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To pick or not to pick
Hi, I just started the challenge. I’ve taken classes in classical guitar and I really like playing without a pic on most anything. I still struggle with finger pattern so I wonder if using the pic will make the experience go better.
Thanks
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6 Replies
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I’m a new player myself but I started with the pick as that was recommended to me. I think it’s helpful to learn using picks, but I also appreciate and enjoy finger picking. Mark Knopfler is perhaps the most famous guitarist to have completely abandoned using the pick, but he also has used picks extensively in his career. I like that Tony teaches us both styles but it’s understood that you may develop a preference for one of them.
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HinTMarlow, Even if you prefer to play without a pick, I suggest using one for any flatpicking or rhythm lessons, because TAC is teaching fingerpicking, flatpicking, and rhythm with the pick. It makes you a more rounded player, and you’ll find many songs can’t always be finger picked or strummed to sound similar to the original. @TMutter is someone who had never used a pick be&ore TAC. Maybe he’ll chime in. I know it took him a while to master and feel comfortable with a pick, but its possible.
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hey there Loraine – hope all is well. I have been absent for a bit. Had a nasty bike crash with multiple right shoulder fractures and hyperextended all the fingers on my left hand. It will be months before I can even hold a guitar again and I hope I can get everyting working. But on that happy note……. you are correct – I did pass the over the “i cant use a pic” bridge awhile back and so glad I did. It opened up so many more creative avenues for me. My not so secret secret was to put pics everywhere around me. In the car, coffee tables, in my pockets etc. Almost like one of those “fidget” spin’y things. I just always had one in my hand and over time it felt less like a foreign object and more like an extension of my fingers. It’s worth a try.
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I’m not into classical guitar, however I prefer to play fingerstyle. I have a love hate relationship with picks. Mostly hate. However as not to limit myself while still in the beginner/intermediate stage, I decided to be more diligent using a pick. I usually start out my playing using a pick, and end with fingerstyle tunes. I’m trying to get 30% to 40% of my playing using the pick. I’ve been doing this for about a year now. I’m improving…Slowly. Now that opens up a whole new Pandora’s box. What pick to use. They all vary in tone and playability.
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In the skills section There is a lesson on Hybrid picking that you can practice on the week end. It combines both Pick and fingers and is a lot of fun. it has become my favorite way to play the lessons involving using a pick.
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Thanks everyone for your feedback. I’ll settle into both as it seems like the best option.
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