finger picking

[Adma]

ok I'm trying to ween myself off of picks lately, as I find if I could just get used to playing with my fingers only, I'd be a lot better... question is, how do YOU strum with your fingers? I tend to do thumb on down stroke index on up, but i see people doing things with their nails and whatnot, I'm a bit confused. Just thought I'd ask for some tips

[Machtimus]

Different strumming techniques for different styles. I mean it's fine if you just use your thumb for up and down.

The way you described is also a way

Some people like to strum like they are holding a pick (just hold thumb and index together and go for it)
^this way they either use their index nail , their index finger or their thumb.

You can also hold fingers closed together and somewhat like a claw figure and strum with the nails, provides a different sound.

There is also a technique, that Justin King has made famous around the boards, where you down strum with fingers then thumb and up stroke with the thumb.

Basically, fiddle with different strumming ideas to see which one fits you and your style best