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There aren’t many instruments that can produce a sound quite like the pedal steel guitar. A big part of that sound comes from using finger picks and a thumb pick.
They play a major role in shaping tone, sustain, and articulation, and are a core part of traditional pedal steel technique.
If you’re new to using them, they can feel awkward at first. But once they’re shaped properly and used consistently, they become a natural extension of your right hand.
Creating That Classic Pedal Steel Tone
Finger picks and a thumb pick are essential for producing the classic pedal steel sound.
They increase:
- attack
- clarity
- sustain
When combined with bar pressure and a volume pedal, they allow notes to ring out longer and connect more smoothly between positions.
This is what gives pedal steel its recognizable vocal-like quality.
How They Affect the Sound
The material and shape of the picks directly affect your tone.
Using picks generally produces:
- a brighter, more defined attack
- clearer separation between notes
- stronger projection in a mix
This is especially important when playing with a band, where clarity and presence matter.
Finger Pick Materials
Most finger picks used for pedal steel are made of metal.
Common materials include:
- nickel-silver
- stainless steel
- brass
Nickel-silver and stainless steel tend to sound brighter and more focused, while brass can produce a slightly warmer tone.
Many of these picks are also used by banjo and resonator players, so there are plenty of reliable options available.
Thumb Picks
Comfort and Feel
Thumb picks vary widely in feel, and finding one that works for you is important.
The main factors are:
- how the band fits around your thumb
- how smooth the picking surface feels against the string
- the angle at which it strikes the string
If the pick feels scratchy or resistant, it can slow you down and affect your tone.
Here are some reliable options worth trying:
- Fred Kelly Slick Picks, (my top recommendation for feel and smoothness)
- Dunlop’s Zookies Thumbpicks (great if you prefer an angled picking surface)
- Golden Gate Grained Ivoroid Thumb Picks
- Golden Gate Pearloid Thumb Picks
- Dunlop Ultex Thumb Picks
Finding the Right One
Thumb picks are inexpensive, so it’s worth trying several types.
Try a few different types and sizes to see what works best for your hand and picking style.
Look for:
- a snug but comfortable fit
- a smooth picking surface
- a shape that matches your picking angle
Once you find one you like, it’s a good idea to keep extras in your seat or practice area.
Shaping Finger Picks
Finger picks rarely feel natural right out of the package.
Shaping them is one of the most important steps in getting comfortable.
Picking Angles
You want the blade of the pick to meet the string at a natural angle based on your hand position.
This depends on:
- your right hand position
- your blocking technique
- how you approach the strings
Over time, you’ll refine this through experience.
Comfort on the Fingers
Pay attention to how the bands sit on your fingers.
They should be:
- secure
- not too tight
- not digging into your cuticles
Some discomfort is normal at first, but properly shaping the picks makes a major difference.
Using Tools to Shape Picks
You can use tools like needle nose pliers to shape finger picks more precisely.
Be careful not to scratch the picking surface, especially the part that contacts the strings.
Most players develop their own shaping approach over time.
Recommended Finger Picks
Finger picks also vary in feel, tone, and fit. Small differences in band shape and blade angle can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and sound.
Here are some strong options used by many players:
- National’s NP2 Stainless Steel Finger Picks
- ProPik Finger Picks (various band sizes and blade angles available)
- National NP2B Brass Finger Picks (slightly warmer tone)
Some players even mix different picks between fingers to improve comfort or create subtle tonal variation.
Playing Without Picks
You are not required to use picks when playing pedal steel.
However, most players use them because they:
- increase sustain
- improve projection
- create the traditional tone
If you want to explore the alternative approach, you can read more about playing pedal steel without picks.
Advantages of Using Finger Picks
With consistent use, finger picks can improve:
- speed
- accuracy
- articulation
Because they release from the string more quickly than fingertips, they allow for cleaner and faster playing.
Traditionally, picks are worn on:
- thumb
- index finger
- middle finger
Some players experiment beyond this, but this setup covers most situations.
Conclusion
Finger picks and thumb picks are a fundamental part of pedal steel playing.
They shape your tone, affect your control, and play a major role in how your playing translates musically.
Although they may feel unnatural at first, taking the time to shape them and get comfortable with them will pay off in your sound and technique.
Taking This Further
If you want to improve your right hand control, blocking, and overall picking accuracy, you can explore the instructional materials.
If you’d like direct feedback on your technique and setup, you can also explore one-on-one lessons.