picktech
08-21-2009, 08:52 AM
Greetings all,
I am a struggling guitarist who is trying to make a last attempt at the Benson style of picking. I used to pick with the "standard" style, something I tried for six years. It never worked for me, not to mention the tone wasn't very good at all.
Here's the dilemma: My thumb bends at a rather extreme angle. I'm speaking of the last joint. It goes back at a right angle, which is called a hitchhiker's thumb, apparently. I used to be able to play this way for a while (2 hours, maybe more), but after a time I would get some pain in my thumb joint (again, the one closest to the fingernail). Has anyone else used this approach? Does the locking of the thumb seem to bother the joints or tendons at all? I haven't practiced intensively in a few months because I don't know whether this technique will continue to cause pain/problems or not.
I have really found that this is the best technique for me as it offers the highest amount of relaxation and the best tone I have ever found for myself.
Anyone who has any comments or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate your input. The style works great for me except for the thumb pain, which I am worried could develop into something serious. I am aware that a few members have discussed this, one of them being henry the horse. Is the pain a bad sign or should it just be taken as just non-injurious aching? Thanks to anyone who can help. I think what makes me worry is that the angle of my thumb bend is pretty severe.
For those who aren't aware, Tuck Andress has written a nice article about picking technique, and he addresses the Benson style - which he considers the best one to use.
Here's the link:
http://www.tuckandpatti.com/pick-finger_tech.html#1.1.8
I am a struggling guitarist who is trying to make a last attempt at the Benson style of picking. I used to pick with the "standard" style, something I tried for six years. It never worked for me, not to mention the tone wasn't very good at all.
Here's the dilemma: My thumb bends at a rather extreme angle. I'm speaking of the last joint. It goes back at a right angle, which is called a hitchhiker's thumb, apparently. I used to be able to play this way for a while (2 hours, maybe more), but after a time I would get some pain in my thumb joint (again, the one closest to the fingernail). Has anyone else used this approach? Does the locking of the thumb seem to bother the joints or tendons at all? I haven't practiced intensively in a few months because I don't know whether this technique will continue to cause pain/problems or not.
I have really found that this is the best technique for me as it offers the highest amount of relaxation and the best tone I have ever found for myself.
Anyone who has any comments or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate your input. The style works great for me except for the thumb pain, which I am worried could develop into something serious. I am aware that a few members have discussed this, one of them being henry the horse. Is the pain a bad sign or should it just be taken as just non-injurious aching? Thanks to anyone who can help. I think what makes me worry is that the angle of my thumb bend is pretty severe.
For those who aren't aware, Tuck Andress has written a nice article about picking technique, and he addresses the Benson style - which he considers the best one to use.
Here's the link:
http://www.tuckandpatti.com/pick-finger_tech.html#1.1.8