I solved the problem of slipping picks by putting tiny scraps of masking tape inside the picks, and then adding rubber cement over the tape. The rubber cement/tape combo adds perfect traction to the picks, and the rubber cement can easily be replaced from time to time as it wears off. Almost cost free, and very effective in preventing slippage. This system has worked for me for over thirty years of daily playing, and I'm only on my second bottle of rubber cement.

N.B: Use rubber cement only!: not Titebond, Gorilla Glue, Superglue, or staples!

All the cool kids lick their fingers before putting on picks.
A lot of pickers swear by it.

If that's not for you,liquid rubber is available at the hardware store.
Perhaps a few dabs inside the picks might help.
Good luck

E

Not a liner, but taking a Dremel tool with a rough grinding stone bit and roughing up the inside surface works wonders.

IF you can get a pair of these

I think your problems with slippage AND comfort will go away. [Alas, they're no help with plucking the wrong strings.  ]

I say "if" because BHOer Richard McVicker, the inventor/maker/seller went to the big jam in the sky about 3 years ago... and I'm not aware of their production being taken up by anybody else.

Fwiw, I use a bit of "liquid electrical tape" in my ACRI thumbpicks .... maybe for my psychological benefit, I dunno.

In the ancient days I sometimes saw picks with very thin patches of CORK glued into or onto them. Thumb picks and flat picks.

A famous banjo player (can't remember the name) used to take the tip of his jackknife and score little lines inside his thumbpick to help keep it secure on his thumb.

Rosin. If there's a fiddle around that has been played recently, just wipe a little of the dust off the top from under the strings with your finger before putting on the pick. Or get some rosin cream, which is sold as "Gorilla Snot" in music stores (mostly aimed at drummers), and also as "Pro Grip" (and other brands) at bowling alleys.

Another idea that hasn't been mentioned yet is covering the tabs (that go around your finger) with heat-shrink tubing.  Never hardens, softens, or falls off.

I use two colours of heat shrink on my saddle brands; 95% to keep them from tangling together and 5% black = index; blue = middle..  Even though it doesn't harden it does crack [or wear through (?) at the "crease"] and I replace it after 3 or 5 years. I've only ever used what Princess Auto [Harbor Freight?] puts on sale, so maybe there's better quality stuff available. 

You could investigate heat-shrink tubing

quote:

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Originally posted by Dan Gellert

Rosin. If there's a fiddle around that has been played recently, just wipe a little of the dust off the top from under the strings with your finger before putting on the pick. Or get some rosin cream, which is sold as "Gorilla Snot" in music stores (mostly aimed at drummers), and also as "Pro Grip" (and other brands) at bowling alleys.

Another idea that hasn't been mentioned yet is covering the tabs (that go around your finger) with heat-shrink tubing.  Never hardens, softens, or falls off.

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I have tried Gorilla Snot and although it sticks, it's messy as hell and causes residue to go onto areas you don't want - sheet music, the banjo head, strings.

One used to be able to buy cork-lined metal thumb picks. Had one about 60 years ago.

amazon.com/Dragon-Grips-Sticke..._s_0_3_sc


These little pick grips have worked for me in a thumbpick

niallmck,

If you could post some photos of your picks on your fingers, that might help us provide you with more informed advice.