[k1llahd]

So im wondering how you can finger pick and then strum with a pick, and alternate between the two.

i tried keeping the pick in my teeth or between my thumb and forefinger. This is tough especially when i have to sing. I saw bonnie rait use pick finger nails to finger pick and them strum that looked cool. But I dont wanna look like freddie kruger or worse RuPaul.

[PingerFicker]

Well, Phil Keaggy actually uses duct tape. He is an awesome fingerstyle guitarist, but when he needs a pick, he just grabs it off the duct tape sitting at the top of the upper bout of the guitar. Quite a bit of people don't like this because it can mess up the finish, but I think if you use like 2-sided tape that would be a viable option.

I myself don't even use picks when I strum. I use the back of my middle and ring finger nails on the down stroke, and the bakc of my thumb nail on the up stroke. I can then switch between fingerpicking and strumming without having to grab a pick.

This post has been edited by PingerFicker: 24 August 2005 - 05:00 PM

[grzegorz_panek]

^^^What he said. Strumming is a part of fingerstyle too. You don't need a pick to do that.

But sure, you can if you want.

And don't be afraid about Freddie Kruger looks. You don't need too long nails to fingerpick, make them stick out just a bit, 2mm is enough. When fingerpicking you're using both the nail and the fingertip flesh.

[guitarstrummin63]

you could also try a thumb fingerpick

just leave it on your thumb for picking, and use your fingers for fingerstyle

[k1llahd]

thanks yall, I know I could use my finger nails to strum but I just like the sound of the pick when I strum, because there is just a cleaner sound imo.

And i guess I should just work on my strumming but when I strum without a pick, the upper corner of my nails sometimes get on my upstroke. I have no problems with the rythms its just like I said, my nails get caught on the strings.

[PingerFicker]

Well, all I can say to that, is if you want to strum with your finger nails, then you are just going to have to practice. I remember it was kind of hard to get used to at first, but I like it better than using a pick, It is more versatile. And to grzegorz_panek comment about having your nails 2 mm long. I don't have long fingernails at all. I just keep mine short all the time. I use pretty much only the flesh of my fingers when fingerpicking. but If I really want to accent a note, give it a little more twang or volume, I am known to change the angle of my hand position and use my fingernails. But they are by no means long.