I just dont get it,how do I know when to fingerpick & when to strum (accoustic g

Question:

I just dont get it,how do I know when to fingerpick & when to strum (accoustic guitar)?

I try to play stuff like folsom prison,you are my sunshine..others,also..I dont know what & when to strum?!
I am about ready to give up on this guitar thing,its very complicated!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: You're right, it IS complicated but don't give up! Whenever I find myself at a difficult spot it usually means I'm getting ready for a huge learning surge. On thing I can recommend - I use a flat pick with my thumb & index finger & pick with my other three fingers. It's more of a feel thing than anything. Just keep at it and you'll get the groove going. Good luck! Its tough playing the guitar. practice until your fingers bleed. Try not to get frustrated, its not too easy at first but you'll get it! My advice is to learn the chords of the song you want to play (Im writing this assuming you know some of the basic chords of the songs you want to play) I suggest strumming the chords at first to get comfortable changing them in time and staying with the song and then when your comfortable make a picking pattern and work on it. There are many ways to strum and pick guitars, once you've found something that sounds good to you just stick with it! When I was just starting out (a looonnnnggggg time ago) it helped me a lot to see other people play guitar so if you're bored one day head down to your local music store...there are ALWAYS people in there jamming and I would bet that they would be willing to show you a few things. Hope this helps and good luck! It depends what kind of sound you want---if you want more seperation in your chords that use a pick, if you what it to seem more conected then strum. First never ever give up, keep practicing, like 10 minutes a day. And as for the picking and strumming, try listening to the song and if you here a note thats like ta ta ta, its picked and if its like taaaaaa its strummed.