using finger nail instead of pick

[Soundaholic]

Hi guys, is there anyone in soft who doesn't use a pick to play electric guitar? I've been using my index finger nail ever since I started to play electric because somehow I always feel uncomfortable using a pick and it really slows me down. I've tried picks of different thickness but in the end I always end up using my finger nail. Is there any problem with my playing? Like, how to hold a pick properly and stuffs.

 

[vickomaniac]

well when i first started playing i couldn't stand playing with a pick so i used a 20cent coin because i liked the sound and feel better.
i think as long as you can play comfortably it doesnt matter the way you do it, but that's just my opinion

 

[morjuken05]

To hold your pick properly, you have to press the pick against the side of your index finger with your thumb.

 

[dudelove]

why not? mark knopfler and jeff beck are some examples of players who do not use picks. and what amazing tone they have!

its really up to you to choose what u're comfortable with.

actually the 2 guitarist i've mentioned use their fingertips not fingernail.

 

[soulslicer0]

true dat!

I agree as well, I myself use my fingernail, and find I can shred better with that, a hard pick is just impossible for me.

 

[syam41]

i for one am ashamed to say ive been playing for 4 years, and still didnt know how to use a pick properly. haha.

i really tried, but its just more comfortable for me to use my fingernail. it came to a point when im performing, ill just throw my pick one side and play out the show bleeding my index finger. hahaha.

but i think its better to use a pick. i dunno, it feels more professional. kinda like footballers without a boot, funny right? lol. but if you still cant use a pick, hey, ur not alone bro.

 

[mockingbird]

I find it hard to nail a pinch harmonic with using fingernails. Picking-wise, its good. However, hygiene comes into mind when keeping long nails.

 

[KeDraiv]

imo, pick or finger is all up to you lah.
although using finger nail to pick not that practical, since you can't do pinch harmonics and would have difficult tapping with nails.

i think if you practice good enough you'll be able to hold the pick lah.
i mean, when i started electric guitar, i thought i couldn't pick.
cause i've been too used to using my nails for classical guitar.
and on top of that i'm a lefty using a righty guitar.
my right hand is too weak to even hold the pick.

so what i did was, practice scales while picking.
alternate pick, then down pick, then up pick, what ever pattern u can think off lah.
and also while training to pick, you can train ur left hand fingerwork.

will benefit you long time anyway.=D
plus once you know how to pick, you can still use your finger nails anyway.
to play songs that use hybrid picking or smthgn like that. ( not sure though, not exactly a guitarist here)

 

[kryptic]

Pick or nail it doesn't really matter? it all boils down to personal preference. and anw i dont think there's a right way to hold a pick, just like how there's really no right way to holding a pencil? you should just feel comfortable with it. I myself prefer to use a pick, but my conductor would absolutely kill me if i plucked my classical strings with a pick instead of my nails .

 

[kurisuaki]

i personally would say no to using nails. i too started off detesting picks cos they always get lost and were too troublesome to use. but after maturing a little i realised what great use they have. plus i had some bad experiences.

nail chipping and chunks of my finger being scraped off by the string, especially high E.

but yeah, its kinda hard to whack your strings using only your fingernails, plus techniques such as pitch harmonics and alternate picking become really tough to perfect.

i recommend using a small pick if you're looking for speed. i find the Dunlop Jazz III's are really good. usable for both rhythm and lead stuff. (no they didnt pay me to write this)

but at the end of the day, its all up to personal preference and playing style.

Cheers bro :mrgreen:

 

[farhanians]

woah. what a problem. erm try getting use to the pick?
unless you are fingerstyling haha!
Btw. try to get used to the pick. otherwise just stick to what you like

 

[daryl]

i would stick with fingers if i were you if it doesn't hinder your playing.

learning how to use a pick wouldn't hurt too btw

 

[lester_music]

It is not important what you use...but rather what comes out of it.......

 

[EugeneSmasher]

I tried using my nails for electric before, it was quite literally impossible for me. It also made my guitar tone overly bassy and muddy...

 

[iwantdigimon]

It is not important what you use...but rather what comes out of it.......

I agree with that.. I however sometimes like to the tone of the guitar when I use my nails sometimes. Derek trucks plays with his fingers (or nails) haha do check it out, whatever you're comfortable with, just stick with it. Popular opinon only hinders your progress