Fingerstyle shred?

[justreleased09]

Would it be posible to alternate pick at a fast tempo with fingertips? If so how?

[graypianoflying]

Sure you can, though it wouldn't be alternate picking per se. Most of the really fast flamenco guys do it by alternating i-m (index and middle fingers). If we're talking fast scalar passages you could practice it much the same way you would with a pick, only using your fingers.

[justreleased09]

But I want to use the tips of my fingers, not finger nails. Would this still work?

[graypianoflying]

Are you thinking about doing this on a steel string guitar (either electric or acoustic) or a nylon string?

[justreleased09]

electric. steel string

[graypianoflying]

Okay, then I am not too sure. I had assumed that you were talking about a nylon string.

I doubt that one could reach them same speeds using one's fingers on an electric guitar as one could using a pick; at least, I don't know of anybody who can. Joe Pass can play some quick licks fingerstyle, and he doesn't use nails as far as I know, however even he uses a pick for his really fast lines.

[jessmanca]

yes. you need a nylon string. you need at least little stubs of nails. lots of practice.

[Patrick-Ruff]

well, I doubt it's possible with 2 fingers. maybe if someone used 3 fingers to pick one string and was very very good at it . . . either way, it's just easier to get good at speed picking imo.

[graypianoflying]

well, I doubt it's possible with 2 fingers.
Sorry, but you have clearly never heard Paco de Lucia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYkz30RL_GU&feature=related

[Babsi]

Yep, Paco de Lucia.