Yes Nick, they do! amzn.to/479vvgw Since I made this video, Black Mountain has added Medium and Light Gauge thumbpicks, high-tension spring thumbpicks and even picks for left-handed players. They've also added the Asteroid 3-Gauge Flatpick, which is also very cool: amzn.to/479vvgw. Overall, Black Mountains have become my favorite thumbpick. If you look at videos on my channel, you'll see me playing them often. Like this very recent one, where I'm fingerpicking "Julia" by John Lennon and The Beatles: ua-cam.com/video/oc21zgCnnlQ/v-deo.html
Thanks for all the confusing help. No- really narrowed it down to 3 for me. Always tried the generic stuff from the bowl on the counter at the music store. Never happy. Glad to support the links.
I agree! Since I made this video, Black Mountain has released Light and Medium Gauge versions, which quickly earned my loyalty. You can try out the various gauges in their variety pack: amzn.to/3Y7ityZ BTW, you can see me playing Black Mountain picks on many of my videos. Here's my recent deep dive into the music and career of Jim Croce: ua-cam.com/video/L937gynlHSA/v-deo.html
@@RobertCassard howdy from North Carolina I'm 22 and I'm not a finger picker but I use a black mountain thumb pick because I like not dropping my picks my style is pretty much like Luther Perkins though
Great vid! Thanks. I just bought the Cookies 20A angled thumb pick, as I am learning a bit of banjo and the bigger picks are not doing it for me. That is one awesome Gibbo you're playing!
Thank you, Bro Man! Tell me how the Cookies thumb pick works for you. These days, I'm using Black Mountain thumb picks because they introduced other lighter gauges: amzn.to/3BRmO0r Regarding my '64 Gibbo (J-50), it's one of my prides and joys. I featured it in my very first Guitar Discoveries video more than 6 years ago: ua-cam.com/video/mx8EmutRQ3A/v-deo.html Since then, I've played it in a bunch of videos on this channel, but I think it particularly shines in my "What I Learned From" singer-songwriter videos... James Taylor: ua-cam.com/video/YFThZipY-BY/v-deo.html Cat Stevens: ua-cam.com/video/bXcfuFrgqj0/v-deo.html Hard for me to believe that my guitar and voice were recorded using only a cheap Zoom H1 essential (with its built-in stereo mic): amzn.to/48iyTYR
@@RobertCassard Cheers, Robert. I also have a Black Mountain Thumb Pick which I use. Really comfortable on the Thumb. Unfortunately, the Zookies (not Cookies lol) I ordered was far too small. I ordered size L but I think this size L is for a newborn infant's thumb. No way in a billion years is it for an adult size L. So, I will buy another, but I will just go to the music shop to try them out for size. In relation to Gibson, the worst mistake I ever made was selling my 1947 J-45. Still not sure why I let it go. Was an absolutely beauty with such an old soul tone to it. I will check out the links you sent. Thanks
@@BroMan-ud7qx I feel your pain about selling that '47 - ouch. Good luck getting a Zookies that's big and comfortable. I do love that angled picking surface!
I cannot guess if you can strum down and up with the Herco. The loop is weak it can break if you slide it up (less prone than Dunlop but still...).. Unbreakable devices at least avoid these losses. Did you compare the HE and EH ? Thks. Herco tends to be discontinued ....(and prices up : 'before' theses devices would cost nearly nothing)
Since making this video, Black Mountain has released Medium and Thin gauge spring-loaded thumb picks. They've become my favorite thumb picks for most uses. Much more playable and reliable than the Herco.
Herco's have been a great discovery for me - I strum most of the time, but want a little fingerpicking flexibility. Herco's strum like a Fender flatpick, thin-to-medium. The thumb-loop helps hold it steady when I'm banging out a folk or blues song
We do what we have to do, right? Trimming a thumbpick is something I've done many times. Since making this video, my favorite has become the spring-loaded Black Mountain, because it's now available in medium and light gauges, too. Here's a link to check 'em out: amzn.to/3OccOlC
Question....Has anyone found the best Thumbpick for playing any Bluegrass or Celtic Tunes? And if so why? I've always played just with thumb and fingers- no picks- but feel I'm missing out on BG among other things, and holding a flatpack just feels foreign to me. Any thoughts?
Thanks for asking. Bluegrass flatpickers use a variety of brands and gauges. But they tend toward thicker picks to do fast and clean runs. Based on my own experience, Black Mountain spring-loaded thumbpicks would probably give you the best results. And now, you can choose your gauge, too. They split the difference between a thumbpick and flatpick in a way that lets you decide whether to support the pick with your index finger or not at any given moment. I hope that helps.
Hi Robert, Thanks for the feedback, and yes, that gives me some direction. I've also been in touch with Cole McBride from BM Picks, and he's a great guy. Really enjoy your playing and vids as well. Cheers! @@RobertCassard
@@TheMasonator777 I think they're great. The light gauge has a very flexible tip. If you want more stability on upstrokes, you could try the medium gauge with the extra-tight spring tension. Either the light or medium-gauge option is likely to work well for you...
@@RobertCassard I ordered 3 extra tight mediums and 7 extra tight lights… I figure the light will wear faster. If I end up graduating to the mediums or use both, that should give me a great start. The store I do repairs in has the regular ones, but I had no idea they made various gauges. Very exited and kind of relieved that I should be able to keep up a good playing schedule!
I have multiple hand injuries and I need one that has a very think stiff finger loop, and a thinner more flexible pick portion. I’m an electric flat picker. My right index is hyper-mobile and painful. I use 9-42 strings. Any suggestions folks?
Yes sir. Black Mountain has what you want. You can get a pack of spring-loaded thumb picks. Light gauge with extra-tight spring tension. Like they were made especially for you! 😎
Interesting comparison, thanks. So about 8 weeks ago I crushed my picking thumb in a car door. Destroyed the nail of course but as a fingerstyle player I couldn’t bear the thought of giving up a guitar for months. My go to thumbtack has always been a modified Herco, heavy gauge. I cut down the tip and slightly changed the attack angle. Perfect! My secondary was Slick Pick, mostly because it’s a very fast pick and light as a feather. I have at least 50 thumb picks in the box (including all that you showed here) and it was quite a challenge to find one that could feel comfortable over my ugly healing thumb. Tone had to take a back seat to comfort. Most picks hugged the thumb too tightly and I could only play 20 minutes or so. After struggling with National, Golden Gate, Black Diamond, Zookie (I love Zookie), I finally settled on the Herco. They hug my thumb rather than squeeze it. I can play 90 minutes without pain and I have grown to love the sharp, clear and quick response that I get. Yes, they’re noisier, clicky, than other thicker picks but they work really well for me. On acoustic plugged in you don’t hear the strike, just a sweet, fast attack. I switch up occasionally because as you say there isn’t a perfect one pick does it all. Thanks again for the great comparison. BTW, the nail is healing. A new one is growing in and The old one is falling off. I figure two more months and it’ll be usable.
Dang Randall, your thumb pick quest has been even more roundabout than mine! Glad you found a “Herco hero” during your healing time. Godspeed on the thumbnail regrow, too. Thanks for watching.
I have a thumbpick that holds a slice of my favorite Herco flatpick. It's adjustable. Don't remember where it came from though and have never seen one like it.
After 10 minutes I get a cramp in my hand from holding the pick, I play fingerstyle on bass guitar but some songs need a pick, it will largely depend on the angle the pick is pointing to, I will take 'm all... and hopefully among these pick systems there is 1 that works for me Thank you very much for the good info.
I hope you find one that works for you, Patrick. Have you ever tried a (flat) felt pick on bass? amzn.to/3oaDNzm Or a Dunlop FlowGrip Jumbo 4.20? amzn.to/2X32Fg8 In my experience, a really thick pick sounds great on bass and is much easier to hold without cramping. Just a couple more options for you, along with the thumb picks!
Thanks, Dylan. Sounds like I need to try one. I've been using the new medium gauge Black Mountain pick and loving it. Here's an example: ua-cam.com/video/cmW1nnK8238/v-deo.html
I too like the slick pick but not when I need to strum. I alternate between it and the Herco as I like the Herco for strumming a bit more. I’m eventually gonna get hold of the Fred Kelly Bumblebee as it looks it would be best if both worlds and has a jazz iii shaped pick which I like a lot. I havent tried the black mountains but will eventually. I’ve just recently decided to use thumb pick exclusively and not use flat picks whatsoever. I figure it will force me to figuring a solution for all techniques with some woodshedding.
Another vote for the Slick Picks, specifically the medium ones! They're still stiff but have some give at both the thumb loop and picking area. The Black Mountain is basically at 90 degrees the entire which is not conducive for strumming . I like the idea of the Bumble Bee with the swivel but it's a stiff swivel that always goes back the original 90 degree angle. The tip of the Slick Pick is rounded and slightly beveled which makes it easier for strumming eventhough it's at 90 degrees like the other two. Because of that though, they're not super bright... which can be a good thing or bad thing. Definitely softer attack and softer sound than the regular Dunlops (too stiff and harsh sounding). If only the Slick Pick was slightly sharper ... it would be perfect! I've tried the bumble bee and black mountains and I didn't enjoy them as much.
This is just the video I was looking for...tried learning hybrid picking but it's just not for me a thumbpick feels a lot more natural while fingerpicking. I have ordered some Herco's and I might also try the blackmountain light gauge picks if I can find them...
Since I made this video, Black Mountain has added medium and light gauge spring-loaded picks. They even offer med and lt with extra spring tension, if that’s what you like. I’m officially sold on Black Mountain!
I have a question for you if you could go back to when you first started playing what gear would you tell yourself to buy? For me it would be my Yamaha apx500 and a marshal acoustic amp
That question is just too hard, Scott. Of course, it depends on whether you mean for acoustic gear or electric. I put a Fishman pickup in my Gibson J-50 and I truly love it. I’m no expert on acoustic amps, but I had a Fishman SA220 and loved it!
I wish I still had all the guitars I once had. At 60 I would enjoy each and every one of them, pending my mood. Currently I have a little but loud yamaha thr 10w modeling amp that can run on batteries! But I neeeeeeed at least 2 acoustics, a 12 string, an 2 electrics (so I tell the Mrs!).
Hi Phillip. I've bought thumbpicks at various guitar stores, and also online. Herco picks, Zookies and other common picks are available through Amazon. The SharkTooth and Black Mountain picks are definitely online items. I like to buy through their own stores whenever possible.
Hi Robert, I'm using the BM thumb picks, and like you started with the heavy gauge, then bought the medium gauge which were a great improvement for me, really like them. The last month I been using BMs jazz pick which I really like as well because the actual pick is shorter great for fast picking and I find easier to strum with. As the jazz pick was just newly launched had difficulty buying here in England so had to buy direct from BM Canada, it was a 2 week wait but we'll worth it.
I love how Black Mountain keeps innovating their picks. Haven’t tried the Jazz pick yet, but I probably will. I also just saw that they’re offering a higher tension spring. Thanks so much for your comment!
Thank you! Dunlop max grips are the best, I use a jazz iii max grip and have never looked back. Never looked back until I started using thumbpicks, that is...
Man. I find the biggest problem is the size. Haven’t been able to find a good medium. I like a small compact one, but I end up breaking them trying to fit to my finger. Bigger ones seem too big and awkward. XL definitely too big for me. Glad to find this vid!
@Kristoffer Smith I mention this in the video, but the bigger picks are often thicker, too. No matter how much I file them, they are;t as responsive as I want. The Black Mountain medium is my new favorite. I wish it had been available when I made this video.
@Kristoffer Smith True, but: a) time is money and it takes time to do the filing and sanding. b) I've found that sanding down most picks doesn't change their stiffness much, until they get thin enough that they're prone to break. Good news is, this is no longer my problem since the Black Mountain picks are spring-loaded and fit my large thumbs comfortably.
Nice options- I don't need picks anymore but wear down my index nail (acts as substitute pick). nylon strings don't bend well so I need steel strings. Looking for consistency without 'nail jobs' so tried white Dunlop - good (strong for my playing style) but large size too tight & get blue thumb. I've actually broken other larger thumb picks before so prefer thick dunlops. I got similar to red one (herc?) but too tinny and can't attack strings So i like best your idea of getting a xl dunlop and testing or grinding back. The two innovations are interesting too- thanks
Up until now I find Black Mountain working best for me. I would like a medium option though, and a bit of angle. I suffer from neuropathy and I am no longe able to hold an ordinary pick.
Good news, Hans. Black Mountain now offers Medium and Light Gauge spring-loaded thumbpicks! I've been using the Medium in many of my videos recently, and I have Light Gauge picks on order to check out the difference. blackmountainpicks.com/collections/thumb-picks-ggg
@@RobertCassard Thanks! I buy my gear from Thomann in Germany to avoid being charged for both customs and customs handling. But Thomann has not listed the light gauge yet. I will buy some as soon as they do.
@@hanserikkratholmrasmussen6623 Hopefully soon! You mentioned you have issues with neuropathy. Just wondering if you've ever tried DMSO. I did a video about it 4 years ago: ua-cam.com/video/z26iSSmcKCc/v-deo.html Not sure if it's available in Germany, but here in the US, it can be purchased on Amazon.
I was born with congenital mirror movement syndrome and conventional picks are unworkable for me at the minute I’m finding the blue and black black mountain thumb pick a game changer previously I was using my index finger and thumb
Robert excellent demo with great playing and vocals. I have stuggled for years to find a thumb pick which is both comfortable and user friendly. Herco could be the one for me, more of a stummer rather than a picker.
Robert, first, really nice playing! Next, even though the Black Mountain is thick, it seemed to bring out the best tone and seemed most comfortable for you to play. I too have been dealing with this problem for decades, so I end up shaving them down. I saw the Black Mountain on Amazon and thought, $6 for a pick? and passed on it. But, after hearing it, I will order it today and give it a shot, but I too like Mediums. And your J-50 is awesome (I've said this before.) I also tried those heavy grip flat picks you love so much and did not like them at all. They actually slip on me more than my Dunlop Mediums. Go figure... Still waiting on my pre war. Custom shop is really taking their time...
Hey Rabukan. Sorry the Max Grips didn’t work for you, but it’s all an experiment, eh? I’ve pretty much settle on the Black Mountain medium as my main thumb pick…at least until something better comes along. I do love the Shark Tooth for some purposes, too.
Thanks, Sam. You can get a closer look in my very first Guitar Discoveries video: ua-cam.com/video/mx8EmutRQ3A/v-deo.html And I play it extensively on my video about what James Taylor taught me: ua-cam.com/video/YFThZipY-BY/v-deo.html
I really like the black mountain and the herco the best. Mellow and bright- very clear and clean sounding. On another note, you are damm good!, but that’s besides the point--I’ve never tried a finger pick, and I noticed that even though your other fingers do not have a pick, they sounded equally balanced volume wise with your thumb. When I tried a thumb pick ( just now), my other fingers weren’t heard as much. But all in all, it was an interesting comparison that you made among the different brands and gages, so to speak. Great Incentive for me personally to do some work.. Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks for the insights and praise, George. I should have mentioned that I keep the nails of my fingerpicking hand just long enough to be their own picks, like a classical guitarist. Years ago, I used to maintain my thumbnail the same way, but I always had issues with it cracking at the edge, and not striking the string cleanly. That’s how I got on the thumb pick hunt... FYI - James Taylor uses synthetic thumbnail material, not a thumb pick.
As it goes with regular picks, strings, body shapes, fretboards, pedals, amps and all other guitar related gear… it’s subjective. I’m having a hard time finding a thumb pick that doesn’t have the pick too far back on my thumb. When I finger pick I don’t use the side of my thumb but more towards the tip of my thumb. Anyway, these videos are really great for sound examples and always respect the opinions of other players. I had no idea they made XL picks, these large picks are killing me lol Thanks for the video.
Dang, Dan…sounds like you’ve had similar challenges to me. The Sharktooth may work well for you because you can position the tip of the pick where you want it. And you can size it exactly to your thumb…
Take a glass of water and microwave it for 30-45 seconds. Drop the pick in, afterwards with a spoon grab the pick after you let it sit in the warm water. Shape the pick to your thumb. After you shaped it while warm stick it in cold water to hold shape.
@@Isache-d6p I'm not sure the exact temperature that I used. I would just try 30-45 seconds in your microwave and give it a go. If you have several maybe the first one doesn't turn out perfect. Adjust for the 2nd attempt. By microwaving the water, and waiting a few seconds and let the water slightly cool and drop it in. My first attempt I scolded the pick and it unfolded flat and I ruined the pick. The next attempt I waited 10 seconds then dropped the pick in and it came out great.
Dude, you can play!! You made them all sound good! I guess, it may be mostly a matter of personal preference. Though, I'm super-"picky" about my picks.
Thanks for the very informative video. I've struggled with using thumb picks for years and usually just end up playing with my bare thumb and fingers, which gets me a mellower tone, but just feels natural for me. I have a Gibson 1964 J-50 also, so really enjoyed listening to you play yours. Thanks so much!
Since making this video, RW, I found out that Black Mountain now makes a medium pick. I've been using it and loving it...something to try if you ever have fingernails and want to keep the tone balanced between thumb and fingers.
I started playing guitar recently (I'm 16) and always wondered "what the hell kind of a pick did my elementary music teacher use!?" Because I'd never seen any one else use them and just assumed he some how made them on his own! Ahahaha! Then I realised when I watched people playing banjo that they where using something similar. So now I am ordering 10 different brands to see what ones I like the most!
Good move, Ayla. I think it’s worth time and trouble to experiment. FYI, since I made this video, Black Mountain now makes a medium gauge version of their thumb pick that I love!
I play mostly 50's and 60's, 70's rockabilly, and classic vintage rock. The Herco picks work extremely well for me as I try to emulate the style of Brian Setzer going back and forth between flat and thumb picking. Herco comes in Heavy, Medium, Light. I don't believe you are ever going to find a perfect thumb pick. The shark and black mountain seem bulky and cumbersome for my style.
Thanks for the question, Will. The Bumble Bee looks interesting, but with the very small and precise point of the pick end, it looks to be designed more for lead playing than strumming. My search has been for a pick that allows both. Have used used the Bumble Bee for strumming, and if so, how does it play and feel compared to a regular flat pick? Which gauge do you use?
@@RobertCassard I'm an intermediate closing on advanced player (10%er, according to my teacher) who's only ever used nails (years ago as beginner) and flesh (later years trying to Knopfler). I'm so ignorant it didn't even cross my mind to differentiate between lead and strumming. Here's the thing, compared to claw hammer strumming without nails, it's a game-changing improvement in precision groovability, unfortunately I don't have the experience yet to compare to a superior strummer, so, I need to gain that before opining more. I've only gotten serious about this journey in the past 3 years, the 30 before were off and on and lackadaisical. Now I just want to graduate to an ability to play Zappa's most interesting compositions, and maybe ape some of my own.
Thanks for watching, Ava. FYI, since I made this video, Black Mountain keeps adding gauges and spring-tension options to their lineup. I often use their medium and thin gauges and love them!
Thanks for the suggestion, Tom. I haven’t tried one, but it’s still a pretty Heavy gauge pick like the Black Mountain. If the yellow band around the thumb is flexible, then it might be a good option. I just really want someone to make one of these with a Medium gauge pick... Have you tried the Bumblebee?
The Fred Kelly Bumblebee comes in regular or large thumbhole so they can probably accommodate your thumb. They come in lighr, medium, heavy, & extra heavy gauge. They akso come in two shapes; jazz or teardrop. The jazz is more pointed. I like medium or heavy teardrop. The light is very thin, even thinner than Dunlop. The material is Delrin which has a softer sound than celluloid. Delrin also tends to wear down faster with strumming. Fred Kelly also makes a more standard thumb pick called Slick Pick. It is symmetrical and I find them very comfortable and easy to flat pick with. I use regular thumb hole light weight. The slick also has an option of polycarbonate material that has a sharper tone. Delrin is unbreakable and flexible but the polycarbonate will eventually break at the thumb curve (bummer at mid song).
I like the Black Mountain thumb pick a lot. It stays on and in place way better than the "low tech" ones I've tried. The 3 I got a year or so ago have lasted real well through daily playing.
Regarding this subject, the holy grail is indeed elusive. Over the years I've tried a handful of thumb picks but have always gone back to the National large because it feels best, and, as you say, seems most sure footed to me. But it does NOT sound good, nor is it easy to control, for precise rhythmic strumming. Unfortunately, I've never done the hard work of learning how to tuck my flat pick into the cup of my hand. Not that that would be the Holy Grail of answers to this question, because over the years (probably based on what a guy I knew in high school did :) I have come to depend upon a thumb pick to play at my best while finger picking. So, tucking a flat pick into my palm isn't the complete answer for songs that require both techniques. Sadly, on stage, I tend to shy away from songs that involve both finger picking and aggressive strumming. There are a few songs, like Shallow for example, where I begin with a thumb pick for finger picking and then half way through the song I jettison the thumb pick and quickly grab my trusty Clayton .63 or Dunlop nylon .73 flat pick from the mic stand and sally forth to the end of the song. That works, but only for a few songs. The Zookie sounds interesting. I'll check it out. Great video. Thanks!
Thanks, Steve. I'm guessing there are lots of players like us, who have yet to find a perfect solution and are awkwardly switching from thumb pick to flat pick in the middle of songs. I think I'll do a test where I do a full 2-3-hour rehearsal using either the SharkTooth or the Black Mountain...never letting myself use a standard flat pick. Under that duress, I'm guessing the SharkTooth, loaded up with my fave Dunlop Max Grip, may be the most livable and comfortable on my thumb the whole time. We shall see.
@@RobertCassard I bought the shark tooth after watching your video of several months ago on it. It is truly an interesting product but still seemed awkward to me in use. I'm sure that I didn't give it enough time/effort to get used to it. I play very rhythmically (I like to think that I've gleaned a thing or two from ole Pete Townshend :) with lots of hammer ons and pull offs. The problem I found with the Shark Tooth is that I didn't have that feeling that the pick was a part of my thumb and index finger like I do with a regular medium flat pick. It also didn't exactly feel like my National thumb pick for finger picking. But, in the back of my mind, I've been thinking that maybe I should give the Shark Tooth more time and effort. I really want to try the Zookie.
Black Mtn increased form £5 to £8.74 (around $11), so a big save up for the thinner version(after a $500 spend on the new Vintage Paul brett Viator EQ)BUT this is my goto pick now for guitar and in top 3 or 4 for tenor ukulele (low G) After major house search totally lost my only DAVA made USA pick, and again they ain't as cheap as others, but getting the 5 pack mix for Christmas (£9/$11 for one of each .. bear in mind the metal one alone is £5/$6). DAVA has three marks for adjustment and is bendy. Gotta have some DAVA. Got some cheap knock off Butterfly picks from China and never use them they are painful to say the least. I am sure the USA originals will be much better.Have a little tin box full of Hendrickx picks, the guy said Jimi played every one (joke). I have actually sat on hendrickx 2 seater sofa, with foot on Clapton's rug, AND HELD and almost played Jimis left handed guitar. All at Hard Rock Cafe London in the cellar vault. (the first one). So with all of the above, plus some Dunlop thumbpicks and various nylon/plastic flatpicks. my mojo is high. i find girls prefer a guitarman regardless of picks, but for a different type of girl play banjo, or for an old girl play uke. Just sayin'. Thanks for the review Robert.
You're welcome, Frederick. Since making this video, I was happy when Black Mountain expended their line to include medium and light gauge picks. Now I keep all gauges handy, and use them for different songs and purposes. I like the grippiness of DAVA picks, and I ofte play Dunlop Max-Grip which are similarly "sticky"
you probably now do know that Black Mountain has come out with a medium gauge thumbpickand they are in the process of coming out with a light gauge around the summertime I don’t work for them I’m just a customer but I love their picks
Yes, Georgie. This video came out a few months before they launched the medium picks, which I bought immediately. I've become quite a Black Mountain fan.
Personally I think I’ll try all three and see what fits me thank you👍😎🍺🎸🎼🇺🇸🇱🇹 oh by the way dogs lick themselves because they can🤪 I seem to be leaning towards the black mountain pic
Thanks for that tip, Stephen. I'll check 'em out. I've become a huge fan of Black Mountain picks, because since I did this video, they've added medium and thin gauge options to their spring-loaded offering. amzn.to/3Hnr1sm
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Very useful for me who try to find some thumb pick, thank you for your kindness.
You’re welcome, Humble. I hope you find your holy grail thumb pick...I’m still searching! :-)
Amazon's page says the Black mountain comes with a medium gauge pick. Maybe they updated it or they offer a couple different types?
Yes Nick, they do! amzn.to/479vvgw Since I made this video, Black Mountain has added Medium and Light Gauge thumbpicks, high-tension spring thumbpicks and even picks for left-handed players. They've also added the Asteroid 3-Gauge Flatpick, which is also very cool: amzn.to/479vvgw. Overall, Black Mountains have become my favorite thumbpick. If you look at videos on my channel, you'll see me playing them often. Like this very recent one, where I'm fingerpicking "Julia" by John Lennon and The Beatles: ua-cam.com/video/oc21zgCnnlQ/v-deo.html
@@RobertCassard wow that's a bunch of hits! I'm check them out.
@@RobertCassard Thanks for the links
@@Nickporter17 I hope you find your Holy Grail thumbpick, too!
My pleasure
Thank you sir!
I hope it helps you find the holy grail for you, ghadeer.
Thanks for all the confusing help. No- really narrowed it down to 3 for me. Always tried the generic stuff from the bowl on the counter at the music store. Never happy. Glad to support the links.
Glad it was helpful, Danny. Since making this video, Black Mountain has introduced light and medium gauge spring-loaded thumb picks that are great!
Really appreciate you posting this. I've been using Dunlop for a while but will definitely try the black mountain
Right on, Jay. I hope it gives your EXACTLY what you’re looking for.
Great playing and review!
Thanks so much, Frank. Appreciate you checking out my vids.
The Black Mountain has the best tone and the most natural sound to my ears.
I agree! Since I made this video, Black Mountain has released Light and Medium Gauge versions, which quickly earned my loyalty. You can try out the various gauges in their variety pack: amzn.to/3Y7ityZ
BTW, you can see me playing Black Mountain picks on many of my videos. Here's my recent deep dive into the music and career of Jim Croce: ua-cam.com/video/L937gynlHSA/v-deo.html
@@RobertCassard howdy from North Carolina I'm 22 and I'm not a finger picker but I use a black mountain thumb pick because I like not dropping my picks my style is pretty much like Luther Perkins though
@@southernpride2003 I get it! There's a non spring-loaded flat pick that might also work for you: ua-cam.com/video/08j9J6jLOVk/v-deo.html
Great vid! Thanks. I just bought the Cookies 20A angled thumb pick, as I am learning a bit of banjo and the bigger picks are not doing it for me. That is one awesome Gibbo you're playing!
Thank you, Bro Man! Tell me how the Cookies thumb pick works for you. These days, I'm using Black Mountain thumb picks because they introduced other lighter gauges: amzn.to/3BRmO0r
Regarding my '64 Gibbo (J-50), it's one of my prides and joys. I featured it in my very first Guitar Discoveries video more than 6 years ago: ua-cam.com/video/mx8EmutRQ3A/v-deo.html
Since then, I've played it in a bunch of videos on this channel, but I think it particularly shines in my "What I Learned From" singer-songwriter videos...
James Taylor: ua-cam.com/video/YFThZipY-BY/v-deo.html
Cat Stevens: ua-cam.com/video/bXcfuFrgqj0/v-deo.html
Hard for me to believe that my guitar and voice were recorded using only a cheap Zoom H1 essential (with its built-in stereo mic): amzn.to/48iyTYR
@@RobertCassard Cheers, Robert. I also have a Black Mountain Thumb Pick which I use. Really comfortable on the Thumb. Unfortunately, the Zookies (not Cookies lol) I ordered was far too small. I ordered size L but I think this size L is for a newborn infant's thumb. No way in a billion years is it for an adult size L. So, I will buy another, but I will just go to the music shop to try them out for size. In relation to Gibson, the worst mistake I ever made was selling my 1947 J-45. Still not sure why I let it go. Was an absolutely beauty with such an old soul tone to it.
I will check out the links you sent.
Thanks
@@BroMan-ud7qx I feel your pain about selling that '47 - ouch. Good luck getting a Zookies that's big and comfortable. I do love that angled picking surface!
Great job comparing these and I can hear the differences for sure.
Thanks for watching, Kue Man.
I cannot guess if you can strum down and up with the Herco. The loop is weak it can break if you slide it up (less prone than Dunlop but still...).. Unbreakable devices at least avoid these losses. Did you compare the HE and EH ? Thks. Herco tends to be discontinued ....(and prices up : 'before' theses devices would cost nearly nothing)
Since making this video, Black Mountain has released Medium and Thin gauge spring-loaded thumb picks. They've become my favorite thumb picks for most uses. Much more playable and reliable than the Herco.
Herco's have been a great discovery for me - I strum most of the time, but want a little fingerpicking flexibility. Herco's strum like a Fender flatpick, thin-to-medium. The thumb-loop helps hold it steady when I'm banging out a folk or blues song
Glad the Hercos work for you, Luke. A bargain, too.
I use a trimmed medium wt Herco. I liked the sound of the Shark Tooth, but not sure I could handle the bulky look.
We do what we have to do, right? Trimming a thumbpick is something I've done many times. Since making this video, my favorite has become the spring-loaded Black Mountain, because it's now available in medium and light gauges, too.
Here's a link to check 'em out: amzn.to/3OccOlC
Question....Has anyone found the best Thumbpick for playing any Bluegrass or Celtic Tunes? And if so why? I've always played just with thumb and fingers- no picks- but feel I'm missing out on BG among other things, and holding a flatpack just feels foreign to me. Any thoughts?
Thanks for asking. Bluegrass flatpickers use a variety of brands and gauges. But they tend toward thicker picks to do fast and clean runs. Based on my own experience, Black Mountain spring-loaded thumbpicks would probably give you the best results. And now, you can choose your gauge, too. They split the difference between a thumbpick and flatpick in a way that lets you decide whether to support the pick with your index finger or not at any given moment. I hope that helps.
Hi Robert, Thanks for the feedback, and yes, that gives me some direction. I've also been in touch with Cole McBride from BM Picks, and he's a great guy. Really enjoy your playing and vids as well. Cheers! @@RobertCassard
Black Mountain does make different pick thicknesses. I recently picked up on of the thinner ones.
YES, Dave! I have't done an update since Black Mountain came out with Medium and Thin versions. But I use 'em both all the time!
@@RobertCassard How do they hold up on unsupported, or very lightly supported upstrokes when flat picking?
@@TheMasonator777 I think they're great. The light gauge has a very flexible tip. If you want more stability on upstrokes, you could try the medium gauge with the extra-tight spring tension. Either the light or medium-gauge option is likely to work well for you...
@@RobertCassard I ordered 3 extra tight mediums and 7 extra tight lights… I figure the light will wear faster. If I end up graduating to the mediums or use both, that should give me a great start. The store I do repairs in has the regular ones, but I had no idea they made various gauges. Very exited and kind of relieved that I should be able to keep up a good playing schedule!
Fantastic. Tell me how it goes@@TheMasonator777!
I have multiple hand injuries and I need one that has a very think stiff finger loop, and a thinner more flexible pick portion. I’m an electric flat picker. My right index is hyper-mobile and painful. I use 9-42 strings. Any suggestions folks?
Yes sir. Black Mountain has what you want. You can get a pack of spring-loaded thumb picks. Light gauge with extra-tight spring tension. Like they were made especially for you! 😎
@@RobertCassard Just ordered some! Thank you very much!
From your video, the Herco will do it for me. Thank you so much.
Right on, George. Come back and tell me how it works for you
thank you sir, almost cut my thumb off on a bandsaw last year, no feeling in it, can't keep from losing my pick.
Dang, Bruce! I hope one of these does the job for you...
Interesting comparison, thanks. So about 8 weeks ago I crushed my picking thumb in a car door. Destroyed the nail of course but as a fingerstyle player I couldn’t bear the thought of giving up a guitar for months.
My go to thumbtack has always been a modified Herco, heavy gauge. I cut down the tip and slightly changed the attack angle. Perfect! My secondary was Slick Pick, mostly because it’s a very fast pick and light as a feather. I have at least 50 thumb picks in the box (including all that you showed here) and it was quite a challenge to find one that could feel comfortable over my ugly healing thumb. Tone had to take a back seat to comfort. Most picks hugged the thumb too tightly and I could only play 20 minutes or so. After struggling with National, Golden Gate, Black Diamond, Zookie (I love Zookie), I finally settled on the Herco. They hug my thumb rather than squeeze it. I can play 90 minutes without pain and I have grown to love the sharp, clear and quick response that I get. Yes, they’re noisier, clicky, than other thicker picks but they work really well for me. On acoustic plugged in you don’t hear the strike, just a sweet, fast attack. I switch up occasionally because as you say there isn’t a perfect one pick does it all. Thanks again for the great comparison. BTW, the nail is healing. A new one is growing in and The old one is falling off. I figure two more months and it’ll be usable.
Dang Randall, your thumb pick quest has been even more roundabout than mine! Glad you found a “Herco hero” during your healing time. Godspeed on the thumbnail regrow, too. Thanks for watching.
I have a thumbpick that holds a slice of my favorite Herco flatpick. It's adjustable. Don't remember where it came from though and have never seen one like it.
Sounds cool…
After 10 minutes I get a cramp in my hand from holding the pick,
I play fingerstyle on bass guitar but some songs need a pick,
it will largely depend on the angle the pick is pointing to,
I will take 'm all... and hopefully among these pick systems there is 1 that works for me
Thank you very much for the good info.
I hope you find one that works for you, Patrick. Have you ever tried a (flat) felt pick on bass? amzn.to/3oaDNzm Or a Dunlop FlowGrip Jumbo 4.20? amzn.to/2X32Fg8 In my experience, a really thick pick sounds great on bass and is much easier to hold without cramping. Just a couple more options for you, along with the thumb picks!
My favorite thumbpick is the Fred Kelly Slick Pick. You can fingerpick, Travis pick, strum, and flat pick with it. It's great.
Thanks, Dylan. Sounds like I need to try one. I've been using the new medium gauge Black Mountain pick and loving it. Here's an example: ua-cam.com/video/cmW1nnK8238/v-deo.html
I too like the slick pick but not when I need to strum. I alternate between it and the Herco as I like the Herco for strumming a bit more.
I’m eventually gonna get hold of the Fred Kelly Bumblebee as it looks it would be best if both worlds and has a jazz iii shaped pick which I like a lot.
I havent tried the black mountains but will eventually. I’ve just recently decided to use thumb pick exclusively and not use flat picks whatsoever. I figure it will force me to figuring a solution for all techniques with some woodshedding.
Another vote for the Slick Picks, specifically the medium ones! They're still stiff but have some give at both the thumb loop and picking area. The Black Mountain is basically at 90 degrees the entire which is not conducive for strumming . I like the idea of the Bumble Bee with the swivel but it's a stiff swivel that always goes back the original 90 degree angle. The tip of the Slick Pick is rounded and slightly beveled which makes it easier for strumming eventhough it's at 90 degrees like the other two. Because of that though, they're not super bright... which can be a good thing or bad thing. Definitely softer attack and softer sound than the regular Dunlops (too stiff and harsh sounding). If only the Slick Pick was slightly sharper ... it would be perfect! I've tried the bumble bee and black mountains and I didn't enjoy them as much.
+ for a Fred Kelly Slick Pick. Highly recommended!
The problem with thumb picks is that they just don’t strum with any fluidity.
This is just the video I was looking for...tried learning hybrid picking but it's just not for me a thumbpick feels a lot more natural while fingerpicking. I have ordered some Herco's and I might also try the blackmountain light gauge picks if I can find them...
Since I made this video, Black Mountain has added medium and light gauge spring-loaded picks. They even offer med and lt with extra spring tension, if that’s what you like. I’m officially sold on Black Mountain!
I have a question for you if you could go back to when you first started playing what gear would you tell yourself to buy? For me it would be my Yamaha apx500 and a marshal acoustic amp
That question is just too hard, Scott. Of course, it depends on whether you mean for acoustic gear or electric. I put a Fishman pickup in my Gibson J-50 and I truly love it. I’m no expert on acoustic amps, but I had a Fishman SA220 and loved it!
I wish I still had all the guitars I once had. At 60 I would enjoy each and every one of them, pending my mood.
Currently I have a little but loud yamaha thr 10w modeling amp that can run on batteries!
But I neeeeeeed at least 2 acoustics, a 12 string, an 2 electrics (so I tell the Mrs!).
How did you mic the guitar?
My trusty Zoom H1n about 3 feet away. I did a video about it: ua-cam.com/video/AS4t1wpyOcM/v-deo.html
I'm using Herco and they want stay on! Where do you buy these thumb pick?
Hi Phillip. I've bought thumbpicks at various guitar stores, and also online. Herco picks, Zookies and other common picks are available through Amazon. The SharkTooth and Black Mountain picks are definitely online items. I like to buy through their own stores whenever possible.
@@RobertCassard Thank you for the heads up!
Hi Robert, I'm using the BM thumb picks, and like you started with the heavy gauge, then bought the medium gauge which were a great improvement for me, really like them. The last month I been using BMs jazz pick which I really like as well because the actual pick is shorter great for fast picking and I find easier to strum with. As the jazz pick was just newly launched had difficulty buying here in England so had to buy direct from BM Canada, it was a 2 week wait but we'll worth it.
I love how Black Mountain keeps innovating their picks. Haven’t tried the Jazz pick yet, but I probably will. I also just saw that they’re offering a higher tension spring. Thanks so much for your comment!
@@RobertCassard Sorry I forgot to thank you for your video, well done. Yes I saw those new ones as well aren't they for people with a smaller thumb.
Yes...and they’re also sharing instructions about putting the picks in hot water to expand or contract the pick size.
Thank you! Dunlop max grips are the best, I use a jazz iii max grip and have never looked back. Never looked back until I started using thumbpicks, that is...
You're welcome, Joe Mofo (great name!).
Man. I find the biggest problem is the size. Haven’t been able to find a good medium. I like a small compact one, but I end up breaking them trying to fit to my finger. Bigger ones seem too big and awkward. XL definitely too big for me. Glad to find this vid!
Glad you found it, too, Kevin! Black Mountain now makes a Medium and it’s working really well for me.
@Kristoffer Smith I mention this in the video, but the bigger picks are often thicker, too. No matter how much I file them, they are;t as responsive as I want. The Black Mountain medium is my new favorite. I wish it had been available when I made this video.
@Kristoffer Smith True, but: a) time is money and it takes time to do the filing and sanding. b) I've found that sanding down most picks doesn't change their stiffness much, until they get thin enough that they're prone to break. Good news is, this is no longer my problem since the Black Mountain picks are spring-loaded and fit my large thumbs comfortably.
@Kristoffer Smith Come back and tell me which works best for you!
Nice options- I don't need picks anymore but wear down my index nail (acts as substitute pick). nylon strings don't bend well so I need steel strings.
Looking for consistency without 'nail jobs' so tried white Dunlop - good (strong for my playing style) but large size too tight & get blue thumb. I've actually broken other larger thumb picks before so prefer thick dunlops. I got similar to red one (herc?) but too tinny and can't attack strings
So i like best your idea of getting a xl dunlop and testing or grinding back. The two innovations are interesting too- thanks
I hope you find YOUR holy grail pick. Since I did this video, Black Mountain came out with a medium spring-loaded thumb pick and I love it.
Up until now I find Black Mountain working best for me. I would like a medium option though, and a bit of angle. I suffer from neuropathy and I am no longe able to hold an ordinary pick.
Good news, Hans. Black Mountain now offers Medium and Light Gauge spring-loaded thumbpicks! I've been using the Medium in many of my videos recently, and I have Light Gauge picks on order to check out the difference. blackmountainpicks.com/collections/thumb-picks-ggg
@@RobertCassard Thanks! I buy my gear from Thomann in Germany to avoid being charged for both customs and customs handling. But Thomann has not listed the light gauge yet. I will buy some as soon as they do.
@@hanserikkratholmrasmussen6623 Hopefully soon! You mentioned you have issues with neuropathy. Just wondering if you've ever tried DMSO. I did a video about it 4 years ago: ua-cam.com/video/z26iSSmcKCc/v-deo.html Not sure if it's available in Germany, but here in the US, it can be purchased on Amazon.
I was born with congenital mirror movement syndrome and conventional picks are unworkable for me at the minute I’m finding the blue and black black mountain thumb pick a game changer previously I was using my index finger and thumb
Beside the review good playing.
You have earned a new subscriber now.
Awesome, thank you!
Robert excellent demo with great playing and vocals. I have stuggled for years to find a thumb pick which is both comfortable and user friendly. Herco could be the one for me, more of a stummer rather than a picker.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Ray. I hope this helps you find your holy grail, especially since I still seem to be on the search!
Robert, first, really nice playing! Next, even though the Black Mountain is thick, it seemed to bring out the best tone and seemed most comfortable for you to play. I too have been dealing with this problem for decades, so I end up shaving them down. I saw the Black Mountain on Amazon and thought, $6 for a pick? and passed on it. But, after hearing it, I will order it today and give it a shot, but I too like Mediums. And your J-50 is awesome (I've said this before.) I also tried those heavy grip flat picks you love so much and did not like them at all. They actually slip on me more than my Dunlop Mediums. Go figure... Still waiting on my pre war. Custom shop is really taking their time...
Hey Rabukan. Sorry the Max Grips didn’t work for you, but it’s all an experiment, eh? I’ve pretty much settle on the Black Mountain medium as my main thumb pick…at least until something better comes along. I do love the Shark Tooth for some purposes, too.
@@RobertCassard I’ll try the max grips in the sharks tooth wrap. Never have too many picks :)
That combo works great for me!
Love your Gibson.
Thanks, Sam. You can get a closer look in my very first Guitar Discoveries video: ua-cam.com/video/mx8EmutRQ3A/v-deo.html And I play it extensively on my video about what James Taylor taught me: ua-cam.com/video/YFThZipY-BY/v-deo.html
I really like the black mountain and the herco the best. Mellow and bright- very clear and clean sounding. On another note, you are damm good!, but that’s besides the point--I’ve never tried a finger pick, and I noticed that even though your other fingers do not have a pick, they sounded equally balanced volume wise with your thumb. When I tried a thumb pick ( just now), my other fingers weren’t heard as much. But all in all, it was an interesting comparison that you made among the different brands and gages, so to speak. Great Incentive for me personally to do some work.. Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks for the insights and praise, George. I should have mentioned that I keep the nails of my fingerpicking hand just long enough to be their own picks, like a classical guitarist. Years ago, I used to maintain my thumbnail the same way, but I always had issues with it cracking at the edge, and not striking the string cleanly. That’s how I got on the thumb pick hunt... FYI - James Taylor uses synthetic thumbnail material, not a thumb pick.
Black Mountain just started offering a Medium gauge spring-hinged thumbpick. My pack just arrived and I must say, it feels really good so far.
As it goes with regular picks, strings, body shapes, fretboards, pedals, amps and all other guitar related gear… it’s subjective. I’m having a hard time finding a thumb pick that doesn’t have the pick too far back on my thumb. When I finger pick I don’t use the side of my thumb but more towards the tip of my thumb. Anyway, these videos are really great for sound examples and always respect the opinions of other players. I had no idea they made XL picks, these large picks are killing me lol
Thanks for the video.
Dang, Dan…sounds like you’ve had similar challenges to me. The Sharktooth may work well for you because you can position the tip of the pick where you want it. And you can size it exactly to your thumb…
Take a glass of water and microwave it for 30-45 seconds. Drop the pick in, afterwards with a spoon grab the pick after you let it sit in the warm water. Shape the pick to your thumb. After you shaped it while warm stick it in cold water to hold shape.
Cool idea. Custom-formed picks!
You should totally make a video on this. If it works well that'd be a gamechanger
SInce cost is not unsignificant (adding postage) please indicate temperature of water
@@Isache-d6p I'm not sure the exact temperature that I used. I would just try 30-45 seconds in your microwave and give it a go. If you have several maybe the first one doesn't turn out perfect. Adjust for the 2nd attempt. By microwaving the water, and waiting a few seconds and let the water slightly cool and drop it in. My first attempt I scolded the pick and it unfolded flat and I ruined the pick. The next attempt I waited 10 seconds then dropped the pick in and it came out great.
Dude, you can play!! You made them all sound good!
I guess, it may be mostly a matter of personal preference. Though, I'm super-"picky" about my picks.
Thanks, Marc! I’ve been using the new Black Mountain medium which came out after this video. Still not my holy grail, but pretty darn close…
Thanks for the very informative video. I've struggled with using thumb picks for years and usually just end up playing with my bare thumb and fingers, which gets me a mellower tone, but just feels natural for me.
I have a Gibson 1964 J-50 also, so really enjoyed listening to you play yours. Thanks so much!
Since making this video, RW, I found out that Black Mountain now makes a medium pick. I've been using it and loving it...something to try if you ever have fingernails and want to keep the tone balanced between thumb and fingers.
I started playing guitar recently (I'm 16) and always wondered "what the hell kind of a pick did my elementary music teacher use!?" Because I'd never seen any one else use them and just assumed he some how made them on his own! Ahahaha! Then I realised when I watched people playing banjo that they where using something similar. So now I am ordering 10 different brands to see what ones I like the most!
Good move, Ayla. I think it’s worth time and trouble to experiment. FYI, since I made this video, Black Mountain now makes a medium gauge version of their thumb pick that I love!
@@RobertCassard oh I'll have to order their too then!
@@aylamiller5752 LOL
I use a black mountain in the medium and it’s great
Thanks Dave. I definitely prefer the Medium, too. It came out after I made this video and I bought a few right away.
Also use a Fred Kelley pick in the white works well
I play mostly 50's and 60's, 70's rockabilly, and classic vintage rock. The Herco picks work extremely well for me as I try to emulate the style of Brian Setzer going back and forth between flat and thumb picking. Herco comes in Heavy, Medium, Light. I don't believe you are ever going to find a perfect thumb pick. The shark and black mountain seem bulky and cumbersome for my style.
You’re probably right, RC. Just a note, though. Black Mountain now makes a medium and I love it!
Surprised you didn't mention the Bumble Bee, I'd be fascinated to hear how you like it: fred-kelly-delrin-light-gauge-bumble-bee-jazz-pick
Thanks for the question, Will. The Bumble Bee looks interesting, but with the very small and precise point of the pick end, it looks to be designed more for lead playing than strumming. My search has been for a pick that allows both. Have used used the Bumble Bee for strumming, and if so, how does it play and feel compared to a regular flat pick? Which gauge do you use?
@@RobertCassard I'm an intermediate closing on advanced player (10%er, according to my teacher) who's only ever used nails (years ago as beginner) and flesh (later years trying to Knopfler). I'm so ignorant it didn't even cross my mind to differentiate between lead and strumming. Here's the thing, compared to claw hammer strumming without nails, it's a game-changing improvement in precision groovability, unfortunately I don't have the experience yet to compare to a superior strummer, so, I need to gain that before opining more. I've only gotten serious about this journey in the past 3 years, the 30 before were off and on and lackadaisical. Now I just want to graduate to an ability to play Zappa's most interesting compositions, and maybe ape some of my own.
I have the Dunlop and I hated it because it’s so damn long, that’s why I found your channel. Thanks
Thanks for watching, Ava. FYI, since I made this video, Black Mountain keeps adding gauges and spring-tension options to their lineup. I often use their medium and thin gauges and love them!
What about the Fred Kelly Bumblebee?
Thanks for the suggestion, Tom. I haven’t tried one, but it’s still a pretty Heavy gauge pick like the Black Mountain. If the yellow band around the thumb is flexible, then it might be a good option. I just really want someone to make one of these with a Medium gauge pick... Have you tried the Bumblebee?
The Fred Kelly Bumblebee comes in regular or large thumbhole so they can probably accommodate your thumb. They come in lighr, medium, heavy, & extra heavy gauge. They akso come in two shapes; jazz or teardrop. The jazz is more pointed. I like medium or heavy teardrop. The light is very thin, even thinner than Dunlop. The material is Delrin which has a softer sound than celluloid. Delrin also tends to wear down faster with strumming. Fred Kelly also makes a more standard thumb pick called Slick Pick. It is symmetrical and I find them very comfortable and easy to flat pick with. I use regular thumb hole light weight. The slick also has an option of polycarbonate material that has a sharper tone. Delrin is unbreakable and flexible but the polycarbonate will eventually break at the thumb curve (bummer at mid song).
I really liked the Black Mountain and Sharktooth thing the best.
Thanks for listening and sharing your opinions, Amanda
Tommy Emmanuel likes Golden Gate thumb picks which he files down to suit him. He discusses it in one of his UA-cam videos.
I'll have to check those out, EasyTBear. Thanks for watching!
I like the Black Mountain thumb pick a lot. It stays on and in place way better than the "low tech" ones I've tried. The 3 I got a year or so ago have lasted real well through daily playing.
I like mine, too, Michael. And I just got an email from them saying they’re now offering a medium gauge pick, so I’m excited about that!
Light gauge in blue and black is awesome
Regarding this subject, the holy grail is indeed elusive. Over the years I've tried a handful of thumb picks but have always gone back to the National large because it feels best, and, as you say, seems most sure footed to me. But it does NOT sound good, nor is it easy to control, for precise rhythmic strumming. Unfortunately, I've never done the hard work of learning how to tuck my flat pick into the cup of my hand. Not that that would be the Holy Grail of answers to this question, because over the years (probably based on what a guy I knew in high school did :) I have come to depend upon a thumb pick to play at my best while finger picking. So, tucking a flat pick into my palm isn't the complete answer for songs that require both techniques. Sadly, on stage, I tend to shy away from songs that involve both finger picking and aggressive strumming. There are a few songs, like Shallow for example, where I begin with a thumb pick for finger picking and then half way through the song I jettison the thumb pick and quickly grab my trusty Clayton .63 or Dunlop nylon .73 flat pick from the mic stand and sally forth to the end of the song. That works, but only for a few songs. The Zookie sounds interesting. I'll check it out. Great video. Thanks!
Thanks, Steve. I'm guessing there are lots of players like us, who have yet to find a perfect solution and are awkwardly switching from thumb pick to flat pick in the middle of songs. I think I'll do a test where I do a full 2-3-hour rehearsal using either the SharkTooth or the Black Mountain...never letting myself use a standard flat pick. Under that duress, I'm guessing the SharkTooth, loaded up with my fave Dunlop Max Grip, may be the most livable and comfortable on my thumb the whole time. We shall see.
@@RobertCassard I bought the shark tooth after watching your video of several months ago on it. It is truly an interesting product but still seemed awkward to me in use. I'm sure that I didn't give it enough time/effort to get used to it. I play very rhythmically (I like to think that I've gleaned a thing or two from ole Pete Townshend :) with lots of hammer ons and pull offs. The problem I found with the Shark Tooth is that I didn't have that feeling that the pick was a part of my thumb and index finger like I do with a regular medium flat pick. It also didn't exactly feel like my National thumb pick for finger picking. But, in the back of my mind, I've been thinking that maybe I should give the Shark Tooth more time and effort. I really want to try the Zookie.
Black Mtn increased form £5 to £8.74 (around $11), so a big save up for the thinner version(after a $500 spend on the new Vintage Paul brett Viator EQ)BUT this is my goto pick now for guitar and in top 3 or 4 for tenor ukulele (low G) After major house search totally lost my only DAVA made USA pick, and again they ain't as cheap as others, but getting the 5 pack mix for Christmas (£9/$11 for one of each .. bear in mind the metal one alone is £5/$6). DAVA has three marks for adjustment and is bendy. Gotta have some DAVA. Got some cheap knock off Butterfly picks from China and never use them they are painful to say the least. I am sure the USA originals will be much better.Have a little tin box full of Hendrickx picks, the guy said Jimi played every one (joke). I have actually sat on hendrickx 2 seater sofa, with foot on Clapton's rug, AND HELD and almost played Jimis left handed guitar. All at Hard Rock Cafe London in the cellar vault. (the first one). So with all of the above, plus some Dunlop thumbpicks and various nylon/plastic flatpicks. my mojo is high. i find girls prefer a guitarman regardless of picks, but for a different type of girl play banjo, or for an old girl play uke. Just sayin'. Thanks for the review Robert.
You're welcome, Frederick. Since making this video, I was happy when Black Mountain expended their line to include medium and light gauge picks. Now I keep all gauges handy, and use them for different songs and purposes. I like the grippiness of DAVA picks, and I ofte play Dunlop Max-Grip which are similarly "sticky"
you probably now do know that Black Mountain has come out with a medium gauge thumbpickand they are in the process of coming out with a light gauge around the summertime I don’t work for them I’m just a customer but I love their picks
Yes, Georgie. This video came out a few months before they launched the medium picks, which I bought immediately. I've become quite a Black Mountain fan.
@@RobertCassard Great! Great talent also!
@@georgiemaselli Thank you!
Hi there , you probably already know it now but bBack Mountain picks actually do medium thumb pick ,cheers !
I do! I bought some mediums from Black Mountain and really like them.
Personally I think I’ll try all three and see what fits me thank you👍😎🍺🎸🎼🇺🇸🇱🇹 oh by the way dogs lick themselves because they can🤪 I seem to be leaning towards the black mountain pic
Right on, Mort. Try ‘em all! Come back and tell me which wins your own challenge.
No Kelley BumbleBee??? Come in small med and large and three thicknesses.
Thanks for that tip, Stephen. I'll check 'em out. I've become a huge fan of Black Mountain picks, because since I did this video, they've added medium and thin gauge options to their spring-loaded offering. amzn.to/3Hnr1sm
i just ordered a metal one with the idea i can bend it's shape
Come back and tell me how you like it.
That guitar
Indeed Arturo! 1964 Gibson J-50.