There’s no doubt about it:
Choosing the right picking style is one of the mostly hotly debated topics in jazz guitar.
Tune in today where we’ll have an in-depth discussion on the different picking approaches for jazz guitar and our recommendations.
Audio Version:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:05 — 18.4MB)
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Key Takeaways:
- Fingerstyle and picks are both valid and important techniques for jazz guitarists.
- Heavier, stiffer picks are common in jazz, providing more control and a warm tone.
- Picking location along the strings affects tone, with playing near the bridge sounding brighter and near the neck warmer.
- Guitar and amp settings have the biggest impact on electric tone, while right hand technique and nail shape affect acoustic fingerstyle guitar.
- Picks may help build speed faster on single note runs for beginners, but fingerstyle can also reach advanced speeds with practice.
- The choice between fingerstyle and picks depends on musical goals – fingerstyle suits chord melodies and multiple voices, while picks excel at fast single-note lines.
- Other picking options like hybrid picking, thumb picks, or tucking a pick provide versatility.
- There is no universally superior choice between fingerstyle and picks for jazz guitar – it depends on each guitarist’s musical goals and personal expression
- Experimentation is key to finding the ideal picking approach.
