24 Sep How to Strum Without A Pick
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Strumming your acoustic guitar without a pick is a great way for guitar players to create a unique soundscape, allowing for a rounder and brighter sound.
- Start slowly, use your thumb, stick near the sound hole, and pay attention to your hand, as strumming without a pick can cause cuts and bruises. Avoid using middle fingers at the beginning.
- If you are a total beginner, consider donning a finger pick or using nylon strings before you become acclimated with the process.
If you are new to the world of acoustic guitars, you may wonder how to strum without a pick. Many of the best guitars, after all, are acoustic guitars, and these guitars can be played with a pick or fingers. Why would you strum with your hands while playing one of the best acoustic guitars, and what are some tips for doing so efficiently? Keep reading to find out.
Why Strum Without a Pick?
Strumming without a pick is a cool way to get a unique sound, not dissimilar to when learning how to play slide guitar. There is just as certain immediacy that strumming with a palm or outer edge of the hand brings to the table, especially when you are playing an instrument by one of the best acoustic guitar brands.
It is also useful when you simply can’t find your guitar pick, something that also happens when learning how to play a 12-string guitar. Playing with your hand is just another way to make your guitar sound cool.
How to Play Acoustic Guitar Without a Pick
There are several tips to get you going on the road to becoming a master at playing acoustic guitar without a pick.
Start With Your Thumb
Your thumb is the best tool you have when starting to strum an acoustic instrument without a guitar pick. The thumb is hearty, can easily withstand intense playing sessions, and is already basically in position for strumming. Just imagine that your thumb and forefinger are holding a pick only, well, they aren’t. Use the weight and girth of the thumb to quickly strum the guitar until you are ready to move on to playing with other parts of the hand.
Pay Attention to Your Hand
Even picks break down and degrade with multiple play sessions, and they are made out of much sturdier materials than, uh, human flesh. In other words, pay close attention to your hand when you are a beginner. If you have any cuts or rashes, give it a rest until you heal. Playing guitar without a pick is cool, especially if you’re playing a beautiful model with a unique design like the one in our Alvarez Grateful Dead Guitar review, but dealing with a hand injury is not that cool. Even the thumb can experience cuts and abrasions when you strum forcefully.
Try a Finger Pick
To become acclimated with finger-based strumming, try a finger pick. These picks wrap around the finger, so you won’t be at risk of cutting your fingers.
Strum Without a Pick FAQs
Have you just started your guitar journey?
Even luminaries like Neil Young had to start somewhere to find their preferred picking style. If you are new, practice different strumming styles, such as flamenco guitar, to increase your guitar playing skill.
Why ditch the pick?
A common flat pick is an easy way to strum, but practicing with your fingers near the sound hole is a great way to get better acquainted with the instrument. It produces a soft sound, especially with bass sounds and single notes, and is considered an advanced guitar technique.
Strumming acoustic guitar with or without a pick?
Both have their pros and cons, as both can produce a quality sound. If you want a more balanced sound, go for a pick. If you want to ease the tension on your guitar strings, go without a pick.
STAT
“Without a pick, there are more variety and modifications available to you, and your fingers can add tonal variations to get particular cool sounds.” (source)
TIP: No matter your play style, don’t forget to take breaks every once in a while.
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Sources
https://www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/how-to-strum-without-a-pick-b1-107
https://nationalguitaracademy.com/how-to-strum-a-guitar-without-a-pick/
https://www.reddit.com/r/guitarlessons/comments/1ciuxa/strumming_without_a_pick/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-ljksb6oIY
https://www.wikihow.com/Strum-a-Guitar
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