Plectrums
O'k, so the subject of tone has come up a few times in the last week or so. And it got me wondering a couple things. As far as flat picks go.
What does everyone use and why?
ie thickness
type
brand
Do you use the point or the rounded corner? Or switch between them.
Do you use different thickness's and/or types for different types of music or music styles etc.?
Or do you just use what you like or feel comfortable with for everything? etc
How do you hold or grip it, Does it vary with the type of attack you want or do you hold it the same way all the time?
Myself I use dunlops and usually go with a heavy or medium on the electric. And a light or medium light with an accoustic. I don't know if that is wierd :shock: but that's just me. At nearly half a century, I'm used to being laughed at!
What does everyone use and why?
ie thickness
type
brand
Do you use the point or the rounded corner? Or switch between them.
Do you use different thickness's and/or types for different types of music or music styles etc.?
Or do you just use what you like or feel comfortable with for everything? etc
How do you hold or grip it, Does it vary with the type of attack you want or do you hold it the same way all the time?
Myself I use dunlops and usually go with a heavy or medium on the electric. And a light or medium light with an accoustic. I don't know if that is wierd :shock: but that's just me. At nearly half a century, I'm used to being laughed at!
Comments
It's kind of odd because I never felt comfortable using a thumb pick.
peace
I hate \"light\"/really thin picks. I do like the sound of very heavy, thick picks, but my picking/strumming isn't precise enough to get away with it... :oops:
PS doesn't \"plectrum\" sound like a body part? :shock:
Regards ... Evo
This video of Paul Gilbert shows and explains the way I hold and use my picks.
I like the scratchy sound from this downward angle, and the Jazz III pick shape is perfect for speed/sweep picking.
I can still drop back to a softer attack, by relaxing my thumb, and then picking parallel to the string.
I'll do that when I palm mute, strum, or drop my third finger to pluck a second string with the picked string.
Also, relaxing the thumb lets me choke up on the pick when I want to get thumb touch harmonics. (pinch)
Bending the thumb pulls my palm up away from the strings more.
Relaxing it, also relaxes my palm, dropping it lower.
It works for me, but I have humongous meaty hands.
I WISH I had hands like Paul Gilbert! Instead I have hands like George Forman. :?
Get a REAL pic you heathens....I've been using the same pic for a year & a half....AND they sound GREAT!
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=ice+pics&st=
Anyway, I use Grover Allman picks. They have been custom printed for my band (it was cheaper doing that and buying in bulk).
They are heavy gauge. Heavier the better.
But, here comes the interesting part. I hate the shape of the picks. So, i fire up the disc sander and sand them down to a stubby but pointy and sharp pick . This way I can shred much more cleanly as the tip is pointy, not rounded.
I hate anything thinner especialy for solos etc for better response etc.
A mate of mine uses a bnuffed down coin as he's a bit of a shredder.
I've tried coins but IMO they sound too harsh.
Oh and the only reason I use the Dunlops is because I like the nice purple colour they come in!
Nah....for some reason pinch harmonic squeals and pick slides sound much better with a metal pick...and I haven't lost one yet for some reason
The worst pick I've ever used was the 1.0mm stubbys. I loved the pick, but they were made with clear plastic :x I would lose them by the dozen. Who was the brain surgeon that came up with the idea of making a pick you couldn't see when they dropped? I called their customer service a few times to complain about the lack of color. I even asked if I could get them in a custom color....anything but clear. They turned me down. So, I moved to the 2.0mm stubbys. Now they make the 1.0's in red. But I'm finding it hard to go back. :roll:
I just use the dunlop tortex , the ones that are handy are worn so I don't remember what mm they are. But what's laying around are purple, orange and yellow and red.
Quite a few jazz III users think I'll get some to see what they are about!
shredd, several yrs ago Doritos had a promo where they had a big tiangle pick with different band pics on them in every grab bag. Some dorito lover gave me a couple hand fulls of them. What ya think do I have a retirement fund! :shock:
I use the copper and stainless Ice Picks, when you take the stiffness factor into account they feel like mediums...
As for the motion, Most of the players i admire use their wrists in most cases, which i believe is the most appropriate way.
However, do whatever works for you
emre
Wait a sec. I'm not even your age YET. :oops:
Holding, in between my thumb and forefinger and very close to the end which makes it easier to hit harmonics when ever I want.
Plus, you can't beat the price, a pack of ten for $2. Yes, I buy by the pack, not the pick. I can't afford $2 picks. Espcially the way I take care (or not) of them, find them in my car, under my desk, vaccuum finds them etc.
I know alot of guitarist have problems with cracking with thin picks, but like I said I hold it so close to the end that I rarely have that problem.