Using a pick

spagdogg · Unread post by **spagdogg** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:38 pm

I just started playing the guitar about 2-3 months ago. I think I'm making good progress, but I've got a question for the veterans.

So far, I'm much more comfortable playing without a pick than with. I think I can strum with much better rhythm this way, and it's just feels a lot better too. The only this is, I'm worried that, down the line when I actually start getting good, not using a pick will cause some problem that I can't foresee.

So can anybody out there tell me if this will cause much of a difference, or if I should just go ahead and play without a pick?

Thanks.

Appfro · Unread post by **Appfro** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:46 pm

yea, you should get used to using a pick. it helps w/ volume and you can play a lot cleaner w/ a pick. really you should get used to a pick and only use your hands w/ finger picking songs. just my 2 cents.

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i am sam2 · Unread post by **i am sam2** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:47 pm

on acoustic i dont see any problems with not using a pick other than the fact that you cant really get songs like lie in our graves or so much to say or rhyme and reason....electric, if you dont use a pick, your solos im pretty sure will be different to say the least

Machtimus · Unread post by **Machtimus** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:56 pm

I don't use a pick. The problems that come with this is volume and singe string speed. When unplugged, it's hard to get a louder sound. It's also very hard to get the speed up on playing one string (soloing basically).

sunglassesatnight · Unread post by **sunglassesatnight** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:59 pm

Machtimus wrote:I don't use a pick. The problems that come with this is volume and singe string speed. When unplugged, it's hard to get a louder sound. It's also very hard to get the speed up on playing one string (soloing basically).

Appfro · Unread post by **Appfro** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:00 pm

you're new at this spag. you should DEFINETLY no matter what any one else says start using a pick. learning to finger pick and use a pick is crucial. LEARN THEM BOTH!!!!

Machtimus · Unread post by **Machtimus** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:02 pm

Appfro wrote:you're new at this spag. you should DEFINETLY no matter what any one else says start using a pick. learning to finger pick and use a pick is crucial. LEARN THEM BOTH!!!!

this is true, i regret never learning how to use a pick when i was starting off.

thedirte · Unread post by **thedirte** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:04 pm

Someone who taught me alot about what I now know about guitar insisted so much on me using a pick more that he taped one inbetween my fingers every single time I practiced with him. It helped a ton. Just something to keep in mind if you find it hard to get used to at first. (Just make sure you tape it in the right position, haha).

nate · Unread post by **nate** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 10:32 pm

I remember when I was at this stage, just starting out on guitar. My roommate was giving me a crash course in guitar and I refused to use a pick b/c it was so uncomfortable so I understand what he is saying. However, having said that, I kept forcing myself to keep it between my fingers and it keep getting smoother and more fluent. So keep at it and don't give up you'll get it one day it'll just click. my 5 cents.

xan. · Unread post by **xan.** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:26 am

Just like appfro said... no matter what learn how to use a pick. it will make a lot of songs easier to play. just keep it balanced play sometimes with a pick and with your fingers.

Kukini · Unread post by **Kukini** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:51 am

I started balanced and stayed that way. I like fingerpicking, but sometimes, it's good to thrash away with a pick. Get good/smooth with both and you won't have any problems.

ballmeblazer · Unread post by **ballmeblazer** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 8:01 am

i started playing without a pick, and it's taken me awhile to become comfortbale with one. but being someone who was in your position this time a year ago, it is worth working on. you get a better, cleaner sound, songs like lie in our graves are possible, the bass notes in songs like 41, crash, stay or leave etc are a lot more clear when picking and you can get a sharper more percussive sound when strumming with one. the only downside is that it's harder so slap with your thumb ala john mayer. start playing with real thin picks to develope a feel for them, and then once you feel comfortable move up to a thicker one.

sunglassesatnight · Unread post by **sunglassesatnight** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 8:39 am

I started playing with one, and grab one whenever I need it, but I feel like I often have more freedom without one. But I agree wholeheartedly that a beginner should use one.

MWR · Unread post by **MWR** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:49 pm

They're sylistic devices. You're not gonna sound like Dave without a pick, and you won't sound like James Taylor with one. Horses for courses.

chosta · Unread post by **chosta** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 2:22 pm

Ranting Thespian wrote:i dont use a pic and i'm better than everyone and negative energy. and i'm gay.

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Using a pick

Using a pick

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