Alice...depends on what you want to play...I play some fast, old-timey tunes, and I like the ability to strum both ways (back & forth) with my middle finger..(I dont use picks on all fingers like Brian Bowers). So...my trick is to use a Mizrab..(Sitar plectrum) which is a 'V' shaped wire pick that doesn't catch on the strings.I have also made a brass pick with the same general design. I play then, a style sort of between Maybelle Carter and Kilby Snow. Playing tunes then is just a matter of getting used to how far up to 'reach' with my middle finger. (My wife plays the zither--which is MUCH trickier, since she has to hit each note precisely!)

You will find a LOT of people playing in variations of Brain Bowers stlye, with 5 picks...and that is fine, but it is a lot more 'complex' to get good at than what I do...more detailed questions as you experiment will allow more detailed answers... and the Cyberpluckers have MANY neat tricks, too! Good Luck!