[dirno2000]

I've been playing a little over a year and I guess it's time to put down the pick. The problem is that when I strum with my fingernails I get a loud, uneven sound and with I use the balls of my fingers, I get a dull sound. What's the best way to do this? Are there any tutorials on this subject?

Thanks

[ee40oztofreedom]

you just get a different sound with different types of surfaces, if u want the sound of a pick but want to fingerpick then get fingerpicks and thumbpicks

[jshrel24]

I understand. Like with a pick you get a loud sound thats full of sound. With your thumb you get a quite duller sound, and with your nail is a little louder.
You could look into some finger and thumb picks if thats what ur into. When i strum i rarely use my fingers, i usually use them though when i pick. Im sorry i couldnt be more a a help.

[BaasLian]

Dadfad once wrote this, I havent mastered it yet, but getting there though... :

For up-strumming there are a couple of techniques. Generally just using your index finger to pull up is the most common (or the index and middle). You can also use the back of your thumb (the nail-side) to up-strum. For repetitive down-up-down-up strumming you can use a sort of whole-hand motion where you down-strum with the back (nail-side) of your index, middle and ring together and then up again in sort of a loose from-the-wrist motion. Experiment a bit, different techniques for different tunes (WHERE you stum... like closer to the bridge or farther away) also changes the tone.

Hope that helps.

[wannalearn01]

Mess around with it some, I found for myself for slow stumming, I use a "fist" and strum with the parts of my fingers just above my nail...helps for a more full sound, and not so "fingernail" sounding...for fast stumming I ususally use my thumb and use my pinky to steady my hand above the strings...just use whatever is comfortable...

T^roy