tip or pad of finger? mmm

[Slippy]

hi all, first of all let me just say what a great site this is, got my first guitar a ween of months now and its going great.
  one thing thou, I see Justin using his finger pads not tips is this better to try and do?? thou my tips where very sore at the start they are ok now the way he plays looks more flowing... 

[Tourniquet]

Mostly you'll want to use fingertips but there are techniques or pieces of music that may require using the pad.... got any links as example?

[Bootstrap]

Depends what you are playing - most open chords you will need to use tips (except if you are Barreing - eg little F chord). On individual notes it doesn't matter much as long as you make the note sound.

There are times e.g. power chords with a 5th string root where you will want to use more of the finger pad on your 1st finger so the tip can mute the 6th string.

IMHO The important thing is not whether you use the tip or the pad - it is to get the sound you want and to be able to make a smooth change to the next note/chord.

Cheers, Bootstrap

[Bootstrap]

mods double post - please delete

[Slippy]

Hi all, many thanks for the info, very helpful. I would pad sometimes. As long as I know its good to do and not harmful to my learning....
I`ve a long way too go, but i`ll get there...thats if my wife does`nt kick me out with the ding I make, lol.

[charlieguitars]

just try to use your tips and if you realize "oh i should use my pads here" then do it.  Guitar is all about feel (well the way i play it it is.)