Learning C6 - Strum with thumb pick or use a 3rd fingerpick?

Gerald Shaw · From: Florida, USA

I'm taking up the C6 neck and I'm on day 3. I'm working through the Buddy Emmons C6 course, and most of the chords are 4 note chords. Which is a departure from the 3 note max chords I'm familiar with on E9. It seems like the standard approach is to strum the 2 bottom strings with the thumbpick. I'm finding it easier just to use a 3rd fingerpick. When strumming, I tend to miss the 2nd note with the thumb.
any reason I should stick with the strumming approach versus using a 3rd fingerpick? Seems like I'd get a more even volume/timbre from the fingerpick.

Also, the course skips pedal 4 altogether. Is that a Buddy preference, or is string 4 not used that often?

Thanks

Steve Hitsman · From: Waterloo, IL

You could put a finger pick on your pinky too, and grab some 5 note chords but what are you going to do when you want 6 or more?

Ken Metcalf · From: San Antonio Texas USA

Ether one takes some work to get it smooth.
I use a 4th pick and it tends to make you hold your hand flat-er.
Okay for pick blocking kind of rough for palm blocking.
_________________
MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes

Sandro Rocco · From: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

I grow my index middle and ring finger nails slightly longer and use them. I find finger picks horrible uncomfortable (other than the thumb). I use four fingers for C6 stuff and find it works great.

Sandro Rocco · From: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

I grow my index middle and ring finger nails slightly longer and use them. I find finger picks horrible uncomfortable (other than the thumb). I use four fingers for C6 stuff and find it works great.

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

four note grips are good to know Gerald
since you're beginning, might as well get the 4 fingers workin'
there are some great grips ( especially on C6 - that's another story...)
strumming w: the thumbpick is used but should'nt be a sub for 4 fingers
there's a time to work & a time to have fun
do both...... Winking

Richard Damron · From: Gallatin, Tennessee, USA (deceased)

Don't even think about it! Use all four and be done with it. The advantages far outweigh the necessity to come up with other blocking techniques.

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