As a beginner, you might wonder about the best guitar playing style. While some musicians go for flatpicking, others feel comfortable playing this instrument using their fingers. There is no right or wrong here. Flatpicking and fingerpicking are simply two different styles of playing the guitar or another string instrument.
Flatpicking involves the use of a pick, also known as a plectrum. A pick is a small flat tool made of wood, nylon, plastic, or other materials that are durable yet flexible. When flatpicking, you keep the pick between your thumb and index finger and strike the strings of the guitar, banjo, or mandolin with it.
As the name suggests, fingerpicking refers to a playing style that involves direct contact between your fingernails or fingertips. You simply pluck the strings on your guitar using your fingers. The use of one of these playing styles depends on the musical genres you’re interested in, your comfort, and the sound you want to achieve.