Music

Pick holder flicks out of the way to let fingers get to work

Pick holder flicks out of the way to let fingers get to work
The Pick Slinger lets players grip a plectrum and then flick it out of the way when in the mood for neck tapping or finger picking
The Pick Slinger lets players grip a plectrum and then flick it out of the way when  in the mood for neck tapping or finger picking
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The Pick Slinger lets players grip a plectrum and then flick it out of the way when in the mood for neck tapping or finger picking
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The Pick Slinger lets players grip a plectrum and then flick it out of the way when  in the mood for neck tapping or finger picking
The Pick Slinger quickly gets the pick out the way during finger picking play
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The Pick Slinger quickly gets the pick out the way during finger picking play
Getting to grips with the Pick Slinger
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Getting to grips with the Pick Slinger
The Pick Slinger puts the pick within reach
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The Pick Slinger puts the pick within reach
The Pick Slinger is reported able to grip any off-the-shelf pick
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The Pick Slinger is reported able to grip any off-the-shelf pick
If a song calls for some neck taps or finger picking, the Pick Slinger's arm can be flicked or flipped out of the way to free up the play area
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If a song calls for some neck taps or finger picking, the Pick Slinger's arm can be flicked or flipped out of the way to free up the play area
View gallery - 6 images

Some guitarists prefer to pluck strings with fingers, some use picks and others do both. Quickly swapping between finger-picking and flat plectrum action during a song takes some skill, and can sometimes lead to a pick flying away from the player just when it's needed most. The Pick Slinger is worn like a ring and brings a pick into play with a flip, or moves it out of the way with a flick.

The simple accessory wraps around the player's index finger courtesy of a strip of Velcro. A tube slotted into the ring holds a curved sling arm onto which a pick is attached. When a guitarist wants to flat pick, the arm can make the plectrum available for thumb and finger grip. If a song calls for some neck taps or finger picking, the arm can be quickly flicked or flipped out of the way to free up the play area.

The Pick Slinger quickly gets the pick out the way during finger picking play
The Pick Slinger quickly gets the pick out the way during finger picking play

The company says that the Pick Slinger is compatible with off-the-shelf guitar picks, which can just be swapped for new when speed picking wears them out. It also means that gigging musicians should no longer need to store spare picks on a mic stands in case of mid-song fly-aways, or put a pick down to take a drink and have it mysteriously disappear when their backs are turned.

It's said to be useful for guitar instructors, too, who can just strap it on at the start of the day and always have a pick to hand when needed, no longer having to put down a free-ranging pick when adjusting student hand positions, pointing out score or tab or activating supporting equipment like metronomes and backing tracks.

The Pick Slinger certainly looks effective in the product demos, which you can see on the company's Facebook page. It's available now, prices start at just US$20.

Product page: Pick Slinger

View gallery - 6 images
5 comments
5 comments
MichaelChaplin
Could just 'palm' it instead?
MerlinGuy
I haven't been playing long enough to know if this is an answer to a problem or an answer searching for a problem.
Brian M
Not sure if it will really work - have used similarly designed devices in the past - but a production version may be better! Watch out for poking yours or others eyes out though!
PS easier to have a bit of Velcro on pick and opposite Velcro type on guitar (bottom of fret board on underside is good and out of site) or hand. With this method can't just flick it out of use, but allows different types of picks to be available.
toyhouse
My first thought was that it looked possibly uncomfortable or clumsy to use. But I can see where if one were switching back and forth between pick and finger style in one song particularly, it might be a good thing. Especially those who don't palm well. I can't see much value in it to keep from loosing picks though. I'd probably loose it and the pick together, lol. For most folks, the usual ways of hiding/stashing picks have worked - no change needed. Cleaver thinking though.
BrinaHealy
@MichaelChaplin: you can 'palm' your pick but you can't beat simple physics. "Slinging" your pick is just as fast as you can get. @MerlinGuy: why not have some fun? Try one--it's fully guaranteed! @BrianM: YES it works well and you just can't get a more convenient playing experience. @toyhouse: not clumsy to use at all. EVERY TIME you 'sling', your pick is out of your way--yet always EXACTLY back to the pad of your finger where it normally lives.
Thanks for your comments and visit our website or see us on facebook at PICK SLINGER.