Acoustic Guitar Sounds: Using a Pick or Using Your Fingers

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by amauto in Uncategorized

There are few instruments as captivating as an acoustic guitar. Even if you have never played an instrument before, young and old alike can begin playing music on the guitar in a relatively short period of time. The best way to start out on your musical journey is to take a fingerpicking guitar lesson and learn the basics. By taking lessons you’ll be able to learn the different strategies as well as receive tips on playing, such as whether to use a pick and when.

For many new guitarists, this is a question that is not easily answered. There are those guitarists who prefer to play with just their fingers, while others choose to use a pick, so how do you make your own decision? Well, there really is no “right” method.  The type of music, and the sound you desire, is what it’s all about. For example, most flamenco musicians do not use a pick specifically for the reason that they can better generate the sound they wish to create for that music genre by using their fingers.

Playing music with a quicker tempo is most commonly done with a pick. Without the pick, you can restrict yourself in some aspects. There are actually fewer melodies available for playing if you don’t choose to use a pick. Generally a pick is used when you are taking your first acoustic guitar lessons.

Music with a slow tempo can be strummed with your fingers. Another important point that will be explained by a good instructor is that there are many different kinds of picks, each specific to certain styles of play. But the style and size of the pick are also of importance. Guitar picks come in a variety of sizes and materials, such as tortex, plastic, and nylon.

If you want to create a light sound with your guitar it is important to consider the size of the pick. The less bendable a pick is, the heavier the sound it will make. Of course, it really all boils down to the guitarist’s own preference. There are those who love faster melodies, and those who would rather play the traditional way.

Tags: fingerpicking guitar lessons