Should I finger pick or use a pick when learning electric guitar?

I know that many electric guitarists stick to using a pick, yet I’ve also seen a number of other guitarists finger pick. I’ve also seen some guitarists switch between the two methods mid-performance. What are the advantages of both methods of picking? Are they interchangeable, or are different picking methods used in different scenarios?

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Tags: electric, Finger, guitar, Learning, pick, should

3 Responses to “Should I finger pick or use a pick when learning electric guitar?”

1. Left-T says:

   June 29, 2010 at 9:27 pm

   Use the method you feel comfortable with. I use alternate pickin, finger-pickin and a mixture of both depending on the situation.

   For fast phrasing, alternate picking is more desirable and for chording, I prefer to use finger-picking especially for jazz fusion and latin musics.
2. kabum says:

   June 29, 2010 at 9:33 pm

   I believe it is only to your advantage to learn both. I play mainly fingerstyle, but will use a pick if it sounds better, plays faster (rarely) or if I’m playing hard-driving rock with a band. I have also switched between both mid-performance when necessary. That would explain why many of my picks have teeth marks in them.

   Later on, once you begin to develop your own style, you will be able to easily adapt, rather than having to learn a new method should you choose one over the other. It is also important to practice both methods often so you don’t lose your touch.

   Don’t let anyone pressure you about this, or call you “uncool” for not using a pick. There are plenty of us fingerpickers out there to stand up for you.

   Kabum
3. lololol1423 says:

   June 29, 2010 at 9:59 pm

   It depends on what kind of style you are playing. It’s nice to master any way you want to pick tho and get good at that particular style