Scratchy pick sound

genericusername · #1 06-28-2011, 04:53 PM

I'm guessing most people on this site usually play fingerstyle, and I do too, mainly. But whenever I do use a pick (some Motorhead and Megadeth songs) I keep plucking the strings at an angle, which makes this annoying scratchy sound (pickslide, but unintentional). I play an ESP LTD AX-404, strung with SITs and sometimes rotosounds (all roundwound), and the picks I usually use are .88mm tortex picks.

Also, I apologize if I posted this is the wrong section of this forum! Sorry!

tdub0199 · #2 06-28-2011, 05:02 PM

that to me would be technique..... trying holding your pick more flat & perpendicular with the string... i think whats happening is the edge of your pick is hitting the strings at an angle and sliding down them.... in turn making a scratchy sound......

tdub0199 · #3 06-28-2011, 05:07 PM

wait a minute... i just replied with a answer but read your post again and what was the question?

Epitaph04 · #4 06-28-2011, 05:12 PM

JimmyM should chime in shortly to mention the Carol Kaye method of pickstyle on a bass guitar. It's actually pretty good.

brotherbassj · #5 06-28-2011, 05:17 PM

I'm not a huge fan of pick style bass......HOWEVER........I have played Chris's picks from Gravity picks (gravitypicks.com) and the striker XL 3mm is flawless.......it glides over the strings and makes almost no noise at all! It wild, you won't beilieve it........he actually is/was giving away free samples! The picks really sound as if you are using your fingers almost. I have been a user of dunlop tortex picks forever (especially when I play guitar). Gravity picks will give you a faster attack and speed up your playing....seriously......try one! They are worth the price. You will honestly be amazed!

PS-I am not affiliated with Chris in any way. I think he has a great product. My guitarist has played dunlop big stubby 3mm's for 15 years...........he's particular...........he's going with gravity picks.........thats serious business for my anal retentive/obsessive compulsive guitard!

genericusername · #6 06-28-2011, 05:27 PM

Oops, I guess I forgot to actually ask the question!

tdub0199, you guessed the question correctly: How should I play with a pick to avoid the scratchy sound?

/embarrased

JimmyM · #7 06-28-2011, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epitaph04

JimmyM should chime in shortly to mention the Carol Kaye method of pickstyle on a bass guitar. It's actually pretty good.

Was just going to say hold the pick to where it strikes flat against the string, actually. It's kind of like the obvious solution, isn't it?

But definitely check into Carol Kaye's method. It's a far superior method of playing with a pick that leaves you pain free and sounding great every time.