're too long for me, even on rhythm guitar. I like to choke up on my picks with only about 2-3mm showing from between thumb and forefinger. I actually cut one down to size once, but it still didn't work out.
I use a Dunlop 3mm Big Stubby on my archtop guitars, and bass on rare occasions.

 

[20db pad]

The only bassist I've seen using one was Mario Cippolina who used to be in Huey Lewis and The News back when they were the biggest thing in the country. He sounded great with it.

 

[A. L. McCaslin]

Nah. They're too long for me, even on rhythm guitar. I like to choke up on my picks with only about 2-3mm showing from between thumb and forefinger. I actually cut one down to size once, but it still didn't work out.
I use a Dunlop 3mm Big Stubby on my archtop guitars, and bass on rare occasions.

I've actually found some recently that basically feel like jazz III picks with how far they stick out. Personally I prefer a bit longer when I'm playing bass, but if you're into that, they're out there.

 

[vilshofen]

The only bassist I've seen using one was Mario Cippolina who used to be in Huey Lewis and The News back when they were the biggest thing in the country. He sounded great with it.

Nick Lowe uses one on some of the Little Village vids. Personally I use the thumbnail and pad, like Segovia; it's the loudest, most sonorous sound I can call up.
Little Village - The Action (Live at Farm Aid 1992) - YouTube