Hey guys! Ever since the first time I started learning the guitar Iāve prefered to strum with my thumb. Compared to when I strum with a pick it simply sounds smoother and the chords sound more cohesive. From my understanding thatās mostly because I kinda suck at strumming with a pick. The chords sounds uneven and cranky and I donāt like how it sounds.
Iād like to request some help from the community to troubleshoot this. Many songs I like are played with a pick, not to mention Justin himself said not using a pick because you donāt how to use properly is the wrong reason to not use a pick!
Iāve recorded a video comparing thumb vs pick so I can ilustrate what is going on. Let me know what you think! Maybe I strike the strings too hard, or maybe some drill or cue to help me with the angle of the pick is the answer. Or maybe itās just because my guitar is way too old (Itās from 1979 and has broken and been repaired a couple of times). Any input is apreciated.
Hi Joao,
My advice would be to get the thinnest pick you can find and build up from there. I now use a 0.50 but when I started my pick was really thin and easy to bend. It will feel less harsh when you strike the strings.
Itās a nylon string guitar - thatās probably why youāre getting that unpleasant sound with a pick. Maybe try a lighter pick, or different material pick? Personally Iām partial to Dunlop Tortex, Iād suggest trying .5 (red) or .60 (orange). Youād want a rounded tip, not a pointed tip for strumming.
Ok not sure youāll like this but spend more time with the pick.
So mostly here is a difference of tone, the thumb is much more mid/low end than the pick.
The side of thumb playing is nice for its thing but very limiting in terms of tone.
With the pick try varying how hard you are holding it and (key) where you are strumming. itāll be louder and more top end than the side of thumb approach but you can adjust that , even try strumming over the 12th fret or right at the bridge.
Thinner picks are better for beginners because they tend to hold them too tight but eventually it really doesnt matter so much as the technique you use.
Thanks for all the responses! I forgot to mention Iām using a Dunlop nylon 0.38, itās already extremely thin!
Youāre probably correct that the nylon string is an important part of the problem. Sad thing is there is not much I canāt do right now besides dishing out the money to buy another guitar.
Has anyone tried a pick with a nylon guitar who could provide some experience? What kind of material should I look for a pick? Are there specialized picks for nylon guitars?
I have a Cordova C9 that I normally play fingerstyle but occasionally us a felt pick for a softer, more pleasant sound. Try them before buying a new guitarā¦
Good luck!!!
