Hi Robm06,

In my one-on-one lessons, I always encourage people to try to learn to use a pick. Even if you can get pretty good results from "finger-strumming", the accuracy and intention you can get by using a pick are well worth the effort, in my opinion.

Being able to use the pick opens doors for you that would not necessarily open as easily if you become an avowed finger-strummer.

If it's any consolation, I'll share with you that for my first several years as a guitarist were fingers-only, and the pick seemed like a strange and inconvenient thing.

But I kept at it, pushed through, and once it "clicked", there was no turning back.

I encourage you to stick with it until it clicks.