Do you use a thumb pick for hybrid picking

[JimiDjango]

and if so what type, brand, etc.

Also, if there is any advice on tips and tricks to transitioning between using it for finger picking and alternating runs.

Thanks for the help!

[TeleBrew]

I've tried to use thumb picks, but can't get used to them. I do a lot of hybrid picking on both electric and acoustic, and I use a regular pick and my middle and ring fingers for the most part.

[dijos]

technically, hybrid picking would use a normal pick, but I guess you could do it that way. I really use a thumbpick for chet/merle type stuff. My buddy just grabs it to use it like a flatpick, but I hold a flatpick differently than the thumbpick sits on my thumb.

[RodeoTex]

I've been using thumbpicks lately. I have never found one that will stay in place though.
I've found that a drop of superglue on my thumbnail keeps it in place. It may take overnight and a couple of hot showers to get it off but it works for me.

[DMace]

using a thumbpick is like dancing with skis.

[ac15]

I use a thumbpick (if I use a pick at all). It's technically not hybrid picking when you use a thumb pick though, because you're not holding it between thumb and forefinger. It's far superior to hybrid picking for exactly that reason. The problem with hybrid picking is that it renders your index finger on your picking hand useless (unless you do like Setzer and palm the pick).

I use Herco thumbpicks, because when you switch to flatpicking, they're most like a "regular" pick.

[ac15]

Originally Posted by DMace

using a thumbpick is like dancing with skis.

Chet Atkins did fine with a thumbpick.

[Ron C]

I tried a whole lot of thumb picks over the years, but it was always like "dancing with skis" (great line!). Then I tried no pick at all, or hybrid with a flat pick, but nothing seemed right.

Then I ran across these Herco Heavy flat/thumb picks about 5-6 years back. It took a few months of getting fully used to them, but for me, they are the answer. I've changed guitars, pickups, pots, etc. umpteen times since then, but those picks are a constant.

The medium and light gauge ones didn't stay on my finger too well, but the heavy's are just right for me.

You might also want to check out Fred Kelly's "slick picks" and "speed picks". If for some reason I couldn't get Herco's I'd probably use these.

[rangercaster]

i use my thumbnail ... i let the outer edge grow out a little

[Dave Hopping]

I use a flatpick,although I'll experiment around with a thumbpick once in awhile.Seems like the unavailability of the first finger when you hybrid-pick with a flatpick is less of a drawback than the inability to alternate-pick or strum with a thumbpick.

[ac15]

Originally Posted by Dave Hopping

I use a flatpick,although I'll experiment around with a thumbpick once in awhile.Seems like the unavailability of the first finger when you hybrid-pick with a flatpick is less of a drawback than the inability to alternate-pick or strum with a thumbpick.

I use Herco thumbpicks and I alternate pick and strum with no problem. Plus I have the first finger completely available, so it's the best of both worlds.

[Mojohand40]

Two different things. When I play thumbpick style (Travis picking mostly, or some call it Kentucky Thumbstyle, etc.) I use a Thumbpick. Mostly National Large (which I happen to almost ALWAYS have in my pocket) or Dunlop Mediums. Nothing fancy. It's what I got used to and what I use. I don't use fingerpicks unless I'm playing lap style or steel guitar, then I use steel Nationals.

Now, If I'm playing a Tele and NOT playing thumbstyle, I grab a pick (Fender Mediums is all I've used for years). Then I hybrid pick.

Now I CAN play some Travis style pieces with a flatpick and hybrid picking, BUT not as well or effortlessly as with my thumbpick....and conversely...I CAN play lead, country style with a Thumbpick BUT not as well or as easily as with a Flatpick.

To me they are two separate animals. I just switch back in forth depending on what I'm playing. I would say I tend to thumbpick about 75% of the time I play guitar. Used to be more like 90%, but lately I've been doing a lot more flatpicking and concentrating on country lead styles with a pick.

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[Joe-Bob]

Do you use a thumb pick for hybrid picking

No.

[allen st. john]

I use the blue Herco thumb picks because they're pretty flexible, which is what you need on an electric and have a rather long blade which helps with single note runs.

http://www.elderly.com/accessories/n...bpick--PK3.htm

The Fred Kelly delrin picks are also quite good, and the speed pick is a kind of nice "training wheels" thumbpick for the transition period.
http://www.fredkellypicks.com/

Heavy thumbpicks like the Dunlops, Nationals, and John Pearse are best for playing strictly on the bass strings on an acoustic, either a delta style "dead thumb" or an alternating bass.

[JosephB]

i love thumb picks, but i also play banjo....they feel natural to me.

[JimiDjango]

Thanks guys. It's a big help. Joe-Bob was particularly helpful

[Joe-Bob]

Originally Posted by JimiDjango

Thanks guys. It's a big help. Joe-Bob was particularly helpful

When you ask a question and get an honest answer. It's your problem if you don't like it, not mine.

[JimiDjango]

Originally Posted by Joe-Bob

When you ask a question and get an honest answer. It's your problem if you don't like it, not mine.

Wow, thin skin ya got there. Sorry you can't take a joke. But it's cool. You did me a favor by letting me know that there's at least one smug smartass on this board to ignore in the future.

[Mojohand40]

Originally Posted by allen st. john

I use the blue Herco thumb picks because they're pretty flexible, which is what you need on an electric and have a rather long blade which helps with single note runs......

Heavy thumbpicks like the Dunlops, Nationals, and John Pearse are best for playing strictly on the bass strings on an acoustic, either a delta style "dead thumb" or an alternating bass.

I manage to use a National on a Tele. Different strokes.

[Telarkaster]

Originally Posted by ac15

Chet Atkins did fine with a thumbpick.

He also said that if he were to learn how to play guitar again he would not use a thumbpick. He said the thumb nail has more control and variety of tone.

As for Joe-Bob, his answer was valid, and the same as mine. In fact, no picks of any kind for me!

[fredlong]

Doc Watson is highly regarded as a flatpicker. He uses a thumb pick and grabs it with his index finger. I tried and it works for me. I use short Fred Kelly thumb picks. It feels more like my bare thumb when I'm fingerpicking and a lot like a flat pick when I grab it.