Playing Help.

[ceve4life]

I just started learning Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and although the finger picking isn't that hard, it's the part that I have to place the pick somewhere. Where would you suggest putting the pick before using it. Because it's hard to get to in the palm of my hand when I have to switch from fingers to pick, and I can't exactly sing well holding a pick in my mouth either. Some advice would help. Thanks.

[Thoughtless 7]

Get some masking tape, or a plectrum holder and put it near where you finger pick so you can easily get one out and use them?

[George Brown]

when i first learnt stairway my guitar teacher told me that page used the pick and his fingers simulatiously, at first my picking hand felt odd using a regualar pick as well as my fingers but after practise its a lot easier than switching

Edited June 11, 2006 by George Brown

[Pr3Va1L]

I recommend that technique too... Recently, I've been trying to get it, since a lot of players do that and it's a good skill to have as a guitarist... And Stairway to Heaven is also a really good practice at doing that!

Anyways, good luck.

[ceve4life]

Thanks!!!

[Primal]

I always just hold the pick in my mouth.

[Southpa]

People are still trying to learn that song while I'm trying to forget it, . I play it with flatpick and fingers all the way thru.

[Mickguard]

People are still trying to learn that song while I'm trying to forget it, . I play it with flatpick and fingers all the way thru.

I hated that song. Really hated it. I guess that's because they used to play it 30 times a day on the radio way back when.

Anyway, try to find the Brian Setzer Hot Licks video --he's really good at combination playing --sometimes he tucks the pick up and uses his fingers, then he'll swing the pick back down and just flatpick... or he'll flatpick and use his fingers at the same time...impressive.

If you're young enough, you can teach your fingers to do anything. Just take it slowly, focus on the muscles, they'll learn how to do it so you won't have to think about it anymore. Wish I had known this when I was a kid, I might actually be a decent guitarist now.

[Gorecki]

I agree as well, this is a common jazz player technique. Pick & three fingers is all you need, the tune never uses more than four notes/strings during the intro.

I recommend that technique too... Recently, I've been trying to get it, since a lot of players do that and it's a good skill to have as a guitarist... And Stairway to Heaven is also a really good practice at doing that!

Anyways, good luck.