Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Choosing a finger pick
• Method 2 of 3: Put on a new finger pick
• Method 3 of 3: Adjust the sound
• Tips
• Warning

Finger picks are typically used for playing a banjo in the bluegrass genre, but they can also be used to play guitar, autoharp, and other types of instruments. Plectrums are available in both plastic and metal versions and are available in various thicknesses. The way you want to strum your fingers largely depends on your experience and music style. If you want to use a finger pick, choose one that suits you. Put it on and adjust it the way you want it and start making the music that you want and that everyone can enjoy.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Choosing a finger pick

1. Choose the right size. Finger picks come in sizes small, medium or large. A finger pick that is too big or too small will not feel right and will affect the way you play. If you can, go to a music store to try on a finger pick. If not, see if a size chart is available online.
   • Are you left handed? Then look for a finger pick for left-handed people.
2. Compare a number of guitar picks. Some finger picks cost next to nothing, but others can cost as much as $ 40. It might be tempting to choose an expensive one for better sound, but that's not always necessary. Cheap guitar picks are often just as good as expensive finger picks.
   • You can pay a bit more if you prefer handmade metal finger picks.
3. Choose metal for a louder sound. Metal or plastic picks are both good, but metal picks are ideal if you want to go for a specific sound. Metal will also last a little longer if you play hard or very often.
4. Choose plastic if you prefer a softer sound. Plastic is softer than metal, so it makes sense that with plastic it is easier to play a softer sound. Plastic is also a good idea if you plan to warp your finger pick, which is quite possible.
   • It is also possible to combine plastic and metal because three finger picks are often worn when playing.
5. First, start with a thin finger pick. Thinner picks are ideal for beginning players because they are lighter. This is better for players who are not used to having a pick on their fingers. The light picks are also more flexible than thicker picks and this flexibility makes them a bit easier to play with. Thin guitar picks aren't just for beginners. They are well suited to get a subtle sound in your music.
6. Use a thicker pick if you are playing at a fast tempo. Thick picks are ideal for more advanced players who confidently control their finger picks. They are also ideal for the faster strumming you often hear on a banjo. You can also use thicker picks for a heavier sound.

Method 2 of 3: Put on a new finger pick

1. Slide the pick on top of your index finger. You will always have to deform the pick a little before playing. First slide the finger pick on the top of your index finger. The top of the finger pick is on your first phalanx, between the top of your finger and the first hinge. The part with which you have to strum the strings is at the bottom. There are musicians who use three picks. If you want to do that, slide the other two picks onto your thumb and your middle finger.
   • If you are going to use three picks, it is a good idea to choose two metal and one plastic pick for a different effect.
   • The top of the plectrum should not go over the first phalanx.
2. Adjust the shape of the pick around your finger. To do this, hold both sides of the finger pick with your other thumb and forefinger and gently squeeze the pick. Squeeze until the pick is snug on your finger, but not too tight.
   • The finger pick should be just slightly above your finger.
3. Bend the pick if you want the pick to bend with your finger. You don't have to do this if you're happy with how the pick fits. If you want the pick to bend with the curve of your finger, you can bend the pick slightly. You can do this by pressing the end of the pick on a hard surface like a table.
   • The thicker the pick, the harder it will be to bend it.

Method 3 of 3: Adjust the sound

1. Adjust the pick so that it is at a slight angle. This will allow you to strike the strings of your instrument at a right angle. With a right angle, your music gets a fuller sound. If the pick is not too tight, you should be able to get it at a slight angle. The pick must still be on half of your fingertip to fit properly.
2. Avoid scraping noises from a plastic pick by heating it up a little. This works well for thumb picks. Hold the pick with pliers. Dip the flat side of the pick in boiling water and hold it there for 10 seconds. Then take it out of the water and turn the rim slightly while it is still warm. This will cause the edge of the spectrum to be parallel to the string and reduce the scraping sound.
3. Make sure a metal pick is clean to avoid scraping noises. With metal finger picks you will always have a scraping sound, but it will be less if you keep them clean. Use a soft cloth or chamois leather. Use the cloth to remove dirt from the surface.
   • Also keep your strings clean so that the pick does not strike a dirty surface.

Tips

• Grease the edge of a plastic guitar pick with lip balm to avoid scraping noises.
• Visit a music store for expert advice on which finger spectrum is ideal for your finger size and playing style.

Warning

• Make sure that the pick is not too tight on your finger because that does not feel comfortable and impairs circulation.
• Be careful with the heat source if you want to distort the finger pick. Ask for help if you prefer not to dip the pick in boiling water yourself.