Picking with fingers or actual Pick?

[wAvy]

Hey, I've been playing acoustic guitar for about a year now and I've been improving, but I can't conieve reaching the level of someone like Dave or Tim. I'd just like to know what you guys think about using a pick vs. using your fingers to pick a guitar. Which one will provide the most benefit to me later on? Also, could you explain to me the correct way to use my fingers and thumb to pick a guitar? I've heard the best way to use an actual pick is to make a thumbs up sign, then place the pick on the index finger's side and clamp your thumb down. Is that true?

Thanks guys, I just want to get better and better through many years of practice and taking as much advice as I can will help me. Any sort of source that gives information, especially on what scales are and how to play them would help me. I've never had any education with music and notes so I have no idea what people mean when they say F sharp or I read this crap "F#".

[filmdude100cms]

f sharp and f# are the same thing

also a b after a note like Bb means flat, wich would be the same as A#...

anyway, theres no right way. i prefer fingers most of the time, sometimes a pick. and when you use a pcik just do what feels good, the sound wound change however you hold it.

PM or IM me anytime and ill try to help ya out

[wAvy]

So I can play any way I want with my hands as long as it feels good for me?
I'm just wondering if there's a certian way to play that most people feel good with or allows for the most improvement later on. So should I just strike the string with the side of my thumb?

[filmdude100cms]

yeah, dont worry on what your "supposed" to play like. if it feels good and it works, then go with it. its just picking for the most part a strum is a strum where and how you hold the pick isnt a big deal

[TrippingBillie]

Most people start out learning how to play with a pick, then later on advance to finger picking.


Personally I like to use a pick, just cause I am more comfortable with it.

But these are just guidelines, you can always do what is most comfortable for you.

[mrjones]

i can only play difficult songs and solos with a pick, it makes it easier for me. but better guitarist than me can play those same solos with only a thumb. i think a pick is easier, but not neccesary

[mlb1399]

Learn to use both. Each way has it's advantages. With a pick you get a stronger sound and muting sounds way better. Fingerpicking gives you more options as you can pick and chose what strings you want to pluck and you have 5 fingers to potentially play 1-5 strings.

[hcole]

Learn to use both. Each way has it's advantages. With a pick you get a stronger sound and muting sounds way better. Fingerpicking gives you more options as you can pick and chose what strings you want to pluck and you have 5 fingers to potentially play 1-5 strings.

right on

[c_tietze]

Depends on what you what out of playing. If you want to recreate what has been done before then use a pick when the artist does, but if you want to develop your own technique use whatever you are comfortable with.

I played with my fingers and strummed with my thumb and fingers when I first started, it was cool but to get a Dave sound you defin. need a pick for the percussive-ness.