Can you flat pick and fingerstyle at the same time?

[MrFaulconbridge]

I want to start arranging some popular songs, However I want to mix rhythm with melody playing. what style would this be?

I have heard of hybrid picking but not sure if it involves rhythm playing part of chords with melody.

Would I have to use a pick for this style playing if its possible?

thanks!

[RRuskin]

Originally Posted by MrFaulconbridge

I want to start arranging some popular songs, However I want to mix rhythm with melody playing. what style would this be?

I have heard of hybrid picking but not sure if it involves rhythm playing part of chords with melody.

Would I have to use a pick for this style playing if its possible?

thanks!

The term "hybrid picking" does refer to holding a pick and using your fingers at the same time.

As far as mixing rhythmic & melodic content, you can do it with or without a pick.

[M19]

A technique Steve Howe picked up from Chet Atkins, flat pick between thumb and forefinger, and picking melody line with fingers. Chet used to say that he sounded like two guitarists...playing poorly! Sure, Chet, sure:

Sketches in the Sun on a Ric electric 12: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-k2PNFl2w

Clap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcAwFjjCcWg

Meadow Rag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_bra08ybAI

Cactus Boogie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdVaI_vxESA

Diary of a Man Who Disappeared: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMB57CRTStM

[mr. beaumont]

Hybrid picking is how I do all of my solo stuff-- I find it a great comprimise between fingerstyle and pickstyle.

[Tele1111]

I have always found it pretty easy to play with a flat pick between my thumb and index, and pick with my middle and ring (and sometimes pinky) fingers. I dont remember ever spending much time trying to learn either. I had been playing fingerstyle for a few years, and like a lot of people I started out strumming with a pick.

I can also use my (bare) thumb and index finger in tandem sort of like a flat pick. Not held together as some people do, but alternating them.

There are a few different ways to accomplish what you want to do, so to answer your question, Yes, you can.

[JonPR]

I could never get on with hybrid picking personally, and can't see how it's preferable to normal fingerpicking - provided either your thumbnail is good or you use a thumbpick. The main thing I don't like about hybrid picking is it deprives me of a good picking finger (and for no clear reason).
Of course, I understand if you need to switch between fingerstyle and ordinary lead playing (I can that as well with thumbnail or thumbpick, but it doesn't sound or feel as good). When I do that, I palm the pick when fingerpicking - even if it means holding it in my curled index (so I can't use that finger to pick with), I find that easier than hybrid picking.

Anyway...that's somewhat irrelevant! In answer to the OP - as RRuskin says - you can combine rhythm (chords) and melody in all kinds of ways with or without a pick (or thumb or fingerpicks).

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by JonPR

I could never get on with hybrid picking personally, and can't see how it's preferable to normal fingerpicking - provided either your thumbnail is good or you use a thumbpick.

It's preferable in situations where the guitar player may be comfortable with a pick, but needs an option to strike strings at the same time that doesn't involve left hand muting or the "brushed" sound of a pick across the strings.

It's also preferable if the guitarist wants to switch between that "pianistic" style and flatpicked lines--thumbpicks are not the best alternative for many.

[BigRed51]

Originally Posted by MrFaulconbridge

I want to mix rhythm with melody playing. what style would this be?

I have heard of hybrid picking but not sure if it involves rhythm playing part of chords with melody.

After spending about 40 years primarily playing with my fingers, and using a pick only to strum and throw in a bass run, I found myself seeking what I think you are describing ... a means of keeping a strumming rhythm going, with some melody for fills and breaks, and a little bass when nothing else was going on. So 4 or 5 years ago I transitioned entirely to using a flatpick. I did attempt the hybrid (pick and two fingers) concept, but it was more than my feeble brain could handle ... but here is a rough sample of where it has evolved to: Pass Me Not Clip

I don't do "arrangements" ... just play and let intuition run it's course ... but maybe it will give you a starting point ... or maybe I totally misunderstood what you were reaching for, in which case you may disregard this message!