Pick or thumb

Hi,
Just started learning and using this site. When i bought my guitar from the local music shop and went to get a pick, she said you wont need one... I did however get some elsewhere not to make it awkward in not listening to her! So should i be learning without a pic or with? The lessons im watching all show a pick being used.
Cheers.

Originally Posted by: highlanderjn85
Hi,
Just started learning and using this site. When i bought my guitar from the local music shop and went to get a pick, she said you wont need one... I did however get some elsewhere not to make it awkward in not listening to her! So should i be learning without a pic or with? The lessons im watching all show a pick being used.
Cheers.

I'm new too so you should in no way take my opinion as authority. I think it's good to learn with a pick as I think it's easier to learn the pick and use your thumb when you want than the other way around. Also for me I find it difficult to do up strokes with my thumb. I think I could learn to do them better but I imagine my thumb would get sore pretty quicly. Unless you're fingerpicking I think there is much more you can do with a pick also.

That being said I practice using my thumb when I want to parctice quietly. Using a pick is much louder.

Originally Posted by: highlanderjn85
Hi,
Just started learning and using this site. When i bought my guitar from the local music shop and went to get a pick, she said you wont need one... I did however get some elsewhere not to make it awkward in not listening to her! So should i be learning without a pic or with? The lessons im watching all show a pick being used.
Cheers.

Buy.A.Pick

Matter of fact, go to the guitar store and buy all different sizes, thicknesses and brands. Picks are cheap. Find one that seems comfortable for you. Not that you will stick with your choice for life but, a pick is part of a guitar player's took box and important to have that in your arsenal.

Not that you can't finderpick too. But it is good to have and know both. Do not just choose to play without a pick.

My two pennies. This from a guy that has largely become a finger picker. I still grab a pick cuz some stuff I just can't play without it.

Both. I think in the beginning, most of what you want to learn is with a pick. There are two main reasons to use your fingers- 1) acoustic finger picking and 2) hybrid electric guitar picking. Both are a lot of fun, but most people starting out stick to the fundamentals such as scales, chords, etc. The two above are great for a little later down the line. One exception is if you want to start out finger picking which is fun but not easy at first. Not using picks in the beginning may force you into bad habits. My cent and a half. Enjoy!