How much of the pick is exposed?

[themacinator]

When you play with a pick how much of the pick do you leave exposed to hit the strings. Wanting to know because I am learning a couple songs that just need to be played with a pick even though I prefer to use my fingers.

[the byronic man]

depends on the sound i want. usually at least half, but sometimes i use the old Chris Squire method and leave very little pick exposed. that gives it a very aggressive, almost pinch harmonic quality.

[alatham82]

Less than half, more like 1/4th to 1/3rd.

[C.Linton]

Around a third for me.

[ChasBass]

About a half inch for string jumping...shorter for digging in or speed.

[stratovani]

When I need to play with a pick I use a big triangular Dunlop Tortex .50 pick. I expose at least half of it so that's a lot for a pick this big. Works for me though.

[themacinator]

Hmm...I am finding that less is more for me at this point. I was curious to get a perspective from other TB'ers. The ones that expose half surprise me a bit. When I do that I am sloppy, sloppy on the strings.

[makkE]

I think it's personal preference, and also depends on the type of pick a lot. Just do what gives you control and feels comfortable.

I leave only about 1/4 of the pick out, but mine have sharp tips, wich I find give me more control than bulky triangles or standart tips. Tortex 1.5mm Sharps.

[carlthegroover]

Maybe it also depends on how fast you want to pluck the strings at any given time. I've been experimenting with picking in both guitar and bass, and when I want to pick faster, I often find it better to leave less of the pick exposed, and even a bit tilted. It does work for me.

[Testing_123]

I have only a small part of the pick's "business end" exposed when I'm playing -- perhaps 1/4 inch. I learned this early when taking guitar lessons, as my instructor insisted on holding picks very close to the tip, and this habit carried over to my bass playing.

I prefer the precision and control I get when holding the pick with very little picking edge exposed. Leaving more pick out feels "sloppier", and it takes more finger/thumb pressure to hold the pick. I can control how much I dig into the strings by varying my grip pressure on the pick, without having to change my picking motion.

To me, it's similar to the act of writing when using a pen or pencil -- my writing gets messier (and physically more demanding) the further away from the writing tip I grip the pen/pencil.

[Phalex]

Not much at all really. I seem to choke up on it until just the tip (Really more like the side of the tip) is exposed. I also have a very loose grip on it.

[Russell L]

I like to use the traigular ones, not the big tortillas, but the ones with curved sides. I'm weird in that I hold the pick with two fingers and my thumb. I leave about 1/3 sticking out.

[DeclanG]

This much (in pic) would be around where i would have it. Dont have the bass nearby tho so had to imagine it When i want to play faster tho i usually leave a little less exposed.

[DeclanG]

Originally Posted by DeclanG

This much (in pic) would be around where i would have it. Dont have the bass nearby tho so had to imagine it When i want to play faster tho i usually leave a little less exposed.

Got onto my bass after and actually its a bit less. Probably about 2 thirds of what im showing there at most. When its a quick song i only show a tiny bit of the pick. Im still working on my technique (mainly since joining here) so dont take what im saying as gospel. Many more experienced here and of course, make sure its comfortable to you which is the main thing.

[themacinator]

Well I bought some "Wedgie" brand rubber picks, medium. Not bad and I am going with the less is more method. About 1/4 or even less of the pick exposed.

[ishouldbeking]

It really doesn't matter, in the end its just what works for you. Experiment with different types of picks too. Some folks love the giant triangular things; I can't stand em. For years I was using the tiny little Dunlop Jazz picks... ultimately I switched to standard guitar-sized tortex and ultex picks. Try a few different gauges and materials as well, you might find your technique or tonal needs are better met with a thick or thin pick, and the difference in tone from nylon, celluloid, tortex, ultex, even metal or other material. Ultimately its whatever feels and sounds best to you.

The wedgie picks are interesting... I always thought of them as a way for those of us who are far better with a pick to get the sound of playing with your fingers. Personally I don't like them, they seem to catch on the strings and hinder my playing of fast runs. But as always, its whatever works for you.