How do you use a guitar pick

 

use a pick?

 

So, I am asking myself, do I even need to use a pick? Can I play with my fingers; will a pick get in the way?

 

What is a guitar pick?

A guitar pick, called a plectrum in the UK, is a small, pointed implement held between the thumb and finger(s), which is used to strike the guitar strings to produce a sound.

What shape are guitar picks?

 


They come in a variety of shapes but have a pointed tip which is used when playing. When the string is struck by the pick, the sound produced is picked up by the pick-ups, in an electric guitar, where the sound is boosted through an amplifier and speaker. In an acoustic guitar the sound is amplified through the hollow body of the guitar by the sound hole.

The shape of the pick is down to personal preference. As a beginner, I would suggest the student buy a variety pack of picks and choose the one that most suits. You may find that over time your choice of pick will change. Most students will probably begin with a small, teardrop shaped ‘jazz’ pick. Some picks have a roughened face to allow for an easier grip.



What material are guitar picks made off?

 

There are different materials of which a pick can be made. Plastic or celluloid would possibly be the most common material these days but other material would be – wood, tortoiseshell, metal. Brian May of Queen is famous for using an old UK sixpence piece! All these choices have a huge effect on the tone and sound quality of your guitar.

 

How thick are guitar picks?



 

Again as with the type of material used, the thickness of your pick will greatly effect the tone and quality of your guitar sound. Picks may go from extra light to extra heavy. The table below gives you an idea of thickness.

 

FINGERS, FINGERS... LET THE FINGERING BEGIN (SAID THE ACTRESS TO THE BISHOP)

 


So why would people learn to play with fingers only?

If you consider the new skill that is being learned utilising the dexterity of your fingers, it will obviously be easier to only concentrate on one set of fingers at a time.

 

Type of Music

If a student wishes to play classical or Spanish guitar, playing using your fingers is a prerequisite. The ‘hybrid’ form of playing is common in Country music where fingers and pick are engaged. This is often called ‘Chicken Picking”. By pulling on the strings with your fingers you can get the distinctive ‘clucking’ sound.

 


Famous Fingerstyle Players;-

 

 

Mark Knopfler

,

 


 

 

 

Tommy Emmanuel



 

 Chet Atkins

 


 

 

 

                                                                                               Johnny Hiland 


 


                                                                       Albert Lee


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