Switch From Flat Picking to Finger Picking on Guitar Without Missing a Beat

By Dale Schmidt

One of the hallmarks of a great guitarist is the ability to flat pick and finger pick equally well. Being able to rip out a driving rock solo then turn around and play an intricate finger picking pattern could lead to a ton of gigs and maybe even a little fame and fortune.

You can practice each technique separately but eventually, you'll have to play both styles in the same song. One option would be to simply drop your pick and switch to finger picking. But now you're in a fix if you have to go back to flat picking. The solution is to use a little ingenuity and a not so well-known trick that all the best guitar heroes use.

In order to use a flat pick to finger pick, simply hold the pick with your thumb and first finger and then use your middle and ring finger to fill out the picking pattern. The pick now does what your thumb would normally do.

This technique is much better than having to stop and grab a flat pick. I've seen a number of guitarists try to pull off the "quick switch" and it never works - even the non musicians in the audience notice the interruption.

One of the keys to making this technique really work for you is to keep the pick and your middle and ring fingers as close to the strings as possible. This will help you maintain a consistent rhythm and create an accurate finger picking pattern. Finger picking requires that you arch your hand and fingers a bit to play cleanly. Keep the palm of your right hand (left hand for your lefties) away from the strings so it doesn't touch them causing them to sound muted or dead.

At first, the strings you play with the flat pick will sound a little louder and more emphasized than the others so keep that in mind as you try this new technique. Each note/string played should be the same in volume and attack. This is one of the hallmarks of great musicianship so it is a worthy goal.

Using a thumb pick to play both styles is an option

Some guitarists, typically those who play Folk or Country, use a thumb pick for flat picking (and obviously for finger picking). This takes a little time to master as a thumb pick is usually much thicker than a flat pick and you might find it difficult to play single notes, scales and lead lines. Here again, practice is the key,

Develop these clever little techniques and you'll become a more well-rounded and versatile guitarist that can even pull off both styles in the same song. You'll also improve your musicianship and you might just land more gigs in the process.