[johnnydoxx]

When the weather gets nice, I will be playing outdoors 'for real' (not just practicing on the porch). Included are outdoor jam sessions, our family reunion, and just for fun in the park.

I just play chords and sing, no lead. I can sing loud enough to be heard quite a ways off (at least 60 feet, I'd guess).
I have some doubt that my acoustic will be loud enough for outdoors. For strumming, I just use my thumb.

I can't test it until the weather gets warmer, but I thought I'd ask for some opinions, because I may need to change some thing(s) and need time to practice.

So:
1. Is an acoustic strummed by thumb loud enough in, say a park pavilion, for people sitting 30 feet away to hear? Assume road traffic is not an issue.

2. If not, is it worthwhile to learn strumming with finger's nails or with a pick? I am not real enthused about either but will go there if that would work.

3. Or will a small amp and a microphone for the acoustic be a better solution? (Switching to an electro-acoustic or adding pickups to my acoustic are not options).

All opinions/advice appreciated, especially from 'been there -done that' experiences.

[starsailor]

The pavillion will give you a certain amount of projection if it's a bandstand but the mic and amp might be the best way to go, this might sound a bit mad but if you want to try it out drag the relatives outside and test what the range is then you'll be spot on when you have to perform, I kind of agree with your objections to option 2 as you use your thumb you could have a go with a pick it might not be that big a mountain to climb, worth bringing the number two options into your practice routine if you can spare the time but it does depend on how much time you have to prepare for the first session, if you've got a style you're comfortable and confident with then you should stick with it any change to the status quo will put a bit more pressure on you.
Have fun with that Johnnydoxx sounds like you'll have a great time

[allthumbs]

You really need to amplify once you get past a campfire or very small coffee house setting

[Dewy]

Depends on your guitar to some degree... I have a decent sized acoustic, and play with a pick, and I'm plenty loud enough for my voice. I played a bit at our last family reunion and no one complained about volume.

I can see where the "thinline" acoustics wouldn't carry very far, and outdoors even amplifiers will find their limitations.

[johnnydoxx]

Thanks for the thoughts.

I'm going to try it in steps. First step is to start practicing with a pick. I think that will be loud enough, as Dewy noted. I used to be capable with a pick 35 years ago, so I think I should be able to 'pick' it up quickly.

I'll try that in the park pavilion on the first nice day we get, to test it. If that doesn't work, I'll go for an amp.

That also helps with two other aspects:
1. If I decide to go to an electric I'll have the pick part out of the way;
2. The pick on the acoustic is much louder than my chirps when I change chords, where the chirps can be distinctly heard if using the thumb.