Thumb picking guitar

Nulty

Do you use a thumb pick for fingerstyle guitar? I have one an I try using it sometimes (I don't play that much). I can see the benefit of it but it takes some getting used to. It also seems to encourage you to keep your hand further from the body of the guitar and makes you use your fingers in a different way.

Who's a thumb pick advocate and why?

loyatemu

I've tried it (when I've broken my thumbnail) and given up - its too awkward. Might be easier with a shorter pick (the ones I have seem quite long).

darkvalley

I use one. I originally learn't to fingerpick with just my thumb, but started using a thumbpick when the welt on my thumb started pulling the string out and 'twanging' it. I can play either way now but find playing with the thumbpick more comfortable.
Converting wasn't that difficult. At first it was very strange and i could hardly play at all with it. It was like starting again and took several days of practice to start getting the hang of it. I remember that for quite a while after I would get the part of the pick which wraps around the thumb caught in the strings occasionally but once you get it, it feels very natural.
In looking at my hand when picking both ways it seems to be in exactly the same position. Only difference is my thumb is out further from the guitar and more parallel to the strings, but the rest of my hand seems to be in the same position.
I dont think there is any great advantage to be had either way. With the thumbpick the bass is louder, but has more of a click sound as against the thump you get with just your thumb. I have started to be able to strum the guitar or play a single note lead line with the pick now which gives you another option, but you could find a way to do that with your fingers anyway.
regards
Finbarr