The Fundamental 1 talks about strumming with your fingers (not a pick) and Anders says that it's okay to strum with your thumb. Is that true? The reason I'm asking is that I was told once that you shouldn't (for acoustic guitars) and should always use the nails, but I've never liked the sound of it and prefer my thumb. But then I'm thinking I'm creating bad habits so I'm forcing myself to do with the nails and end up not liking what I'm playing 😅🫤
So, if it's perfectly fine to use my thumb (and it's not just a beginner's technique), I would be super happy! :D Can someone please enlighten me on this (the advice came from a guitar course I took, but I can't remember what genre they were teaching).
It is okay to do. It obviously has limitations & depends on what style, music, songs you want to play. It is sort of an introductory, beginner approach taken at the beginning of learning. Some students do better just focusing on fretting notes & chords, but not having to worry about picking. Then after they get some fretting hand skills built, they add the next layer of complexity with holding & using a pick. Other students are able to learn all those skills simultaneously.
If you keep working through the course Anders will introduce playing with fingers & a pick. Hope that helps!
