Most of the people I have seen play ukulele with their fingers, however, I did run across a video of someone playing with a pick instead. I was wondering how many out there do use picks instead and their reasoning.
It's not uncommon for old time 'ukulele players in Hawaii to use a thumb pick combined with finger technique but most younger players go with finger flesh or nails. Plastic picks render a more twangy and bright tone than fingers, so not for everybody. I use a pick when I play electric and steel-string acoustic guitars but don't find a pick on nylon or fluorocarbon strings to be as nearly attractive as flesh or well smoothed nails. If you do use a pick, the heavier jazz style picks make a rounder tone than the thin praise band strummer picks.
I bought a special felt and cardboard pick for my ukulele. My dog ate it.
Aaron Keim uses Alaska Piks, which fit over the fingertips and thumbs like banjo picks. They’re plastic. I got a set in case my nails wouldn’t hold up but they have and I’ve never really used the Alaska Piks.
I have heard that some professional guitarists use clear nail varnish to keep their nails intact even if male.
My dog survived the pick eating experience and now curls up near me when i play. I am not sure if she enjoys the music or is after another snack.
I actually forgot i bought another one to experiment with over the holiday season, must get it out.