Styles

[theGOOCH]

I often hear people ask "Are you a flatpicker, fingerpicker, strummer?" etc. Do you have to choose?

How many of you do it all?

 

I started out as primarily a strummer, then moved to flatpicking, and now I'm experimenting with fingerstyle. I still like to do them all at different times. Do the more experienced players here feel that you need to focus on one to get really good?

[Queequeg]

no rules, man. do what you like.

For the past few years I have found fingerstyle to be more to my liking and interests. but I carry a flatpick around in my pocket @ all times.

you never know...

(can't be too careful)

[tiger roach]

No rules, man! Specialize, or don't. Whatever feels good.

 

I have been a fingerstyle specialist for a few months, because I'm new to it, and I'm having a great time learning it, and it makes me sound like I never have before. It may be my focus for the rest of my "career." However I'm sure at some point I'll get the urge to wield a pick again and play all those tunes I used to play, along with the fingerstyle country blues stuff.

[tiger roach]

Damn near-simultaneous posts.

 

 

 

Oh well, they say great minds think alike.

[theGOOCH]

Thanks guys. That's kind of what I thought.

 

For all intents and purposes I'm pretty new to guitar. I used to play as a kid into my early 20's but was never serious about it and I hadn't played for close to 10 years when, on a whim, bought a cheap laminate guitar to goof around on at home. Now I find myself addicted to playing every day and improving quickly. My dad has played all his life and was impressed that after a month or so I had become a pretty solid rhythm player. I got bored with strumming all the time and now I'm trying to figure out what kind of lead player I want to be. I've been flatpicking for a few months, but sometimes I think I sound robotic and a lot of songs can't be played that way (how can you hit multiple strings simultaneously with a pick?)

 

Could I be trying to take on too much at once?

[Tony Burns]

The idea of no rules is a great rule when it comes to buying your ideal guitar - im learning jazz on a classical , not an Arc top or an electric- a classical- the wrong guitar for someone else may be the right guitar for you .

[Queequeg]

Originally posted by tiger roach Damn near-simultaneous posts. Oh well, they say great minds think alike.

 

that's a little spooky.

 

Hey, are you doing that mind control thing on me again?

[thatsbunk]

 

Originally posted by theGOOCH Thanks guys. That's kind of what I thought. For all intents and purposes I'm pretty new to guitar. I used to play as a kid into my early 20's but was never serious about it and I hadn't played for close to 10 years when, on a whim, bought a cheap laminate guitar to goof around on at home. Now I find myself addicted to playing every day and improving quickly. My dad has played all his life and was impressed that after a month or so I had become a pretty solid rhythm player. I got bored with strumming all the time and now I'm trying to figure out what kind of lead player I want to be. I've been flatpicking for a few months, but sometimes I think I sound robotic and a lot of songs can't be played that way (how can you hit multiple strings simultaneously with a pick?) Could I be trying to take on too much at once?

 

 

Boy, there's a lot of similarity to your story & mine. I played a lot in the mid 70's to mid 80's (mostly electric with high school & garage bands), & then hardly at all til about a year ago when I

"rediscovered" my acoustic. I honestly can say I've improved more in the last few months than in the last 25 years.

 

I primarily fingerpick now, & haven't picked up a pick in months. But I still strum, & fool around with the occasional lead riff.

 

As long as you're enjoying yourself & are having fun, I don't think you have to worry about taking on too much.

[theGOOCH]

OK, another related question:

 

If you like to strum, flatpick and fingerpick, what is the most versatile body style? (Dread, Jumbo, 000 etc.)?

[Queequeg]

probably an OM for an all-around, well-balanced instrument that won't be a complete and utter failure at any of the tasks you outlined. Although, I have been known to try anything on just about anything. this is not life-or-death, you know.

[Sweb]

I don't think I've ever been asked what style I play, or how I play. Usually, it's "Oh...you play guitar?" by a non-player and the topic pretty much ends after my single word reply - "Yep". I don't think I've ever met a non-player who even knows guitar terminology, much less giving a crap about it.

 

Kind of on this same subject, I think we - the members here - attribute a little too much knowlege of guitars, and playing them, to non-players. I also think we are collectively a little too nervous about playing for them, as if we are bending over and showing our small hairs rather than just doing it for fun.

 

That's why I have a capital W tattooed on each cheek.

[Hudman]

 

Originally posted by theGOOCH OK, another related question: If you like to strum, flatpick and fingerpick, what is the most versatile body style? (Dread, Jumbo, 000 etc.)?

 

 

I think the dread is the most versatile body style.

[Sweb]

 

Originally posted by Hudman I think the dread is the most versatile body style.

 

 

I agree with this, if the sound is balanced. I just don't like the bulk of a dread and prefer OMs.