FINGERPICKIN' Question Exasperondo-Desperadondo

[markwjam]

Hi Folks, well, for the 398th time, I've gone back to try my hands at fingerpicking again - after seeing David Bromberg at Kate Wolf, how could I not? And, once again, for the 398th attempt in the last 44 years, cannot get the thumb to play a steady rythym while pickin with my fingers on the treble strings. I can play a steady thumb rythym, or I can pick with my fingers....not both together....there have been times I've tried long and hard....there have been times when I gave up more quickly....I took lessons with a superb teacher; no dice.....
wondering if I simply have some sort of mental block to it; or if it's just a matter of doing it for hour after hour, week after week, till something 'catches'...I would appreciate hearing the experience of other pickers....and teachers...what has worked for you?....I'm even considering hypnosis at this point....thanks....Mark B. ...(707)[email protected]

[anathstryx]

Hi Folks, well, for the 398th time, I've gone back to try my hands at fingerpicking again - after seeing David Bromberg at Kate Wolf, how could I not? And, once again, for the 398th attempt in the last 44 years, cannot get the thumb to play a steady rythym while pickin with my fingers on the treble strings. I can play a steady thumb rythym, or I can pick with my fingers....not both together....there have been times I've tried long and hard....there have been times when I gave up more quickly....I took lessons with a superb teacher; no dice.....
wondering if I simply have some sort of mental block to it; or if it's just a matter of doing it for hour after hour, week after week, till something 'catches'...I would appreciate hearing the experience of other pickers....and teachers...what has worked for you?....I'm even considering hypnosis at this point....thanks....Mark B. ...(707)[email protected]

I asked my husband, who plays guitar (among other things) to take a look at your post and when he got to the part where you say, "or if it's just a matter of doing it for hour after hour, week after week, till something 'catches'..." he said, "BINGO!". Just as with anything that requires complex coordination, you're building a new neural pathway through practice, practice, practice and eventually it will "catch".

Anathstryx

[Califoon]

I would like to agree and to add that playing to a metronome or drum machine or loops...it's better and you progress faster keeping up with the band so-to-speak. keep watch on your thumb and you add the other fingers as you are able and if you can only play one extra note per measure thats ok, less is more, just keep the timing clean and keep practicing. I just went from fingernails to steel fingerpicks for consistency's sake and I feel like a kindergardener sometimes.

Cal