Switching back to electric/picking

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soclydeza85

Posts: 60
Joined: Feb. 27 2017

Switching back to electric/picking

As with many of you, I assume, I started out as a rock/blues guy who transitioned into flamenco. Sometimes I like to go back and play some electric/acoustic stuff (with a pick) but it's really tricky with the P and I nails getting in the way now; if I play that way for long enough I know it's gonna chew up my hard earned flamenco nails, which I'm obviously trying to avoid.

Has anyone else struggled with this and found a workaround, like putting tape on your nails for protection or something?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 29 2018 1:27:28

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Switching back to electric/picking (in reply to soclydeza85)

How long are your nails and how are you holding your pick?? I’ve never had interference issues when going back to pick playing...
This is about how I hold mine, that’s just a quick google image of “how to hold a guitar pick” most of the images look pretty close to this.

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 29 2018 16:51:34

tri7/5

Posts: 570
Joined: May 5 2012

RE: Switching back to electric/picking (in reply to soclydeza85)

You need to look at your technique, I have zero issues going between both. Doesn't seem like your fingers should be coming in that far with a pick in hand and/or contacting the strings.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 29 2018 22:37:34

soclydeza85

Posts: 60
Joined: Feb. 27 2017

RE: Switching back to electric/picking (in reply to soclydeza85)

Thanks for the replies! I play a lot of single note/lead stuff. I use Dunlop Jazz IIIs teardrop picks (or similar styles) and hold it closer to the tip, which allows me more control over how I attack the string. It's just the way I play and hasn't failed me in over 20 years, but I don't think it's really a unique way of holding a pick or anything, pretty much in line with any other metal/rock player I've ever played with/watched. The way he's holding the pick in that pic above looks more like he's holding it for an acoustic/strumming style to me.

My nails aren't particularly long or anything. I'll experiment with it a bit later tonight, really look at my nails in relation to the strings and take a pic; I may just be being paranoid about the whole thing.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 30 2018 20:10:44

tri7/5

Posts: 570
Joined: May 5 2012

RE: Switching back to electric/picking (in reply to soclydeza85)

Played Jazz III's and variations for years and barely show any pick because like you I play with the very tip only but don't have issues with my fingers/nails hitting strings.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 30 2018 21:05:41

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Switching back to electric/picking (in reply to soclydeza85)

I’ve only really played metal and use tortex sharps. I checked how I hold it and it’s definitely less tip showing than the photo but my nails are parallel to the strings so no issue....

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 30 2018 21:50:23

soclydeza85

Posts: 60
Joined: Feb. 27 2017

RE: Switching back to electric/picking (in reply to soclydeza85)

I just played around on my acoustic for a while (with a Jazz III, how I usually hold it). It's actually not as bad as I thought - single note stuff isn't really a problem, though there is the occasional glance of my I nail on the strings if I go on and do a quick strum, but if I see myself playing for a while I can just slab on a bunch of Hard as Nails on I for added protection. I'm just surprised this isn't a more common issue with flamenco players going back to using a pick. I do feel a bit handicapped and less free in my finer movements when using a pick now, but that could be all in my head out of fear of damaging the nail.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 1 2018 0:08:01