We recently had a change of teacher at my guitar class. The first guy told us not to use a plectrum as he wanted us to feel the strings with our fingers and be more "at one" with the guitar. Now our new teacher wants us to use a plectrum - he says we really will benefit by using one.

I prefer picking or strumming with fingers (perhaps because that's what I've been doing until now) but he really insists I should change. I don't need the extra volume as I'll only ever play for my own pleasure so are there advantages?

Now, I realise that there are no "rules" as such and that I can please myself (and will probably end up doing both), but these two teachers have such strong views about it that I feel sure there must be some issues.

All help appreciated.

Cheers, Terry