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Picks

I've been having trouble with holding my pick between my thumb and index finger lately. They'll move around on me and sometimes they'll fall to the ground or inside the guitar.

Guess it's due to nerve damage in my neck and I'm losing a little grip. Arthritis can be a problem too.

I started looking online for thumb picks (the picks that attach to your thumb) like the Banjo guys often use and was surprised at how much they cost these days.

I have a bunch of celluloid picks(tort colored with Fender logo) lying around that I wasn't using. So I got a few of those picks and wrapped one around a writing pen and clamped it with a clothespin. Then I used the hairdryer on hot to heat the pick for a couple minutes and then let it cool down. Then I removed the clothespin and the pick was in a permanent U shape. Then I glued it to the top of a choice pick with superglue.

Now I have a ultra tin pick, a thin pick, a medium pick and a heavy pick with an attached fold over pick that folds over the top of my thumb tightly and keeps the pick where it needs to be. Still need the index finger to help keep it in place, but it doesn't move around or come out from between my finger and thumb. Also It didn't cost me anything and I'm making use of picks that were not being used.

Hope someone finds this useful.

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Permalink Reply by JL on August 4, 2016 at 2:24am

I buy the picks with a textured grip, a few bucks for a bag of a dozen.

You also might try a felt pick, easy to keep hold of and have a less plinky sound.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on August 4, 2016 at 7:22am

Those have helped in me in the past to keep them straight.

Felt? interesting idea I'll give it a try.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on August 4, 2016 at 7:40am

Whoo whooo whoo, nuyk nuyk nuyk.

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Permalink Reply by 3pefhwwnvfj2q on August 4, 2016 at 6:55am

I was in an indian restaurant in Arizona, and the guitar player they had there was getting ready to leave because the place was empty. After some urging he stayed and played an overwhelmingly variety of styles, including ragtime, country, and blues. after seeing my appreciation he handed me his classical guitar and showed me a thumbpick he devised very similar with a flexible pick for strumming. I am trying to remember now how it was done, because he had me try it, and it would not come off. Great idea though. I am glad to see your will overcome physical limitations.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on August 4, 2016 at 7:19am

If I can't do it one way, I'll find another way. Hahaha

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on August 4, 2016 at 7:18am

This is a good idea and they could most likely be shaped to your needs.

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Permalink Reply by 3pefhwwnvfj2q on August 4, 2016 at 5:32pm

When the picks fail there is always teeth.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on August 4, 2016 at 11:09pm

Get yourself a Pick Punch, and turn those old credit cards,motel room keys, and reward, gift, and membership cards into picks:

http://www.pickpunch.com

I have one, and find the credit card picks last almost as long as my Ultras. I can get 5 picks out of a single credit card...

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Permalink Reply by Regan on August 5, 2016 at 12:34am

I had a problem with that once upon a time (luckily went away) but what I did was something I saw from a guitar teacher years and years ago. I got those sticker donuts you use to reinforce holes on 3 ring binder paper, and stuck them on the pick,, worked like a charm for me. If I had the problem now I think I would try that thick foam craft tape.

Regan