Do I have to use a pick?

Sorry, but yes.

And, I know, your favorite guitar player never uses one, so why should you?

Because it’s essential for learning the fundamentals of both rhythm and lead guitar playing.

It’s gonna feel weird at first, especially if you’ve been playing without one for a while. 

But just follow my instructions in Beginner to Kickass, be patient, and it’ll start to feel natural in no time. 

Then once you master playing with a pick, you can follow the path of Mark Knopfler and Jeff Beck all you want.