Tips on playing with Pick and Fingers ASK ZAC EP - 26

[@janboomsma9954]

Killer intro lick: 0:18 Working man blues: 1:55 Working man blues Slow: 2:45 Interweb: 3:25 Killer intro lick explanation: 3:38 Simple Lick: 5:30 Zac clearly giving us the finger: 7:42 Zac stating that he's not giving us the finger: 7:44 Exercise: 9:48 Rolling Patterns: 11:01 Mama Tried: 11:34 "The Chicken Pickin' Thing": 12:08 Strumming working man blues vs pickin': 12:24 Motivational speech: 12:57

[@AskZac]

Dang! Impressive, going to pin this!

[@MrKaufmana1]

But you didn’t slow down the chicken picken lick!! How about a whole episode in that? I would love a chicken picken playlist and show the subtlety of the kick you played there. Also, I noticed I never used a compressor, until I started playing with a thumb pic a few years ago. Now I’m wondering if there’s a correlation between compressors and chicken Pickin, and playing with picking fingers.

[@thomasrose7713]

Love your technique videos. sharing and imparting the path to nuanced playing!

[@robertquinn9490]

Started as a rocker..moved to acoustic. Was taught classical fingerpicking. I tried and tried with that thumbpick..gave up more than once. Finally met thumbstyle teacher...it took about a year to make the transition but it finally caught. If you can do get there you'll gain a tremendous vocabulary with your playing. Hybrid...pick and fingers works great too... Thanks Zac for helping us along!

[@skinnykarlos710]

Great advice as per... I started using my fingers (as well as plectrum) on non classical guitars in the late 80s, early 90s when Robben Ford's "Talk to your Daughter" came out and I had to know everything about this guy that could play a solo like on "Help the Poor". After buying two of his VHS tutorial videos I slowly learned to palm the plectrum, use the rounded edge not the pointy edge and use my fingers not just for playing classical guitar. Great input for younger and less experienced players - why settle for one pick when you have those other digits waiting to be told what to do. A little bit each day will start off difficult but those prepared to put in 10 minutes a day to their fingers will be playing with ease inside 12 months. Top vid, Zac. All the best.

[@robertknapp9054]

Thank you Zac, the best demonstration of how to use a pick and fingers to get that sound I want to play. I'll keep working on it.

[@jerrymckenzie6205]

Thanks Zac - I learned something new today!

[@PreachaMan]

2:08 “I was like, What was that?” Great description of what a Tele can inspire.

[@stevelankford7343]

Thanks Zac, I do like to practice some hybrid style pickin when it lends to what I’m practicing. But I don’t think I’ve ever practiced that sort of of country style pickin. Thanks for the tips, and the laid back lesson.

[@deaconddd]

Although not my style of playing at all I’ve always admired people who could pull that technique off so effortlessly. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any modern guitarist really break it down and explain it’s function so thank you. I’ll be adding this to my collection of lesson videos in the event I finally get the courage to try and learn it 😂.

[@guitareveryone]

Nothing beats pick and fingers for sure man. I also use thumb pick and fingers a lot myself. Even with chicken picking and rock. It frees up the index finger. Looking forward to this episode as with all your videos Zac!

[@baltazaro]

Hi Zac, you are such nice to hear guy, adding you are talking about guitars, with love of Nashville, ehh - by far my favorite channel on youtube! Keep on rockin'

[@cognoscenticycles4351]

A glass nail file was a revelation for me. I had used a standard nail board for eons and then I discovered glass nail files. They are incredible in giving your nails a perfect smooth edge.

[@AskZac]

Will have to try that

[@820hurleyj]

I heard your into and immediately thought of Hello Mary Lou by Rucky Nelson. Music i grew up on. And still love.

[@bobbaumeister5243]

Oh Zac, great! I love this lesson very well! You have presented the variety of possibilities in the game and the exercises very clearly and understandably. You deserve special praise for this!

[@AskZac]

Thanks!!

[@WillyKidd]

Absolutely killer tones and playing!

[@AskZac]

Merci, mon amis!!!

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

Hi Zac. The more I watch your channel, the more I like it. GREAT content!

[@AskZac]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@briannacery9939]

Fantastic suggestions!

[@PegLegLeennart]

Keep the videos coming Zac! Ask Zac + your interviews for Truetone Lounge are among the few guitar related channels on the Tube that I really like. Anywho - the channel IS called Ask Zac after all, so here´s a technical question: How high do you bias your Deluxe Reverb with regular sounding (i.e. not JJ's 6V6s which are good, but sound more like 6L6's or 5881's than old 6V6GTA's) tubes?

[@stratnick]

This video is great! I’ve been working on this technique for the past couple of weeks.

[@henryhunter5026]

Another great video! I’ve played a sort of self taught pick and fingers style for years but I’ll certainly be working my way though a lot of the things shown here. Very good lesson.

[@glenkepic3208]

Great break down. stopped and started enough, one learns to pick their battles.

[@bddmhopp5]

Love the additional guitar playing, thanks

[@richardlewis1243]

have had a BlueChip TAD-1R 40 for over 10 years but I also use wegens mostly on acoustic. I like the fact that there is more pick to grip as my hands get sore easier, cant stop arthritis

[@iannicholls7476]

Thanks Zac. That’s a great introduction to the style.

[@johnkelley7543]

Thanks, Zac. I've been taking lessons from Guthrie Trapp on ArtistWorks and this dovetails directly into what I've been working on. I've been playing 20+ years, but always was more rock & blues based; decided it was time to learn some advanced techniques that my favorites, like Danny Gatton, employed. Guthrie's been a good teacher and I recommend him to both beginners and people like me who want to open up their playing styles more.

[@AskZac]

Guthrie is a fantastic teacher!

[@LotharOfTheHillPeople]

I used to go down to the nail school and get my two middle nails done. Cheap and effective. Nowadays I like using the fleshy tips of the fingers as it softens the attack a bit.

[@jamesparr6840]

Awesome lesson! Thank you Zac!

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@louisdombrowski4198]

Top shelf guitar info Thanks Zac

[@AskZac]

You are so welcome!

[@TheNewenglandboys]

Loved this video. Really good lesson! Going to give this method a real try! Thanks Zak

[@davetbassbos]

I'm mostly a bass player so I have to keep my first 2 fingers nail free, but I grow out the last 2 to try to do this, but at a pretty basic level, great video!

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Hi Dave, I used to double on guitar and electric bass, and used the same method you do with your nails. But there is another approach, too, just for what it is worth: thumb-pick and finger-picks. I use a thumb-pick in some of my playing, but never mastered finger-picks, but some really great players swear by them.

[@robertgandy1519]

Thanks for the tips always wanted learn this style but just could never figure it out. Looking forward to working on this.

[@jackiejtheg]

Bluechips really are amazing picks

[@marksc1929]

Zac , each time I watch you play....you take it up a another notch ....i think you're holding back ... sandbagging....i think you taught James Burton to play ... maybe when you were like four ?

[@AskZac]

Very Kind

[@matthunting1162]

Thanks for some good tips on this Zac, been trying for many yrs to get this technique down so now I've got some new exercises to go practice ! See ya on the next video maybe you'll bust out the 67 maple cap neck,,that is my favorite for sure .........

[@AskZac]

The 67 started acting up. Going to need to work on it a bit and see if I can get it playing right without seeing Joe Glaser

[@wewilliewilson1974]

Really enjoying your channel Zac

[@AskZac]

I appreciate that!

[@Wildman9]

Good advice Zac,you need to learn those basic drills to sweeten your arsenal for sure.Keep up those great tips.!🎸

[@andybennett1026]

Here because of ‘5 Watt World’ subbed and thanks ! Great channel !

[@AskZac]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@foxyjazzbopper]

Love these vids Zac ... superb, many thanks for your entertaining tips.. top man👍

[@AskZac]

Glad you like them!

[@charleswallace5818]

I really enjoy your intro. Thank you for haring your knowledge with us. Be Blessed and stay safe

[@AskZac]

You too!

[@aronthegangster]

Another great video.

[@guitareveryone]

Another great episode. Very informative.

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@douglascormany6902]

Good stuff! Thanks.

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@thedesertroseband]

Thanks Zac! 👍🏻😃

[@AskZac]

Any time!

[@retrotelerod]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@AskZac]

Thanks for watching!

[@surfneptune]

Great stuff!

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@jkisler2801]

Off topic, why did you choose the Mirage comp? I had not heard of this one.

[@AskZac]

It is a more subtle, but useful comp. More like a studio comp. Just smooths things out

[@glennpiticco1470]

That’s so awesome man…how do you get that very sharp crisp Tele sound out of your amp…I have a Tele, but it don’t sound like that…is it the amp that makes the difference???

[@AskZac]

I pick hard enough to get a "pop" to my sound.

[@omarmerle]

Another great video, Zac. Could you show us your audio/video setup?

[@AskZac]

Careful use of 2 phones. 1 for audio, and the other for video

[@omarmerle]

@@AskZac You get great results. Thanks.

[@AaronLS.]

I need more of that chicken picking stuff. Great lesson!

[@AskZac]

I will do an entire episode on it hopefully in March.

[@aceofspades1542]

Great video, man 👍🏻

[@artheriford]

The lick at 9:57 is similar to what Leo Kottke used to play. Which Steve Stevens turned into the intro to Rebel Yell.

[@JonathonMarshall12]

Hi Zac. Loving your videos. I play finger style so I am teaching myself to play with pick and fingers from the other direction! I play a Fender Nocaster through a Deluxe Reverb (stock). If I change the speaker to the Celestion V30 will I get that drier, crisp sound that you have? Or is that your 'magic fingers' and /or guitar?

[@AskZac]

It definitely adds mids, smooths the highs, and tightens the Bass. See how many bolts you have holding your speaker. If you have 8, you may want to find a V30 copy from Warehouse or Eminence as the v30 has 4 holes The copies have 8

[@JonathonMarshall12]

@@AskZac Thanks for the reply. Yes the current speaker has 8 holes so I will have to look into this!

[@wildcardiowa1994]

I would add, I have poor picking skills, learning pick and fingers really helps even in rock. I play most rock riffs and solos that way

[@michaeljohnson7892]

“ THANKYOUZAK “ though I’m not Shure that it was SLOW ENOUGH for me yet !!!

[@stevesuv]

Zac. You know everything ,and everyone.I was working at a famous shop in LA and this nice guy from Boston comes in to have his 335 set up ONLY by my boss John Carruthers. A lot of guys did it. Robben,Rit Jim Fox,Carlton and on and on. Anyway this guy from Boston says he is Bobby Keys. I know not that Bobby Keys. He gives us all his new CD. The CD is called Lucky Stereo. We wore that thing out. Kind of Campalongo meets Chet. I can not describe how good a player this guy was. For years I could not find anything on utube on him for like 8 years. Now there are 2 videos on utube. One with his band Lucky Stereo, and one with his trio.All of the info on him is real old. What happened to this guy? You would love his playing. Do you have any info on Bobby Keys. Thanks for all you do.

[@AskZac]

I am going to see what I can find

[@coryspence6839]

@@AskZac I don't know of him, but sounds interesting -- I did find this (last name spelled Keyes): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Keyes_(guitarist) EDIT: I found this -- looks like you can buy the MP3's for Lucky Stereo -- www.bobbykeyes.net/index.php/music

[@MrKaufmana1]

This is great, curious if you bought a Mirage compressor pedal after John Leventhal was on True Tone Lounge

[@AskZac]

I did. He is a hero of mine

[@middle_pickup]

That's called hybrid picking, right? I do that all the time. It's really fun.

[@mgcnashville6615]

Johnny Hiland turned me on to Jenny Trang. Anyone in Nash..Go get some acrylics put on! She does a great job! Modern nails off old hickory and nolensville. I don’t play super hard, so, I don’t often break nails. But, acrylics will match the tonal quality of your pick. So, you’ll get a more homogenous sound between your pick/fingers this way.

[@johnviolette5511]

Zac are you Vince Gills brother or cousin? You guys look a lot alike. A great video!

[@AskZac]

Yes we are, but he won't answer my calls, or send me money

[@richardinmaryland6197]

Why do you prefer fingernails over finger picks? And a flat pick instead of a thumb pick?

[@AskZac]

More comfortable to me. Use what works!

[@Rigel7WasAlreadyUsed]

11:09 Summer has come and passed , the innocent can never last...

[@Achase4u]

Can I come over and play after the coast is clear?

[@AskZac]

Do you bring snacks?

[@nickwilson9210]

Man I have always been looking for some one to show me how to play some of those rockabilly licks any good books or videos out their ?

[@AskZac]

I watched Jim Weider's videos on VHS years ago, like "Get That Classic Fender Sound." Or the Danny Gatton video like "Rhythm Guitar"

[@AskZac]

I watched Jim Weider's videos on VHS years ago, like "Get That Classic Fender Sound." Or the Danny Gatton video like "Rhythm Guitar"

[@nickwilson9210]

Ask Zac thanks I’ll Chet them out

[@AskZac]

@@nickwilson9210 HA!!

[@telecasterbear]

I have the interweb at my house.

[@AskZac]

It works when it feels like it

[@stevesuv]

Where is that? Mt. Pilot? Do you have to call Sarah first to put you through.

[@Robowx]

I would love to play like that! But I can"t coordinate my hands.

[@RumblinMan]

Hey bro (literally).

[@deansilliman]

Speaking of fingers ... am I the only one who now has the theme song fly out of my fingers every time I pick up the guitar? Then I wait in vain for the Mr. Rogers-ish “Welcome Friends.”

[@AskZac]

Won’t you be my Telecaster toting neighbor

[@jonyork999]

I'd love to have a tab for his intro!

[@AskZac]

send me an email zac (at) askzac.com

[@Grumpyoldman60]

My question would have been "what Hymn number is that?"

[@KTSAdventures]

Wanted to leave some relative info on fingernail augmentation by Brent Mason, shiny tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZCUe5aIjKp5erM at 34:17 you can clearly see him sporting a couple.

[@misterknightowlandco]

My favorite part of this style is just how easy it LOOKS, but it's so freaking hard.

[@banjosforbreakfast6086]

Why does your a string and Estring sound so punchy? In fact, all your strings sound evenly punchy. My cheap Telecaster copy sounds flubby on the bottom, and shrill at the top. I’m using the bridge pick up only. Am I going to have to haul off and buy a real Fender?

[@AskZac]

I roll back the tone control on the guitar