That Sound

[HenryThe Horse]

Hi all. I realize this question is highly subjective, but I would like your opinions. I recently (July) bought a 360 C63 12 string and I also picked up a Jangle Box which really completes the old 60's Byrds, Beatles sound for me. I also purchased Roger McGuinn's instructional DVD and it was then that I discovered that he uses a flat pick and 2 steel finger picks. Well, of course, I HAD to have finger picks at that point. But in searching for them I found that they come in various thicknesses, and that the thicknesses effect the sound. Please give me your opinions on what thickness will be most likely to replicate a sound and presence similar to Roger's. Thanks much.

[jimk]

Without asking Roger personally, I think the best thing to do is to take your guitar to a music store and try out several gauges for yourself. Even if you or I knew what gauge finger pick Roger prefers, you might find them too heavy, or too light.

JimK

[HenryThe Horse]

Thanks Jim. Well, of course that would be a great way to do it. But i prefer asking Roger (smile). Anyway, at my age I was hoping to avoid sitting in a music store with all the 16 year old rock stars trying out finger picks. I appreciate the feedback though. I was thinking someone might give me their own personal preference. Maybe that the thin gauge gives a softer more subtle sound while the thicker ones are more prone to fit in with the "jangle" sound. But that is exactly what i am looking for - opinions.

[JakeK]

According to his site, he uses Pyramids...

[HenryThe Horse]

I believe i was over thinking this issue. I just went and picked up a set of 25's and they sound pretty good. No big deal. and it's not like they are ecpensive.

[lcjones]

Dunlop makes good finger picks. I don't know what RM uses but I prefer "brass" Dunlops as they are much easier to form them to my fingers.
Steel finger picks are fine but harder to adjust. There are numerous styles to choose from. Yon can search Musicians Friend or any online shop for "banjo finger pick."

Of course, the rolls that RM accomplishes when playing is because he played the banjo before the guitar. I played 5 string bluegrass banjo years ago and then started frailing. Then my attentions turned to guitar and ultimately, a Rick 360/12. These days I no longer use finger picks. However, over time I have developed a pseudo banjo roll similar in style to RM with just a flat pick. I've been doing that for years... or so it seems. (In the jangle box thread I have posted some samples of the jangle using just a flat pick only. that sorta-kinda sounds like a banjo roll.

Anyway, scope out the Dunlops online and see what you think. I would suggest though, to go to a music shop and give them a try on your fingers. At first they will feel uncomfortable. You'll have to twist them to fit the angle of you wrist and the way you hold your fingers over the strings. You don't want them too tight on your fingers as they *will* start to hurt in very short order.

Hope that helps.

Chap

[kiramdear]

I just tried aLaska picks and found them to be very comfortable.
I don't know what kind Roger uses; if you find them then try them, but (IMHO) if they're not comfortable you won't use them. I had a terrible time finding comfortable picks. I even tried acrylic nails. That's a bit of work to maintain but I found the fake nails to be the easiest to use and they sound like medium guage picks.