ThisIsBS

I'm learning the song "Someone Like You" by Sungha Jung on acoustic and what I'm wondering is, is there a certain way to finger pick that makes it sound more clear and not "thumpy"? When I'm trying to play the melody, it almost blends in with the bass/rhythm and I would have to pick the melody kinda hard/harder and it doesn't sound clear (like a pick). I don't want to grow my nails and I don't have access to any finger picks or anything like that. Any tips?

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Playing guitar since 2010

Artemis Entreri

Well. Generally I would suggest growing your nails or getting fingerpicks so.... :/

That's part of the tone of flesh. Though technique would certainly help. Things like drawing the melody out while holding back on the accompaniment or muting strings after they're played.

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bigblockelectra

For me, if looking at my palm, I like to have my nails just long enough to where I can barely see them over the pads of the finger.

This is not as long as some folks, but it is more socially acceptable.

patticake

how about stick on nails that you can remove after playing? i don't care for them, but then i play with my nails. your other option might be to get a guitar that's naturally bright and clear, with little or no overtones.

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ThisIsBS

Dang, I guess I have to grow my nails a bit haha. When you play the bass strings (E, A, and sometimes the D strings) would you use your nails too? Cause I find that really awkward, and I don't think having nails would help.

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Playing guitar since 2010

derek8520

You'd usually play those strings with your thumb, (there's exceptions to this of course) I keep my thumb nail longer than the other nails which gives the option of using the nail or the side of my thumb. Both have completely different sounds.