is a pick absolutely necessary?

ive been playing about 2 months now and ive just always used my fingers as opposed to a pick? is that alright?

pick makes a higher pitch i like it better

You can do what ever you want. Picks and fingers and fingernail all sound different but, as long as you like the sound you are getting well do what ever.

Some techniques and styles are easier with a pick, other easier with fingers.

Originally Posted by: justinhuntive been playing about 2 months now and ive just always used my fingers as opposed to a pick? is that alright?

Are you using traditional classical fingerpicking? I suspect you're using only your thumb when picking individual notes. If that is so, stop. Get a pick immediately. However, if you are developing proper finger-picking technique then by all means continue. I can do both and find each helpful.

good job detective. i was just using my thumb. thanks for the help

Earl Scruggs didn't do so bad using that technique !!

Music of Today- Electric guitar/amp: a pick seems to give a clearer sound, better for riffs, and basic strums. Plus you will fit in with most bands (if this is your goal).
Music of yon-finger techniques can be difficult to learn...finger picking, different strumming methods...what is great about it is you can be more creative in string selection, patterns, picks, combination, utilize at least 3 fingers, excellent for round-hole or Spanish acoutics.

Picks seem to be the general method for most guitarist, and the development stage does not seem to take as long....Nevertheless Learn both....

Guitar: The Instrument For A Lifetime....Peace

So, Dr. Simon youre saying that some people can get play pretty good using the thumb technique?

Originally Posted by: Dr_simonEarl Scruggs didn't do so bad using that technique !!

Earl Scruggs hadn't been playing for two months. I'm telling him to use a pick because it is much easier to develop and refine that technique. Earl Scruggs is an amazingly gifted guitarist. No offense to Justin here, but it's hard to tell if he's as gifted as Earl Scruggs! It would just be much easier on his ability to develop his guitar playing if he were to learn proper picking technique.

Yep, he plays the banjo well !!

All Im saying is it depends on what you want to do. If you want to go down a road that requires a more classical approach to finger picking Jolly is absolutely right.

However, if you just want to play stuff, why not !! I do the old thumb wiggling thing and I flat pick and I really enjoy it.

It sound OK however these days I usually use a pick most of the time.

Though I should probably mention that I will never be (and have no desire to be) a concert classical guitarist !

Does Scruggs do all of his songs using just his thumb... if so its unbelievable what he can do.

Damn I may owe Jolly an apology at this point !! I thought we were talking about using the thumb and two fingers as opposed to the thumb and three fingers.

Earl uses a combination of the thumb and fist two fingers.
Not quite claw-hammer style but very very fast.

Have a listen to "Foggy Mountain Breakdown". Completely mind warping !!