Finger style mandolin

[Denis Kearns]

As a long-time guitar finger picker, taking up the mandolin finally got me to start using flatpicks on the guitar. I have messed around with fingerpicking mandolin, but still have to work on how I use my thumb. My normal fingerpicking style is to use thumb and three fingers without embellishments, so, in theory, I should eventually be able to consign one digit per string. Generally when I practice mandolin, I’m still trying to master the art of holding a pick properly, but this discussion makes me want to devote a little effort in fingerpicking, especially with the OM and mandocello. I think the technique might make for some nice accompaniment to a “normally” played mandolin.

[MichaelJW]

If you look at Eva Holbrook version of Cruel Sister she appears to start playing finger style then switch to pick at approx 1.25 where the original version had the sitar.
I started noodling around with the intro to Lady D'Arbanville using this technique. It sort of works but hard to get any volume.

Another style I never got my head round is Richard Thomson on guitar. He appears to play with both pick and fingers at the same time.
Not tried this yet.

[JeffD]

Frank Wakefield has sometimes used a technique where he incorporates the ring finger with a finger pick on it. He demonstrated it at a workshop I attended and I have on and off practiced and played with it.

[JeffD]

And lest we forget, Kenny Hall:



Actually, there is no way I can ever forget Kenny Hall. Just impossible.

[Jim Garber]

I loved Kenny Hall and even played with him a bit once time many years ago. Although he definitely played with his fingernail I would not really call it fingerstyle since he only used his one fingernail (I think the index) as a pick. Please correct me if I am wrong about that.

[Mandolinian]

I met a guy at Green Mountain BG&R fest this year who used both pick and fingers and it had a super sweet sound, great affect on the music. He said he grew his fingernails out a bit to do it. I've been wanting to experiment with this for a while.

[urobouros]

I've experimented with hybrid picking using a thumb pick and fingers with mixed results thus far. I can't grow out my fingernails though or I'll chew 'em