Acoustic pickers who use a thumbpick ...

Timcito

Do you find, as I do, that if you play with the thumbpick, you need also to put on fingerpicks? I find that the added volume on the bass strings means that the treble strings are drowned out. This is less so when I mute the bass strings, of course, but I do not always want to do that. However, I see many players online managing to get a balanced volume with thumbpick and bare fingers. Can you get it? 

MikeP

Yes. Vary the Palm Mute on the thumb a little and strengthen the fingers. I would say the majority of players use just the thumb pick. 

MikeP

What guitar you playing?

Stuckfast

It took quite a while to get used to, but now I can get a balanced volume with thumbpick and nails.

DavidR

Use a softer plastic thumbpick. They vary. Jim Dunlop 9051R Reds are soft.

Timcito

MikeP said:

What guitar you playing?

Three Eastmans: a E20 OM, an E2 OM, and a 000 Ltd. I also fingerpick my Godin 5th Avenue Uptown T-Armond, and my Godin Multiac Spectrum.  

Timcito

Some interesting comments and advice here - thanks!

MikeP

The instruments aren't the problem then...you got some natural nails? Try practicing louder than you think possible for a while then scale back. Listen to early bert jansch, he was trying to finger pick in pubs with little or poor amplification. He really digs in, big strong sheep farmer hands. 

Littlejonny

Try an ‘Alaska pick’ for the thumb…much better tone IMO. You can’t palm mute with them though.