Alaska Pik | Review

[@stephen25uk]

I just ordered a set. I play with my nails but it's a real bummer when one breaks so I'll try these. It's reassuring to know that a really good guitarist like you can recommend them.

[@Yourguitarworkshop]

Wow that is a great review video there Gareth! Very nice editing, clearly explained, nice pace. That was tip top! Also fun to see you've expanded on your apple gear (imac) :-)

[@mdhj67]

I use mediums and cut out the second slot to loosen them up. The large are to big for me that medium are to small until I cut out that slot. I also have to trim and file the under side of the pick to reduce pinching. It's a bit of work but once I get them right they feel great; no blood circulation problems and they do not slip either.

[@markharwood7573]

Nice one, Gareth. This month I have discovered the Black Mountain thumb pick & rediscovered the Alaska Piks. They combine very nicely on my new guitar and I am content. Have a good 2024.

[@soeinhenk]

Just ordered a couple of sizes last weekend. I have serious problems with my nails due to my job, which requires me to work hard with my hands and fingers, as well as daily exposure to lubricants and other problematic fluids. I had 4 weeks vacation last month and it was fantastic, I could take care of my fingernails, I could work on my picking all the time. Now, after 3 weeks in the job, the nails are torn off again and too short ... I hope these picks can solve this problem, it is quite annoying ...

[@rogerc3484]

Thanks for the quality Info. Garth. I just ordered a 12 pack of Alaska Picks. I have never been able use my nails for finger style guitar, they always broke off. Now I have to be patient and wait til the picks arrive!! Lol. Keep up the great videos, All the best! Roger

[@hiro_fanatic]

Same

[@mcneillmama50]

I've always had trouble holding on to a flat pick. I do more strumming rhythm than finger picking. I usually put one on my pointer finger and use my thumb like I'm holding a flat pick. It prevent wear and tear on my natural nail which was getting worn down to the quick and terrible hang nails when I don't use anything. Also James Taylor uses fake finger nails. I've started using this trick as well, only putting fake nails on my index and middle fingers. They'll stay on for about 7 days which is plenty of time if I'm only playing in public in a few places that week.

[@neilxify]

Thanks for the review. It would be great if you could put up a version of something you have done before without picks but this time using the picks. That would give a good sound comparison. How about your Photograph cover? I liked that.

[@michellethompson2738]

You should tell what size is good for users. L, M. or S . Too stiff and too loose are not good either.

[@GJCurlyJefferson]

It'd be cool to see more product reviews like this one from you. Just honest reviews of musical gear you've used.

[@thoyo]

What the Heck! I watch you all the time on Pretty Good Gaming had no idea you were a musician 🎸

[@ROSSOREGAN]

Great review! I use these picks too and get a stronger and brighter sound from them, highly recommended.

[@AlaAla-nk7fc]

Do you have to renew them Every month like they don t work anymore?

[@emmaambroziak8485]

Hey Gareth ! First I'm sorry if I make some mistakes but I'm a French girl .. So I wanted to say that you're very very VERY talented and it's very nice to share your passion with us ... I wanted to stop guitar because I was tied to play ( I play since 7 years ) but you motivated me to coninue and I thank you for all of that ! And I was wondering if you could play " better together" from Jack Jonson in finguerstyle ... I really thank you and I wish you'll continue because you are amzing !

[@koibito334]

Been thinking of getting these to improve my finger picking. Thanks for the review, Gareth

[@diplomasi_bahasa]

Evan Gareth, I am your fans from Indonesia. I am very glad to follow your fingerstyle tutorial . . . Next, I hope you make tutorial fingerstyle for Cool Kids (Echosmith), Thanks . . .

[@nasimfatima8333]

Really thankful and grateful to present wonderful Alaska pik, but couldn't find in Karachi, Pakistan. Is it possible to get it here ?

[@jazzalmenasmusic]

I am really out of luck with any type of fingerpicks, because I have NO nails coming out to hold them! I know that is part of the reason my playing is a bit bassy when playing electric or steel string, or even nylon! For now I will keep using my calluses but I would be happy if I get some that will fit without a natural nail holding it :(

[@instrumentalist28]

i want to see if they work with flamenco style

[@bobthabuilda1525]

Id say they would, but you might have to use surgical tape to secure them, insuring they won’t fly off

[@TenaciousMike]

Great review Gareth

[@MisterFizz]

Have you reviewed the tiptonic pic's ??? Might be called "tone tips". If U-have, could U-post a wee bit of your thoughts on them?

[@EddieSatriani]

Excellent review. How can I know what size to buy for my fingers? Thanks

[@neerajnaik1]

Nice video.....:D...just wanted to know whether these piks are for people who play with their nails..i dont use my nails but the flesh part of my fingers would it be appropriate for me?

[@jakemilley4058]

Thanks for the review! I think I'm going to go out and buy some of these...

[@nachito108]

Hi Gareth! I was wondering if you could make a tutorial video for Hozier's cover of Illinois Blues! After trying for a while to transcribe it I haven't gotten anywhere. You'll probably love the song, and I really do hope you can make this tutorial. Keep up the great work man, I love your videos!

[@ucanthandel]

So you don't cut the middle bar of your alaska piks? Haven't tried them yet myself but when I was looking into that a year ago almost all the tips and reviews said to do that. Have you tried that before? Maybe it even helps with the slippery feeling - dunno.. :) I'll try them some day, too - but currently just love to actually feel the strings with my fingers haha :)

[@ucanthandel]

Also thanks for the review. (-:

[@thomasvanderwaeren9362]

Hello Gareth, very nice and helpful review. I was thinking of buying a pair of these. I have rather small hands, so I think I might go for the medium size. I have one question: do you think these picks will last long? Because they aren't that cheap, I mean, it's just some plastic. And if I have to buy a new pair of these every month, it's pretty expensive. (also because i don't find a non-virtual shop, which means a lot of shippings costs) Thank you and keep on making these reviews.

[@thomasvanderwaeren9362]

Great, thanks!

[@Kerbaro]

+Thomas Vanderwaeren well i got mine since 2 months and they are still as good as at the first day:) think they're totally worth to buy

[@aideeaidee1]

+Thomas Vanderwaeren I have used them for quite some time now and as long as you don't loose them I think they can be used almost 'forever'. (But I do lose them sometimes like my regular picks), and my advise is to buy different sets and try what works for you. Or just buy one of each and then decide. I had them medium sized and they did quite hurt although you can release the grip by cutting a middle stripe (not sure how to call them as I'm not native English). I bought them from ebay.

[@thomasvanderwaeren9362]

+Ai Dee Okay, I'm going to buy these ones, thank you for the info!

[@thomasvanderwaeren9362]

+thyhmoo Aight, thanks man

[@erikgrundy]

Do you think you'll continue to use them? They seem very interesting

[@klippeisnothere]

Hey Gareth! I'm new to all these guitar things (I'm a n00b), how about capos? Maybe make a video about those too? For beginners like me? :D

[@kleialiaj9168]

All of them are pretty much the same, just make sure the one you want is for whatever guitar you have

[@kendram90]

+Karl Philippe Uycoque I'm using pencil and rubber bands. It works too. Lol.

[@erikgrundy]

If you want to know, I believe Gareth uses WoodenK capos. There's a link in any video where he uses them. There's a lot of different capos, most of choosing one is personal preference, and also a bit of what you use them for.

[@pierremcnicoll9938]

It seems that the real Alaska Pick site doesn’t exist anymore. I ordered Alaska picks from Amazon and faced some quality variations depending on my orders. The first 2 orders were perfect but only could get 12 large or 8 large and 4 mediums. I finally found a place to order 12 medium ones but they were in a rigid type of plastic and broke as I tried fitting one. It is hard to find the real ones in the size I want. I hope the company isn’t out of business, cause they are a real good solution for my bad nails on steel strings. I have only 3 Medium left.

[@nemesi8800]

aww, I looked at the website and wanted to buy some but it's way too much money for me considering it's like an added 8-9 pounds for international shipping. I'm from England too and don't think any guitar shops around my area sell them.

[@BobandBear1]

Eagle Music Shop UK £1.06 each + shipping. Brill once you get used to them

[@bubutiminger3038]

Thank you Gareth for this review. I have one more question: would you recommend someone who already has fingernails for fingerstyle guitar to use Alaska piks?

[@marcoalieto4102]

Hello Gareth, can you arrange the song # fuori c'é il sole, please?

[@nicolaasfelix8635]

where do you buy those picks ??

[@bubutiminger3038]

You can buy them from amazon UK or USA or from their official website.

[@QueeringRadzz]

Hi Gareth. Do they work on classical guitars as well?

[@telungg]

Just want to add a bit of info; if you want to buy these picks, consider the shape of your fingernails as well :) I bought a set but unfortunately it keeps on slipping & pushing my nails outwards coz the cross section of my nails look more like C than ( So I end up not using them at all haha :P

[@jkak2003]

Hi! I've been playing guitar for about a year and I'm self taught. I've just been learning melodies but they don't sound that great, so i want to learn finger-style. I've tried to learn many of your songs, but they are so hard! And I try and try, until i just get frustrated and give up. What do you think i should do, and any songs in particular I should learn? thanks

[@theorangepekoeteabagband4330]

For me, finger picks are like foreign plastic extentions. I feel no connection with the notes being played. Strumming with a flat pick, however, is a different thing altogether. When I pick, I do it with the fingerprint side of my fingers so, if someone could come up with a fingerpick that is more finger-to-string than these plastic claw extensions I would be soooo happy. The alaska type finger picks might work if the "pick" side covered the fingerprint, not the finger nail, didn't extend beyond the top of my finger and was made of much thinner, but durable, plastic it would help with me feeling apart of the notes I was playing. I compare it to plucking the strings with a fork.

[@joshua7010]

What guitar is he using and is he using nylon or steel?

[@glardmiller8082]

Steel bro

[@ethanmietzner5218]

Hi Garett, I went on Amazon to get some and I noticed that they are 5$ a pick. I don't know if their 5$ each or if they sell them in packs.

[@zukamikhelashvili7681]

garath please do Rolling Stone by passenger or DAVID by passenger as well if you make it thank you

[@andreydimalibot6796]

How do you record your covers?? Some advise please......

[@raoul355]

Hey dude! ure the guy from pretty good gaming, right? nice to see someone beeing into music and gaming, like me. :D

[@brenoalencararaujo3672]

Sungha Jung uses too... It makes a good sound! Thanks for your opinion, Gareth! :-)

[@angellopez5006]

Can you make a tutorial for Barcelona by George Ezra?

[@dingdong6186]

Do you have a video on fingernails for playing guitar? It would be much appreciated

[@stupidlary]

Gareth , Can you please make a tutorial for What Do You Mean fingerstyle ?? :) ,

[@nikolasguizot7606]

Can you please make a cover for up by olly murs?? Pleasee... Thx

[@arielleon2401]

Please do a tutorial for Sorry! By Jistin Bieber. The acoustic version he did on Ellen was awesome

[@finnjoosten578]

Can you make a nail/fingerpick shape video please?

[@ThanhLe-dp8ei]

Hi Gareth , I've heard all your cover and all your lesson , you were amazing!!!! really . Can you teach me and everyone how to play STITCHES- Shaw mendes . please , please , please !!

[@Ida2170]

Please do Love yourself - Justin Bieber. I could just imagine the how amazing your fingerstyle cover will be. PLEASE!!!

[@Andy_Classic]

What kind of guitar are you using here?

[@notthere83]

"What's unique for me about Alaska picks - they allow you to pluck upwards and strum downwards" - as opposed to what? Because of course you can do the same with nails as with these picks?

[@IkenFister]

Its geared towards players who want to study classical but not destory their hands

[@jaypee671]

well last time i bought a medium they fit but my middle finger is large and my pointer and ring is medium soo what pack should i get ?

[@richardsrensen4219]

i wonder if i can use them when i play classical guitar ?

[@bubutiminger3038]

They are actually recommended for nylon strings.

[@richardsrensen4219]

+Bubu Timinger Thanks !

[@iCalJIngTechnology]

Hey Gareth. I'm a huge fan of your interpretations and tutorials. Because of you, I'm now able to play Fingerstyle guitar & I feel more comfortable arranging songs on my own. I was wondering if you could maybe do an arrangement of What Do You Mean by Justin Bieber. I feel like a lot of people would enjoy having a Fingerstyle version of this awesome song. Thanks for all your hard work man! Caleb

[@nathanng1756]

can you finish the Taylor swift's Love story tutorial on your website? it's not completed thank you

[@botondszilagyi7845]

With alaska pik can you play on electric guitar ?

[@MrXerep]

is it normal be a little tight on your fingers? i got a medium set of them today it is not too tight, just a little bit

[@victorpqv17]

Joker's Nightmare hey i want to buy them but im torn between medium and large size can you please give your hand size so i can compare to mine?

[@isaksmith8914]

hallo where can i buy them?

[@simongammelgaard8122]

Can you do: pregnant by phlake? I love that song

[@dinmamma3210]

Love yourself Justin Biebe.

[@chrisgarza4435]

Please do the song Like I'm Gonna Lose You, it's a very popular song plz make a tutorial. Great vid btw👌😁

[@30smsuperstrat]

Are you still using these pick?

[@Ironjack53]

great vid ,know i know how to use them!!....cheers

[@perrywilson5833]

you should make a tutorial on the new Adele songs like "million years ago"

[@nickgoogle4525]

You stopped using Alaska picks, right? Are you now using your natural nails (again)?

[@Mekanik.Bongol]

what the size for you sir ?

[@chriztypicarzos64]

hi sir im your fan hehe can you create a tutorial of love yourself by justin please?

[@andyr4611]

Err... Gareth they are not Alaska picks you are using in the video. Alaska picks are made from a harder plastic which produces a very different and punchier tone than those soft plastic ones. Alaska picks do not have numbers on them they have the letters SML or XL to designate the size. You are using a copy, nice enough if you like that soft tone but I do suggest you get some of the genuine Alaska picks which I think produce a clearer tone, but thanks for a nice video anyway.

[@rodneyferguson961]

Would have been nice to have heard you actually play the guitar with the finger piks on.

[@michaeljohnson6435]

Hi, could you do a finger style guitar tutorial on Justin Bieber's Love Yourself. Thanks!

[@aleckrukoff3193]

I'm from Alaska and I live here

[@gabrielsmartins7550]

Very good

[@CraftedUntica]

love yourself justin bieber plz

[@FT1445]

Please do a tutorial of Cool kids by echosmith :)

[@zekinadeak2076]

request: blank space T.S

[@pureshaaxx]

i love you

[@elrob564]

como se consiguen

[@andreydimalibot6796]

Thaaanks for this videoo

[@guitarmadeeasy4232]

If anyone's interested in seeing how their sound compares to just using fingernails, I made a video on my channel with a side-by-side comparison of that.

[@thesnackthatsmilesback6408]

Guitar Made Easy I can’t find the video!

[@dinmamma3210]

Give me Love ed sheeran

[@lucoluap5792]

Errato! Gli alaka pick non si usano in questo modo. Prima per imparare e trovare la giusta sensazione propriocettiva NON devi metterli tutti assieme Mai.! Devi metterne uno(medio) e suonare per almeno 3 giorni. Dopo metti il secondo( anulare) e ci suoni per altri tre giorni. Dopo metti il terzo(indice). Puoi utilizzare un classico tumb pick per il pollice, oppure utilizzare un altro alaska della misura idonea. Se metti la prima volta tutti e tre/4 alska pick..NON RIESCI e li togli e li conservi in un cassetto😳😁😁 Traduci grazie, non so scrivere in inglese

[@tcoudi]

honestly , they feel crazy, i did not dig into them yet, so they need shortening, but since i am playing with flash only, i feel like i have to change the position completely and esentially relearn all the paterns and distances. that said, for me its still better option then growing natural fingernails.

[@antonbergqvist8987]

play uptown funk

[@superpcstation]

Nice shirt :)

[@ipaporod]

Well to those who like their sound to be thin and a bit noisy (clicking and woody) these Alaska piks are just perfect!.Not my cup of tea.

[@yipray3387]

third😍

[@sk1esrntblu3]

first!!

[@brenoalencararaujo3672]

First! Rsrsrs

[@ER-yl3is]

first? :D

[@davidfriesen6313]

nein eddi, nein... :D #absturtz

[@ER-yl3is]

+David Friesen #esheißtabsturznichtabsturtz und ich war erster ☺

[@davidfriesen6313]

Ich hab mich nur ,,verschrieben"

[@ER-yl3is]

+David Friesen lustig dich mal hier zu treffen... #lamaarmyftw #lamasforpresident

[@공대망령]

this guy talks too much always!!!

[@bobthabuilda1525]

A 3 minute video labelled "review" and you didn't expect talking?