Originally Posted by: pointmanrb

As a completely new beginner, I have a question. Should I start learning with a pick or just thumb and fingers ? The pick seems harder for now but not impossible. My thumb doesn't get the crisp, clear sound. Btw, my guitar is classical with nylon strings and I believe tradition dictates fingers. Or is it ok to do as I'm doing now, which is doing both ?

Hey pointmanrb,

This is mostly going to depend on what style of music you think you'll want to play in the future. You're right about your fingers not getting the same attack as a pick.

I am mostly a rock and metal style player, so my focus was always on pick. My fingerpicking is not something I ever practiced a lot, because that style just not something I enjoyed or was ever interested in. I can get by when recording, but it's rare that I ever do it. However, it helps to learn both and be well-rounded.

If you want to play rock, definitely learn to play with a pick. It's going to be the norm, and you might find yourself limited later if you can't play with one. If you see yourself as more of an acoustic player, definitely learn some fingerpicking!

You'll find some unbelievable guitar players out there who play rock / electric with only fingers, but they are the exception to the norm.

Use your own musical tastes as a guide... do your favorite players use pick or fingers?

-Carl.