To begin, you must learn to strum without a pick. This technique will be useful when
you are required to strum during part of a song and pick during other parts. It also
enables you to do away with the belief that a pick is required to play your guitar.
- Place your thumb and index finger together so that your fingernails almost touch.
- Now, simply strum as you would with a pick, hitting the strings with only your thumb and index finger. Do not use any other fingers; they are not necessary.
- Try to use your index fingernail as the "pick" while strumming downward. Do not use your fingertips; using them may cause severe pain.
- Use the inside edge of your thumb as the pick while strumming upward. Be very gentle, because strumming too hard could be painful at first.
- Strum very gently at first, until you get a feel for the technique and can do it without hurting your fingers.
