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Probably a good rule of thumb is obviously they need to be tight enough not to easily have them come off while picking, but NOT so tight they cut off circulation or are simply hurting your fingers. Having said that, I remember Bill Keith used to say, they should be tight enough they actually DO hurt your fingers! Although I suspect he meant "only slightly," and that after you get used to how tight they actually should be, they wouldn't hurt your fingers anymore.
quote:
Originally posted by JS1219After I play with finger picks for a few minutes they feel way too tight, and when I loosen them they fall off. Does anyone else have this problem or a solution? I use regular dunlop metal picks, I've seen some with padding do I need some like that?
Juan Solo
Switch to clawhammer. Everyone knows that we're the superior banjo players.
I never had that problem back when I played three-finger. I can think of two causes:
1: Swelling.
2. Maybe your fingers just need to settle into the picks. Sort of like putting on a tight pair of pants after you've been wearing loose ones. At first it feels uncomfortable, then you get used to it.
Welcome, Juan.
Many beginners assume that finger picks should be used as they come from the factory. In fact, they can be adjusted for comfort. You should consider doing that.
Problem is this: if finger picks are comfortable, many beginners have trouble keeping them on. This is actually a technique problem, not a problem with the picks, but it's still disconcerting to have a pick fly off while one is playing.
The technique will develop with time. IMO, the Dunlop picks do not provide a particularly deep fit. They're good, but they rely on developed technique.
There are several fixes to consider. First is what's known hereabouts as "lick and stick." Lick your fingers and seat the picks on your fingers. There's something about the relationship between saliva, picks and fingertips that seems to help retain them. Don't ask me to expain the chemistry. I don't know why, but it DOES work for many people.
You could also try a rosin-based solution. Fiddle rosin rubbed on the fingertips does work; there's also a product called "Gorilla Snot" which is a purified pine resin that will essentially glue those suckers to your fingers. I used to use it before my technique got better. It does work, though I did find it somewhat uncomfortable after a while.
Another option is to try another pick. I have my favorites, but they're expensive. All of us are different and when it comes to pick, I'm reluctant to make recommendations. I will say that for my beginning students I'm a fan of the split-band ProPiks. They sit deep and they're highly adjustable for comfort and retention. And they're not preposterously expensive.
You can order them from the Deering website. There are lots of options, but don't get too fussed up about that.
The question of pick fit/slippage comes up regularly ... eg. from not too far back, the thread "Are my picks holding me back" https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/399155/2
Re. the try-another-pick option, for my money,* it's Saddle brand by a country mile [and then some] ... although I expect I'm a tiny minority.
* and with minimal reluctance, and mucho YMMV.
Edited by - Owen on 01/12/2025 17:47:23
quote:
Originally posted by JS1219After I play with finger picks for a few minutes they feel way too tight, and when I loosen them they fall off. Does anyone else have this problem or a solution? I use regular dunlop metal picks, I've seen some with padding do I need some like that?
Juan Solo
Hi Juan
Every banjo player quickly learn's that you need a pair of needle nose pliers to shape your picks. It takes a few weeks of adjustments for them to feel right. I use ProPicks found them to be the most comfortable for me.
JS1219
Take a photograph of your pick on your finger and post it here on this discussion. That way, the folks here who are trying to help you, will be more able to identify the root cause of your problem. I suspect that the problem has been identified in the post above by Corwyn, but until we can see a pick on your finger, it's difficult to provide reliable advice.
quote:
Originally posted by OwenThe question of pick fit/slippage comes up regularly ... eg. from not too far back, the thread "Are my picks holding me back" https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/399155/2
Re. the try-another-pick option, for my money,* it's Saddle brand by a country mile [and then some] ... although I expect I'm a tiny minority.
* and with minimal reluctance, and mucho YMMV.
I second Owen's thoughts. Trying some different picks may solve your problem. I have owned picks that felt uncomfortable and tight regardless of how I adjusted them, and others that felt just right. Everyone's fingers are different, and finding a pick that works well for your fingers will be a huge improvement.