Originally Posted by: gregmchirIs it advisable to play Folsom prision blues like this and build up speed or use a pick

Both! :)

Also, consider that for faster tempos you need less motion, or more efficiency of motion. Instead of strumming with your fingers, try a simplified Travis picking approach.

1. Play bass notes with your thumb using a minimal downstroke (toward the floor).

2. Play upper chord tones on higher strings with your other fingers using a minimal upstroke (toward the ceiling).

Very important: do not strum! Keep you fingers in position hovering over the strings. This will help a lot for control & accuracy. It also allows you to keep your picking palm slightly planted on the strings near the bridge which can help minimize sound as well.

Anders demonstrates basic Travis picking here.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=29323&s_id=2495

You don't have to do all of that stuff. Just work on getting your thumb & fingers to do a basic root -chord motion.

I do a similar technique in some of blues tutorials. Watch my picking hand here.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=14236&s_id=1079

Having said all that, learning root-chord strumming with a pick is also useful. You might consider making time in your practicing for that as well.

Anders & other instructors do a lot of root-chord, or boom-chick strumming that you can learn from. This tutorial of mine is more focused on a rock rhythm apporach. But I focus on the minimal picking motion that can be applied in other music styles.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=19312&s_id=1492

Hope that helps!