Pick vs. Fingers

  As we've seen in the previous months, there are a number of different decisions that one has to make about playing guitar. Should I play electric or acoustic? If I choose electric, which brand should I pick? If I choose acoustic, should I buy a nylon string or a steel string? And hey, what exactly is a Twelve String Guitar? Well the good news is that these decisions are all part of the fun of playing a musical instrument. Sort of  like having to choose between cake and pie for dessert. However, one decision which needs to be made early on, which is  important, is how to pluck the strings. Some people use a pick, some use their fingers, and others do something in between. Here is an explanation of the three most useful and common modes of plucking the strings of the Guitar.

• Pick / Plectrum: A pick for those who've never seen one, is a small triangular piece of plastic used for striking the strings of a Guitar. It's generally held between the thumb and index fingers of the strumming hand. The benefits of using a pick are that it's generally the fastest method of playing single note lines, it has a unique percussive type of quality when used for strumming, and it's usually easier to master than finger style. While there are a number of different styles, thicknesses,  and brands of picks, it really is just a matter of personal taste as to which one is best for you. As far as technique is concerned, you'll get the most out of using a pick if you use it in a down and up motion. A pick is used in pretty much every style of Guitar Playing except Classical.

• Finger Style: The standard method of playing Classical Guitar, this approach involves using the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers of the plucking hand. Sometimes the pinky finger is used, sometimes only the thumb, index and middle are used, but it generally involves using more than one finger. While it can be used for Classical, Jazz, Country, or Latin, Finger style Guitar Playing really shines when used for polyphonic music. As far as whether to use your nails or not, yes for Classical and the rest is up for grabs.

• Pick and Fingers / Hybrid: The final method in our list is a combination of the first two mentioned : Pick and Fingers. For this method of Playing Guitar, a pick is held between the thumb and index fingers of the plucking hand, while the middle, ring, and sometimes pinky are used as well. In many ways, this is a good compromise between pick and finger style playing ; many of the benefits of each style are synthesized into one style. While pick and fingers can be used in really any style of Guitar Playing (except Classical), it's generally seen being used in Country and Jazz.

  Well there you have it! Three time tested methods for picking the Guitar. My only suggestion is please do try one of the above methods of playing Guitar. When you're first starting out, trying to invent your own style of picking is typically not a good idea. I've observed many Students over the past ten years try to just use their thumb to pluck the strings thinking this was the easy way out. Unfortunately, while this can work in the beginning, it usually closes more doors than opens them. However, if you immerse yourself in one of these three styles, you'll be on your way to getting a real handle on how to play the Guitar. Have fun and good luck!


Tune in next week for the next installment of Have Guitar Will Travel.