Try a Flat Pick When Starting Guitar

The type of guitar pick you use is entirely a matter of choice. If you're just starting out with guitar, try a flat pick, as it may help you get comfortable with strumming.

Finger picking is certainly a well-developed style of the acoustic guitar. You have a choice of using a thumb pick or just your thumb. The thumb pick, typical of the Chet Atkins style, is used in country music but less so in other acoustic-based styles such as the singer-songwriter style or in groups such as the Eagles.

Finger picks or just using your fingers is another choice. The decision is made on the basis of comfort and sound.

In a studio, players will often switch picks for rhythm versus lead. When you perform, it’s usually a better choice to use one pick for both rhythm and lead guitar.

There is no picking technique that is better than another and it is not considered “lazy” to use a pick or not use a pick. The guitar is so versatile that it accepts many styles and techniques as being equally effective.