For a beginner, is a pick or fingers better?
Pick vs Fingers

Either is fine when you are just getting started.
But it can help to consider your musical goals. If you primarily want to play fingerstyle (fingerpicking, acoustic material, classical, etc.) then you should focus on using your fingers. If you primarily want to play rock or blues styles (especially electric with riffs & lead lines) then you should focus on getting used to using a pick as soon as possible.
You can always start with one, then learn the other.
Hope that helps!

Both using a pick and using fingers have their advantages and disadvantages, so there is no definitive answer to which is better. However, it is generally recommended for beginners to start with a pick because it is easier to control the sound and play consistently. As the player becomes more experienced, they can experiment with fingerpicking and develop their own style. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of music the player wants to create.