Hey there folks!
I am beginning to learn banjo. I’m steadily progressing through each lesson but I’ve run into an issue. I’m hoping someone has some ideas for me. I have a stumpy right thumb. The thumb picks don’t want to stay on. I bought a clown barf( I just love to write that heehee) pick and I heated it up and tried to mold it to better fit without a lot of success. I cram it on so tight the pinch is distracting. Should I buy a bigger one and set it on top of my first knuckle? Should I file down the one I have and make it narrower? What do you banjo players think?
Thumb Pick
5 Likes
I think on the first knuckle is considerably too far back to be a good fit. Typically, I like my thumbpick’s band to be centered approximately just in front of the cuticle.
If you can, order a few different types and sizes of picks and expiriment. Jake made a video a while back about the fit of BlueChips:
Even if you’re not quite ready to swing 40 bucks for a BlueChip, the video is helpful as he talks about the fits of some other types as well.
3 Likes
Thank you Michael_Mark!
The video was helpful. My thumb nail is very short so if I set the pick “just in front of the cuticle” it flies off. I’ll keep trying different picks like you suggest though.
2 Likes
You could try an old trick of the Earls. Take a pocket knife and put slight serrations on the inside of the pick with the tip of the blade. Don’t cut way in just rough it up a bit. More than likely thought you just haven’t found the right thumb pick yet. Just keep buying and trying. It’s a good thing most aren’t super expensive. 
Happy picking!
One more thing, you mentioned you had a short thumb. I own a few golden gates and I know the bands are pretty wide maybe you should try something with a narrower band like a slick pick. Hopefully you can see the difference in the picture. Just a thought.
4 Likes
I have a stumpy thumb and did a lot of trials on various makes of thumb picks. Finally settled on Jim Dunlop Clear Plastic Picks size Large. These are inexpensive pick and are very durable. I do modify the picks a little I cut off the point and file the edges smooth, I also cut off part of the wrap and shape and smooth the edges. I lick my thumb before putting on the pick and that helps it stay in place. Don’t pick the strings too hard and the pick will stay in place.
Don’t place the pick on or behind the knuckle.
2 Likes
I was wondering who and how long it was going to be before someone asked me that. 
It’s one of my faves Cold and Frosty Morning
3 Likes
oh there we go. I could almost place it but not quite. thanks
2 Likes
Hi Denise. If you’re pushing the pick on so tight that its pinching you, but it’s still coming loose during play, something else is going on. I’d be curious about your attack angle on the strings. Any chance you could video your picking hand close up while you’re playing and post it here?
Also, is it possible your thumb sweats a lot while you’re playing? That’ll loosen up a pick in no time.
4 Likes
how bout gorrilla snot? Good chance it would stay on with that
5 Likes
@Sissiebird, looks like you’ve received some great ideas above! One more thing to just throw out there in case it helps…
There’s a product available in the General Store called Gorilla Snot…not a very attractive name, I know…but it’s something I tried on a whim one time and LOVE it. It helps hold picks on your fingers and is used in very tiny amounts…a little bit goes a long way. It’s not expensive and might help if you’re like me and some days the picks just won’t seem to stay put.
6 Likes
HA, I guess some of us think alike! I was surprised to see the post from @Shaky_loves_banjo show up after thumbing in my long-winded post. 
3 Likes
Lone_Wolf
Sorry I didn’t reply. I thought I did.
I did use a golden gate just like you pictured. I’ve tried two or three others including a JD (i feel like there may be more to this name🤔)medium. I had less luck with the thinner ones I tried. Went back to the Golden Gate and pushed it up a little farther. It was tight but it stayed and I’ve grown used to it now. Thank you!!
1 Like
Mark_Rocka
I’m a lady so I don’t sweat. I glow…but not on my thumb. Lol
I have actually figured out that pushing it on firmly and not hitting the string so hard really helped. I just needed to relax. I was tense all the way to my shoulder!
I sure do appreciate all the feed back and am sorry I didn’t respond in a timely manner. After back surgery and starting over and then left thumb surgery and starting over…I have begun learning in earnest. Went to my first Banjo Ben Camp! Oh my! I learned so much that helped me reeeelaaaax! Amazing how that helped. Lol
2 Likes