Pick or no pick

[Lizzy]

So I've basically been playing with a pick since I started guitar 2 years ago. Guess I just thought I had to and that's how my teacher was teaching it. Been fine with it and really wanted to learn finger style for awhile, but now lately all I want to do is strum with my fingers. Like I could care less about finger style anymore or using a pick. It's like I've turned into this rhythm machine and that's all I want to do is strum. I've gone in a completely different direction than I though I wanted to. Has this happened to any of you?

[Edward]

Phases...changes in tastes ...you name it, change happens

Oh, and the answer for me is yes, I've gone this way and that.  You'll eventually find what feels and sounds best to you ...what's your "home tone," so to speak.  But you dont find that until you've tried different styles of playing, live with them for a bit, then gravitate toward what feels most natural and sounds best.  It's a good thing, and definitely part of the journey. 

Btw, "rhythm machine" ...that's great.  Not to mention a solid rhythmic player is gold in a band setting  ...May not get audience kudos, but a good rhythm player garners the respect of the really good players.   Enjoy it!

Edward

[timfitz63]

Actually, yes.  I started exclusively using a pick, and found I can sometimes get a more suitable sound (depending on the song I'm playing) using my fingertips and/or fingernails to strum.  I've also found that this kind of 'no-pick' strumming works well with my GC-bodied guitars, neither of which seem to tolerate the kind of strumming my 12-strings or 510ce demand...  Go figure...

So I now think of myself as a hybrid strummer:  mostly using a pick, but occasionally fingertips/fingernails as the situation dictates.

As for machine-like rhythm...  Well, let's just say I've got a longer way to go than you... 

[Lizzy]

Well maybe rhythm machine was a tad overstated! But I love strumming along while my husband is picking out the lead or whatever he's doing over there on the other couch:)

[Jersey tuning]

I strummed for the first 40 years of playing.  The last 7 years I've played mostly fingerstyle when I'm at home, primarily strum when I accompany another player and do maybe 75% fingerstyle when I accompany my singing in front of people.  This can vary a bit depending on which guitar I'm playing; I use a pick when I primarily strum.  I really like Taylor medium picks, especially 'cause they're roadshow freebies.

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

I love rhythm guitar!  In fact before I was distracted by the mandolin I was really working hard on developing bass runs and backup style playing rather than lead playing.

Some of the best rhythm guitarists I know of are, Paul Stanley, Chuck Berry, John Lennon and so many others.  The lead guitarist gets all the attention but I'd rather be the rhythm guitarist anyway, they hold the whole thing together.

[timfitz63]

Lizzy:

I don't know if you'd caught it in the 40th Anniversary issue of Wood & Steel, but there's an "Ask Bob" question from a reader about picks.  In his answer, Bob mentions that as players progress in skill level, they seem to move toward thicker picks.  He also mentioned that others (like you) abandon picks altogether.

So according to Bob Taylor, you're becoming a better guitar player!