Guitar playing related question...

[Heero Valentine]

Do you prefer to play with a pick or without a pick?

and elaborate why you play this way.

[ceehound619]

dont know much about playing WITHOUT a pic... but this guy does.... INCREDIBLE...and "drums" at the same time.... dude has skills.
http://www.filecabi.net/video/andy-mckee.html

[Borro]

depends on what I'm playing.

[Heero Valentine]

so what would you guys advice to someone who's going to start with playing guitar?
and is interested in playing Rock and Metal?

that Andy Mckee is pretty fucking awesome...

[ceehound619]

so what would you guys advice to someone who's going to start with playing guitar?
and is interested in playing Rock and Metal?
start with a pic....... playing without one is more advanced and can be learned later.

[Heero Valentine]

start with a pic....... playing without one is more advanced and can be learned later.

k thanks.
you're probably right...cause when my friend showed his guitar and let me play on it
i found it much harder to play without a pick because i kept fucking it up...

[cheese muffin]

finger pick ftw. i play some acoustic.
idk, its just feels more natural to me than a piece of plastic.

[jammin91]

i play with a pick and all i play is rock and metal it sounds better then if i wasn't using a pick cause when i don't use one i tend to hit strings i don't want to. also i can hit the strings harder to get a better sound

[Heero Valentine]

i play with a pick and all i play is rock and metal it sounds better then if i wasn't using a pick cause when i don't use one i tend to hit strings i don't want to. also i can hit the strings harder to get a better sound

what kind of pick do you suggest for a beginning player who wishes to play Rock and Metal?

and i had the same problem...i was hitting strings which i wasn't supposed to hit whilst playing.

[jammin91]

what kind of pick do you suggest for a beginning player who wishes to play Rock and Metal?

and i had the same problem...i was hitting strings which i wasn't supposed to hit whilst playing.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d175/jammin91/pick.jpg
Dunlop Tortex picks are all i use

i like using a heavy pick i don't like using a pick under .88mm which is the green one.

[Borro]

I use the orange ones....don't remember what mm they are, and the number is rubbed off of all mine. They are thin, I can't play fast with a thick pick for some reason.

[Heero Valentine]

i did some research on Internet.
and it seems most of the guitarists use the dunlop tortex ones.
i think I'm going for the medium ones and if i dislike playing with them i could always get the heavy ones.

the biggest pain in the arse is probably tuning my guitar the first couple of times.
so anyone also know a good guide on how to tune your guitar?

[boo_cocky]

i did some research on Internet.
and it seems most of the guitarists use the dunlop tortex ones.
i think I'm going for the medium ones and if i dislike playing with them i could always get the heavy ones.

the biggest pain in the arse is probably tuning my guitar the first couple of times.
so anyone also know a good guide on how to tune your guitar?

Here's a pretty easy way to tune...

Use a pitch pipe for low E (6 string), tune until it matches...
Sound 6 string 5th fret and 5 string open, tune 5 string until it matches the 6 string, 5th fret...
Sound 5 string, 5th fret and 4 string open, tune 4 string until it matches the 5 string, 5th fret...
Sound 4 string, 5th fret and 3 string open, tune 3 string until it matches the 4 string, 5th fret...
Sound 3 string, 4th fret and 2 string open, tune 2 string until it matches the 3 string, 4 fret
Sound 2 string, 5th fret and 1 string open, tune 1 string until it matches the 2 string, 5 fret...

You're tuned.

When you advance, you can use harmonics to fine tune...it's more accurate, but stick with this approach until you get to that point. :xyxthumbs:

I use JJ Dunlop .73 mm, not the one's mentioned here though, the ones I have are knurled at the top (grey pick).

I play with both a pick and fingerpicking (Travis style, but I only use the thumb and middle finger...self taught, so I picked up some bad habits early on...use ALL your fingers! lol)

[Borro]

-HKYgJpgD1w
dt1fB62cGbo

[boo_cocky]

Damn, that guy is fucking impressive as hell...awesome rendition! :xyxthumbs:

[UnregisteredSexOffender]

I use the green Dunlop Tortex pics, but the yellow .73mm pics are good too. I have my electic tuned down 2 steps to a C. I usually use a chromatic tuner, but if I don't have it with me I'll tune to a C on my keyboad with a piano effect. Then tune the rest by ear.

Definitly use a pick if you're trying to play rock/metal on an electric guitar. If you are playing a bass/nylon string guitar that's a different story.

[AllisterFiend]

You can't play metal or rock without a pick.

It doesn't really matter which pick you use, find one that fits you best and use it. I use to play with a SUPER heavy dunlop pick but my favorite now is just a flimsy gibson pick. lol

If you're just starting, learn alternate picking and it will help you out a LOT in the long run.

[jammin91]

You can't
If you're just starting, learn alternate picking and it will help you out a LOT in the long run.

true i didn't do that a first and got into a habit of only using down strums and still have trouble using alternate picking

[boo_cocky]

You can't play metal or rock without a pick.


Really?

Tell that to Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, Mark Knoppfler of Dire Straits and Robby Krieger of the Doors...just to name a few...

There are many guitarists who don't use picks. A lot of Eddie Van Halen's guitar work on Diver Down and other albums have no picks being used.

[AllisterFiend]

Really?

Tell that to Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, Mark Knoppfler of Dire Straits and Robby Krieger of the Doors...just to name a few...

There are many guitarists who don't use picks. A lot of Eddie Van Halen's guitar work on Diver Down and other albums have no picks being used.

what? are you going to use your fingernail? I mean really. Maybe there are a few songs that people don't use picks on but most of those are fingerpicking or use mostly chords I'm sure.

Try and play some Pantera or fucking Slayer or Iron Maiden without a pick. Tell me how far you get.

[boo_cocky]

what? are you going to use your fingernail? I mean really. Maybe there are a few songs that people don't use picks on but most of those are fingerpicking or use mostly chords I'm sure.

Try and play some Pantera or fucking Slayer or Iron Maiden without a pick. Tell me how far you get.

lol...They don't use picks, Al...

My younger brother plays Maiden, Metallica (no Slayer)...never used a pick in his life, and no, he doesn't have fingernails, they get in the way of his playing. He started off on bass, and when he went to guitar, he couldn't adjust to using a pick.

Palm muting does not 'require' a pick...though, I'm used to a pick and use one myself when I play metal...but people effectively can and do without a pick.

He has thick hard callouses on his strumming thumb and plays all sorts of metal/thrash music with his band.

You said you CAN'T play metal or rock without using a pick...that's false. There are many examples out there of people who don't use picks, I'm just throwing a very few out there.

You can get as far as your ability allows you without a pick...it carries a slightly different tone, but so what? Jason Newsted uses a pick to play bass, Cliff Burton did not...they both played the same Metallica music live. You don't think guitarists drop their picks all the time in concert? They don't stop the song because they dropped their pick, they keep playing until they can maneuver another one into their hand.

Don't get hung up on what you 'can and can't' do on a guitar, you're going to limit your growth drastically if you make that mistake.

BTW...I can play Pantera and Slayer without a pick...I choose not to because I'm more comfortable personally using a pick because I've used a pick for 25 years.

[AllisterFiend]

true i didn't do that a first and got into a habit of only using down strums and still have trouble using alternate picking

Yeah I do the same thing. But really the only thing I have trouble with alternate picking on is soloing. I play mostly metal so I doing alot of palm muting, down strokes is all I do unless I'm using chords. I'm working on the alternate picking, though...

[AllisterFiend]

lol...They don't use picks, Al...

My younger brother plays Maiden, Metallica (no Slayer)...never used a pick in his life, and no, he doesn't have fingernails, they get in the way of his playing. He started off on bass, and when he went to guitar, he couldn't adjust to using a pick.

Palm muting does not 'require' a pick...though, I'm used to a pick and use one myself when I play metal...but people effectively can and do without a pick.

He has thick hard callouses on his strumming thumb and plays all sorts of metal/thrash music with his band.

You said you CAN'T play metal or rock without using a pick...that's false. There are many examples out there of people who don't use picks, I'm just throwing it out there.

You can get as far as your ability allows you without a pick...it carries a slightly different tone, but so what? Jason Newsted uses a pick to play bass, Cliff Burton did not...they both played the same Metallica music live. You don't think guitarists drop their picks all the time in concert? They don't stop the song because they dropped their pick, they keep playing until they can maneuver another one into their hand.

Don't get hung up on what you 'can and can't' do on a guitar, you're going to limit your growth drastically if you make that mistake.


Are you really telling me about guitar? hahaha

I use a pick, it makes it 10x easier. You can play faster, and in my opinion is sounds better. I use to play only with my thumb or index finger, I have a big-ass callus on my thumb and my fingernail on my index finger is almost flat from playing with it.

I feel like you're trying to disagree with everything I say. I don't like it.

[SolarBear]

If I'm playing electric guitar, I almost always use a pick & prefer at least 1.0mm thick ones.
Acoustic guitar is usually 12 string fingerstyle. I just like the sound better. This is what I usually play now.

[UnregisteredSexOffender]

here's a "metal" band that rarely use pics

GbNunyoICfE

and Butterz, I would never try to play Slayer without a pic. It's just makes no sense, you wouldn't be able to get the tight sound that is required. It can be done, but it wouldn't sound right.

[boo_cocky]

If I'm playing electric guitar, I almost always use a pick & prefer at least 1.0mm thick ones.
Acoustic guitar is usually 12 string fingerstyle. I just like the sound better. This is what I usually play now.

Yeah, I use a .73 mm pick myself...not only am I used to using a pick, I'm not comfortable using anything other than .73 mm. I've been using that gauge for so long, it's weird using anything else.

Same with my guitar...I've always felt akward using anything other than a Strat. I'd mess around with a friend's guitar, and felt 'off'...I could still play, but the adjustment wasn't comfortable.

I now play PRS, surprisingly it didn't take much adjustment from a strat, even though the neck is different. I actually prefer the PRS.

[boo_cocky]

here's a "metal" band that rarely use pics

GbNunyoICfE

and Butterz, I would never try to play Slayer without a pic. It's just makes no sense, you wouldn't be able to get the tight sound that is required. It can be done, but it wouldn't sound right.

I wouldn't be able to pull it off live, I'm just so used to having a pick and Slayer has some pretty sick alternate picking patters along multiple strings...I can't do it proficiently, but I don't attribute that to my thumb, I attribute that to me using a pick all my life.

I'm just saying, it can be done...my brother fucking amazes me how he does it...but, it's all he's known. If he was forced to use a pick, he'd lose all his speed, he wouldn't be able to do it. (He actually holds his thumb and index finger as if he's holding a pick...but, it's hit thumb that acts as the plectrum)

I much prefer the 'attack' sound you get with a pick...but, the weird thing is, when I watch his band play live, you don't really notice it...I tend to notice when I'm playing at home with and without a pick, but not live.

[Afronaught]

Many giutarists I've met grow their fingernails on their "picking" hand... but mostly classical guitarists I have met though...

[AllisterFiend]

BTW...I can play Pantera and Slayer without a pick...I choose not to because I'm more comfortable personally using a pick because I've used a pick for 25 years.

Yeah I can play pantera and slayer without a pick, but you know what? It sounds like shit. You can't really get those harmonics without a pick. And it extremely difficult to tremolo without a pick.

[yup]

I used to use a medium nylon pick for the most part and sometimes I used to use a brass pick cut from a cymbal it had interesting intonation.

[jammin91]

butterz i'd love to see you play this without a pick


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3H4liC2sWg

[boo_cocky]

Yeah I can play pantera and slayer without a pick, but you know what? It sounds like shit. You can't really get those harmonics without a pick. And it extremely difficult to tremolo without a pick.

Personally, I agree...I'm just saying, many people can and do play without a pick in metal and rock...I'd say the majority do use a pick, but there's a lot of names out there that don't.

[AllisterFiend]

Personally, I agree...I'm just saying, many people can and do play without a pick in metal and rock...

But it's not very practical is it?

[boo_cocky]

butterz i'd love to see you play this without a pick

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You'd love to see me play a white box without a pick?

You win...I can't...lol

Whatever song that's supposed to be on there, my skill level would dictate whether I could play it or not...not a pick, per se.

Again, my brother can play just as much shit as I can, and he can't use a pick...it doesn't stop him from playing metal or rock...if he tried to use a pick he'd fuck up.

Let's not derail here...there are MANY people who play metal and rock without a pick...end of story.

I'm not claiming to be Yngwie Malmsteen with or without a pick...just stating fact.

[jammin91]

You'd love to see me play a white box without a pick?

You win...I can't...lol

there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3H4liC2sWg

[UnregisteredSexOffender]

My younger brother plays Maiden, Metallica (no Slayer)...never used a pick in his life, and no, he doesn't have fingernails, they get in the way of his playing. He started off on bass, and when he went to guitar, he couldn't adjust to using a pick.

My buddy is sorta in that situation. He has played guitar for around 10 years, always used a pic for the metal and death metal stuff. Now he is playing bass, trying to get rid of the pic so he can play the bass faster and cleaner.

Yeah I can play pantera and slayer without a pick, but you know what? It sounds like shit. You can't really get those harmonics without a pick. And it extremely difficult to tremolo without a pick.

exactly, I always practice getting pinch harmonics w/out a pic... and it sucks

[boo_cocky]

But it's not very practical is it?

In my opinion? No, I don't find it practical at all...I was the one preaching to my younger brother when he picked up the guitar, I told him there'd be no way he could play metal without a pick...Big Brother was VERY wrong. Now, I'm eating my words...he's very good without one.

But, I'm not my brother or those people...they're making millions of dollars in music, I'm sitting on my ass BS'ing on a forum...lol...they obviously made it work a lot better without a pick than I did with a pick.

My guess is that people who don't use a pick probably started out playing jazz or classical, then transitioned into rock and metal and couldn't adjust to using a pick...

That's just my guess, I don't know what their reasoning is, but they succeed without one...I would find it akward. And again, I prefer the 'attack' tone you get with a pick when playing metal, but it doesn't seem to hamper my brother any, he's got a good tone coming from his amp and processor...sounds pretty mean.

[SolarBear]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3H4liC2sWg

Not to derail the thread any more... but, that was one serious drums setup in that video.

[boo_cocky]

butterz i'd love to see you play this without a pick


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3H4liC2sWg

Dude, I couldn't play that with ten picks and Yngwie's left hand! lmao

I would THINK that would be next to impossible to play without a pick...but, that's not what we were discussing...we were discussing metal and rock guitarists who DON'T use a pick.

The same analogy you have can be made with fingerpicking...can you play Dee or Blackbird WITH a pick...no fingerpicking?

Of course not...you're bringing a totally different equation into play here, and it works both ways. You MUST fingerpick Blackbird and Dee, you can't play them properly with a pick. So, this has gone into Moot land...lol

(Obviously, you could put picks on your fingers and play it...but I'm talking without using a fingerpick style...just one pick.)

[yup]

I'am sorry but has anyone brought up mark knopfler? he was pretty good without a pick. he manages some great arpeggios with a thumb and a forefinger.z2nQZPC2uTs

[boo_cocky]

I'am sorry but has anyone brought up mark knopfler? he was pretty good without a pick. he manages some great arpeggios with a thumb and a forefinger.z2nQZPC2uTs

yes, he was in my first post along with Lindsay Buckingham, Robbie Krieger and Jeff Beck. (Beck actually USED to use a pick...which is an odd transition)

Never cared for Dire Straits, but that is one of my favorite guitar solos...well versed, good stuff.

Eh, he kinda butchered the solo in this live version...badly...lol

[ceehound619]

Dude, I couldn't play that with ten picks and Yngwie's left hand! lmao

I would THINK that would be next to impossible to play without a pick...but, that's not what we were discussing...we were discussing metal and rock guitarists who DON'T use a pick.

The same analogy you have can be made with fingerpicking...can you play Dee or Blackbird WITH a pick...no fingerpicking?

Of course not...you're bringing a totally different equation into play here, and it works both ways. You MUST fingerpick Blackbird and Dee, you can't play them properly with a pick. So, this has gone into Moot land...lol

(Obviously, you could put picks on your fingers and play it...but I'm talking without using a fingerpick style...just one pick.)
by the way,.... YNGWIE was the baddest dude to ever wield a pick.

[AllisterFiend]

Michael Angelo Batio rapes Malmsteen.

[boo_cocky]

by the way,.... YNGWIE was the baddest dude to ever wield a pick.

Was...true

Never cared for his music, but I'd kill for his fingers...

Lotta newbies today eat Yngwie for breakfast and shit him for lunch...even going back a ways, Chris Impelliterri, Tony MacAlpine...several others from back then were doing his type of stuff. (MacAlpine is a prodigy, he was actually famous for keyboards, then switched to guitar and became even more famous.)

Yngwie's like Evel Knievel though, he'll always be the original shredder. :xyxthumbs:

[boo_cocky]

Michael Angelo Batio rapes Malmsteen.

Yeah, that's the guy I couldn't think of...bigtime rapes Yngwie, guy's so insane I can't listen to him, I get too fucking jealous...irritates and frustrates me. blech

I was never good at that appregio raking type of soloing...more into songwriting and rhythm...always envied a true shredder, though.

[yup]

Michael Angelo Batio rapes Malmsteen.

This guy shreds go to 2:30 and on brilliant! Some people just do!

hb5QaCfm7bg

[boo_cocky]

This guy shreds go to 2:30 and on brilliant! Some people just do!

hb5QaCfm7bg

Doug Mark's...lol...I ordered his Metal Method back in the early 80's when it was a paper brochure type book and a cassette tape!

It was actually pretty good for a beginner! Helped me a lot.

This dude's fucking insane...I hate how easy he makes it look! grrrrrr

[ceehound619]

Michael Angelo Batio rapes Malmsteen.
respectfully disagree.

[UnregisteredSexOffender]

I'm gonna give YOU.... the keys to the Lamborghini

:1orglaugh: :1orglaugh: :1orglaugh:

[boo_cocky]

I'm gonna give YOU.... the keys to the Lamborghini

:1orglaugh: :1orglaugh: :1orglaugh:

LOL...if it was that easy, we'd all be doing it.

Those are some difficult keys...

[yup]

I'm gonna give YOU.... the keys to the Lamborghini

:1orglaugh: :1orglaugh: :1orglaugh:

Just trying to pump up that kid who just spent his $15 a week allowance on the video. funny though.:1orglaugh:

[UnregisteredSexOffender]

Just trying to pump up that kid who just spent his $15 a week allowance on the video. funny though.:1orglaugh:

that same kid will be like, wtf is this guy on. Then, in a fit of frustration turn off the video and look up tablature for Fallout Boy. The box for the video will from then on become a coaster or mousepad.

[Raidenator]

I'm a no pick kinda guy, but I'm not a metal type.

It's pretty necessary to hava pick for what you wanna do. Power chords are especially pick necessary in my opinion.

I'm into an acoustic, softer sound myself so I prefer to finger strum it. If I do go with a pic though, I go for a medium. I hate the heavy picks and light just bends to much to get a good sound.

[yup]

You guys wana see an old pic of my old band? If so i put it in Vip room.

[boo_cocky]

I'm a no pick kinda guy, but I'm not a metal type.

It's pretty necessary to hava pick for what you wanna do. Power chords are especially pick necessary in my opinion.

I'm into an acoustic, softer sound myself so I prefer to finger strum it. If I do go with a pic though, I go for a medium. I hate the heavy picks and light just bends to much to get a good sound.

I agree with you on the medium pick aspect...mine's a tweener, can't really use a 'medium' pick, but .73 mm is ballpark...not too heavy, not too flimsy.

I don't agree with the 'power chord/pick' necessity, however. I've just seen it be such a non-issue for people. Personally, soloing and palm mute chugging is where I find a pick most helpful, but even there, I know people who get around it fine without.

[boo_cocky]

You guys wana see an old pic of my old band? If so i put it in Vip room.

lol..cool...yeah, I gotta post mine, too...gotta dig out the old pics and run them through my scanner.

[Raidenator]

I agree with you on the medium pick aspect...mine's a tweener, can't really use a 'medium' pick, but .73 mm is ballpark...not too heavy, not too flimsy.

I don't agree with the 'power chord/pick' necessity, however. I've just seen it be such a non-issue for people. Personally, soloing and palm mute chugging is where I find a pick most helpful, but even there, I know people who get around it fine without.

Well I say necessary because on an electric guitar it sounds so much better when you use a pick for power chords. That's what I think anyway, but then again pretty much anything electric will sound better with a pick.

If I'm doing a power without a pick I usually just use my the back of my nail, it doesn't sound wonderful but it gets the job done and doesn't have that 'dull' sound that often comes with finger strumming.

[boo_cocky]

Well I say necessary because on an electric guitar it sounds so much better when you use a pick for power chords. That's what I think anyway, but then again pretty much anything electric will sound better with a pick.

If I'm doing a power without a pick I usually just use my the back of my nail, it doesn't sound wonderful but it gets the job done and doesn't have that 'dull' sound that often comes with finger strumming.

Yeah, I agree...there's definitely a difference in 'attack' with a pick...like it strikes the chord more crisply...more simultaneous.

I've tried playing with my 'nails' during my classical fascination...couldn't adjust to it good...just so used to 'my style' of playing.

I think it's normal...I've seen some GREAT metal guitarists who absolutely suck at other music styles, and vice versa...you just get good at what you're into, for the most part.

I can play some classical, pretty much all hard rock, metal, and folk...but, as easy as country sounds to me, I can't get the nuances down right. It's funny, I have no problem learning the song, but I can't 'voice' it properly, comes out sounding 'rock'...

Even the Cure and bands like that...it's just 'weird' to me...the way the guitar parts are structured around the song is so 'off' to me...I'm used to the guitar carrying a song, not accenting it.

[UnregisteredSexOffender]

Yeah, I agree...there's definitely a difference in 'attack' with a pick...like it strikes the chord more crisply...more simultaneous.

I've tried playing with my 'nails' during my classical fascination...couldn't adjust to it good...just so used to 'my style' of playing.

I think it's normal...I've seen some GREAT metal guitarists who absolutely suck at other music styles, and vice versa...you just get good at what you're into, for the most part.

I can play some classical, pretty much all hard rock, metal, and folk...but, as easy as country sounds to me, I can't get the nuances down right. It's funny, I have no problem learning the song, but I can't 'voice' it properly, comes out sounding 'rock'...

Even the Cure and bands like that...it's just 'weird' to me...the way the guitar parts are structured around the song is so 'off' to me...I'm used to the guitar carrying a song, not accenting it.

it's hard to change for me. I've been learning a lot of bluegrass lately. Whenever I improv on my mandolin, it ends up sounding more rock and dark. That isn't the intent of banjo and mandolin, but I have a hard time with the bluegrass picking style.

[boo_cocky]

it's hard to change for me. I've been learning a lot of bluegrass lately. Whenever I improv on my mandolin, it ends up sounding more rock and dark. That isn't the intent of banjo and mandolin, but I have a hard time with the bluegrass picking style.

Yeah...same here...

I LOVE classical, fucking love it...but, I'd really have to wrap myself into strict practice and study to get proficient at it, I just don't voice the nuances correctly...

Part of my problem is, too...I've been playing so long, that I EXPECT everything to come easy to me now...so, when I find a new style and I struggle emulating it, I tend to drift back into my comfort zone.

It's almost like I've gotten lazy on 'learning', because I'm pretty comfortable playing in the genre and style I'm accustomed to.

Never gonna master classical guitar with that mindset...gotta snap out of it and work at it. Lately, I've been working so much, that when I do pick it up, I just jam out the same old same old to keep my fingers limber.

[Heero Valentine]

:D thanks for all the info guys.
:/ my friend told me i should get a Metronome for tuning my guitar...
but i think it's smarter too learn yourself how too tune a guitar.
*thanks for that butterz*

and I've another question.
anyone heard or is playing with thumbpicks?

[boo_cocky]

:D thanks for all the info guys.
:/ my friend told me i should get a Metronome for tuning my guitar...
but i think it's smarter too learn yourself how too tune a guitar.
*thanks for that butterz*

and I've another question.
anyone heard or is playing with thumbpicks?

I tried thumbpicks when I started...never got comfortable with it...but, that's me.

If it works for you, go for it. A lot of people use them, and I'm sure it's easier to hold onto, being that it rings around your thumb.

Just didn't work for me.

BTW...a guitar tuner is a good thing to have, too. I have one, but only use it to tune my low E, then I apply the method I explained to you in here, but use harmonics on the E, A, D, G strings. A lot of guitar processors have them built in now, too...I actually use my GNX 3000 to tune now...just click two pedals simultaneously and it overrides to TUNER mode.

We can always discuss that down the road...it's really not 'necessary', I just find it a bit easier to tune to, because the harmonic differences create a 'whirl' sound until you're in tune, then the whirling disappears and you know you're locked in.

(Kinda like a 'wuh wuh wuh wuh wuh wuh' sound...as you get in tune, the 'wuh wuh wuh' fades away.)

[Heero Valentine]

I tried thumbpicks when I started...never got comfortable with it...but, that's me.

If it works for you, go for it. A lot of people use them, and I'm sure it's easier to hold onto, being that it rings around your thumb.

Just didn't work for me.

BTW...a guitar tuner is a good thing to have, too. I have one, but only use it to tune my low E, then I apply the method I explained to you in here, but use harmonics on the E, A, D, G strings.

We can always discuss that down the road...it's really not 'necessary', I just find it a bit easier to tune to, because the harmonic differences create a 'whirl' sound until you're in tune, then the whirling disappears and you know you're locked in.

(Kinda like a 'wuh wuh wuh wuh wuh wuh' sound...as you get in tune, the 'wuh wuh wuh' fades away.)

hm i could always try too play with a thumb pick...
i don't think I'm going to get a guitar tuner, cause if i do get one..
ill probably use it all the time for every string, in which i end up not being able to manually tune them.
I'd rather first learn how to tune without a machine.

[boo_cocky]

hm i could always try too play with a thumb pick...
i don't think I'm going to get a guitar tuner, cause if i do get one..
ill probably use it all the time for every string, in which i end up not being able to manually tune them.
I'd rather first learn how to tune without a machine.

Good idea...with today's technology and material out there, it's SO easy to get lazy and miss out on the foundation of guitar.

Even back in the 80's, TAB came out when I started playing...I learned VERY little guitar theory and music reading...I went to TAB because I could learn so much more, so much quicker...

In hindsight, I've impaired myself to some degree...I'd have a better understanding of music in general and specifics of guitar playing if I had learned more.

But...I'm not saying go overboard...I'm more than proficient in the style of music I play, it's not THAT big of a deal, just something to balance.

[UnregisteredSexOffender]

:D thanks for all the info guys.
:/ my friend told me i should get a Metronome for tuning my guitar...
but i think it's smarter too learn yourself how too tune a guitar.
*thanks for that butterz*

and I've another question.
anyone heard or is playing with thumbpicks?

a metronome is for keeping time. Like tempo and beats per minute. That would be a good investment also for when you're learning scales.

[Heero Valentine]

Good idea...with today's technology and material out there, it's SO easy to get lazy and miss out on the foundation of guitar.

Even back in the 80's, TAB came out when I started playing...I learned VERY little guitar theory and music reading...I went to TAB because I could learn so much more, so much quicker...

In hindsight, I've impaired myself to some degree...I'd have a better understanding of music in general and specifics of guitar playing if I had learned more.

But...I'm not saying go overboard...I'm more than proficient in the style of music I play, it's not THAT big of a deal, just something to balance.

:xyxthumbs: my point exactly, every time i had something which i could do on 2 different ways,
i would always end up using the easiest and fastest way which mostly involved using a machine.
so I'd end up not knowing how to manually do something.

[Heero Valentine]

a metronome is for keeping time. Like tempo and beats per minute. That would be a good investment also for when you're learning scales.

:1orglaugh: sorry i meant tuner...
i forgot that it was called a tuner so i translated the dutch word for it :1orglaugh:

[Heero Valentine]

:D my guitar arrived yesterday.

though it seems i've problems with switching cords quickly, probaly needs lots of practice right?

[Raidenator]

:D my guitar arrived yesterday.

though it seems i've problems with switching cords quickly, probaly needs lots of practice right?

Definitely. It's takes a long time to be able to switch chords quickly.

You have to be able to know exactly where the chord is without looking at your guitar, so it takes time to learn the new guitar as well because they're not always spaced the same.

I'm still by no means a pro guitar player, but I can get by.

[Heero Valentine]

i'm going to need a lot of practice i think.
i know where to place my fingers know with the G, C and D chord, but with the G chord my first finger is touching the D string a little.
switching chords is pretty hard :/

[eruptionx]

i play with a pick most of time....but when i tap i use my finger.

finger picking is hard for me, so i rarely ever do it.

[jammin91]

i'm going to need a lot of practice i think.
i know where to place my fingers know with the G, C and D chord, but with the G chord my first finger is touching the D string a little.
switching chords is pretty hard :/

try arching your finger a little to get your finger of the D string

[evil ernie]

i'll read through the whole thread later ..... from the pieces i have read ...

I've been playing classical/spanish guitar for a few years ... so i tend to play with my nails ...... however .... if i play rock/metal then i use a pick. Some tracks you don't get the same sound if you use your fingers instead of a pick ... there is a lot of classical stuff which is not possible to play with a pick, you have to hit 2 or 3 or 4 strings at the same time, also the picking combinations can get crazy, like keeping a rhythm line on the bottom strings (using you index,middle and ring finger) while following a base line on the top strings (using your thumb). I guess i'd say use what you like ...... but the more techniques you have at your disposal the more you'll be able to do ......

[Rocker Kid]

Well unless I'm just playing finger style there's no need for a pick... But when I do strum it's a little awkward for me because I hold my pick in between my thumb and middle finger instead of between my thumb and index like most people do... I prefer a pick, but I don't mind either way.
I feel bad now, I haven't played guitar in months. I really need to start again... go back to the basics.

If you wanna learn to play guitar you ought to just start off with the basics. Like nursrey rymes... twinkle twinkle little star, row your boat... simple things like that will get you feeling comfortable with your instrument. After you master the basics, go for some simple songs by real artists. Don't try to go for the really hard songs. Keep it simple. Try out some Beatles stuff.
As you get better, just keep on advancing.
And to be honest, when you're just starting out it is not fun. It's hard work. But once you get going and it all seems easier and you can actually hear and enjoy the music you're playing, you'll just fall in love.

[evil ernie]

funny .... i hold my pick between my thumb and index finger ..... never knew most use their middle finger .....
i guess because my classical stuff is all taught .... my picking is all self taught .... could be the reason ....

strumming with fingers on an electric can sound funny ..... but on a classic it can sound pretty wicked .....

[Rocker Kid]

funny .... i hold my pick between my thumb and index finger ..... never knew most use their middle finger .....
i guess because my classical stuff is all taught .... my picking is all self taught .... could be the reason ....

strumming with fingers on an electric can sound funny ..... but on a classic it can sound pretty wicked .....

Most people don't hold their pick between their middle finger and thumb. I've got some weird looks before by other guitarists, one even told me I was "holding my pick wrong and I'll never learn to play properly if I don't switch it over to my index" Then I told him that Eddie Van Halen always holds his pick between his middle and thumb and he plays just fine. Man, he must've felt kinda stupid... judging on how he was wearing a Van Halen shirt and all....
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h142/Rocker_Kid/Eddie.jpg
Here's Eddie playing with his middle.


Does anybody else here hold their pick between the middle and thumb??? It just feels so much better for me.

[Heero Valentine]

i might try it, still don't have any picks cause of my mom.
there's a shop which is only open on saturdays
and suddenly she didn't have the time to go there today O_o

[Rocker Kid]

i might try it, still don't have any picks cause of my mom.
there's a shop which is only open on saturdays
and suddenly she didn't have the time to go there today O_o

I've heard of people using coins as picks. I don't know what kind of coins you have in your country Heero, but if you have one that is big and thin, give it a try. Just don't go too hard, you might break a string.

[Heero Valentine]

I've heard of people using coins as picks. I don't know what kind of coins you have in your country Heero, but if you have one that is big and thin, give it a try. Just don't go too hard, you might break a string.

thanks Sarah, i'll try it.

[Rocker Kid]

thanks Sarah, i'll try it.

;) Have fun.

[Heero Valentine]

;) Have fun.

i tried :D
the 5 euro cent coin is perfect for use as a pick :1orglaugh:
thanks Sarah :xyxthumbs:

[Rocker Kid]

i tried :D
the 5 euro cent coin is perfect for use as a pick :1orglaugh:
thanks Sarah :xyxthumbs:

Anytime babe, I'm sure you look really unique strumming on that guitar with your euro.

[eruptionx]

i hold my pick that way too. i use my middle AND index finger with my thumb. its the way i picked up on, and i love it. works just as effectively.

[Rocker Kid]

i hold my pick that way too. i use my middle AND index finger with my thumb. its the way i picked up on, and i love it. works just as effectively.

Probably even more effective than only using two fingers total. Your pick must be really sturdy.

[Heero Valentine]

if you use you middle finger and thumb to strum you can use your index finger to mute instead of using your palm :P

i'll stick with the index finger, i'll probaly end up hitting the strings with my index if i don't

[eruptionx]

Probably even more effective than only using two fingers total. Your pick must be really sturdy.

it kinda is sturdy yeah. maybe thats why i pop a lot of strings lol. it could be a problem for me tho if im too hard on the picking cause it helps to be loose. i should look into that now.