Thumb Pick vs Hybrid Picking vs No Pick

Рет қаралды 35,919

Күн бұрын

In this video i'll demonstrate and discuss the differences between using a thumb-pick, hyrbid-picking, using no-pick, fingernails & finger pads! As you will hear, there are pro's and con's to each! The song i'm playing in the beginning of this video is Layla, by Eric Clapton, of course.
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Hello and welcome to my channel! My name is Joe, and I am a passionate musician here to share the joy of music with you all. As a guitar player, singer-songwriter, producer, recording engineer, and teacher, I have a diverse range of skills and experiences to share.
My guitar teaching platform is: www.invisibletechnique.com/
I was born and raised in Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia, but have been based in the United States since 2010. Currently, I call the Rocky Mountains of Montana home with my wife Genevieve who is an amazing illustrator, her KZfaq channel is: Genevieve’s Design Studio.
As a guitarist, I am proud to play Maton acoustic guitars, which are made in Australia just like me. My signature guitar is the Maton ‘JR Signature’.
In addition to musical performances, you can also find guitar lessons, chord breakdowns, TAB, tutorials, gear reviews, and other content specifically tailored to help guitarists stay inspired and improve their skills.
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Joe
#guitar #fingerstyle #acoustic
0:00 - Overview
01:22 - Thumb Pick
06:31 - Hybrid Picking
09:19 - Bare Thumb
11:09 - Finger Nails vs Finger Pads
13:36 - Picks I Use
16:34 - Free Gear List

Пікірлер: 94

@EmilErnebroGuitar Жыл бұрын

Woah… Joe your videos are just getting better and better. So clear!! Nice production, and 3 camera angle - and always wonderful playing! 🎶 Hugs from swe

@Joe_Robinson Жыл бұрын

Thank you mate! Hope to see you again before too long!

@Dave-gf3kd Жыл бұрын

Very well presented Joe! Thank You!

@robbyclark6915 6 ай бұрын

Wow, excellent video and great information! Going to check out that course as soon as im done with the video.

@davidmclendon9158 Жыл бұрын

Really good stuff Joe.

@larryrobinson6208 11 күн бұрын

10:40am I have been playing 60 + years. Acoustic guitar only. I am a flat picker with a hybrid style. I found this helpful to add thumb picking I have not found a thumb pick that is comfortable

@stickman55100 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for another great and inspiring video.

@garycardone722 Жыл бұрын

Great video describing the different picking methods, great playing as always, Thanks !

@edgorochowski9709 Жыл бұрын

Very informative, many thanks Joe

@jcpalmer6051 Ай бұрын

Good stuff Joe!

@Soccasteve Жыл бұрын

As always, good work Joe

@Geoffcreatemusic Жыл бұрын

Awesome. Thanks Joe 🎉

@Bugcatcher_Jake 6 ай бұрын

Exact video I needed thanks!

@brettgarsed Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Joe! You answered a lot of questions I'd have liked to ask you about thumbpick vs the thumb. You could make any of it sound amazing but it's great to hear your thoughts on each approach.

@JR-pr8jb Жыл бұрын

Very interesting and useful discussion.

@victorb6293 Жыл бұрын

Great information Joe. I really appreciate that you tell it like it is and don't sugar coat things - e.g. that using a thumb pick will initially seem quite strange and takes some getting used to. A really comprehensive video. Thanks for sharing!

@Joe_Robinson Жыл бұрын

I appreciate it Victor!

@CharlieLuscombe-Guitarist Жыл бұрын

Love this - thanks Joe! I can never decide which one I prefer so tend to do a range!

@jaminLA 3 ай бұрын

I love this guy... thank you man

@RyanChenMusic Жыл бұрын

One pro for hybrid picking (which is the reason I still use it) is that you can do the Tommy Emmanuel “pseudo-strumming” thing, like in Mombasa, where you pick the melody while ghosting a strumming pattern between notes. Super hard to do with a thumb pick or with bare fingers, and can add some interest while backing a singer-songwriter.

@greb1967 14 күн бұрын

Grazie di tutte le informazioni… Ti seguo sempre Sei davvero bravissimo… ti auguro il meglio per te

@GBgames946 Жыл бұрын

I always push the like button before I've even seen the video, I just know it's going to be something good!! 😎

@fodiddlediddle5015 Жыл бұрын

jeebus..Joe. The run you do at 9:42 is incredibly sweet and put together. Beautiful.

@VideoDetection Жыл бұрын

Another great video, thanks Joe. I'm a beginner and have started your beginner finger style course. I am using a Black Mountain Jazz thumb pick as it is comfortable and seems to work for me for both flat picking and finger style. I also have the Dunlop pick you recommend, but for the time being and with my beginner abilities I am favoring the Black Mountain pick.

@kaylamaxwell2095 Жыл бұрын

Oh, fantastic! I agree! Got to get me a thumbpick!

@noone-ld7pt Жыл бұрын

I'll be honest I kinda do it the exact opposite. I love the more round and soft bass sound of using my thumb, while I like more articulation in the melody so I use my nails. And for those who hate long nails I never grow my nails out, I just angle my fingers when I want to use the nail. It's all about preference and technique. I will concede that solos get a lot harder to get right just using fingers, but hey if Mark Knopfler could make it work, so can I.

@alanguy8580 Жыл бұрын

G’day Joe. Love your playing. I’m an old bloke who mainly plays intermediate level on nylon string guitar. Having started learning classical years ago, I use fingernails and my thumb nail - actually it’s a combination of fingertip flesh to fingernail striking of the string. Yes some people think the longer nails on the right hand look a bit “sus” but fingernails, in my opinion, give far better control of volume and tone on nylon strings. Unfortunately I don’t have strong fingernails so I always have to be careful not to break them especially when woodworking which is a hobby I like. I can’t play fingerstyle on steel string guitar because the steel strings invariably damage my nails and hence mess up my nylon string playing. Not only that but I don’t like the tone I get playing steel strings with my fingernails. So I just use a plectrum for steel strings and have to live with the fact that I find that using just a pick limits my playing. 0:02 Anyway, loved your outline of these different playing styles.

@jeandesire1306 Жыл бұрын

My favourite guitarist

@RjBenjamin353 8 ай бұрын

Nice picking brother.

@DoriTarta54 Жыл бұрын

Sei un numero. 1 bravissimo!!!!! Sei giovane ma suonii con un grande Cuore !!!!

@drdonvulcan8353 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Joe, I to use Dunlap thumb picks. I have large hands and have to open them up a bit with hot water first. Tried to use my natural nails with no success for about 4 months but consider that waisted time for me. So I do have them done in a salon about every two months for three fingers. Forgot to say my first guitar introduction was probably through Simon and G. My intro to thumb picking then saw Chet and that was it then TE and smitten for life to a style that will even mediocrely keep me forever challenged.

@lazvt8469 6 ай бұрын

I'm 62, playing all my life...mostly electric...rarely acoustic.....I still suck....then discovered the thumb pick a couple weeks ago...GAME CHANGER. For me, VERY natural, deadly accurate now. YES, flat pick strumming is my challenge also....thumb pick is so stiff (Dunlop ones). Got starter pack of those Mountainxxx picks coming...hope they help. My picking hand s SOOO much more accurate and I can use other fingers to pick etc. I can 'say' so much more with more digits working the tune. Love it!! With hybrid picking...less fingers (no pinky for me) and its so crowded.

@omrinygate1356 Жыл бұрын

The biggest problem with thumb pick is getting one that fits right and has the right shape for your grip (to work like a flat pick when you need). Personally I use the golden gate picks, but I put them in hot water and shape them around my finger, them I trim and sand them to the perfect shape. It takes a while but they last basically forever !

@PJohanneslarsson Жыл бұрын

Try black mountain pick. They are pretty good.

@vsuontam Жыл бұрын

I use black mountain pics. They are spring equipped and don't add too much pressure to thumb.

@omrinygate1356 Жыл бұрын

@@vsuontam tried them. They are at an awkard angle to flat pick unfortunately. Also the material of the pick sounds terrible imo

@ecojot Жыл бұрын

I really like the black mountain picks.

@ranjrog Жыл бұрын

Great video! I fell into the habit of playing with fingernails and will sometimes get a blister on my finger tip if they get broken or too short. Do you have calluses on your right hand fingertips to avoid that? I like the Dunlop thumb pick but can’t bring myself to pay so much for a Bluechip flatpick. The green 0.88mm Dunlop Tortex flat picks work great for me!

@dieselman7453 Жыл бұрын

Hi joe Brian here I bought a blue chip pick the other day I had to send to the states for it cost me 60 dollars with shipping but I bit the bullet and it does sound good on acoustic!! I couldn’t play without a thumb pick anymore and before I joined invisible technique and started watching your videos !! Cheers joe 🇮🇪Brian great video…

@bmdt81 Жыл бұрын

One of my favorite things to do is talk about picking. I played steel string with nails my whole life until decided finally to cut them off and use the flesh. Part of the thought was that if you and many others can get a good sound and control then i could too. It took probably 2 months until I felt like i could actually play. That was about 2 years ago and while there are a lot of benefits i still don’t feel like i have quite the same skill and control i did with nails.

@DanDanai1 Жыл бұрын

What a coincidence! I was just thinking about getting myself a thump pick… 😄

@ricardoignaciokennedy5558 Жыл бұрын

Very nice version of Layla...

@jmoorecareers Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Joe. Great, very clear advice. I've been chasing the perfect technique for decades. I believe now that in my case it all really comes down to personal preference and level of ability. Do what you do best.

@jubbaronny 3 ай бұрын

I've always used a thumb pick and am currently struggling a bit to get used to playing upstrokes with it.

@bathizargupta249 5 ай бұрын

When I use a thumbpick, the thumb volume overpowers the fingers. I haven't found fingerpicks that aren't awkward to use. Fingernails are out of the question for me. Still trying different thumbpicks to find the right material. Currently using Black Mountain thumbpicks.

@stringbender57 Жыл бұрын

An excellent breakdown of these three picking options! Thanks for going over this Joe. I am certain this will be of great benefit for many guitarists of all levels. BTW, your audio and video quality are exceptionally good!

@Joe_Robinson Жыл бұрын

I appreciate it!!

@stephen25uk Жыл бұрын

I'm one of those that finds a thumbpick awkward and the bass lines are overbearing. However after seeing this I'll persevere with it. One tip I have is to get you picking fingernails done at a nailbar, they build them up perfectly so no breaks but they can be cut and shaped as you need.

@abelhabtamu198 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much but you have explain where did you get this style when you look tommy he explain every step of his hero b/c he got from him(chet )so you have thank them on your coarse thank you

@scottkidwellmusic9175 Жыл бұрын

Good rundown! My high school guitar teacher taught us fingerpicking. Four basic styles/ patterns. I tried having fingernails, but maintaining them and working construction hasnt worked out well. All pads at this point. Im still getting used to the thumbpick. Considering moving up to an XL, as even the large Dunlop thumbpicks feel too tight and uncomfortable. I hear National makes some good thumbpicks. I picked up a Blue Chip STP 40 about two years ago, still have it. Great pick, i probably ought to pick up another one. Thank you, and be good to you ✌️😊

@realwaldi3809 Жыл бұрын

Is your pick out of plastic? If it is you can pit him in nearly boiling water and with a bit pressure you can make it bigger. Sorry I forgot the word for this, im a still learning. Hope you know wat I mean

@scottkidwellmusic9175 Жыл бұрын

@Real Waldi - yes, I've boiled a thumbpick or two to get them to fit. The large Dunlops still dig into where the thumbnail meets the skin. I appreciate the advice.

@realwaldi3809 Жыл бұрын

@@scottkidwellmusic9175 oh man thats bad...hope you the best!

@solideomusical Жыл бұрын

Joe, do you have an opinion about playing with index and ring finger alternatively? I have seen bass players and some (not many) guitar players do this.

@chaddaughtridge4642 7 ай бұрын

I enjoy your style and commentary. I think you really shouldn't be dependent on a particular thing. I think you really go where the song takes you. There are some that I use a thumbpick with and some without. The only thing i have that is constant is acrylic nails on index and middle.

@miatovich8539 Жыл бұрын

It took me a week to get used to a thumb pick, felt clumsy at first like I was beginner all over again but I think the technique I’ve learnt over the years helped me get used to it rather quickly. For someone out there who’s starting out with a thumb pick don’t be discouraged and quick to drop it just because it feels uncoordinated and clumsy at first ,take it slow and practice up it will all come together remember every thumb picker went through that process even guys like Tommy Emmanuel and Joe Robinson.

@baksteen123 9 ай бұрын

Another upside of using a thumbpick over bare thumb: you can do upstrokes with your thumb (admitedly, it's tricky, but much more doable than with the bare thumb). Joe, if you're reading this, I'm wondering if you ever use upstrokes with a thumb pick?

@thonguyen7999 Жыл бұрын

Do you have callus on middle and ring fingerpads?

@user-ue4rw3gn3m 9 ай бұрын

Can you use finger picks for hybred picking?

@drewgrant1605 9 ай бұрын

What song is that in the intro? Sounded lovely

@navinjohnson2010 7 ай бұрын

Layla - Clapton

@sharpie1958 Жыл бұрын

I’ve always finger (nail) picked, had two 12 strings at different times. I wanted to be John Croce, or, Jim Denver. (It was the 70’s).

@sharpie1958 Жыл бұрын

Have you ever used one of the original “Shark’s Fin”?

@ZemiEmperor Жыл бұрын

I think Tommy mentioned in one video that he carries a bunch of thumbpicks with him of different sizes as on different days he might feel like (and need) a different one

@midnightaustin9287 Жыл бұрын

what song u played in the intro?

@BonnieHess Жыл бұрын

I am trying to practice with a thumb pick every day, but does not help that I have never used one in many years of playing finger style. I make WAY more mistakes with a thumb pick. I think if the pick was shorter it would feel more natural.

@DandyAndy1472 7 ай бұрын

6:49 what song is this?

@etherboy3540 Жыл бұрын

Honestly I'm nearly 60 and I like thumbpicks over flatpicks because I know they're not going to slip out of my fingers. I hold the thumbpick against my index finger the same way I used to hold a pick, and I still have a few fingers left over if I feel like fingerpicking. I don't claim that this is the best method but it's what works for me.

@logrerm Жыл бұрын

🎸🎸🎸👍🎵

@Ra-cq4el Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't consider any of those techniques being awkward getting used to, cuz simply, everything new is awkward in the beginnig. Just imagine someone who's always played with a flat pick learning to fingerpick for the first time. It sure will feel awkward.

@johnnyx9892 7 ай бұрын

Tommy E will switch to a flat pick now and then, but the one guy I have never see use one is Richard Smith. He uses a thumb pick for everything and really blazes with it.

@runnershigh7573 Жыл бұрын

How can I achieve that i still have blood circulation in the thumb while using a thumbpick? Cheers Roger 🇨🇭

@Joe_Robinson Жыл бұрын

Hi Roger! I think the right sized thumbpick is key. I use a Dunlop Medium. I've tried the Golden Gate picks which sound great, but they are just a little too tight for my thumb and I lose circulation. I'd try to find a bigger size, maybe Dunlop Large... if you can go to a store and try on different size picks, that is ideal

@hscottcpa Жыл бұрын

So you’re saying if I use a blue chip flat pick and a Dunlop finger pick I’ll sound just like you?😂😂Just kidding. Great video. I’m really loving your finger style course. Never used a thumb pick before and I’m getting used to it.

@Johnnylefk793 Жыл бұрын

Joe Robinson is ok👍

@thebrysmith3 11 ай бұрын

"Hybrid picking doesn't have the same feel or power" Richard Thompson would like a word with you. 😂

@vry.design Жыл бұрын

I am self taught guitarist and I can’t use a pick so kinda play with my fingernails. Got used to it.

@codythedoggo7671 7 ай бұрын

It's hard to find a pick that fits my thumb

@scottclarke2115 Жыл бұрын

Joe you are still so sick.

@user-rw3rj8kg9l Жыл бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@listentomattsmusic Жыл бұрын

Indeed; getting used to a thumb pick is a thing, but the time and effort will - definately - be rewarded with a new dimension in expression and timbre #keeppushing. Someday the fingerpickers will take over.... ;-)

@buddyrye9190 Жыл бұрын

Is it weird that I prefer the natural flesh of the thumb?

@reslime Жыл бұрын

It's not, it depends on your personal taste and how you want that particular song to sound. I usually like thumbpick for song like Windy and warm but flash for songs like Angelina

@Ra-cq4el Жыл бұрын

Yes, its too weird 🙄 haha just kidding. It all comes down to personal taste. Man, do whatever you enjoy.

@QuickSticks8771 Жыл бұрын

Yes ‘yes it is !!

@sathira_anuk5179 10 ай бұрын

Yeah

@rollinOnCode 8 ай бұрын

Yes you are weird. You absolutely should cut off the thumb and use prosthetic and a cuberpick instead 😂

@guermeisterdoodlebug7980 Жыл бұрын

I think all methods are fine, but I tend to think no pick is better for ordinary finger style guitar, while pick is better for true thumb picking. Regardless, I tried thumb pick, bare thumb, and flat pick. None sounded like you.