Pick or fingers — it is one of the first questions every guitarist faces. The answer depends on the music you want to play, but this lesson will help you make an informed choice and use whichever technique suits you best.
Whether or not you need to learn to play with a plectrum (or Pick as it is also known) depends on the music you want to play and the type of guitar you have. A plectrum is normally only used on guitars with steel strings for certain styles of playing. A plectrum does not suit the nylon-strung guitar or the music normally played on it, and it may damage the strings.
Lead and Rhythm Guitar styles — electric and acoustic — are normally played with a plectrum. So if you play a steel-strung guitar and want to join a group or band at some stage, you should learn to use one. Folk, Blues and Country music is often played with a plectrum, but you also need to play fingerstyle for these types of music.
Classical and Flamenco guitar is always played with the fingers — a plectrum should never be used on nylon-strung guitars and may damage the strings. Fingerpicking styles for folk, country, and blues give a warmer, more detailed sound that a pick cannot always replicate. Many singer-guitarists prefer fingerstyle because it allows them to control each string individually while singing.
The best advice if you have a steel-strung guitar: learn to play both ways — with a plectrum AND with your right-hand thumb and fingers. This gives you the most versatility and the widest range of musical styles.
If you decide to play some of your music with a plectrum, choose one which is medium size and medium weight — not too flexible, not too rigid. Plectra (the correct plural, not plectrums!) are usually made of tortoise-shell or plastic. They are not expensive, so try one or two different types and buy a spare — picks have a habit of disappearing.
Avoid picks that are very thin and floppy (they make a clicking sound) or very thick and rigid (they require too much force). A medium pick gives you good tone and control for both rhythm strumming and single-note playing.
Hold the plectrum fairly firmly between the right thumb and 1st finger, as shown in the diagram. Play single notes in the same way as you played with your thumb — pick straight down on a string, just hard enough to get a clear note, and let the plectrum come to rest on the next string.
When you play chords, let the plectrum glide over the strings without digging in. Aim to get clear, smooth-sounding chords without clicking noises, and be careful not to scratch the face of the guitar.
Try playing the tunes and chord sequences you already know with a plectrum. Then play the same material with your thumb. The two techniques produce noticeably different sounds and feel different under your hand. Most experienced guitarists switch freely between both depending on the music they are playing.
Everything guitarists ask about this topic
It depends on the music you want to play. If you are interested in rock, pop, or rhythm guitar, learning to use a pick is important. If you are drawn to folk fingerpicking, classical, or country styles, start with fingers. The ideal approach for most beginners on a steel-string guitar is to learn both — start with your thumb and fingers, then introduce a pick once you are comfortable.
A medium gauge pick in plastic is ideal for beginners. Medium picks are versatile — stiff enough for single-note clarity but flexible enough for comfortable strumming. Avoid very thin picks (they click and bend too much) and very thick picks (they require more force). Start with a standard teardrop shape and experiment with different thicknesses as your playing develops.
Hold the pick between the tip of your thumb and the side of your index finger. The pick should point roughly perpendicular to your thumb, with only a small amount extending beyond your fingers. Grip firmly enough that it does not slip, but not so tightly that your hand tenses up. The pick should rest lightly on the string rather than digging in.
Yes — many styles including folk, country, blues, and acoustic pop use fingerpicking on steel-string guitars. Players like James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Tommy Emmanuel are famous for fingerpicking on steel-string acoustics. The slightly harder strings give a brighter tone to fingerpicked notes compared to nylon strings.
Plectrum technique refers to how you use a guitar pick. For single notes, the pick moves straight down through the string and comes to rest on the next string. For chord strumming, the pick glides over the strings without digging in. Good plectrum technique produces a clean, clear tone without unwanted clicking or scratching sounds.