When learning to play guitar, is it best to start out without the use of a pick?

Question

Would it be better to use my thumb so that I can learn how hard to play the strings or does that even have anything to do with it, is it the same if i use a pick

Answer 1

I say use both, because both are really good for learning. alot of deferent playing styles involve finger picking and alot of styles use a pick. just play the heck out of it, whatever you do. and I wish you lots of success. enjoying playing is whats most important. good luck.

Answer 2

Use a pick that's a little flexible. Hold your hand like your making the sign O.K.. Now hold the pick between the thumb, and first finger. I always liked a triangle pick. In case I broke one side, I had two more to work with. By using a pick, you will hear more of the strings, and learn coordination. Before anything, you must condition your fingers, otherwise, anything you attempt to play will sound lousy. Until you build a callus on your fingers, most of the notes will sound flat. Do this slowly so you don't get a blister. Once a day for the first week, using one finger at a time, play each note, on 10-12 frets, on each string. It may sound boring, but it works. After a week, the notes will sound clear, and your on your way. If you think that's too easy, try a 12 string. Good luck!.

Answer 3

There are 3 techniques here: just the pick, the use of a pick and 3 fingers, or the use of the thumb and the 3 fingers adjacent to the thumb - the "classical" technique. Classical technique is great to start off with because it teaches you how to really control the guitar for your best possible playing technique. The use of a pick and fingers is used for a different sound. Starting with just a pick is fine, but if you want to truly master the guitar in the long run, find a qualified teacher for classical method. You will also learn to read music (if you don't know how) because of this, which will give you an enormous advantage over other guitar players when looking for work as a guitarist in the future.

Answer 4

It depends on what type of guitar and what style you want to learn.
If you want to learn classical using an acoustic, you can start wuth a pick.
For rock or blues or even jazz, you need a pick. There are some exceptions of course to all types, so there is finger picking in all types of music.
Also, for chords and strumming, you need a pick.
For an electric guitar, you should start out with a pick as it is easier to learn the strings and playing than with an acoustic.
For instance, a 'E minor' chord in gutar is just two strings played at the same time. A 'G' is three strings.

Answer 5

I used to play guitar and i can tell you that when learning to play guitar you should switch back and forth between pick and no pick. When you don't use the pick it will make your fingers stronger and that will help you to strum both with and without the pick. It will make you more awqare as to how hard you need to strum for different music. try not to rely on the pick to much. Oh and even if this doesn't relate to it, just always enjoy playing good or bad it can get u pretty far in life and it will make you feel good to play

Answer 6

In my opinion, and Iv been playing for years, Its a matter of preference. But using the Thumb only will cause a lot of blisters on your thumb. That's why most use a pick AND thumb and all fingers. depends on what type music you want to play. You can play a lot more strings a lot faster by using all of your fingers. But then there are those blisters again. In time the blisters will turn to calluses and wont bother you. Bottom line, Its A matter of preference. The lead guitarist in Fleet Wood Mac used his fingers only. but he is a minority as far as Pick VS fingers go.. Eddy Van Hallen uses a Pick AND all fingers together.. Hope that helps. My sugestion is Use Both.

Answer 7

There's no "best" choice here, just a matter of personal preference. Most people find it easier to learn with a pick, but that is just an opinion. As far as learning how hard to play the strings, that should come naturally, and using a pick will not hinder your ability to play softly. You can use a hard pick to play louder, and a thinner pick to play softer.

Hope I helped!

Answer 8

When you first play guitar you have to let your fingers get used to the strings and than later on once you get used to the strings you will be able to play with a pick. If you start out using a pick you wont be able to play certain songs. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS START OFF PLAYING WITHOUT A PICK!

Answer 9

Actually, since you're a beginner, playing with a pick is a better idea. That's for 2 reasons. 1. You haven't developed calluses yet some it would hurt more for you to play and you'll grow tired. You develop that on your fingertips from playing the guitar a lot. It's normal. that is the hard dead skin that develops on your fingertips,2: You gain speed from using your wrists like that from picking. Actually, I think it would be harder to use your fingers. If you develop with a pick first and you learn more and more, you will master playing using your fingers a lot easier. But go with the pick first. I hope I helped. ^_^

Answer 10

Its good to be skilled in both because might like the feel or sound u get in one song u play w/ ur fingers and feel the opposite w/ another song and feel its better w/ the pick. Learn ur inner ear about sound and u'll know what to do. I've played piano, keyboard, drums. I have a great inner for the way thinks r played and how they sound. Listen to live music w/out the instrument hooked up to speakers and feel and hear the difference. It the same w/ the use or disuse of a pick, or how u bang on a drum w/ or w/out wooden sticks.
Good luck and have fun!


I LOVE GUITAR PLAYERS!:)

Answer 11

It totally depends on what type of guitar playing you're going to do. If you are going to learn flatpicking, you definitely need a pick. If you are going to play folk music, then no pick is needed as most of that type of music is fingerpicked. If you are going to play rock, then a pick is in order.

As far as how hard to hit the strings, you will get a feel for it and know when you are hitting the strings too hard or when you need to pick harder.