Using thumbpick

[Turtletwang]

I've been using a thumbpick lately for some rockabilly style progressions and like the way it sounds. However, my pick keeps knocking against the pickguard making an audible clicking sound. Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong?

[jbmando]

Your muscle memory is trying to play the string with the meat of your thumb.You have to practice holding your hand away from the strings a little, or you can try to sand the tip of the pick down a little bit.

[bender-freak]

Originally Posted by jbmando

Your muscle memory is trying to play the string with the meat of your thumb.You have to practice holding your hand away from the strings a little, or you can try to sand the tip of the pick down a little bit.

I've been using a thumbpick for many, many years; started using them back in the early 70s. And I learned right out of the gate to cut/file/sand the tip down on the thumbpick. I do mine in a "spear-point" style, leaving just enough sticking out past my thumb that it can be barely seen when holding my thumb level on the table with the flat part of the pick down flush to the table-top. Experiment around till you find your "shape". Picks are cheap. Good luck.

[Turtletwang]

Thanks for the advice!