BanjoTeacher.com

Hybrid model of the Shark Tooth Pick.

Three unique Shark Tooth Crossover Pick designs are available!

The first model of the Shark Tooth pick to be presented here is called "Traditional". The Traditional design uses an interchangeable Velcro pick/strap assembly and can be easily adjusted for thumb size and for overall plectrum flexibility. The pick tip protrudes through a lateral hole in the sleeve. The pick tip can also be adjusted in and out relative to the thumb line. The Traditional model also has a balanced up and down tension or playing feel. Therefore, using the Velcro strap for adjustment around the thumb, the player can control all of the pick flex attributes. In addition, the Traditional model makes it easy to substitute your favorite flat pick for use with the Neoprene sleeve.

The second model, called the “Un-Thumb Pick”, is a revolutionary design that offers abundant technical flexibility. “Un-Thumb Pick” supports the plectrum on the outside of the sleeve. This pick orientation allows control over every aspect of play. The guitar player engages the pick using the first finger, and when released, the pick retracts to enable a natural Classical approach. That is, play with your bare fingers or engage the flat pick at will. While some practice is required, the musical rewards are well worth the effort.

Third, the “Hybrid” locates the plectrum on the front inside edge of the sleeve and is quickly learned (see Hybrid photo on this page). The Hybrid model owes its basic playing approach to the Merle Travis and Chet Atkins fingerstyle. However, flat picking and fluid strumming come more natural to the player. In other words, just like a thumb-pick, a firm down stroke is achieved by the Hybrid design. However, the pick upstroke tension is loose and is, therefore, well suited for strumming and flat picking applications.

When strumming the guitar is desired, the soft and flexible sleeves eliminate the discomfort and rigidity found with most plastic thumb-picks. Also, single note lead lines are more fluid and the angle of plectrum attack control features of all three models provide significant dynamic and tonal variations.

In addition, common accessory products like plastic or metal finger-pick devices may be used along with Shark Tooth.

With the Strum ‘N Comfort® Picking System, flat-picking, thumb-picking, finger tapping and the widely taught "Classical" guitar