In this video, BB shows you how to put on, adjust, and use a plastic thumbpick and two metal fingerpicks. Note that the blades of the fingerpicks go over the pad of your index and ring fingers, not over the nails, which is slightly counterintuitive. BB recommends either Yates Oval 8 fingerpicks, which are in very limited supply and mostly available used, or the popular and readily available ProPik Heritage fingerpicks—or whatever you can find in your local music store. When in doubt, opt for the medium-weight metal. For a thumbpick, BB suggests a basic plastic model such as those offered by Jim Dunlop and available at most music stores. Finding the perfect fit is a matter of trial and error. Once you’ve got your picks on, BB tells you the names of the banjo’s five strings.
