An extremely well done lesson. I have been playing guitar for almost 70 years and use my thumb alone far more fequently than I use a pick. I am (was) a classical guitar player and all my guitars use nylon strings and have a wide flat fret board. I find the pick a little too harsh and since I play mostly to entertain myself, I like the soft sound of the thumb and the thumb gives you far more dynamic range from softness to loudness than I am able to achieve with a pick. When I first was learning as a child I had steel string guitar with a crowned narrow neck and I used just a pick for a couple years and then used the pinch method you mentioned where the finger nail of my index finger served as a pick -- either because I had misplaced my pick or just didn't want to take the time to get it because I only had a very short time to practice. I found that "fake pick" (I call it) method gave me more accuracy that the real pick because it gave me tactile feedback that you don't get with a pick. Then I saw a fellow who was using just his thumb alone without the finger. By the time I got a new classical guitar in my early teens I had started using the thumb alone unless I was playing just chords in accompanying my singing in which case I used a pick. As I got better at integrating chords with the melody I found that i needed to use the thumb exclusively. I experimented some with the thumb and finger style of strumming and then learned finger picking using the thumb mostly for the base notes. About ten years or so ago I got ET (Essential Treemors which effected my fingers more than my thumb and changed my style of playing where I used just the down stroke stopping on the melody note. Then my left hand became arthritic and I could no longer play up the neck and for two years I gave up guiitar and even gave my guitar as a graduation present to a cousin's son. About two years ago I got another guitar and started playing again and got my callouses back. I am going to try the the thumb and finger method that you demonstrated for strumming whenI am singing. I am 82 but one is never too old to try something new.
Your videos are looking and sounding fantastic these days, Justin. I've been playing for 12 years but I still check out your beginner videos to make sure the foundations of my playing remain solid. Thanks for the many years of amazing free lessons. You're the best teacher on the platform, by a lightyear :)
I started playing guitar again after years of not touching one. Started again with an organization here in the States called Guitar For Veterans. They give Veterans 10 free classes and when you complete the course you are given a new guitar for free. My instructor recommended you to advance in my learning. I since have invested in your course and additional books. Thanks for making this available to beginners and advanced players.
I hope all your viewers fully understand the importance of this particular tutorial. Not only does it apply to players from beginner to advanced, but it can give hope to people recovering from hand and arm injuries. Until you have experienced a right arm nerve impingement, you can't possibly know how discouraging it is to find that after 30 years playing, suddenly you can't feel or hold a pick. That happened to my arm in 2004 (work injury). I stopped trying to play for almost 3 years. The doctor told me I might start to see improvement in 5 years or so. One day I picked up my Yairi and decided I would find a way to make music, and my whole musical world began to change. But, several years later I stumbled onto your videos and one day I was chasing rabbits looking up some ideas gleaned from your work, and found an interview of Stephen Stills. He described how he rarely uses a pick, but instead uses the thumb/index finger technique, which leaves 3 more fingers to do all kinds of other things. Watching Stills do Daylight Again, Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Treetop Flyer, and countless others, along with Neil Young on Love and War, Deadman's Theme, and others, have inspired me to find a way to play. As a side note, in the spring of 2018, the feeling started coming back in my right hand. The doctor told me it was because I continued to find a way to use it. Still can't hold a pick, but I have discovered a whole new way to play in the meantime.
That was some of the best 17 minutes of guitar tutorial I’ve ever watched. A lot more sound information than just about not using a pick, too. I never use a pick, much to the dismay of couple of guys I jam around with. This is sort of vindication, lol. Thanks!
Although your list of beginning lessons were over a year ago, I found you. I’m 75 years old and was teaching myself. When I lost my husband, I stopped learning. Now I’m starting over and found you. Thank you! I’m continuing your lessons now.
been losing my mind about how to strum with or without a pick until i came across index finger strumming and being able to combine that with the thumb and picking in general made it a no-brainer for me to use. ontop of that, it felt the most natural one to do and got me strumming my first song finally. many thanks justin :)
Another great lesson perfectly explained. 4 months ago I had never picked up a guitar. With the help of your beginner lessons and 2 hours every day without fail, it's starting to come together! Thank you Justin!
Ha ha, i was playing guitar more than 20 yrs by just fingers and now trying an electric guitar with a pick. i know there will be endless learning even the day i die and that´s why i love this man.
I first ditched the pick when i started performing at the open mic sessions at my local pub and found that, due to my relatively quiet signing voice, the guitar would drown out my vocals if I used a pick. Using my thumb resulted in a much better balance between guitar and vocals and saved me or the host having to twiddle around with volume levels. I've never bothered with a pick since.
I've always strummed like how he's doing it at 09:55 In fact almost all of the time when I'm playing an acoustic guitar, I'll play using this method. I don't move my whole arm, but rather do a pivot twist at the rist to creat my up and down strumming motions. I'm also able to do 16th or even 32th beat strums using this method as it gives me more speed
I'm starting to learn guitar. Been very frustrated with my fingers, like how hard can it be to strum damn strings, until I realized it's normal to struggle for a bit. Hopefully I'll get through this stage
I've been playing guitar for years now, yet I am unable to play nor strum a guitar properly without a pick. And strumming have been one of my problem even if I now learned all the music theory and learned so many guitar technique other than playing a guitar without a pick. And here I am landed on this video of yours.
This came at the perfect time for me. I'm only a few months into learning and I've just started experimenting with playing without a pick. Was good to get some guidance. Another great lesson Justin.
Coming from a ukulele background, using a plec is most definitely alien to me. Watching your vid made me remember when I was learning anything new, even though I kept going, ‘I’m never going to be able to do this.’ Then at some point in time I’d think, ‘Why was that so hard.’ Thanks for the reminder and keep up with the great lessons.
Hes the only youtube guitar tutorialist that read my mind and complications i was using my finger and thumb individually and wondering why nobody has made video on those options then he comes outta left field and breaks it down..well done chap youve earned my subscription
You’re an amazing teacher. You explain things very well, are VERY knowledgeable, and you emphasize individual preferences, exploration and having fun. Thank you
Many thanks for the super thanks and supporting the channel. It means a lot and helps the JustinGuitar mission - teaching the world to play. Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher www.justinguitar.com
Thanks Justin. I love your emphasis on developing a technique that feels comfortable and sounds good to me vs pressing myself to imitate what some instructors, as you pointed out, “insist” is THE proper technique. My dad once told me that Arnold Palmer had one of the most in-orthodox golf swings possible, and he ends up being golfing legend. Again, many thanks. Your relaxed style of teaching is simply wonderful. You have a gift.
One combo you didn't mention that I use quite often is a variation of the invisible pick pinch style where I use the nail of my index finger on the down strum, and the thumbnail on the up stroke. It's a bit louder and brighter than the fleshy parts of the fingers, but still quieter than a pick. I've never really used a pick well, and I find it easier to be accurate with my fingers because I just know where they are. It just feels more natural to me.
I do this as well. For me finger strumming in general sounds kind of more natural. Not all notes ring out at the same loudness, which makes it more organic in my opinion. I like to pluck the bass strings with my fleshy side of the thumb, and most of the times I like to accent my down strums with my index finger nail and upstrum with the fleshy part of my thumb. Gives a bit more variety to the song!
loved this one, dude, thank you!! been struggling the last few days, been tryna learn guitar somewhere before i start looking for courses cause my mom is not so well financially rn (i mainly play piano, so i already know intermediate/advanced music theory) but it's been a real pain in the ass to find useful free help, your website it's been the most help i've had yet, so thank you
Hi Justin! 🙋🏻♂️ I learned from your beginner course. I started when I was 9. I’m 11yo now. It was challenging but you made it fun. Thanks! Check out how I’m doing!
Arjay's Journey >>> Good for you Arjay! I'm glad for you. You've already got a big jump on me. I'm just beginning to learn at 62. Wishing you luck buddy, keep plucking them strings! We'll be looking for your You Tube vid in the future ! ✌🏻🇺🇸
@@georgeb8701 I took up guitar at 60. Now I Travis pick, flat pick fiddle tunes, sing and play a wide range of songs with different groups and solo. It takes longer (it seems) to learn some things and physical/muscle changes are slow, but all is possible. Hardest thing I've ever done and the most fun. Don't give up: practice, practice, practice and play with others as much as possible.
At 15:13, it sounds like you say, "to thumberize" instead of "to summarize", which is great considering so much of the lesson is about thumb use. Freudian pun? Great lesson! Super-interesting stuff.
I’ve always strummed without a pick because I found it difficult to get the pick strumming sounding nice. I just got your strumming techniques dvd out again today and I’ve started it with a pick, also started doing scales with a pick. After 5 year playing I think it’s time I learned to use one
i just wane say thanke u this did really help me a lot my 2 fav ways are where u like turn ur fingers in to a pick and my 2 is the thumb and pionter finger
After not using a pick for 40 years solely for the agility, I’ve made a wire finger pick and self adhesive surgical tape. It affords me all options, love it! 22 gauge stainless steel wire, perfect for me.
Been trying to learn guitar for about 10 years now and something never quite sounded right. Thank you so much for your videos they’re a game changer! Learning how to get out of all my self taught bad habits!
About 45 years ago I wanted to learn how to play guitar but with no money and no formal instruction I lost interest. In the meantime a lot of my friends took lessons and learned how to play. Then around 3 years ago we had an outdoor event and some of those same friends I hadn’t seen in all those years showed up and jammed outside and I marveled at what they had accomplished over the years. It literally sparked a fire inside me to pick up where I left off so many years before. But where to start? Of course! The internet which didn’t exist all those years ago. But then there were so many choices. I checked out quite a few but finally settled on your courses. I started at the beginning and stuck with it thru the intermediate courses..I learned so much from your courses and I refer back to them on occasion. I still use the one minute changes routine when I run into a chord change that can be challenging when learning a song. I’m glad you posted this video. I struggled with a pick when starting out and although I learned to use them, I still prefer using my thumb and fingers. There’s just something about the feel on the strings that makes it more satisfying. I truly believe that I was gifted a dexterity in my hands that lends better to this style. My musician friends say to do what is comfortable and create your own style. And it seems to work just fine. I will never get to their level as they have been in bands and have done some recording. But I’m fine being a campfire guitar star. All I ever wanted to do was learn how to play and I have, thanks to you!
Been playing acoustic guitar for ten years. I've never liked using a pick. I pinch with my thumb and forefinger together as if I'm holding a pick and it works fine. OBTW, Justin, your videos showed me how to hold a pick correctly but I love the thumb and forefinger pinched method.
You can do it! There's many an older learner here: community.justinguitar.com/t/older-guitar-students-can-old-dogs-learn-new-tricks/26183 Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher www.justinguitar.com
This is great! Thank you. For years I have played with bands and also sing solo using a pick, but when I'm not hooked up to a PA, my guitar overpowers my voice when playing with a pick. It has been 40 years since I have played with one. Now I have to do gigs without an amplifier to sing so I have to learn how to do this again. I can't believe I forgot how. It used to come natural to me. Thanks again. God bless!
I quit using a pick because I can never find any no matter how many I buy! But I did learn on a .60mm pick that I do use when I can scrounge one up...learning to play with your fingers really opens up some doors..Thanks Justin
I think the best tip I got from all these guitar videos is you must find what works for u..& you have to relax and feel and enjoy the guitar don’t over think it
I tend to use the index nail to strum down and the thumb nail to strum up, combining arm, wrist, and fingers motion. It can be very fast, ergonomic, and volatile.
@@Spoopydelic Sure, especially useful for loud and quick strumming without a pick. Very versatile I meant to say, not volatile. I find it indispensable particularly for fast 6/8 rhythms. Also great when playing live and wanting to switch from finger picking to strumming without time to grab a pick.
this video is kind of old but it really saved me because i was struggling to figure out how to strum well with my first finger and him showing how to curl your finger on its way down and straightening it when it goes up just helped so much!!!! thank you!!!!❤❤❤
You are not alone. At 74 years old I've just started learning to use a classical, nylon strings guitar. I don't like the sound of a pic so I too use my thumb when strumming.
Hi Justin, great video. I am a beginner on your course, just at stage 2 now, and enjoying it, I tend to move towards finger strumming, so this has been a helpful session. Loving the beard mate suits you a treat!!
Way back I got a repetitive strain injury when using thumb only. Not overly painful, but you could feel a squeaking of the tendon along my forearm. I try to make sure I use wrist and arm or wrist when using my thumb.
Cool tips. I use thumb to strum down and first finger to strum up. I really need to learn how to feel confident with a pick, too. I got a thin pick and added sticky stuff to the part I hold so I won't accidentally throw it down in the middle of a song.
Very useful lesson. My strumming with a pick is awful and I occasionally miss some strings, maybe this can help me refine my strums to keep them parallel with the strings, then my pick use would improve. Many thanks.
Thank You very much! After listening this Your Video I've a bit relaxed, as I can see I was not playing so wrong, and there are many ways, anyone should just find his own style! 👍
Okay, I am loving this at about 14 minutes.. I think I naturally play with my thumb and pointer finger. Down with back of finger, up with back of thumb, but I do like the idea of down with my fat thumb, and then up with thumbnail. Very pretty, and effective, sound! I may have to develop that a bit.
I wasn't sure I would learn from this video, but... of course... I did and an FYI the strumming combos that were not what I would call have called the common understanding of "Fingerstyle" but your finger strumming style with the different combos of thumb as base and finger down/up and then thumb again and finger up/down actually blew my mind and gave me a new way of thinking outside of my small box! Thanks!
I liked the "pretend to hold a pick" method...I found that with a slight wrist turn, I could use the fingernail on the down, and the thumbnail on the up, and it was a lot like having a pick as far as sound went. Maybe a good fill-in if I drop the pick! 🙂
Thank you for this! First video I found that thoroughly explains different options and doesn't say that one is better than the other-just for different types of songs or whatever. I've somehow taught myself to strum with mainly my middle finger and partly my ring finger and pinky. I'm now trying to unlearn that habit and do it with my pointing finger (don't know the English word lol) because the sound seems clearer. But I'm also just gonna worry a bit less about it now that I've seen this video. :D
very cool, great vid. clear, consise explanation. Appreciate the close ups. Just beginning to learn at 62. I've always wanted to learn to play the guitar. It's a beautiful instrument that makes beautiful music. Anyway I need all the help I can get. Thanks Justin, know that your efforts are not in vain dude. I liked and subbed! ✌🏻🇺🇸
Hi I'm 55 from NW I started last year with a big expection but over time I realized that this is something very different language I went and tooked 2 terms in college they teach how read music which for me still is been hard I would rather to learn couple song and enjoy and my myself think I can do it I been learning with videos like this are very helpful taking guitar lessons are kind of expensive good luck in your journey I'm already started playing in my church choir getting more confident day by day
Thanks Justin. You said this was on your list and I’m so glad you posted it sooner than later. Have been searching high and low for a lesson like this. You’re the best.
Excellent. I'm just starting out, and I thought I was weird for liking strumming but not liking the pick. Now I feel more 'in contact' with the guitar, and even more glad that I opted for an OM instead of a dread. Many thanks.
Thank you for this video. I"ve been practicing ukulele on my own for almost a year. Love it. Happen to have a guitar now and it was to big I thought at first but I like the sound I can make some. Don't want to use a pick and practicing my own sounds with thumb and other fingers with out guidance as its just a start. Glad to know thats ok and that ppl do different techniques. Maybe I'll get past an E cord one day. Right now I like the sound of strumming thin cords and picking and thick cords and picking. Just realized that with such a huge instrument I can actually do that. Thanks again from a 50 year old who just loves learning and need the sound for my own peace of mind.
I have struggled with a pick for a long time and am now ready to give them up. I use thumb for downstrokes and index finger for upstrokes (both single notes and chords) and using only the flesh of the fingertip. Basically, I just alternate pick but with my thumb and index finger rather than a pick. I just have to work out how to strum power chords/barre chords consistently and I'm good. Richie Kotzen ditched the pick and videos of him give me inspiration and show me what can be accomplished without a pick (then again, he is very talented and I am not so there is that!). I also have a lot of bad habits so have decided to start Justin's course from scratch and to follow what he says. Well except for his advice to use a pick for the beginner course as I am just going to use fingers throughout.
I always struggled with a pick so mostly I play fingerstyle, burt since I've seen lesson 1 of Tammy's lessons I can play also with a pick now without being frustrated, thnx.
This video will really help me to get much more comfortable in playing the guitar without a pick, thank you Justin, I'm a big fan of your amazing Videos :)
I have almost never used a pick to play since my start of learning guitar...I've always found more control over the guitar with my bear hands...this lead me to start playing fingerstyle since the start-around 15 days later since which is around when I was comfortable with all the basic major and minor chords...another reason being the soft acoustic sounds that came using the fingers while strumming too...it's not like I had trouble using a pick but I liked not using it much...I find it easier to produce drum and snare sounds when I don't hold a pick...I might just come out and say that I hate the sound of pick striking the strings if you know what I am talking about By the way...while soloing I would prefer a pick over fingers for the alternate picking technique (helps me play faster) These all are just my personal preference or the way which I have learnt from the beginning and might differ for you!
16:30 not too artyfarty at all for a beginner. I picked up my guitar because I wanted to create something beautiful. I have decided to pick up an old guitar I had at my parents' place to find myself again. With the pandemic, a recent break-up and everything that's happening in life, I lost myself. I have set 2022 as my journey to find myself again. One way to do say is diving into art to create and express myself in a way I was always too insecure to do. I am ready now to fully commit to my musical journey and learn how to play the guitar.
I can’t handle the sound of the pick scratching on the strings so I’ve never been able to play with a pick. I appreciate this video so much because even though I’m more intermediate I’ve just been using my thumb in the same way with no change.
Some of the best introductory guitar lessons on the Internet. Nice pace and consistent approach to a beginner. Most guitar tutorials are pedantic and more linked to their business model than helping us beginners IMHO.
like anything you need to do both, finger strum and pick. not using a pick has helped my strumming tremendously as I am not constantly fighting the pick moving in my fingers due to vibration and I have to reposition it, using my index finger I can strum pretty good and can concentrate on the rhythm
I didn’t start to use a pick until I had been playing with my fingers until I had been playing 35 years (I’ve been playing over 55 years). There are some songs still use my thumb and fingers on and others I use a pick. And some I use the fingernail of my index finger. Some songs I use a pica and even a thumb pick. My thumb I use to play the bass strings and bass lines and my fingers to strum down and up on the lighter gauge strings.
Another great lesson Justin. In a good way you are like my comfy jandels. I’m so used to your teaching I learn fast. Because you have a great manor and lesson are structured similar. I have your first guitar book for beginners. Maybe I need to buy another. Cheers Brent
There is more...a lot more on strumming to explore! www.justinguitar.com/advanced_search?q=strumming | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Guide, Approved Teacher & Community Moderator
Me:copies his hand motions
His guitar: *lovely strum*
Mine: *racket*
same!!! omg
You, too, huh? I was going to use it as an excuse to get a new guitar. Darn it!
The fuckin way she goes
Sameeeee
ahahaha true
Love how you're just sitting there casually explaining whilst your fingers are IN A CHORD :D my fingers would be dead
An extremely well done lesson. I have been playing guitar for almost 70 years and use my thumb alone far more fequently than I use a pick. I am (was) a classical guitar player and all my guitars use nylon strings and have a wide flat fret board. I find the pick a little too harsh and since I play mostly to entertain myself, I like the soft sound of the thumb and the thumb gives you far more dynamic range from softness to loudness than I am able to achieve with a pick. When I first was learning as a child I had steel string guitar with a crowned narrow neck and I used just a pick for a couple years and then used the pinch method you mentioned where the finger nail of my index finger served as a pick -- either because I had misplaced my pick or just didn't want to take the time to get it because I only had a very short time to practice. I found that "fake pick" (I call it) method gave me more accuracy that the real pick because it gave me tactile feedback that you don't get with a pick. Then I saw a fellow who was using just his thumb alone without the finger. By the time I got a new classical guitar in my early teens I had started using the thumb alone unless I was playing just chords in accompanying my singing in which case I used a pick. As I got better at integrating chords with the melody I found that i needed to use the thumb exclusively. I experimented some with the thumb and finger style of strumming and then learned finger picking using the thumb mostly for the base notes. About ten years or so ago I got ET (Essential Treemors which effected my fingers more than my thumb and changed my style of playing where I used just the down stroke stopping on the melody note. Then my left hand became arthritic and I could no longer play up the neck and for two years I gave up guiitar and even gave my guitar as a graduation present to a cousin's son. About two years ago I got another guitar and started playing again and got my callouses back. I am going to try the the thumb and finger method that you demonstrated for strumming whenI am singing. I am 82 but one is never too old to try something new.
Thanks for sharing!! Gives me hope
Thanks for your inspiration, Richard.
Thank you for sharing this, stay safe
Why do old people do this
rock n roll man
Your videos are looking and sounding fantastic these days, Justin. I've been playing for 12 years but I still check out your beginner videos to make sure the foundations of my playing remain solid. Thanks for the many years of amazing free lessons. You're the best teacher on the platform, by a lightyear :)
Amen!
I agree!
Lmao
2024, and I'm here as a beginner, Justin is awesome and continues to spread the gift. Thanks
Finger style strumming without a pick is hard... chords are bitching to strum. Thanks for letting me know what to do
uhh i literally zoned out and thought, "his voice sounds nice"
😂😂me too
._.
Lmao
Bob ross moment
The homie could narrate baking shows
I started playing guitar again after years of not touching one. Started again with an organization here in the States called Guitar For Veterans. They give Veterans 10 free classes and when you complete the course you are given a new guitar for free. My instructor recommended you to advance in my learning. I since have invested in your course and additional books. Thanks for making this available to beginners and advanced players.
I'm here because I lost my pick
Same here 😂😢😅
Most of us are here for the same reason lol
Same lol
me too 😂😂
Same
I hope all your viewers fully understand the importance of this particular tutorial. Not only does it apply to players from beginner to advanced, but it can give hope to people recovering from hand and arm injuries. Until you have experienced a right arm nerve impingement, you can't possibly know how discouraging it is to find that after 30 years playing, suddenly you can't feel or hold a pick. That happened to my arm in 2004 (work injury). I stopped trying to play for almost 3 years. The doctor told me I might start to see improvement in 5 years or so. One day I picked up my Yairi and decided I would find a way to make music, and my whole musical world began to change. But, several years later I stumbled onto your videos and one day I was chasing rabbits looking up some ideas gleaned from your work, and found an interview of Stephen Stills. He described how he rarely uses a pick, but instead uses the thumb/index finger technique, which leaves 3 more fingers to do all kinds of other things. Watching Stills do Daylight Again, Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Treetop Flyer, and countless others, along with Neil Young on Love and War, Deadman's Theme, and others, have inspired me to find a way to play. As a side note, in the spring of 2018, the feeling started coming back in my right hand. The doctor told me it was because I continued to find a way to use it. Still can't hold a pick, but I have discovered a whole new way to play in the meantime.
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
that's great! I admire that you didn't give up your music.
That must have been incredibly difficult to go through, I am so glad you found a way to continue with what you love and that it helped to heal you.
Awesome
Appreciate your comment and determination
That was some of the best 17 minutes of guitar tutorial I’ve ever watched. A lot more sound information than just about not using a pick, too. I never use a pick, much to the dismay of couple of guys I jam around with. This is sort of vindication, lol. Thanks!
Although your list of beginning lessons were over a year ago, I found you. I’m 75 years old and was teaching myself. When I lost my husband, I stopped learning. Now I’m starting over and found you. Thank you! I’m continuing your lessons now.
That is awesome! Cheers 😊
| close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum
[ www.justinguitar.com/ ]
been losing my mind about how to strum with or without a pick until i came across index finger strumming and being able to combine that with the thumb and picking in general made it a no-brainer for me to use.
ontop of that, it felt the most natural one to do and got me strumming my first song finally.
many thanks justin :)
Find your own way, your own path, in the musical journey.. Thanks for the inspiration Justin
Another great lesson perfectly explained. 4 months ago I had never picked up a guitar. With the help of your beginner lessons and 2 hours every day without fail, it's starting to come together! Thank you Justin!
Ha ha, i was playing guitar more than 20 yrs by just fingers and now trying an electric guitar with a pick. i know there will be endless learning even the day i die and that´s why i love this man.
I first ditched the pick when i started performing at the open mic sessions at my local pub and found that, due to my relatively quiet signing voice, the guitar would drown out my vocals if I used a pick. Using my thumb resulted in a much better balance between guitar and vocals and saved me or the host having to twiddle around with volume levels. I've never bothered with a pick since.
Justin Sir, Thank you for your service to the world. May God bless you with great health! !
Love from India!
I've always strummed like how he's doing it at 09:55
In fact almost all of the time when I'm playing an acoustic guitar, I'll play using this method.
I don't move my whole arm, but rather do a pivot twist at the rist to creat my up and down strumming motions.
I'm also able to do 16th or even 32th beat strums using this method as it gives me more speed
I'm starting to learn guitar. Been very frustrated with my fingers, like how hard can it be to strum damn strings, until I realized it's normal to struggle for a bit. Hopefully I'll get through this stage
I've been playing guitar for years now, yet I am unable to play nor strum a guitar properly without a pick. And strumming have been one of my problem even if I now learned all the music theory and learned so many guitar technique other than playing a guitar without a pick. And here I am landed on this video of yours.
This came at the perfect time for me. I'm only a few months into learning and I've just started experimenting with playing without a pick. Was good to get some guidance. Another great lesson Justin.
Coming from a ukulele background, using a plec is most definitely alien to me. Watching your vid made me remember when I was learning anything new, even though I kept going, ‘I’m never going to be able to do this.’ Then at some point in time I’d think, ‘Why was that so hard.’ Thanks for the reminder and keep up with the great lessons.
Hes the only youtube guitar tutorialist that read my mind and complications i was using my finger and thumb individually and wondering why nobody has made video on those options then he comes outta left field and breaks it down..well done chap youve earned my subscription
You’re an amazing teacher. You explain things very well, are VERY knowledgeable, and you emphasize individual preferences, exploration and having fun. Thank you
Thanks
Many thanks for the super thanks and supporting the channel. It means a lot and helps the JustinGuitar mission - teaching the world to play. Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher www.justinguitar.com
Wow I didn't though much of this lesson when I saw the title but I'm very happy that I listened to it completely!
Thanks Justin. I love your emphasis on developing a technique that feels comfortable and sounds good to me vs pressing myself to imitate what some instructors, as you pointed out, “insist” is THE proper technique. My dad once told me that Arnold Palmer had one of the most in-orthodox golf swings possible, and he ends up being golfing legend. Again, many thanks. Your relaxed style of teaching is simply wonderful. You have a gift.
One combo you didn't mention that I use quite often is a variation of the invisible pick pinch style where I use the nail of my index finger on the down strum, and the thumbnail on the up stroke. It's a bit louder and brighter than the fleshy parts of the fingers, but still quieter than a pick. I've never really used a pick well, and I find it easier to be accurate with my fingers because I just know where they are. It just feels more natural to me.
I strum the same way too.i always struggles with the pick.with imaginary pick between tumb and first finger but use my nails
I do this as well. For me finger strumming in general sounds kind of more natural. Not all notes ring out at the same loudness, which makes it more organic in my opinion. I like to pluck the bass strings with my fleshy side of the thumb, and most of the times I like to accent my down strums with my index finger nail and upstrum with the fleshy part of my thumb. Gives a bit more variety to the song!
loved this one, dude, thank you!! been struggling the last few days, been tryna learn guitar somewhere before i start looking for courses cause my mom is not so well financially rn (i mainly play piano, so i already know intermediate/advanced music theory) but it's been a real pain in the ass to find useful free help, your website it's been the most help i've had yet, so thank you
Hi Justin! 🙋🏻♂️ I learned from your beginner course. I started when I was 9. I’m 11yo now. It was challenging but you made it fun. Thanks! Check out how I’m doing!
Great stuff Arjay! :) doing awesome!
Arjay's Journey >>> Good for you Arjay! I'm glad for you. You've already got a big jump on me. I'm just beginning to learn at 62. Wishing you luck buddy, keep plucking them strings! We'll be looking for your You Tube vid in the future ! ✌🏻🇺🇸
@@georgeb8701 I took up guitar at 60. Now I Travis pick, flat pick fiddle tunes, sing and play a wide range of songs with different groups and solo. It takes longer (it seems) to learn some things and physical/muscle changes are slow, but all is possible. Hardest thing I've ever done and the most fun. Don't give up: practice, practice, practice and play with others as much as possible.
Spectre Gaming damn calm down
@@kurtpatino5464 Lol, who hurt you, bro??
At 15:13, it sounds like you say, "to thumberize" instead of "to summarize", which is great considering so much of the lesson is about thumb use. Freudian pun?
Great lesson! Super-interesting stuff.
I’ve always strummed without a pick because I found it difficult to get the pick strumming sounding nice. I just got your strumming techniques dvd out again today and I’ve started it with a pick, also started doing scales with a pick. After 5 year playing I think it’s time I learned to use one
It's a great idea to have both! Good luck!
I saw various youtubers making us learn Guitar but Justin guitar is my favourite..Timeless teaching style. ❤️
i just wane say thanke u this did really help me a lot my 2 fav ways are where u like turn ur fingers in to a pick and my 2 is the thumb and pionter finger
After not using a pick for 40 years solely for the agility, I’ve made a wire finger pick and self adhesive surgical tape. It affords me all options, love it! 22 gauge stainless steel wire, perfect for me.
Been trying to learn guitar for about 10 years now and something never quite sounded right. Thank you so much for your videos they’re a game changer! Learning how to get out of all my self taught bad habits!
About 45 years ago I wanted to learn how to play guitar but with no money and no formal instruction I lost interest. In the meantime a lot of my friends took lessons and learned how to play. Then around 3 years ago we had an outdoor event and some of those same friends I hadn’t seen in all those years showed up and jammed outside and I marveled at what they had accomplished over the years. It literally sparked a fire inside me to pick up where I left off so many years before. But where to start? Of course! The internet which didn’t exist all those years ago. But then there were so many choices. I checked out quite a few but finally settled on your courses. I started at the beginning and stuck with it thru the intermediate courses..I learned so much from your courses and I refer back to them on occasion. I still use the one minute changes routine when I run into a chord change that can be challenging when learning a song. I’m glad you posted this video. I struggled with a pick when starting out and although I learned to use them, I still prefer using my thumb and fingers. There’s just something about the feel on the strings that makes it more satisfying. I truly believe that I was gifted a dexterity in my hands that lends better to this style. My musician friends say to do what is comfortable and create your own style. And it seems to work just fine. I will never get to their level as they have been in bands and have done some recording. But I’m fine being a campfire guitar star. All I ever wanted to do was learn how to play and I have, thanks to you!
Been playing acoustic guitar for ten years. I've never liked using a pick. I pinch with my thumb and forefinger together as if I'm holding a pick and it works fine. OBTW, Justin, your videos showed me how to hold a pick correctly but I love the thumb and forefinger pinched method.
Excellent tuition. I'm 65 and just starting, although I have played bass in the past. Looking forward to learning to play 6 string guitar :-)
You can do it! There's many an older learner here: community.justinguitar.com/t/older-guitar-students-can-old-dogs-learn-new-tricks/26183
Cheers 😊
| Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher www.justinguitar.com
Hey Justin just wanted to say thank you from a fellow Tasmanian. I appreciate the amount of detail and the time you have put into these videos.
This is great! Thank you. For years I have played with bands and also sing solo using a pick, but when I'm not hooked up to a PA, my guitar overpowers my voice when playing with a pick. It has been 40 years since I have played with one. Now I have to do gigs without an amplifier to sing so I have to learn how to do this again. I can't believe I forgot how. It used to come natural to me. Thanks again. God bless!
I quit using a pick because I can never find any no matter how many I buy! But I did learn on a .60mm pick that I do use when I can scrounge one up...learning to play with your fingers really opens up some doors..Thanks Justin
I think the best tip I got from all these guitar videos is you must find what works for u..& you have to relax and feel and enjoy the guitar don’t over think it
I tend to use the index nail to strum down and the thumb nail to strum up, combining arm, wrist, and fingers motion. It can be very fast, ergonomic, and volatile.
that's exactly what i do too, is it workig well for you?
@@Spoopydelic Sure, especially useful for loud and quick strumming without a pick. Very versatile I meant to say, not volatile. I find it indispensable particularly for fast 6/8 rhythms. Also great when playing live and wanting to switch from finger picking to strumming without time to grab a pick.
@@TheBlogofDimi awesome thanks for the info, strumming with my index nail and thumb is the most comfortable for me.
this video is kind of old but it really saved me because i was struggling to figure out how to strum well with my first finger and him showing how to curl your finger on its way down and straightening it when it goes up just helped so much!!!! thank you!!!!❤❤❤
As always, great lesson. Easy to follow and, with practice, can make you sound pleasing to the ear. Thanks
I always thought I was doing it wrong because I strum with my thumb! It's comforting to not feel like I'm doing it all wrong
You are not alone. At 74 years old I've just started learning to use a classical, nylon strings guitar. I don't like the sound of a pic so I too use my thumb when strumming.
Hi Justin, great video. I am a beginner on your course, just at stage 2 now, and enjoying it, I tend to move towards finger strumming, so this has been a helpful session. Loving the beard mate suits you a treat!!
14:14 the best guitar I’ve heard
Do you know that song is it?
Way back I got a repetitive strain injury when using thumb only. Not overly painful, but you could feel a squeaking of the tendon along my forearm. I try to make sure I use wrist and arm or wrist when using my thumb.
Thank you very much for this video, it's great and thank you for adding subtitles, I'm from Poland and I don't understand English very well.❤😊
From beggining i used only hands,never picks and no problem :D
Just like me
Davie504 is happy
Pick is very very important if u want to advance in Guitar
@@applesap278 yep Davie is happy
@@shreyashshrestha6085 Nope, there's tons of successful guitarist that use fingers.
Cool tips. I use thumb to strum down and first finger to strum up. I really need to learn how to feel confident with a pick, too. I got a thin pick and added sticky stuff to the part I hold so I won't accidentally throw it down in the middle of a song.
I would love a similar video on how to get hybrid picking to sound consistent between the pick and the fingers.
That's the best video you can find on the youtube, who legit knows how to teach finger picking.. ❤️
Very useful lesson. My strumming with a pick is awful and I occasionally miss some strings, maybe this can help me refine my strums to keep them parallel with the strings, then my pick use would improve. Many thanks.
Thank You very much!
After listening this Your Video I've a bit relaxed, as I can see I was not playing so wrong, and there are many ways, anyone should just find his own style! 👍
His explanations are very clear and concise.
Okay, I am loving this at about 14 minutes..
I think I naturally play with my thumb and pointer finger. Down with back of finger, up with back of thumb, but I do like the idea of down with my fat thumb, and then up with thumbnail. Very pretty, and effective, sound!
I may have to develop that a bit.
I wasn't sure I would learn from this video, but... of course... I did and an FYI the strumming combos that were not what I would call have called the common understanding of "Fingerstyle" but your finger strumming style with the different combos of thumb as base and finger down/up and then thumb again and finger up/down actually blew my mind and gave me a new way of thinking outside of my small box! Thanks!
Thanks Justin. Absolutely saved me, would always get my index finger caught under the strings. Now that’s a problem of the past. Thanks man!
I liked the "pretend to hold a pick" method...I found that with a slight wrist turn, I could use the fingernail on the down, and the thumbnail on the up, and it was a lot like having a pick as far as sound went. Maybe a good fill-in if I drop the pick! 🙂
Thank you for this! First video I found that thoroughly explains different options and doesn't say that one is better than the other-just for different types of songs or whatever. I've somehow taught myself to strum with mainly my middle finger and partly my ring finger and pinky. I'm now trying to unlearn that habit and do it with my pointing finger (don't know the English word lol) because the sound seems clearer. But I'm also just gonna worry a bit less about it now that I've seen this video. :D
I can't wait to try out every method. You are a gifted teacher and you make it fun. I'm a beginner enjoying every moment as i plod along
very cool, great vid. clear, consise explanation. Appreciate the close ups. Just beginning to learn at 62. I've always wanted to learn to play the guitar. It's a beautiful instrument that makes beautiful music. Anyway I need all the help I can get. Thanks Justin, know that your efforts are not in vain dude. I liked and subbed! ✌🏻🇺🇸
Hi I'm 55 from NW I started last year with a big expection but over time I realized that this is something very different language I went and tooked 2 terms in college they teach how read music which for me still is been hard I would rather to learn couple song and enjoy and my myself think I can do it I been learning with videos like this are very helpful taking guitar lessons are kind of expensive good luck in your journey I'm already started playing in my church choir getting more confident day by day
I have been struggling to let go of my pick and this helped a lot!!!! Tysm
Thank you so much for the tutorial,its my 3rd day learning to play a guitar and i learn A-G major chords
Thanks Justin. You said this was on your list and I’m so glad you posted it sooner than later. Have been searching high and low for a lesson like this. You’re the best.
I started guitar only a few weeks ago and 14:14 looks like crazy! I can’t wait to figure out how to do something like that
Excellent. I'm just starting out, and I thought I was weird for liking strumming but not liking the pick. Now I feel more 'in contact' with the guitar, and even more glad that I opted for an OM instead of a dread. Many thanks.
Thank you for this video. I"ve been practicing ukulele on my own for almost a year. Love it. Happen to have a guitar now and it was to big I thought at first but I like the sound I can make some. Don't want to use a pick and practicing my own sounds with thumb and other fingers with out guidance as its just a start. Glad to know thats ok and that ppl do different techniques. Maybe I'll get past an E cord one day. Right now I like the sound of strumming thin cords and picking and thick cords and picking. Just realized that with such a huge instrument I can actually do that. Thanks again from a 50 year old who just loves learning and need the sound for my own peace of mind.
I like this way of playing and definetly i use it myself. I find using the hand in strumming is a kind of spanish stlyle, almost for me. Great lesson.
I have struggled with a pick for a long time and am now ready to give them up. I use thumb for downstrokes and index finger for upstrokes (both single notes and chords) and using only the flesh of the fingertip. Basically, I just alternate pick but with my thumb and index finger rather than a pick. I just have to work out how to strum power chords/barre chords consistently and I'm good. Richie Kotzen ditched the pick and videos of him give me inspiration and show me what can be accomplished without a pick (then again, he is very talented and I am not so there is that!). I also have a lot of bad habits so have decided to start Justin's course from scratch and to follow what he says. Well except for his advice to use a pick for the beginner course as I am just going to use fingers throughout.
My Fav Lesson so far... Felt like I went strumming in to another universe ❤️
what
@@bootylicker32 shush let them be happy
This was very helpful. Thank you for your content! :)
just started playing about six weeks ago, and am following your lessons one-by-one. Fingers crossed....
I always struggled with a pick so mostly I play fingerstyle, burt since I've seen lesson 1 of Tammy's lessons I can play also with a pick now without being frustrated, thnx.
Great video. I’m half way through your beginners book and I can’t play with a pick. It feels much better and natural to use my fingers.
Hope this helps!
This video will really help me to get much more comfortable in playing the guitar without a pick, thank you Justin, I'm a big fan of your amazing Videos :)
Cheers Pelle!
Got my first real six string, bought it at the five and dime, played it till my fingers bled, which, as a haemophiliac was a bit silly really.
😅😆
I have almost never used a pick to play since my start of learning guitar...I've always found more control over the guitar with my bear hands...this lead me to start playing fingerstyle since the start-around 15 days later since which is around when I was comfortable with all the basic major and minor chords...another reason being the soft acoustic sounds that came using the fingers while strumming too...it's not like I had trouble using a pick but I liked not using it much...I find it easier to produce drum and snare sounds when I don't hold a pick...I might just come out and say that I hate the sound of pick striking the strings if you know what I am talking about
By the way...while soloing I would prefer a pick over fingers for the alternate picking technique (helps me play faster)
These all are just my personal preference or the way which I have learnt from the beginning and might differ for you!
16:30 not too artyfarty at all for a beginner. I picked up my guitar because I wanted to create something beautiful. I have decided to pick up an old guitar I had at my parents' place to find myself again. With the pandemic, a recent break-up and everything that's happening in life, I lost myself. I have set 2022 as my journey to find myself again. One way to do say is diving into art to create and express myself in a way I was always too insecure to do. I am ready now to fully commit to my musical journey and learn how to play the guitar.
how do you fare now? I'm restarting my guitar lessons too.
Thank you for another logical and informative video. I enjoy your approach as a perpetual learner BUT not an accomplished guitarist!
I can’t handle the sound of the pick scratching on the strings so I’ve never been able to play with a pick. I appreciate this video so much because even though I’m more intermediate I’ve just been using my thumb in the same way with no change.
thank you a beginner here your helping so much
Well explained Sr 👏 thank you very much 😊
JUSTIN ME OLD MUCKER, YOU MANAGE TO UNITE THE MASSES AND THIS IS A TYPICAL VIDEO “BRILLIANT “ G ❤️
Some of the best introductory guitar lessons on the Internet. Nice pace and consistent approach to a beginner. Most guitar tutorials are pedantic and more linked to their business model than helping us beginners IMHO.
like anything you need to do both, finger strum and pick. not using a pick has helped my strumming tremendously as I am not constantly fighting the pick moving in my fingers due to vibration and I have to reposition it, using my index finger I can strum pretty good and can concentrate on the rhythm
I didn’t start to use a pick until I had been playing with my fingers until I had been playing 35 years (I’ve been playing over 55 years). There are some songs still use my thumb and fingers on and others I use a pick. And some I use the fingernail of my index finger. Some songs I use a pica and even a thumb pick. My thumb I use to play the bass strings and bass lines and my fingers to strum down and up on the lighter gauge strings.
Here's it for what i was looking for tq sir for all the efforts n time to teach for PPL like us🥺😍tq so much sir God bless you
Another great lesson Justin. In a good way you are like my comfy jandels. I’m so used to your teaching I learn fast. Because you have a great manor and lesson are structured similar. I have your first guitar book for beginners. Maybe I need to buy another. Cheers Brent
I actually managed to get quite a good sound with my thumb with pad & nail on the upstroke, which tells me (& you) just how far my strumming has come.
A really great lesson, Justin. This topic is very rarely covered. Thank you.
Appreciate this and I share with many other folks. Cheers!
Wow, fricking lifesaver, man. Thank you. I strummed with thumb before and it didnt sound anything like it should i didnt understand whats going on.
There is more...a lot more on strumming to explore! www.justinguitar.com/advanced_search?q=strumming | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Guide, Approved Teacher & Community Moderator
Thank you so much for your videos! They are extremely helpful!!
Great lesson! I've just picked up my first acoustic and the timing for me is perfect. Thank you!
Thank you for the tips!
My finger always gets stuck the up strum, but now I know how to fix it!
Extremely helpful. Never found something as informative as this video 💜💜