BadTaco - Posted - 01/08/2012:  08:39:32

I started learning banjo a couple of years ago, having years of guitar experience before.  I then stopped for a year, and now am playing banjo again.  It is WEIRD what my hands remember and my brain doesn't, and vice versa. 

I am having one big problem this time around and I'm not sure what to do:  No matter what I try, I can't seem not to hit the head with my thumb pick.  I use a ProPik (M), which seems comparatively short.  I also tried an old Fender thumb pick with a really short (whatever you call it), and still scratch on the head all the time.

I had some lessons early on (with a local teacher of Kavanjo fame) who told me my technique was just fine and that would remedy itself.  It hasn't yet.  I started watching YouTube videos of better/renowned banjo players and the only thing I notice is that SOME of them tend to use a lower profile with their picking hand, i.e., they seem to flatten and curl their hand tighter over the strings than I do, kind of a "claw shaped" posture, which I admit does appear more efficient than what I do.  My own posture is probably left over from guitar, and perhaps that is some of the problem...I don't really know.

I tried curling in and keeping my fingers tighter like that to shorten the travel of my thumb overall, but it feels rigid and uncomfortable.  I also tried picking back by the bridge more, which worked a little, but I don't want to sound "pingy" like that all the time.

I'm stumped.  I don't know how to cure this.  Do I just need to slow down and be more patient, or do y'all think I am just doing something altogether wrong?   

Texasbanjo - Posted - 01/08/2012:  08:47:41

Could be several things:  your thumbpick could be too long -- it's easy to shorten them.

Could be you're digging in too deep as you pick with the thumb.  Watch your thumb as  you pick.  Just the very tip of the pick should hit the string.  If you're hitting the string midway up the pick, that's too deep.  If it's now a habit, you'll have to break it by slowing down and watching and forcing the thumb do pick shorter into the string.

It could be your hand position.  Are you using a wrist arch or do you play fairly flat -- playing flat could cause the pick to dig in deeper, too.  I'm not saying arch your wrist way up, but if you can put maybe just a little bit of arch in and see if that helps. 

I'm sure others will have other ideas, too.

Richard Dress - Posted - 01/08/2012:  08:56:24

The problem should go away with practice.  As Tex implies, you have to develop your skill in hitting the string.

Cornflake - Posted - 01/08/2012:  09:21:50

If you are THAT aware of the problem, your mind will be searching for the moment that you stop scratching and will automatically adjust so that you don't scratch the head. It may take a while, but if you keep experimenting I believe it will come. Here's a Pete Wernick trick--Tell yourself you'll lose $100 from your bank account each time you hit it. If this were actually true I can guarantee you would not hit the head any more--which means you would slow down and be very mindful at each stroke.

OldFox - Posted - 01/08/2012:  09:49:11

I think this is something that most of us had to deal with in the beginning, especially if we tend to pick without picks which I often do for unavoidable reasons.  I find now though that when I put on the picks it doesn't take long to get adjusted.  If you notice the banjos that people play - even the greats - you will find that there are marks above the strings - obviously from hitting the head.  Back to your problem: it seems consistent in spite of your efforts; may be you can try turning your picking hand a little to the right so that the thumb/heel area of the hand is not bearing down so close to the head.   Just a little would do it. 

klgera - Posted - 01/08/2012:  09:52:33

Another thing to consider, how far off the head are your strings where you are picking. I have a banjo with only 1/4" clearance and another with over 3/8" + clearance. I am measuring the first string over the head, very near the neck. It is much easier to avoid hitting the head the higher your strings are from the head.

Ken

minstrelmike - Posted - 01/08/2012:  10:27:52

Pull your right elbow farther from the body.

This should automatically push the wrist farther from the head and twist the hand down so the thumb is farther away.

Also notice whether your thumb is hitting the head on every thumb stroke or just when it plucks the 5th string but not when it does the 2nd 3rd or 4th strings.

If it's all the strings, then the elbow thing or some other position fixer will work.

If it's just the 5th string, then it's more of a thumb issue than a whole hand issue.

In addition, get a higher bridge. That might give you just enough more room.

Patrick Turner - Posted - 01/08/2012:  16:43:04

I have the same problem. I slow down and concentrate on holding my thumb higher, which seems to help a little. I also swear which seems to help also. I find that the faster I pick the more I hit the head.
This leads me to believe that when I pick fast my thumb is flying all over the place. It doesn't seem to be an easy problem to solve. I will try to arch my wrist, Thanks Texasbanjo. And move my right elbow
farther from my body, Thanks minstrelmike.

Patrick Turner - Posted - 01/08/2012:  16:44:05

I have the same problem. I slow down and concentrate on holding my thumb higher, which seems to help a little. I also swear which seems to help also. I find that the faster I pick the more I hit the head.
This leads me to believe that when I pick fast my thumb is flying all over the place. It doesn't seem to be an easy problem to solve. I will try to arch my wrist, Thanks Texasbanjo. And move my right elbow
farther from my body, Thanks minstrelmike.

BadTaco - Posted - 01/08/2012:  17:44:13

Thanks for all the ideas and encouragement, y'all. I'm going to try a few of these things.

In paying particular attention today, I notice a cople of things: My new banjo is set up with a tad less string clearance over the head than my last one, but not ridiculously so. The string spread is a little closer, too.

I think I know the source of a lot of it now: From playing guitar for so many years, I have a tendency to move my thumb in more of an arch than most banjo players would, which comes from how I was taught Travis picking, and with a hole under your strings, well...you're off the hook pretty much. I've started watching and trying to move my thumb in a more diret, economical, and "banjoish" way and it is cleaner. The attack of the notes on the 5th string is clearer, too.

'Preshiate everyone's suggestions!

overhere - Posted - 01/09/2012:  04:16:15

you could try adjusting your thumb pick by how it lines up with the strings when it touches the strings. sometimes a simple thing like that is all you need. also the length of the pick blade can be shortened. Also try playing more lightly rather than digging in hard.same goes with finger picks.

gospelman97 - Posted - 01/09/2012:  05:24:07

I switched from a 5/8" bridge to a .656 and it made a world of difference.  I also raised my armrest to it's highest position to force a little more arch in my wrist.  Both seem to help along with playing more and focusing on correcting bad habits and poor technique.  Good luck!