My guitar teacher sort of mix-and-matches different styles depending on what he's playing. I love the tone I get (on my best days
) with a DUDUDU flatpick pattern. But I'd like to learn the option of adding some color notes on the higher strings with my fingers while the main melody is being flatpicked.
Or something like that, it's not a subject I've thought through in much detail at this point. I just know when I used only my fingers I was frustrated because I was:
a) constantly attending to my fingernails and
b) still not satisfied with the thin and rather quiet tone I'd get
The basic flatpicking/crosspicking tone production has been much more satisfying for me. Although sometimes I miss the simplicity of just using my fingers to grab exactly the notes I want on whatever specific strings works best.
At root, I think we just have to decide on the sound we want and then work toward the technique than can create it. Presumably that's how everyone from Martin Simpson (who is a genius!) to Richard Thompson (who is Richard Thompson!!!) arrives at their own technique(s).