The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #1

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    Hi there

    Strange question but since getting into jazz guitar I find playing without a pick just feels more comfortable than with,. Guess I need to just use a plectrum more,. ???

    Does anyone have any advice on this, guess using thumb and fingers shouldn't be a problem.

    Not that I'm ever going to be Wes Easier with a plectrum??

    Regards
    Andy



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    The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
     
  3. #2

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    Look, I didn't go to jazz school so I'm not sure what the rules are but if you like using a pick, use one. I doubt you'll be on your deathbed wishing you appeased the Jazz Guitar Forum by playing with your fingers.

  4. #3

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    I'm not sure there's a definitive answer much beyond 'Whatever comfortably suits your needs'. For what it's worth I hybrid pick, although I know every day I play for at least a few minutes without a pick. But yeah, do whatever comfortably suits your needs.

  5. #4

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    Andy, many jazz players use just their fingers. Check out Martin Taylor, for one.

  6. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by AllanAllen
    Look, I didn't go to jazz school so I'm not sure what the rules are but if you like using a pick, use one. I doubt you'll be on your deathbed wishing you appeased the Jazz Guitar Forum by playing with your fingers.
    ROFL....

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  7. #6

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    Picks?! You don't need no stinkin' picks!






  8. #7

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    There are things that can be done better with fingers and other things that can be done better with a pick. There are great Jazz guitarists that trade off and do both (Pass, Remler) and others that stick to the method they're most comfortable with. I do both and when using a pick it's mostly hybrid picking.

  9. #8

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    Originally influenced during my impressionable youth by my all-wise big brother who gave me a Wes album, a beat up flattop, and noted that “Wes plays with his thumb!”, I began playing with my thumb and have never since been comfortable playing with a pick.

    Albert

  10. #9

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    Bobby D in his above post hit the nail on the head, there are things one can't do or are easier with a pick and vice versa. Even a great fingerstyle musician like Martin Taylor uses a pick at times. My suggestion is to not lock yourself into one technique but work on both. And as others suggested try hybrid picking as well. Some very good musicians use a thumb pick and fingers e.g. Tommy Emmanuel. If you find you prefer fingers, go for it and be the best fingerstyle player you can be. Look at Wes, Martin Taylor, Paco De Lucia, Matteo Mancuso, Pasquale Grasso, Sylvain Courtney, Gene Bertoncini and Sylvan Luc to name a few.

  11. #10

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    Bert Jansch.