What frequency range is the "pick sound" in?

**Matthew_84** · #1 01-05-2012, 12:08 PM

Hello TBers,

Just curious. I've started playing with my fingernails, which gives a very pick-like sound. Although the sound is great for a lot of things, sometimes I'll be playing a classic bassline that was played with fingers and it just doesn't capture the same tone/mood. I can angle my fingers differently and play with the flesh, but I'm also just curious as to what frequency range that unique sound comes in so that I can EQ it out of certain songs.

I'm guessing the upper-mid range, but would boosting the low-mids or something help out as well?

Thanks,

Matt

Edit to add: I've tried rolling down my tone knob, and it helps but not fully, so I'm looking for something else. Thanks.

kraigo · #2 01-05-2012, 12:28 PM

I'm betting the bright attack that to me defines the pick sound is in the same range as the kick drum impact, so it would be in the 2KHz - 4KHz range, fairly high up, actually.

KO

avvie · #3 01-05-2012, 08:07 PM

An engineer I know and respect puts it in the 5kHz range.... "string click" he calls it.

Against Will · #4 01-05-2012, 11:46 PM

I personally think pick sound has more to do with the attack of the note instead of the EQ. If you want a pick sound with your fingers try playing with the very tip of you finger (you can also try growing your fingernails to use as makeshift picks) and put a little more power into your plucks.

sonic assassin · #5 01-06-2012, 02:06 AM

its eq and an altered timbre altogether. just like drums with mallets, brushes or sticks

**Matthew_84** · #6 01-06-2012, 11:13 AM

Thanks everyone for posting. I do agree that using a pick changes the attack, the timbre, the sustain, and the delay of the note, but I did mean the "string click" as Avvie puts it... the initial high-pitched click sound associated with the attack.

I did suspect it was in the upper mid range, but I guess it's a little higher than that. I will experiment a bit. Thanks again

Ubersheist · #7 01-06-2012, 01:13 PM

Thinner picks produce higher frequency clicks, thicker picks and hollow body basses are more all across the frequency spectrum. A multiband compressor with a very, very short attack and short release could help, but probably not. If you use heavier picks, then a standard compressor may help, but again, the attack has to be very very fast, and have a very short release. It'll probably sound OK in the mix, but it'll sound weird if you have a breakdown or when you solo the track.

Demon_Hunter · #8 01-06-2012, 01:29 PM

What do you do when you break a fingernail?

**Matthew_84** · #9 01-06-2012, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demon_Hunter

What do you do when you break a fingernail?

LOL, I'm just hoping that day never comes, that's my only worry regarding this technique, but other than that it is the best technique I've found for me. I keep my nails at 3/32" which I hope is short enough to keep that from happening.

If it does, then it's back to the drawing board I guess. I'd first try finger picks, then maybe try it with flesh only, though I had little success with that before.

I have been considering applying superglue to them to help stiffen them up.