|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,745
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,745 |
For some time I have known I seriously needed to learn to fingerpick. I have been trying and making some progress but it is not coming very fast.
What should my expectations be? How did it go for you?
Billy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
My first instrument was banjo. Now that I am playing mostly guitar I was glad to drop the finger picks.
My suggestion is take it slow and get the timing right. I just pick it like the banjo (minus the finger picks) and it seems to be working out for me.
...Deb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,745
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,745 |
Thanks Deb,
I have in mind to buy a banjo just to learn that "claw" finger technique.
Actually, I am both playing with my fingers and both metal and plastic finger picks. Also with a flat pick. I am ok will all of that.
I guess that could be called hybrid picking. Palming the flat pick is beyond my skillset as of yet.
Also in the hunt for a National Steel Dobro.
Thanks,
Billy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
I settled on hybrid picking about 20 years ago.
One of those little fender Jazz picks and 2 or 3 fingers. Whatever it takes
Danny Gatton showed me a bunch of Earl Scruggs licks on the telecaster.
I was hooked.
Downsides.
Can't hardly flatpick any more. At least not Blackberry Blossom at Tony Rice speed. who can?
Can't hardly comp Freddie style.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,310
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,310 |
I do it with thumb and two fingers...anything more is beyond me.
banjo...I bought the finger picks and worked at it couldn't get my head around it so just do the thumb & two with that too.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,889
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,889 |
I do it with thumb and two fingers...anything more is beyond me.
banjo...I bought the finger picks and worked at it couldn't get my head around it so just do the thumb & two with that too.
I taught myself fingerpicking using only my thumb and first finger. Eventually, I composed a song that was recorded on an album and as the recording progressed, the engineers and producer interrupted the session and advised I was playing 'wrong'. Two real studio musicians were present and one overdubbed the part and made more than a few attempts but the rest of the group couldn't grasp the change and lost the groove of the song. Although I'm left handed, I was taught to play guitar right handed. I guess this along with my abstract fingerpick technique created an unquantized and odd pattern lick the others had become use to and they were unable to play along with correctly played instrumentation. In the end, my unique style riff made the final take. After the recording, I learned proper three finger style fingerpicking.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,745
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,745 |
Hi Charly,
In today's world, I am not sure there is a "proper way to fingerpick". Using the thumb and two fingers is a very common way and there are likely more people who know how to do that than more conventional "three-finger methods"
Mark Knopfler is a famous example of someone who uses the thumb and two fingers. If he is doing it all wrong then I want to do it all wrong also...lol
Clarence Gatemouth Brown is a world-famous guitar player well known for playing with his thumb and first finger.
The fact that someone creates a pattern that certain studio musicians can not follow does not make that pattern "wrong".
An engineer decided what you were doing was "wrong"?
Really. Was the producer some famous classically trained guitar player from some famous school who knew everything there is to know about playing guitar?
Every now and then I have been around an engineer who did not understand who was paying the bill and who was working for who.
Playing with three fingers and your thumb with your little finger resting on the top of the guitar playing "Travis picking patterns" is a well-known method. But that does not make it right or wrong.
I can assure you I have a guitar player that could follow what you were doing.
I am finding I am learning to use all my fingers at times and only one finger at other times. If you have a thumb and four fingers, why not use them?
Cheers,
Billy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,889
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,889 |
Thanks Billy. For sure, all those years ago, even the janitor had more understanding of being in a real studio than myself and my bandmates. Actually, the producer went on to become a well respected session player and moderately successful producer in Nashville. The other player could hang with Brent Mason on guitar licks... The engineer worked on many top albums. We were out of our league but I learned an awful lot asking questions and watching. And, ultimately, my riff made the cut...  The real issue was time and money... our manager was paying for everything and he's the one who had the ear of the producer and engineers. It wasn't so much those players but the 'studio style' playing needed by us inexperienced band members to adjust what we had learned and practiced prior to the limited time we booked for actual recording. It was easier (and cheaper) to adjust the session to us than for us to spend time and money working things out.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,745
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,745 |
Hi Charley, I hear you. Everything revolves around money. My only experience in a professional studio has been when I was paying the bill so I never had the pressure of dealing with someone else nickel.
I am pretty sensitive to people telling musicians that they lack the skillset and we don't have time to deal with you and what you are doing does not meet my idea of what is acceptable.
The lead guitar player I have played with most of the last part of live performances could play anything, note for note. Lewis liked to play in a much more complex way than I liked. I would never prevent him from expressing art as he saw it. If I would have been unhappy with his playing I would have got someone else.
Truly professional musicians can play to anything. I have played with Larry Carlton who is someone who can outplay almost anyone. He made everything work with my limited ability and made me feel very welcome and a part of the deal. He is a true professional and a kind person.
On a very few occasions at jam sessions, Lewis and I have had to deal with people who had very limited skills. If they played out of time we just followed them out of time. If the vocalist went to the four chord when they should have gone to the five chord we just followed them. What sort of arrogant knucklehead would try to make someone feel less than?
Obviously, the studio world is its own special case. Studio time costs a lot of money so there is limited time to do things. Situations can be controlled intelligently without saying things the have the effect of hurting people's feelings.
I am always consulting with the studio engineers and value their opinion. But they are damn sure not going to dictate to me what to play.
If I don't have the time or money to treat someone with kindness and respect, why would I let them in the door, to begin with?
Music is a very emotional endeavor and there are way to many people who are so self-centered they have no concern for other people's feelings.
More than once I have seen people leave a blues jam almost in tears because of the way they were treated by stupid uncaring arrogant musicians.
I am sure part of my dislike for the way people get treated comes from the LA music scene which has an overabundance of arrogant musicians.
I will get off my soapbox about this issue...lol
Cheers,
Billy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,077
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,077 |
Charlie and I were blessed to live within a family filled with exceptional musicians. Looking back in time I'm always amazed at how much patience was given and how enthused and happy these musicians were to watch and listen to us learn. The biggest smiles I remember were on their faces when we were playing with them.
Many years later I experienced the other side. Both of my daughters were learning to play violin (they actually learned to read sheet music!) and had progressed to the point they were practicing "She'll Be Coming Around The Mountain When She Comes". They asked me to play guitar along with them. Pure bliss.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
Target skill with flat pick is to achieve automatic, if you'll permit that term, response; that is, to strike the right string (out of six.) By automatic, I mean without thinking. At first it seems counter-intuitive to alternate the up stroke and the down stroke, but that is exactly the skill that leads to accurate flat picking. You jump around the chord and learn to keep bass time. About 01:14
Last edited by edshaw; 12/02/21 05:30 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,472
Posts805,451
Members40,126
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean