Originally Posted by: robm06Hi everyone, I'm brand new to this website and for the most part to guitar playing. I've taken some lessons from my dad in the past, and he has never put much emphasis on playing with a guitar pick. Is a guitar pick something I should be trying to use? What are the benefits of playing with a pick and the benefits of just playing by hand?

I tried to search for a similar topic, but didn't find one.

Thank you :)

Depends on what style, but the difference between pick and finger is the sound it makes(pick is much sharper sounding- which is or good or bad depending on the situation). also, when getting into playing lead(Like for rock) and playing individual notes, you will need a pick to play speed, if that's what you are going for(But there are some fast fingerpickers too). There are no hard and fast rules - but your style you are going after will most likely dictate.