The pick-hand technique involves the thumb (T), index (1), middle (2) and ring (3) fingers working independently, allowing polyphonic pursuits. The main and obvious advantage that finger-style has over playing with a “flat-pick,” is the ability of each finger to “control” a string. This finger-style method enables a player to produce melody, harmony and (rhythmic) bass line simultaneously, on any string set. You can easily play arpeggios (used in all styles of music) with numerous finger and thumb combinations, that can provide an endless source of melodic and rhythmic variations. Finger-style playing opens a world of musical possibilities that the flat-pick simply can’t deliver. (conversely, flat-picking has its advantages) Despite their differences in technique, a large percentage of ALL guitar repertoire is in the keys of G, C, D, A, E, (F), and their related minor keys. This is because these “idiomatic” keys are related to the open strings. The open-string chord, with its resonating sound, is the heart and soul of blues, folk, rock, and C&W, as well as flamenco and classical guitar music.