For the most part I'm a 2 finger player, depending on the song (using a pick is just not my thing). I do however catch myself unconsciensely using my index finger as a pick, especially in faster passages. Is this technique "wrong" or a "bad" habit?
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Finger picking question
- Thread starter ampcarfan
- Start date
If 1) it sounds good to you, and 2) you're not hurting your hands in the process, and 3) you like it, then it's all good.
When you use your index finger as a pick, do you pinch it against your thumb? If so, you might want to revisit the use of a pick - it'll save your fingernail some unneeded wear-and-tear, and generally will result in clearer note definition (IMO).
And if the "pick is just not your thing" because you believe that fingerstyle > pickstyle, just look at the zillions of threads on the topic and you'll find that pickstyle is widely utilized and respected.
When you use your index finger as a pick, do you pinch it against your thumb? If so, you might want to revisit the use of a pick - it'll save your fingernail some unneeded wear-and-tear, and generally will result in clearer note definition (IMO).
And if the "pick is just not your thing" because you believe that fingerstyle > pickstyle, just look at the zillions of threads on the topic and you'll find that pickstyle is widely utilized and respected.
No, not a pinching style, no ghost pick 
. I generally have my thumb on the neck pup' or B string, it feels very natural.
. I generally have my thumb on the neck pup' or B string, it feels very natural.
I'm just starting out and I've already realized that I tend to stick with my index finger when on a particular string and "walk" to the next string with the middle finger. I already know I'll never be fast (I'm fifty - it's too late to develop speed now), so I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I'm having fun and it works, so I'm good.
The odd thing is that I sometimes don't walk, but do a three legged race: I catch myself using my ring finger when moving between strings.
The odd thing is that I sometimes don't walk, but do a three legged race: I catch myself using my ring finger when moving between strings.
I've always been a stickler for proper technique, so I recommend at least trying to do as proper technique as you can, but really man, if you're playing the tune and it sounds good, just do it as it feels comfortable to you.
