Fingerpicking Narrow Necks

[Armstrang]

While reading reviews in the search for a new guitar, I came across several complaints from reviewers about narrow necks and how hard they are to fingerpick. Most complaints were in Jumbo reviews. I guess most Jumbos have 1.68 width at the nut, and are probably best for strumming and flatpicking. I have had no problems with fingerpicking anything with my Alaska Piks, and have very little trouble on 12-strings with no picks.
I am interested in other folks' experiences and opinions on the subject.
I'll bet there are some new guitar buyers out there who would like to hear what others have to say about fingerpicking narrow necks, too.

[SixStringMadman]

Uhm, I think those people are just complaining about stuff they know nothing or little about, honestly.

I would consider myself and intermediate guitar player, and I picked up an acoustic in a music store with a neck FAR skinnier than the six-string I have now and had no problem playing it, finger-picked that is. In fact, I played 'Shelf in the Room' by Days of the New, on it, and that song is 80% finger picked on various sets of strings about the neck.

Or, it could be they are too lazy to practice a little bit?


SixStringMadman

[gck]

Why should fingerpicking on a narrow neck acoustic be more difficult than on a classical (wide neck) guitar?? I think it's just that those people do not practice enough, fingerpicking is in itself "difficult" if you've never or rarely ever practiced it before!!

[Griz]

I asked the same question of some pros and the consensus is it's your preference. If you have skinny fingers like me and want to be able to flat pick also, no problem. If you've got Segovia like stubs and want to do exclusive finger picking then go wider, IMHO. The difference would be noticed in the left hand of course, down by the nut, see if forming something crowded like an E with F bass is hard to do. Or bass runs.
I am thinking of a neck swap on a new Lowden since I want to have faster, single note flat picking ability as well as finger picking.
AND I have long, skinny fingers!