There are 2 ways to strum/play a guitar. One is with a pick, sometimes referred to as flat picking, and the other is but using your fingers to pluck the string. There are many styles that use either or, but what about using both?
I, for one, use both techniques. I find it very useful to execute it this way because it allows me the diversity to bring other forms of music into playing a song. This way it makes the listener take notice. ie: What the hell is he doing now?
The one obvious difference between the two concepts is the sound that both bring to performing.
Using a pick, you tend to get a crisper, brighter effect. Steve Howe performing “The Clap” is a great example of this. Most Rock bands use this this as well.
Playing with only the fleshy part of your fingers, you can develop a much warmer tone to your presentation. A perfect example of this sound is John Mayer playing Neon acoustically, Holy shit he plays that style like no else can!
I love playing guitar using both a pick and my finger nails all at the same time, when the nails are not broken that is! I’m NOT one of those people blessed with very hard finger nails, you know who you are! I love the brilliance of the high frequencies that you can get with them.
My first attempt at using both picking modes together, was when I was trying to figure out how to play Lady Madonna. It seemed to take 6 months to perfect it! I was essentially playing what the piano did in the song as well as other parts thrown in for good luck! This is a great test to push one’s comfort zone.
So what mode of picking do you use?
Keep on jammin’
When I play I use a hybrid technique most of the time too. Probably because I first started learning classical style and then moved to using a pick.
However, I’ve never used my nails to strike the strings since I started using a pick, especially when it comes to tapping (as I find that my nails get in the way if they’re too long).
I was just wondering what the advantage really is of using your nails and a pick, surely if you want a sharper tone you can use the plectrum and then use your fingers for a warmer sound?
I’m interested to know.
I too made that same approach in picking techniques as you did Rob!
In regards to tapping, that would be quite hard to pull off. Have you checked out Michael Hedges? If you haven’t, then check out this link to see what I mean.
I’m caught between a rock and a hard place in regards to using the plectrum style. I love the bright sound and like you said eloquently said “sharper tone”, of my nails! I also love having the option to strum with my nails in certain songs.
The plain finger tip picking sounds so warm and inviting. John does this perfectly not to mention Jimi. This sound is very tempting to me but it’s just not what I am looking for in my repertoire!
As a lover Bruce Cockburn, I have to use nails to achieve his sound. Then on the other had I love John Mayer’s attack in hitting the strings, AHHH!!!
So since I perform more Bruce Cockburn music his way wins!
What style are you into Rob?
I like to use either bare fingers and picks. Picks are too loud for many songs I play so I like to use fingers. I really like the sound of bare finger playing on a small acoustic guitar. A small acoustic has a different sound than a larger acoustic. I prefer this sound and bought a small acoustic for around 300 dollars.
There is certainly a thing to be said about keeping things simple Jason. That bare sound is really nice once you know how to play. As I get older I am liking it more and more.
Thanx for your comments Jason