Guide to Selecting and Using Guitar Finger Picks

Even though the guitar has experienced a massive mainstream boost in popularity, finger picks have not. If you don't even know what those are, they're metal picking devices that slide over your fingers. Many people dislike the feel of these picks and instantly eliminate them. I feel it's always important to be as versatile as you can though, so being able to use these kinds of picks is definitely a plus. Seek them out if you don't own any. I'll help you pick the right finger picks that suit you and more importantly a set that you won't discard with the trash instantly.

First, get good quality picks. There's trash out there, a lot of it. But this is a lifetime investment, if you take good care of these durable picks you probably won't need any others for at least a decade. If you can, go to the store and try several out. They may let you do this. I highly recommend it if you can, as it's the only real way to know how something will feel beforehand. If you must order online, you can't go wrong with Dunlop. They make high quality stuff. Just don't skimp on the price.

Second, you have to shape your picks to your fingers. The more comfortable they are, the better. Now, metal picks are quite malleable though you may think otherwise just because they're metal. With a bit of effort you can really shape these quite well. Some people say dip it in hot water or use pliers, but you really shouldn't need to.

Third, thumb picks should not be metal. For your thumb you need a good plastic pick. This is the most important pick of all in my opinion. But it also feels really, really good when you get it under your fingers. Definitely seek out a high quality thumb pick and never let it go. Highly recommended. Remember, get plastic and not metal.

Fourth, one thing that throws off many,m any beginners with metal picks is they don't realize the curved, elongated extension of the metal picks do not go where your nails are. So the elongated metal side goes towards you, not away from you. And then when you pick with your fingers you do it normally. You'd be surprised how often I see beginners use finger picks incorrectly.

This concludes our guide for selecting and using the correct guitar finger picks. Good luck!