10 Master Guitarists who NEVER Touched a Pick

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Did we miss a killer guitarist who doesn't use a pick? Tell us about 'em in the comments below!

[@WTF-Cubing]

George Thorogood! Lonesome George attributes his oversized guitar as the only reason his band existed due to the fact he couldn’t use a pick and needed that acoustic feel.

[@chewoo69]

Richie Kotzen is using pick and so called hybrid picking. So he is touching the pick more than often :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@WTF-Cubing Nice!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@chewoo69 he's long been pick-less since Winery Dogs, maybe even a little before. He's done several interviews on this.

[@MawtsTK]

Blake Mills, man. :(

[@billtice5057]

I played for a period of about 10 years without the use of a pick and developed tones that are unlike anything you can achieve with a pick. I think this video has inspired me to revisit playing with just my hands again. Great video Mason! :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@Scratch_Monsters_Golf]

To me, there is nothing more dynamic than having the ability to alter the way you play each string in chord. Having a finger on each note in the chord allows me to get the exact sound I’m after on a track. Took a long time to get used to, but it was worth it.

[@greenatom]

Most every time I fall in love with a guitarist's playing, it has turned out that they don't use a pick.

[@remygachis5803]

Incredible, I was just at Mateo Mancuso's concert in Hendaia, Basque Country while you were releasing this video. This guy is insane, i'm pretty sure he's got hidden fingers. Amazing show.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sooo good!

[@wilson7596]

Lindsey is a master. Producer, player, singer, writer the entire package. Interesting note is that he is really a Strat guy. His 62 is used on most of the famous solos you hear. Still uses it to this day. Love your channel man.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Of of the best!

[@wilson7596]

@@VertexEffectsInc I believe on Rumours it was his Strat, into a Hiwatt with a Stratoblaster blowing up the front end. Rick Turner had made this for him, Lowell George and others. Apparently the transformers were blowing up every half hour :) What a sound though!

[@Stereostupid]

Beck actually did use picks at some point I believe I thought he stopped in the late 70's early 80's but either way I do agree his tone got way better with finger meat and his sound and style keep getting better with age even at 78 .. very rare also the pioneer of faux slide playing he can mimic a slide or harmonica even violin sounds on command crickets, birds and everything else! master of volume and tone knobs his toggles his 5 way selector switch like a machine gun! He really took the Hendrix torch of experimental blues rock/fusion to a level no other player has achieved! I bow to his Majesty's secret service of Beck's Bolero

[@alanjamesh.zamorano1677]

I came here to say that! It's seems like people don't know Beck's 60s and 70s recordings. Of course he used a pick. I dare people to try to play Scatterbrain without one, for example. According to him he stopped using it somewhere around the end of the There and Back tour, which sets him up around early 80s. He said he was tired of dropping them lol. He had an accident fixing a car, crushing his thumb in the process. My theory is that incident contributed to him stopping using picks, as maybe holding them for too long was no longer comfortable.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The video says in the opening, that the video will investigate how these players developed their signature sound, albeit without picks. There are instances, sure, where Jeff Beck used a pick, but his "signature sound" is without a pick and always has been, and I don't think anyone in good faith could argue otherwise if we're taking an overview of Jeff Beck's guitar career. In the worst case someone may now believe that from Yardbirds to Jeff Beck Group that Jeff Beck was "pick-less" unnecessarily. If that's an irreparable harm, I'll own that. I could have put a short sentence in there as a preamble to some of the choices to clarify that while they may have used picks at one time in their careers, they've become defined for their work "sans pick". Thanks again for watching Rob!

[@SenatorJaiz]

@@VertexEffectsInc the example you used, Cause We Ended As Lovers, was a more recent concert performance. When recorded however, he used a Les Paul and a pick. Blow by Blow, Truth, Beck Bogart Apice, etc. we’re all before the finger style years. He has made a totally and unique finger style sound, but Jeff was a totally unique and legendary for 20 odd years with a pick.

[@TheStompboxer]

NEVER IN HIS CAREER! Haha, how does anybody still take this clown seriously?

[@jfo3000]

@Vertex Effects The thumbnail says "never used a pick".

[@robotgoose225]

I think Jeff Beck used a pick, in the 70's. There's the interview with him on TOGW where he runs through his effects (wind bag lol) where it at least looks like he's holding a pick... I could well be wrong ☝

[@Vincent-fo7xp]

No, you're right, Jeff Beck used to use a pick there is a video of it, he just don't need one and sometimes he'll pick like he has a pick in his hand but it's just his fingernail, Jeff beck is the best one on this list..

[@robotgoose225]

@@ulflurken221 is that what happened? I had no idea...like, he made an actual statement ''I hereby do declare that, from now on... ''etc etc. Mad... 🤣

[@lawyerbt]

You’re correct. Wikipedia mentions that he quit using a pick in the eighties.

[@robotgoose225]

I think perhaps he plays with a pick if or when he feels like it...? You get to a certain stage with guitar, that you realise that fingers on strings will always sound better than bits of plastic lol. I think he needed to (and he was more than capable of) shake it up a bit... and fairplay to him, he did. He makes an incredible, and also original sound with that Strat, but you don't just stop using a certain technique forever, do you...? Just like, whatever takes your fancy at the time, or something...🤷‍♂️👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@fonkfiend]

Hey my Brotha!! RobFonkstarr (Bacon) here lol I actually "ditched" the pick some years back, opting to use the side of my thumb for "butter", or brushing strings for mellow rhythm, then use the point of my finger(s) & nail when I need more of a "pick" attack (single note lines, runs, etc..) Also the natural harmonics are much easier to squeeze out with the fingers... Overall, using the fingers feels more organic and "connected" to the guitar...

[@SBahamondes]

I know right? So freeing

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

This is interesting to me because I don't use a pick. It started out just me not having one around and still wanting to play. But eventually, I thought I'd get more serious about it and really try to train myself to use a pick because there are certain techniques that you just can't do without one. Alternate picking, sweeping. But, it didn't work. It didn't feel right and it didn't sound right. I like the sound of my fingernail and I like the feel of the strings under my hands. And, oddly enough, I seemed to have gone backwards. I started out a rock musician and now I'm more of a folk guitarist and picker. Lol.

[@ShawnBarnesbass]

Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn is an incredible guitarist who has had an over 50 year career of fingerstyle playing of both acoustic and electric instruments.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'll check him out!

[@gloriaslovechild6496]

Jeff Beck and Derek Trucks got my vote! Some crazy good tones there!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes...two great!!!

[@toom6087]

Richie Kotzen played with a pick at the beginning of his career at Shrapnel Records, so "never" is not really appropriate here. But I'm glad you put him in this list. In my humble opinion, he is number one, Mark Knopfler number two and Jeff Beck number three. Congrats that's a good list. :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He's most notably a pick-less guy...I'm sure you can find instances where most guitar players have touched one.

[@stratcat688]

Andy from Reverb!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I suppose that's right...wanted to keep it more to people that are putting out records and touring, etc. I don't think Andy does that, does he?

[@GaveMeGrace1]

They’re amazing and inspiring! Funny thing for me: I’ve practiced mostly strumming and picking with my thumb over the last year in order to play quieter and no wake up my in the morning. Now I prefer it, and using a pick feels clumsy while strumming. I also prefer I for the few licks I know.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@stratopastor_uk]

Nice video. I saw Knopfler use a plectrum on a nylon strung guitar with the Notting Hillbillies....

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Unicorn sighting!

[@robm3569]

James "Blood" Ulmer has an interesting style using his thumb nail as his pick for strumming and lead work. It was many years ago, I sat right in front of the stage in a small club and watched his hands closely. He was the opening act for Eric Johnson. Great show.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'll have to check him out!

[@j.p.7708]

I guess you omitted WES MONTGOMERY because he’s in a league of his own.🎸

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He's great! We'd pre-shot a section using California Dreaming and then couldn't find any content that was not blocked or demonetized. We'll do another video like this and choose some Wes clips, no doubt!

[@smokyFAB]

Enjoyed watching the video, great selection of players. Also Jonny Lang, Guy King Daniel Lanois and the late Sean Costello as tasteful finger pickers come to mind ;)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes...too many to name in one video, but many greats out there!

[@GTrules123]

Jeff Beck definitely used a pick early in his career....

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@Devon_Dan_Sailing]

Great video. I have never felt comfortable using a pick. It removes the connection with the strings for me. I get that it amplifies the sound to be brighter but it’s just not for me. But I always felt I needed to. I think this video confirms you don’t.

[@paulhicks3595]

Jeff Beck used a pick in the 60s and 70s. Mark Knopfler very occasionally uses a pick.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less. Same goes for Knopfler.

[@partriotsfight5039]

Richie Kotzen is simply the fucken man on all fronts. Singing, writing and playing. Absolutely unreal

[@MikeMara]

Jeff Beck used one off and on in his younger years. It wasn't until the 90s that he pretty much stopped for good, and even then, he did use one for the Les Paul tribute stuff. I'm also not sure that Scatterbrain can be played without one, lol.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sure...but do you really associate Jeff Beck's style with using a pick? No, never.

[@brianwood7237]

Michael Schenker, Billy Gibbons, among others,would beg to differ... The influence of Beck's aggressive yet musical pick slides on the Truth era stuff like Shapes of things are very present in many classic rock guitarists...EVH, Angus Young...even in the Blow by Blow/Wired era Beck uses a pick...it isn't really obvious until 1980s There and Back and evidenced in his performances during the 1983 ARMS festival benefit shows that he had dropped the plectrum for the majority of the setlist...as he hits the Guitar Shop era you can see why...it's nearly impossible to ride a stratocaster's controls and manipulate the tremolo arm the way Beck does whilst gripping a pick... Great segment, LOVE MY STEEL STRING MK2 👍

[@jamesscott8468]

Jeff Beck used a pick until 1983. His best albums ‘Truth,” “Blow by Blow,” and “Wired,” we’re all recorded using a pick. His playing was much more incendiary and precise with a plectrum. Check out his phenomenal soloing with Clapton on “Further Down the Road” from the Secret Policeman’s Ball and the early version of “She’s a Woman,” from 1974 to see what we are missing with his pick-less playing today.

[@nealixd.3011]

Truth, 3 amazing LPs.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

I agree

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@godbyone]

100 percent on scatterbrain he uses a pick. But the rest. Just fingers

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@@godbyone No. Jeff used a pick almost exclusively on 'Blow By Blow' , 'Wired' and 'There and Back'

[@danielfrabotta5501]

Mary Spender is another one who's worth a look. Great video here as always, keep rocking.

[@OilCanHarry2U]

Agree

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Cool!

[@agriff4795]

I use both methods, something I learned from Stevie Ray Vaughn, I use a pick and my middle finger(hybrid picking) but I also play just with a pick or just my fingers as well. I don't remember his name, but one of the guitarists in Molly Hatchet back in the early 1980's was playing the solo in "Flirtin' With Disaster" he threw me his pick, started playing with his fingers, never missed a beat, but his playing sounded the same! That's something I've never seen before or since!! Great video, you picked a lot of my favorite players.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Probably the best way to get some elements of all styles for sure!

[@gevowavemagnet]

That's really the way to play. I could never hold on the the damn things.

[@goldenultra]

I agree, I just grow my nails a little longer on the right hand.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Some great tones too!

[@bmoney972]

Ive never used a pick and when I try it throws me off and I sound terrible. Playing without one just feels natural.

[@bloomWF]

Derek Trucks inspired me to pick up the guitar glad to see he made the list

[@joshuacormican6656]

@5:40 - You know you're good when you have Clapton playing rhythm for you...

[@ZACKSONFIRE]

Richie Kotzen's Fooled Again is on my 'On an Island' top 3 songs. I could listen to that song forever.

[@4syth]

Glad you put Jared James Nichols in the list. I've been following him for about 6 years now, he's an incredible young bluesman.

[@davelouis4004]

I find I drop the pick more often now myself which creates lots of possibilities , Jeff Beck has always been great with albums like Rough and Ready etc , ( think he still used a pick back then) but some of his incredible memorable playing has been without a pick !

[@VertexEffectsInc]

HIs sound is pick-less as we've come to know it.

[@DaveRossignol]

Great stuff. Well researched. Very interesting to us guitarists.

[@itstimmyramisu]

thank you for this. i think i’m losing sight of my dream. i write indie folk fingerstyle instrumentals. but not as many people will take the time to listen to that as they would a more popular genre, even though it’s very beautiful .

[@ColinDaviesGTR]

Jeff beck used a pick primarily back in the day up until the 70s.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@avantgardenovelist]

great idea for a video. thank you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@philbillie]

Bonnie uses a thumb pick. Always has. I worked as a guitar tech for her on a short two week tour in '96

[@jeffk8391]

I saw a thumbpick in that video. Didn't know that, thanks Phillip!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Interesting! Thanks for adding this!

[@franktaconelli9095]

Look up Jeff Beck’s Rockabilly band; he uses a pick

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@deaconddd]

Surprised by some of these for sure especially not realizing Jeff Beck doesn’t use a pick?! As a finger style electric guitar player it’s inspiring. Why Wes Montgomery or John Abercrombie was not mentioned is beyond me but this seems to be a rock oriented channel so it’s all good. I love all of these picks. Thanks for championing fingerstyle!

[@petertrotman7708]

I just mentioned that in my comment. It is a rock/blues based channel but it's primarily about the gear used. I love Wes but don't know much about his rig.

[@scarletfragment99]

Jeff beck didn't stop using picks until like mid career, in the yardbirds.. throughout the early 70s he used picks, stopped around 1980.. you can hear difference in his tone, he sounds better not using them...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@johnsamms6468]

Django Reinhardt who's right hand was badly burned in a tent fire at the age of 17 or 18 and had to develop the finger picking form that a lot of people use today. He was a main influence for guys like Lindsay Buckingham, Jeff Beck & also Willy Nelson, Jerry Garcia and Tommy Iommi who the latter 2 both lost fingers in early parts of the careers.

[@jmal5390]

Django's left hand was injured, not his right. He absolutely used a pick. As a matter of fact, there are replicas of one of his picks readily available online. it would be impossible to play in that style without a pick. The style is predicated on a very specific way of using a pick.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, very true, and if we were to do something more on Gypsy Jazz or acoustic guitars I think this would be perfectly appropriate.

[@johnsamms6468]

@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you both for the follow up; Mason, I am a huge fan. Keep up the good work...

[@kramevangelista5242]

FYI, Jeff Beck used a pick early in his career (Blow by Blow, Wired albums) and he's a monster in picking! Ritchie Kotzen used to use picks in the late 80s to early 90s.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, but their signature sound has become synonymous for being sans pick.

[@kramevangelista5242]

@@VertexEffectsInc you're right, but the title says "NEVER touched a pick". :)

[@monkeymuggs]

Beck played with a pick in his early days.

[@stickman55100]

Fantastic compilation of great “pick-less” players!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@funkster007]

Well, Jeff Beck did use a pick until early to mid 80's. He finally said enough after dropping it too many times. Hence a totally different change in sound and technique.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

he should have used some tape from his rug, he never seems to lose that

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Knopfler also used a pick on Expresso Love plus his more recent solo work

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

@@TheHumbuckerboy Maybe he’ll start using a rug like Jeff Beck soon

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@jamesfetherston1190]

@@VertexEffectsInc Cause We Ended as Lovers on Blow by Blow is about as signature a sound of Jeff Beck as you would ever hear. He used a pick on a fixed bridge Telecaster fitted with humbuckers.

[@mallorga1965]

Matteo Mancuso is just incredible. There's a reason why none other that Al Di Meola praises him.

[@istvandejesus]

Hi and may the Lord bless you all. I use to underestimate finger style technique on electric guitars. My mindset was “picks are for electric guitar as finger style is for acoustics”🤦🏻‍♂️ This days I ditch my pick almost entirety because of Mark And Richie Kotzen. I feel more control on my rhythm guitar parts using my fingers than I do with a pick.

[@grahambeyer1]

(Bonnie has a a thumb pick) but Love her playing. Learned a lot. Thanks for the vid bud.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You sure?

[@grahambeyer1]

@@VertexEffectsInc yes. Check other vids of hers. It's a clear thumb pick but you can see it .

[@voyxu143]

Yes, Jeff Beck used a pick. He dropped his pick one night and said he was too embarrassed to bend over and get it off the floor. After that he said he never used a pick again, but yes at one time, he did indeed use a pick.

[@fretbuzz59]

He still uses one for Scatterbrain.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@alsegno4347]

WES MONTGOMERY (thumb)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!

[@fly1327]

Weekly guitar lessons so long ago, 8 months later quit as I couldn't stand playing with a pick, sounding terrible with instructor unapproachable playing otherwise. So many years later, my few remaining picks are great cat toys, he loves 'em!

[@cworkmon]

Thanks! Great vid! People are always trying to loan me a pick, my answer is always, Thanks, but I wouldn't know how to use it.... Didn't realize how many of my guitar heros also don't use picks! Rhait, knopfler....King! Thanks again!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The best!

[@gorimus]

Nice informative video. I have been using a pick for decades, but recently trying to use fingers (for blues especially). I am curious to know did these people use flesh or nails to pick (or both). I can't seem to get the nail length right and in most cases, the flesh part is good enough. When I want a sharper sound, I use the pick tucked in my palm. I thought shredding was only possible using a pick until I saw Matteo Mancuso some years back on YT! On another note, I read that Jeff Beck use a pick early in his career.

[@the_gitman5978]

Jeff Beck used a pick with the Yardbirds. Check out the New Musical Express Poll Winners concert here on KZbin. He didn't drop it until he began his solo career.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@cheaneysaddles]

Marshall Tucker's Toy Caldwell no pick player.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes! Great add!

[@franklinrwful]

Jeff Beck used a pick on his Rock n' Roll party gigs.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sure...but do you really associate Jeff Beck's style with using a pick? No, never.

[@RakelaK67]

Beck didn't move away from the pick until the mid 70s... but even up the the end.. whenever he played with his rockabilly band he always used a pick for that style of music..... a lightning fast picker at that.

[@larryrhindress2972]

Loved it!!! I stopped using a pick 10 years ago and it was the best move that I have ever made!!!!

[@shadowsofyourlover1557]

Why do they say though that it's important i feel so frustrated when i try to play guitar with pick because of peer pressure

[@larryrhindress2972]

@@shadowsofyourlover1557 Don't listen to them. Play the way you feel right about!!!

[@MrCristyboy]

The clip you showed of Robbie Krieger I was standing to the right of the stage for the whole performance,Jim Morrison never took his coat off, he was fresh from his troubles in Miami, but the gig was still good

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow! Amazing!

[@rodrigozamo]

I read not long ago a statement by Jared mentioning that he is actually left handed, so using a pick when learning felt foreign to him. And there are many left handed players that have learned playing right handed guitars so not that weird but the pick makes sense why he developed his picking style by going natural

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Interesting!

[@soniah4821]

Mason, Bonnie Raitt “made her way as a guitar player” in the 70’s, not late 80’s. She had a number of albums (without Little Feat) where she played slide as well as picking acoustically. Check out “Sugar Mama” and “Love me Like a Man”. Good show.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great artist, no doubt...just had to hit the highlights!

[@phillipb9328]

Wes “The Thumb” Montgomery

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wanted to get him on here...couldn't find something that wouldn't get flagged :(

[@drdre4397]

@@VertexEffectsInc Damn that really sucks. Love Wes, excellent video anyhow Mason!

[@Sj60-zj4bs]

Eyewitness testimony here . I saw Beck live at the Santa Barbara bowl in 1980. He was using a pick. I play guitar myself and I notice those things.I saw him again in L A 1989 (Beck’s guitar 🎸 shop tour). He wasn’t using a pick at that gig( Stevie Ray Vaughan was also on the bill, got lucky 🍀 on that one). Shortly before he recorded “guitar shop” is when gave up the pick .

[@JuanRodriguez-fy3qs]

With all due respect, Mason, Jeff Beck did use picks. It was some time in the late 70s or early 80s where he stopped using picks. I read an article in the mid 80s where he said he, 'locked out," of using picks. My guitar teacher stated the "locked out" statement but he did use picks in the 1960s.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

His signature sound is sans pick...find a Jeff Beck lesson or tutorial that calls for a pick.

[@neilmanns3098]

He did mention at the beginning that some of these guitarists didn't use a pick or used them a little before not using a pick.

[@edburner6258]

add Toy Caldwell from Marshall Tucker Band just his thumb, T Bone Walker, Stanley Jordon

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@waynegram8907]

Mark Knopfler used a 1961 brownface fender virbrolux which im not sure if the model was 6G11 or AG11-A but with that Dan Armstrong Orange Squeeze compressor and that brownface vibrolux amp it has that first album dire straits tones. I'm not sure why the dan armstrong orange squeeze is so much different than other guitar compressors. The brownface vibrolux model with that orange squeeze compressor is a good match not sure why they interface so well but there its very sensitive to picking dynamics ranges. You should make a video lesson about this combination because its an overlooked trick that Knopfler found by chance.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for adding this Wayne!

[@zombee38]

I'm a hybrid picker so it doesn't affect me it's just a choice. A pick could help you sound a bit better in some situations and the same applies to just use your fingers.

[@jeffisaac8000]

Love your channel . John Hiatt wrote Thing called love I believe

[@VertexEffectsInc]

That's correct!

[@FunkyELF]

Chris Buck for sure uses a pick but switches back and forth so quickly even mid phrase. I'd love to hear his philosophy on it because that dude is totally proficient without a pick but still chooses to dig in sometimes with one.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He's a great player!

[@gregglaughlin8625]

Super idea for a video theme

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! Was suggested by our viewers!

[@godbyone]

Jeff. Beck still uses a pick one song scatterbrained. I have couple a pick s Jeff used one was he opened with satana he handed it to me. I’ve seen it very beck usa tour from 80s till present. Up front. Most times from row have great pictures. Got to meet. Once when he played with. Brian Wilson. He s said interview s wasn’t happy about that one but I loved it

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for add this! Thanks for watching!

[@NutritionalHealthService]

Brilliant. Thank you. I'm pick free too.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You’re welcome 😊

[@mudkatmark]

Thank You for sharing this video. I like the feel of the strings on my fingers.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jan-michaelnelson6571]

Hello? Your correct! I hadn't realize that I'm not a subscriber. Done!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thank you for the support!

[@jan-michaelnelson6571]

@@VertexEffectsInc No worries. I appreciate your effort. Keep this with you, Smiles Always!

[@calebriley7611]

WES MONTGOMERY!!!!!! He was literally nicknamed the thumb!❤❤❤

[@groovalotfunk4147]

Question: When is it most efficient to solo using 3 fingers on the right hand vs 2 fingers on the right hand? Big thanks for your knowledge!!

[@NORMIES_GET_OUT]

I know there are plenty of famous guitarists that don't use a pick, so I always imagined the way I play was more common that I thought, but I've never seen anyone play the same way I do where I'm basically playing like you would if you were actually using a pick, but pulling my thumb in tighter and using the tip of my index finger like it is a pick kind of. I let the string (or strings) hit my fingernail then let it slip off almost like a weird downstroke finger pluck, but with my index finger mashed against my thumb almost like a fist so that the motion of my finger is my whole hand, not just my inder finger. I also have a weird hybrid version of this style mixed with what looks like pieces of Mark Knopfler's plucking up style with multiple fingers (I call it crabbing) for double stops and whatnot. I'm blues and country player so it works for me, but I dunno. I'm just weird I guess. This my friends is exactly why you shouldn't teach yourself, lol. I find myself struggling trying to learn more advanced techniques now because every teacher or youtube tutorial or whatever method of instruction you happen to use always just assumes you're normal and are using a pick.

[@chazcordova1481]

Myles Mancuso is a great non-pick guitarist as well. He lives and plays in Key West, FL. He was a child prodigy.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@greenatom]

Bruce Cockburn. AMAZING player and songwriter.

[@bassiclogic]

Jeff Beck used to play with a pick! He stopped using pick in the 1980's!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@paulbarnett6797]

When he dropped it apparently

[@godbyone]

He still uses pick on one song scatterbrain. I got 2 picks over the years after he played scatterbrain. But the rest. No pick. I be still have those picks. And back stage pass s. Picture. But 100 percent. With. Scatterbrain only. He uses a pick

[@nigelcristobal1185]

Blake mills. His video on the fender channel is one of the most inspiring performance ever, plus points for his wonderful tone.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sooo good!

[@goojedooje660]

Jeff Beck did use a pick early on the yardbirds he use to drop it too much

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The thesis of the video sets out to identify some of many players who's signature sound didn't require a pick. Admittedly the title is more exclusionary than that - as most KZbin titles have some amount of hyperbole - however, I don't think many would argue that the signature Jeff Beck sound includes a pick, but rather a Strat with a floating bridge, totally pick-less.

[@fernandes5986]

Richie Kotzen used picksat least in his Shrapnel Records shredding days when he used his Ibanez RG Guitar.

[@jackprice7828]

I do both depending on what song style and guitar type. I was blessed to learn finger picking in my beginner days in high school. Learning from Chet Atkins, Flamingo and Classical guitarists my band mate and I would sit and play for hours learning these techniques. Even learning from Paul Simon and James Taylor. Bottom line is learning finger picking has given me a great tool to use even on electric. There are things you can do sonically that can only be done playing with your fingers.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@williamgreenfield9991]

I have no idea what a "Flamingo" guitarist is. Did you mean Flamenco?

[@jackprice7828]

I stand corrected on my spelling. It is Flamenco, but still an incredible guitar style.

[@MrCherryJuice]

Yes, as noted by others below, Jeff did use a plectrum though would occasionally used fingers as needed. I read in an interview where he said he stopped using in the mid 70s when touring 'Blow by Blow' (or 'Wired'). Why? He claimed he kept dropping them and it wasn't cool to be bending over to pick them up (this is before people were taping them to mic stands and their guitars). Jeff would have been reasonably adept with finger playing because Merle Travis was one of his early influences, and so-called Travis Picking is country style finger work (listen to some of the licks on 'Jeff's Boogie' with the Yardbirds). The guitar on 'Because We Ended as Lovers' is the so-called Tele-Gib Jeff was given by pickup maker Seymour Duncan. At the time Jeff was recording, late '74, Duncan was doing guitar repair work at the Fender Soundhouse on London's Tottenham Court Road, a sort of boutique shop for various brands of guitars and other gear carried by Arbiter, the major UK instrument distributor (and creator of the Arbiter Fuzz Face). The guitar was a rebuild and featured two Gibson humbuckers. Those pickups came from Lonnie Mac's Flying V and were also rebuilt by Duncan. At the time Beck was switching between his 'Oxblood' Les Paul and the Esquire from his Yardbirds days. The Tele-Gib gave him the mix of those and appears on a couple tracks. Jeff ended up keeping that guitar though how that went down differs depending on who is telling the story. Jeff says he gave Duncan the Esquire in the studio and then watched it 'walk out the door'. But Duncan (and someone else who gave an account) said he was at work when one of Jeff's people showed up with a bag containing three guitars including a Strat and the Esquire. He was instructed to pick one in exchange for the Tele-Gib, so chose the Esquire because of its history. That guitar is now on display in a Hard Rock Cafe...or these days maybe the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Jeff has occasionally lamented letting it go, but despite him and Seymour being friends - he even endorsed Duncan's own brand of amps at one point - the guitar never returned to him. Whether he ever asked for it, I don't know. And as we witness in many videos, Jeff doesn't need a whammy bar to create a bend or slide effect. As Clapton and Page have noted on various occasions, Jeff's mastery of manipulation of the strings, controls, and guitar itself set him in a league all his own.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

If you look at any Jeff Beck lesson on KZbin, none of them ask for a pick, in fact they tell you to disregard it as his signature sounds, as it's come to be known, is without a pick.

[@MrCherryJuice]

@@VertexEffectsInc Yes, Jeff's current signature sound - and for many years - is with fingers. But for those of us who've followed him since his '65, when he emerged with the Yardbirds, he has had several signature sounds. Indeed, his earlier signature sound, as heard on 'Beck's Bolero' ('66) and 'Truth' ('68), became the signature sound of most major rockers today.

[@spacerockwizard]

Beck dropped the pick sometime around 1980. I dropped it in 2020. Hence, my interest in this fine video. Thanks.

[@spacerockwizard]

That said, Matteo makes me want to quit.

[@fabiogasperini5868]

I dropped one too. It went to the parallel universe of the lost screws, socks, and picks.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@jwhines2]

A lot of country blues players never used a pick. BB King used a screen door wire nailed to a wall with a pocket knife for a slide starting out. Eventually, King favored a medium-sized pick with a real guitar because he could afford one later in his career.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, very true, impossible to name them all!

[@PaulMatthewMusic1]

Charlie Hunter. I think he has used a pick on 6 string stuff but the 8 string bass/guitar thing he does should be mentioned in the amazing no pick styles

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He's amazing! Wish I'd though of him!

[@PaulMatthewMusic1]

@@VertexEffectsInc video 2

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@PaulMatthewMusic1 Yes!

[@dougfaria1361]

You should have also mentioned that Albert King also plays a right handed guitar left handed. He left the strings just the way are supposed to be, with the high E as his top string. So from top to bottom is EBGDAE

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Does that contribute to him not using a pick? Seems like it's not really necessary given you see him playing on screen.

[@timjacobs1299]

"Holiday Road" by Lindsey Buckingham was from National Lampoon's Vacation - not Christmas Vacation

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Good catch! You're right!

[@Frapzoid]

Beck used a Les Paul and a pick when he recorded Blow By Blow. Cause We've Ended as Lovers is on that album. I saw him in 1975 when he played the songs on that album and yes, he was playing a Les Paul with a pick. He stopped using a pick sometime in the 1980's. He started playing Strats on the next album, Wired.

[@danacoleman4007]

Bonnie Raitt is a GODDESS!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The best!

[@renepeterse1884]

To add a few, John Cipollina from the Quicksilver Messenger Service and Jorma Kaukonen from the Jefferson Airplane end Hot Tuna!

[@DougMen1]

Not true! John used a thumbpick and fingerpicks, and Jorma used a thumbpick on electric too. Just look at some YT videos and you'll see that I'm right.

[@renepeterse1884]

@@DougMen1 ok, i see thump and fingerpicks as playing by hand. And I think Jorma also played with pick at times. So not a 100% hit, I give you that. But their playing is colored by their style of picking. There’s footage of Jorma playing in Germany around 1980 where he’s playing fingerpiking blues on a distorted elecktrick. Great stuff that you can’t do with a pick.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for adding, I'll have to check that out!

[@DBroce]

Michael Hedges / Stanley Jordan/ Wes Montgomery. I think? Hedges is one of the most underrated guitarist of all time. Never on anyone’s list.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

All great!

[@vonlouielacastesantos7712]

Honorable mention is John Mayer. But he's versatile because he still uses the pick in his other songs.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Still a pick guy I think overall...not like a Jeff Beck or Knopfler for example.

[@errortonin]

Wes Montgomery and Andrés Segovia!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wes, yes...should be here too, we had trouble getting non-flagged material to used. Segovia would be for acoustic.

[@RichardWagner3]

Mason, I think you might’ve forgotten the great Hubert Sumlin and along The legendary Howling Wolf

[@msspi764]

which goes to a comment I made, there's a link to blues fingerpicking and slide that he misses.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Forgotten, no...this is not "The List" just some of many. This is stated in the intro.

[@danacoleman4007]

Interesting. I had no idea. French Stewart was such a great guitar player.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Huh?

[@danacoleman4007]

@@VertexEffectsInc I was just making a joke. One of the people in the video looks like French Stewart, who is an actor.

[@griguthul]

For reference, Beck is NOT using a G-BenderTelecaster either. Had to stop the video and go look at the full clip. The guitar strap is used to bend only the G string from the back on some Telecasters. Jeff Beck's Telecaster is solid.

[@rickjason215]

You could have a B bender. Beck uses the whammy bar and swirling the volume to make that sound.

[@griguthul]

Yeah B-String. Guitar teacher had one waaaay back. @@rickjason215