If you’re curious about the difference between finger pads vs fingertips in relation to the guitar and why this distinction matters, you’ve come to the right post!
There Are Countless Approaches to Guitar Playing
Do you know what’s so awesome about guitars? Both electric and acoustic guitars are so flexible. In most cases, there are no limitations to how you can play it. No rules are set in stone.
And we’ve seen this so many times. Sure, maybe classical guitar has its strict boundaries. But everything else is pretty much open for experimentation. As long as it sounds the way you intended, it’s good.
On the other hand, there are practices that we know will make things easier. After all, proper playing techniques are here to make performing more efficient.
Finger Pads Vs Fingertips: What’s the Deal
One of the things that beginner guitarists struggle with is fingertip callouses. What’s more, the pain can be one of the issues that discourage them to continue playing.
It’s really a shame. But there’s just no going around it. The sooner you develop fingertip callouses, the better.
One question some have is whether you can use other parts of the finger to hold down guitar strings. In particular, many are curious about whether finger pads are suitable to press down strings. Do they have their use in guitar playing?
Using Finger Pads Instead of Fingertips
Well, the simplest answer is that they do. Most commonly, you’ll use your index finger pad when fingering a bar chord. And there’s just no going around it. Whether you want it or not, sometimes you just have to parts of a finger that are not the tip itself.
There are also other uses of finger pads in guitar playing. One of those is when you’re playing sweep arpeggios. Sometimes, you’ll need to finger a certain note and then go over to the next one that’s on the adjacent higher string on the same fret. You press the lower note with your fingertip. And, as you move up, you slowly press the next one with the finger pad. In most cases, it’s the ring finger that does this job.
Then we also have certain transitional notes or chords as good examples. It gets simpler and more efficient to use a pad of the finger instead of its tip. Sometimes, that happens with your regular power chords.
Some may also implement the pads for muting adjacent strings. After all, most of the time, there are strings that you don’t want to ring out while you’re playing. But this may be a more advanced technique. It’s one of those things that’s harder to practice but comes with enough playing hours.
Finger Pads Are in No Way a Substitute to Finger Tips
So finger pads definitely have their use. This, however, doesn’t mean that the finger pads can replace the fingertips of the fretting hand. I mean, you’re free to play whatever way you want to. However, even after years of playing experience, you just can’t use them the same way.
There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, you can’t apply the same amount of force by pressing strings with finger pads. If you tried, your hand would get tired really fast. It’s impractical in that sense.
But that’s not all. What’s also a big issue with such an approach is that you won’t be able to get things to sound right. With fingertips, you get the maximum possible precision. Sure, you can press everything with finger pads. However, you wouldn’t be able to play single notes properly.
What’s the Main Difference?
Look, if you’re a beginner, I’d highly advise that you first focus on your fingertips. Some things will come naturally. However, there are some chords or specific song parts where you should use other parts of your finger. The best example is bar chords. You know, like the F major chord that beginners often struggle with the most.
As time goes by and you get more playing hours, you’ll start using them naturally. As I already mentioned, it’s one of those things that’s harder to practice. It usually just happens, and you suddenly realize you’re utilizing more than just your fingertip.
In short, finger pads are not a substitute. However, you can use them to complement the use of fingertips. Certain techniques will even require their full utilization. However, if you’re reading this, chances are that you’re a beginner or an intermediate player. For now, you should keep focusing on your fingertips instead.
Protective Finger Pads: Are They Any Good?
Another reason why you might be reading such a guide is if you’re trying to find out more about protective pads for fingertips. These are specially designed rubber pads that can help beginners with sore fingertips. But are they any good? Should you use them at all?
If you ask me, I’d advise you to avoid them. Sure, you might be struggling as a beginner. But like I said earlier, they’re not a viable solution. The sooner you form your callouses, the sooner you’ll become a good player.
There might be some exceptions to this rule. For instance, you might be recovering from an injury. In this case, rubber protective pads can be lifesavers. They’d help you get back on track without taking a long break from playing.
But if you’re just playing for fun and you’re thinking about using rubber pads to overcome some beginner finger pain, I wouldn’t advise it.
Finger Pads Vs Fingertips: Conclusion
I hope this article has helped clarify this topic.
And as usual, if you have further questions about this or another guitar-related topic, feel free to let me know in the comments below!
