Using a pick

[Machtimus]

i started playing without a pick, and it's taken me awhile to become comfortbale with one. but being someone who was in your position this time a year ago, it is worth working on. you get a better, cleaner sound, songs like lie in our graves are possible, the bass notes in songs like 41, crash, stay or leave etc are a lot more clear when picking and you can get a sharper more percussive sound when strumming with one. the only downside is that it's harder so slap with your thumb ala john mayer. start playing with real thin picks to develope a feel for them, and then once you feel comfortable move up to a thicker one.

[The Scarlet Pimpernel]

yeah, you should get one, also it stops your fingers from getting cut to shit

[Blake]

I play with a pick and without one pretty evenly. Though I do prefer to play without a pick for the same reason that Slimer said: I have more freedom to do what I want. And I think it sounds better without a pick.

Here's what I do. I play without a pick and use the side of my fingernail on my index finger to pick. When my nail starts to weaken and gets rubbed thin....then I pick up the guitar pick and wait til my fingernail grows back.

I can play both ways farely efficiently, but I do completely recommend to learn to use a pick. Yes, it's annoying as hell at first, but it will pay off big time, especially when/if you play electric and when you start playing faster rythms (ie solos).

DO IT!!

[c_tietze]

I started out playing without using a pick and I found it difficult to "catch up" when first attempting to learn Dave tunes. There are a few tricks out there to help you along...

This device helps you keep good form/technique:



Can be ordered here: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=g ... id/110100/

I use these picks because they are easy to hold and have good tone:



Order here: http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/PKAG-T.htm

I personally use this model of Cool pick:



Good luck!

[dmbandummer]

i started playing without a pick, and it's taken me awhile to become comfortbale with one. but being someone who was in your position this time a year ago, it is worth working on. you get a better, cleaner sound, songs like lie in our graves are possible, the bass notes in songs like 41, crash, stay or leave etc are a lot more clear when picking and you can get a sharper more percussive sound when strumming with one. the only downside is that it's harder so slap with your thumb ala john mayer. start playing with real thin picks to develope a feel for them, and then once you feel comfortable move up to a thicker one.

Exactly.

[Ryeguy]

i say.. you should do both at teh same time... pick with fingers.. that way you can get really good using just your pinky, ring finger, and middle... and it also combines that brighter sounds you get awitha pick with the softer tones you use with yoru fingers.. its jimi page style man...

[Teego Time]

i started playing without a pick, and it's taken me awhile to become comfortbale with one. but being someone who was in your position this time a year ago, it is worth working on. you get a better, cleaner sound, songs like lie in our graves are possible, the bass notes in songs like 41, crash, stay or leave etc are a lot more clear when picking and you can get a sharper more percussive sound when strumming with one. the only downside is that it's harder so slap with your thumb ala john mayer. start playing with real thin picks to develope a feel for them, and then once you feel comfortable move up to a thicker one.

Go to Jellyfish's website and download the crush video with Dave and Tim. Then watch the jam at the end. There's an exeption, (though you'd have to be damn good to play like Tim does in that jam, but nevertheless)