After nearly 4 decades playing guitar, I can't seem to get comfortable playing or finger picking with 'things' on my fingers. It was hard enough stopping myself from using my 3rd (right hand ring)finger, but I've kind of gotten the hang of it some. Other than wearing out some skin on my right thumb, option 2 is, learning CAD & designing something for the thingyverse to have my wife 3Dprint up at her library. Got any other suggestions? Oh, and by the way... why do we call them fingers... I've never seen'em Fing...have you? Singers sing, so what's the dealeo there?
Thanks Mike, very helpful I am 83 and just learning the Banjo. "freely give as you have freely received is one of my favorite scriptures. Music is a passion. John B Canada
I started learning banjo a few months ago, and Mike, you are the best online teacher I've found. I've joined your Pro program and it's worth every penny. Thanks for your patience! Who knew I was scraping the thumb pick on the drum? :) That stops now.
Thanks for this, Mike. One thing I REALLY struggle with is teaching independence between my right thumb and right index finger. What I mean by that is, every time I pick with my right thumb, my right index finger flinches, big time. If you have other suggestions to overcome that, great, otherwise I'm going to practice these diligently and see what happens.
It’s hard to say without seeing you play. It could be a technique issue or you just need to practice more. If you want to send me a link to short video of you playing to the contact form on my website I can check it out. Keep picking. - Mike
Love your videos! I only wish you went a little slower for this beginner. I'm sure it won't be an issue when I get a bit better but right now, I need to stop and go back over and over to see what you are doing.
You can click the "gear" icon in the bottom right corner and change the speed if you want a certain part of the video slow downed. Keep picking. - Mike
any tips on how to avoid the 'backwards thumb' bad habit which is drastically preventing my improvement? my thumb just seems to spastically bend inward beyond my control except at the lowest of speed.
Could be a technique issue or you may need more practice at slower speeds. Hard to say without seeing you play. If you want to send a link with a video of you playing to the contact form on my website I can take a look and provide better feedback. - Mike
I'm having a hard time getting a good 'pinch' note with my middle finger. What adjustment might I need to make? I have a feeling it's hand/finger position as I think I'm hitting the string with the side of my finger pick rather than fully with the blade.
It's hard to say without seeing/hearing you play but you could try turning the pick on your middle finger so it's hitting the string straight on. It's easier to turn the pick than to turn your hand in an awkward position. - Mike
Yes, that's the case for pretty much everyone when they first start. Myself included. I'd recommend continue to work with the picks even though it's challenging at first. - Mike
