Personaly, I use picks for single notes because it gives a more clear song and my fingers for stuming. Is a very great combination. 0.96mm celulloid picks are good. 🙂
To me, the main thing a pick adds is “pick noise.” I play guitar with fingers too (for the most part), so I am not likely to use one with a ukulele. But, I can see why others may use one.
I recently had to start using a pick because I'm struggling with some broken finger nails. I bought some leather ones and love them. Felt was too dull and wore out quickly. Plastic was too harsh for me. Leather feels and sounds just right.
I also came from the guitar to the ukulele. Years and years of nail biting resulted in very soft and delicate nails - and it hurts to strum without a pick. However, I do prefer the very thin Sharkfin brand (red) for playing and I can hear almost no difference to playing with finger nails.
When YOU play with a pick, it sounds pretty much the same with a brighter tone. When I play with a pick, it sounds harsh. Recently, I've been watching different guys play with picks: thunb, wood, plastic. When I taught kids to play ukulele, we always used a felt pick to start. You've convinced me to try it some more!
Never liked the felt picks. Try different materials for picks. You'll find something you really like. Some of the thin picks sound nice with the ukulele. I really love the black mountain pick & brass finger picks. Takes some getting use to but when you do it's amazing 👏
Not fair your so good. Fingers sound as good as pick. For the rest of us the pick always sounds better. But the problem is if we start with the pick. Then start playing with hand with triplets and stuff. Then want to go back to pick. The pick is in the floor
Yes felt picks or leather (after it’s broken in a bit) sound best on ukulele. I use a pick because my fingernails are soft! I would not have an index nail left if I used it exclusively. I’ve played ukulele for 14 years but not much guitar experience. Fingerpicking is a different beast.
Gotta be picky if you’re going to use a pick on a uke. Good dynamics with a Dunlop tri stubby 2mm or big drive and crispness with a Tortex .60 jazz sharp pick. Leather and felt are ok but I like my fingers more.
I used a felt pick for a while because I sliced my thumb open right where I strum. They seem to sound the most like using your fingers, but I guess what's the point unless you were in a similar situation.
I use felt, too. Low pick noise, but (for me anyway) more consistent tone and volume than my fingers, especially when alternating between picking and strumming.
@@jeremyalm9006 Yeah I see that. I kinda like the variety of tones I can get with my fingers, especially when I grow my index and thumb nails a little longer and can alternate between flesh and nail.
Great video on picks, Terry! I've been experimenting with the Black Mountain Pick and Brass Finger Picks on the index & middle fingers. It sounds very bright. Its great training for me to graduate from uke picking to guitar picking.
I am all for using picks , mainly in solo work , but there is a lot of stupid bias against picks , and mind , I rarely use them 'cause I am not a solοist , still .
I went from guitar to uke. I used pick. But when u wanted to go back and forth curl pick in hand thumb pick. U know the drill. I was already good with pick on uke. But the hand can do miracles on the uke the pick can’t do. Same problem I had on guitar. I solved this problem by using my index finger as a pick. Recently been practicing a lot. I’m learning all the styles but I love my pick style.
I once had to play cello triplets and acoustic bass on Good Vibrations. After trying various methods to make my J-Bass sound like a cello, I settled on soft felt picks. Got the sound and feel right away. Worked just as well for the acoustic bass part. My compatriot who played the overlapping electric bass walking bass line, used a bass pick on his P-Bass, ala Carol Kaye. We nailed it. I said all that to say this: I just bought a new Baritone Uke after giving my daughter my Tenor. Felt picks sound a lot more like fingers (not fingernails) than any plastic pick. I'm sold on felt picks for playing ukuleles. IMHO.YMMV.
When converting from guitar to uke. Especially with claw hammer. Hiting a down stroke with index finger is new. After I got good at this I started using my index finger like a pick
Some people look at it as blasphemy, or you are some kind of rube. But! It's your uke! Have fun, experiment. If your not having fun, find something else to do.
good. i am sure playing single note with a pick sound better in clarity and tone. Another reason is i'm a pianist, it doesn't allow me to have extra nails to play ukulele. it's ok to use a pick for strumming too. i use a thin pick for strumming like 0.46mm. then medium for single note and solo stuff. it hurts less using a pick. and another good thing is it sounds louder. ukulele is a weak instrument after all.
I bought a wooden one but eventually bought another that had a cable attachment. You can get some very strange sounds using affect or distortion pedals with the kazoo.
Don’t strum all the stings on the up stoke, only the first 2 or 3. Also you have to have a light wrist on the strumming with a pick. Maybe try a thinner pick
If you play medieval flamenco gypsy jazz blues mariachi pick is better. Nails sucks for hygiene reasons for type 2 diabetics and people with low immune system.
Can you play a 'ukulele with a pick? Heck yeah! Too bad you only showed nylon examples, but I know they're ULTP-branded so I get that. I've only exclusively used a pick when playing, predominantly leather picks from a brand you don't sell, so I won't give them a free plug. I tried felt picks first, but they were too flimsy & lost their shape. Nylon ones came with the straps I ordered, but to me the sound was too sharp. I picked up a leather pick from a local music shop, and it checked all the boxes for me. Durable, warm sound, chunky size, and great response. If you expand to leather picks like what I have, you'll get more of my money! Hang loose, brother 🤙🏻
Use a black mountain pick and either the metallic or brass finger picks. They take some time getting use to but they will not slip nor fall off. I prefer the softer brass picks. It's a good idea to practice equally with picks and without.
My assumption is because of the momentum created by strumming, the pick often hits the upper bout of the uke. Traditional picks might cause scratches and even damage to the instrument, while felt picks do not.
Personaly, I use picks for single notes because it gives a more clear song and my fingers for stuming. Is a very great combination.
0.96mm celulloid picks are good. 🙂
To me, the main thing a pick adds is “pick noise.” I play guitar with fingers too (for the most part), so I am not likely to use one with a ukulele. But, I can see why others may use one.
I recently had to start using a pick because I'm struggling with some broken finger nails. I bought some leather ones and love them. Felt was too dull and wore out quickly. Plastic was too harsh for me. Leather feels and sounds just right.
Oh, nice! Thanks for sharing
That's exactly why I started with the black mountain pick and brass finger picks was due to broken finger nails.
@@cmmbsnyder55 I've been wanting to try that but was afraid it would beat-up my soundboard. Do you have that problem?
Wow!
Make your own picks.....all kinds of stuff can be cut to the size and shape that works for you....... It ain't rocket surgery....... lol
Why not mention *felt* picks? They sound great on uke!
Love my felt picks! Best of both worlds.
To me, the pick seemed more appropriate for bluegrass/blues style of playing.
I also came from the guitar to the ukulele. Years and years of nail biting resulted in very soft and delicate nails - and it hurts to strum without a pick. However, I do prefer the very thin Sharkfin brand (red) for playing and I can hear almost no difference to playing with finger nails.
I find using a pic easier for some reason. Maybe because I am used to guitar playing.
When YOU play with a pick, it sounds pretty much the same with a brighter tone. When I play with a pick, it sounds harsh. Recently, I've been watching different guys play with picks: thunb, wood, plastic. When I taught kids to play ukulele, we always used a felt pick to start. You've convinced me to try it some more!
Give it a try Kim!
Never liked the felt picks. Try different materials for picks. You'll find something you really like. Some of the thin picks sound nice with the ukulele. I really love the black mountain pick & brass finger picks. Takes some getting use to but when you do it's amazing 👏
Another thing to remember, most Ukuleles don't have pick guards. Fingers don't really leave the marks on your uke the way that a pick would
Not fair your so good. Fingers sound as good as pick. For the rest of us the pick always sounds better. But the problem is if we start with the pick. Then start playing with hand with triplets and stuff. Then want to go back to pick. The pick is in the floor
Yes felt picks or leather (after it’s broken in a bit) sound best on ukulele. I use a pick because my fingernails are soft! I would not have an index nail left if I used it exclusively. I’ve played ukulele for 14 years but not much guitar experience. Fingerpicking is a different beast.
Thanks Terry. Based on the comments here, I will try using my felt picks.
I prefer the sound without the pick. Even felt picks sound too percussive to my ears. :)
Yes, the sound is more warm without the pick
Gotta be picky if you’re going to use a pick on a uke. Good dynamics with a Dunlop tri stubby 2mm or big drive and crispness with a Tortex .60 jazz sharp pick. Leather and felt are ok but I like my fingers more.
I used a felt pick for a while because I sliced my thumb open right where I strum. They seem to sound the most like using your fingers, but I guess what's the point unless you were in a similar situation.
I use felt, too. Low pick noise, but (for me anyway) more consistent tone and volume than my fingers, especially when alternating between picking and strumming.
@@jeremyalm9006 Yeah I see that. I kinda like the variety of tones I can get with my fingers, especially when I grow my index and thumb nails a little longer and can alternate between flesh and nail.
Great video on picks, Terry! I've been experimenting with the Black Mountain Pick and Brass Finger Picks on the index & middle fingers. It sounds very bright. Its great training for me to graduate from uke picking to guitar picking.
I am all for using picks , mainly in solo work , but there is a lot of stupid bias against picks , and mind , I rarely use them 'cause I am not a solοist , still .
Don't care what people say or think. I can't help using a pick. Blame it on my guitar exposure during the teen years.
I went from guitar to uke. I used pick. But when u wanted to go back and forth curl pick in hand thumb pick. U know the drill. I was already good with pick on uke. But the hand can do miracles on the uke the pick can’t do. Same problem I had on guitar. I solved this problem by using my index finger as a pick. Recently been practicing a lot. I’m learning all the styles but I love my pick style.
As primarily a guitar player, I appreciate this... LOL
I once had to play cello triplets and acoustic bass on Good Vibrations. After trying various methods to make my J-Bass sound like a cello, I settled on soft felt picks. Got the sound and feel right away. Worked just as well for the acoustic bass part. My compatriot who played the overlapping electric bass walking bass line, used a bass pick on his P-Bass, ala Carol Kaye. We nailed it. I said all that to say this: I just bought a new Baritone Uke after giving my daughter my Tenor. Felt picks sound a lot more like fingers (not fingernails) than any plastic pick. I'm sold on felt picks for playing ukuleles. IMHO.YMMV.
Thank you great little video
Oh thank goodness. My fingers aren’t used to it so it’s too painful rn 😢
I love your channel so much and you make everything so fun and interesting! Thank you. 🤗
You are so welcome! Thanks for your kind words!
I totally agree!
I don't like the stretchy sound of the pick . Good thing of using pick is louder
Not always. Thicker picks aren't louder. Are smoother and produce a deeper sound
When converting from guitar to uke. Especially with claw hammer. Hiting a down stroke with index finger is new. After I got good at this I started using my index finger like a pick
Some people look at it as blasphemy, or you are some kind of rube. But! It's your uke! Have fun, experiment. If your not having fun, find something else to do.
You’re just so fun to watch!! I’m trying out picks with the ukelele so thanks for the video!
Thank you so much, and thanks for watching!
Using thumb sounds better than using other fingers... I would prefer using pick I guess it definitely sounds brighter..
I prefer to use a pick or plectrum, i think it sounds great, especially with a laminated ukulele, i use fender heavy 👍🏆.
I use felt picks for the ukulele
good.
i am sure playing single note with a pick sound better in clarity and tone. Another reason is i'm a pianist, it doesn't allow me to have extra nails to play ukulele. it's ok to use a pick for strumming too. i use a thin pick for strumming like 0.46mm. then medium for single note and solo stuff. it hurts less using a pick. and another good thing is it sounds louder. ukulele is a weak instrument after all.
I have 2 Chinese made ukes that compare nicely to the Martins.
Saving my dough for a KoaAloa
We need a kazoo review Terry. What sounds best? Wood, metal or plastic with your ukulele. 😂
HAHAH I will do it for sureee!
I bought a wooden one but eventually bought another that had a cable attachment. You can get some very strange sounds using affect or distortion pedals with the kazoo.
Thank you very much 👍
My uke is very small and with the pick i can make it sound a bit more loud. But to play with it is still a bit difficult
I’m not great with a pic. Downstrum is fine but it grabs the strings on the upstrum. Tips?
Don’t strum all the stings on the up stoke, only the first 2 or 3. Also you have to have a light wrist on the strumming with a pick. Maybe try a thinner pick
i tried a pick i got from a toy guitar on my ukulele n it didn’t sound that bad tbh
Do you need to replace the strings more if you use a pick?
Great video!!
If you play medieval flamenco gypsy jazz blues mariachi pick is better. Nails sucks for hygiene reasons for type 2 diabetics and people with low immune system.
Try Dunlop nylon . 38 & .46mm
What brand of ukulele are you playing for this video? Thanks, Cathie
Nothing worse than having to cut my index fingernail. I don’t like picks as they stick between my chords. It’s hopeless.
I'm the opposite. I can't help from using it. I do try it without though.
Leave the picks for the guitar.
Fingers sounds fuller.
If you want to use a pick for ukulele, use a felt it leather one. Not plastic or celluloid.
Guitar player as well. Wouldn't a pick be a bit tough on uke strings?
What is the best pick to use let me know please
Can you play a 'ukulele with a pick? Heck yeah!
Too bad you only showed nylon examples, but I know they're ULTP-branded so I get that.
I've only exclusively used a pick when playing, predominantly leather picks from a brand you don't sell, so I won't give them a free plug.
I tried felt picks first, but they were too flimsy & lost their shape. Nylon ones came with the straps I ordered, but to me the sound was too sharp. I picked up a leather pick from a local music shop, and it checked all the boxes for me. Durable, warm sound, chunky size, and great response.
If you expand to leather picks like what I have, you'll get more of my money!
Hang loose, brother 🤙🏻
Would rather use a pick.
Softer w/o pick
I've been experimenting with a pick but it continues to slip and I lose my gripe. Any suggestions?
Use a black mountain pick and either the metallic or brass finger picks. They take some time getting use to but they will not slip nor fall off. I prefer the softer brass picks. It's a good idea to practice equally with picks and without.
👍👍👍
I was told to never use anything but a felt pick on my ukulele. Why is that?
My assumption is because of the momentum created by strumming, the pick often hits the upper bout of the uke. Traditional picks might cause scratches and even damage to the instrument, while felt picks do not.
Only with a pick.
Nylon strings are better played with fingers.
Ukulele tradition is fingers
Love the vids. Hate the bright white background.
No pick sound is smoother.
Yes!
Tiamane uses a thumb pick alot. And fake nails