Fingers or a Pick?

One of the questions I get asked the most as a guitar instructor is “should I use a pick?”

For someone who is just starting out, I would recommend trying one. It is also important to use your fingers to strum or pluck a melody as well. As you become more comfortable, try using a pick at the same time as plucking with your fingers…this is known as hybrid picking.

Sometimes it is more difficult to start with a pick since plucking with the thumb can feel natural and much easier. However, I would give it a few months to get used to. You may find that you will need both to really be a versatile player.

Versatility

The short of it is that there are things that are very difficult to do without a pick like pinch harmonics and sweep picking. There are also things that are much easier to do using your fingers instead such as arpeggios, double stops and even some solos.

Tone and Dynamics

Tone is usually completely different using a pick verses your finger. The thickness of a pick will make a huge difference in tone and playing speed. Try using multiple thicknesses when experimenting. The thin picks will take more time to snap back into place after plucking a string so it may be slower than a thicker one when soloing. Additionally, you may also be able to get more volume.

Dynamics can be easier as well with the fingers due to tactile feedback. The ability to use the fingernail and the fleshy part of the skin will provide more variety and color.

Advantages of Finger-style

Another reason you will want to become proficient at using your fingers is that at some point you will inevitably drop your pick while playing. If you’re in front of other people, you will need to continue on without one. This is a great time to be able to switch to finger-style.

Sometimes it just makes more sense to solo without a pick. The lead at the end of Dire Straits “Sultans of Swing” is actually much easier to play finger-style.

Advantages of Using a Pick

The advantage of using a pick is that you can do those cool tricks like fast tapping. Specifically, the solo in Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” taps with a pick at the 3 minute mark. Also, pinch harmonics, sweep picking, palm muting, and fast single string passages are much easier with a pick. Some of these tricks can be done without, but it is more difficult for new guitarists.

If you are interested in lesson, please contact me. I teach online as well as in person.