Hybrid Pick/Finger style Video!

[Todd]

I figured this would be a good place to try to get some feedback
on the flamenco hybrid style of been developing. 8)

My question is, do you think anyone would want to see an
instructional DVD of this kind of stuff?

Is it too wierd? Does this style seem accesible to people who tend
to be torn between picking and conventional fingerstyle?

And finally, do you see this is something new and interesting?
Does it look like it would be too much of a pain in the butt to learn? :shock:

Thanks for the feedback!
Here's the link to the video. Sorry, its a big file!! Hey, its video!
http://djmichaelk.com/todd/toddmp3/pickfinger.wmv
Toddk

[edwardcav]

Todd,

It is hard to say if anyone would be interested in learning it.

However,

that is some impressive footage.

Perhaps if the focus was less "instructional" and more "informative" - maybe experimenting with other RH techniques and sell it as an informative dvd with info on how to weave unusual RH techniques into a sound classical / electric technique.

I can only speak for myself though. I found the video clip interesting! You are probably one of a kind...

[Rex]

If it works for you I say more power to ya. But I for one am not interested in learning this. Way back when I used to play some country music style acoustic guitar and some of those guys play with a thumb pick and their fingers. Sort of Chet Atkins style. I did that for awhile on steel strings. They want to lay down a strong bass line and get some "twang" out of the strings also. On nylon I need to be moderate on the bass (thumb) so it is in balance with what my fingers are doing. I find my fingers are all I need most of the time and am weaning myself off the flat pick. Use whatever works for you, but remember that flamenco is a very traditional form of music and I doubt if many will be interested in inovations. Have you ever heard of Phil Keaggy? He is a phenomenal guitarist, highly sought after for studio work, who does a lot of finger style playing. He is missing the middle finger from his right hand. He has his own style of playing.

[NGiorgio]

Todd,

I fully appreciate your expertise in the flamenco style. I would not have any interest in learning to play that way. It would be too difficult to convert and what would be the advantage (for me). However there might be a market for your style with players who want to learn some fingerstyle but do not want to give up the pick. I think this is the wrong venue for you. Maybe a more "Pop" approach might have a broader appeal.

Another thing. At times, I use more flesh than nail with my thumb. Occasionally on some classical material, a lot more with jazz and bossanova etc. How would you achieve that effect?

I don't think that is is too weird. Different, unusual and perhaps difficult. Have you approached any publishers, such as Mel Bay about it?

[Jonny Hotnuts]

The only time I ever experimented with hybrid picking was with Stairway (this is how J. Page plays it) and with a few county tunes. If you can make it work for classical more power to ya. I just cant give up my "I" finger.

-JH

[Axel]

I like it. I also don't see it as a decision in having to switch from another style. I see it more as another tool for us guitarists.
One thing I have noticed while practicing to play this way is that my ring and pinky gain alot of strength. So when I switch to non pick they seem much more responsive overall. :o
So I guess in a way I see this as a means to force myself to use the ring and pinky more and strengthen them. But I think it would be fun to have the option to use this method once I get better at it.

[rumbamaster]

Awesome technique man. Kudos for the time you spent to develop it. I just don't see any of the advantages. It seems like you're making it harder on yourself to play things. Also, the tone of a pick is not as good as flesh and nail (in my opinion). Lastly you are basically chopping off your index finger because it takes both the thumb and index finger to pluck one string. In no way is this meant to bash your technique, it's just constructive criticism. Stick to what works for you. People thought Eddie Van Halen was crazy when he first started tapping and look what happened. Good luck with it.