Digging playing with a Pick

[dmc79]

I use Dunlop Max Grip .88 picks.

One like for this post and another for your avatar.

I wasn’t sure about the grip on the Max Grips at first, even though I’ve always preferred a pick with some kind of raised grip surface to a smooth one. I came to them through using the standard Dunlop nylons.

I now really like the Max Grip .88, I think I was pinching them a bit too tightly at first, so kind of feeling the grip more than I actually needed to.

You can hold these a little more loosely because with that grip they are never likely to slip.

When I want something with a bit more character & brightness (without being as grindy / scratchy / stiff / clicky as Tortex), I use a Herco Vintage ‘66 Gold ‘Light’ pick. Despite the name it’s more of a medium pick - (measured with digital calipers) it comes in at .81 which is a really great inbetween gauge from the more standard .73 to .88. This gives a nice snappy, but not clicky attack.

These are my 2 faves right now. I’m about to try flats on my P for the first time (Fender 9050L) coming from GHS Pressurewounds, so will have to see which pick I prefer with them.

Edit: I wouldn’t say I’ve ‘switched’ as I’ve generally played with a pick anyway. I love the attack, tone & slight compressive effect, that fingers just can’t replicate.

 

[Just go for it]

I am amazed at how the shape and thickness of the pick affects the sound. i have a bag of 200 picks in all kinds of sizes and brands. So far I like the 0.96mm the best.

 

[-Stingray]

I started playing guitar in the 90's, so naturally when I switched to bass about 10 years ago I started with a pick. It took a good year to switch firmly to finger style. Not gonna lie.......It was a tough transition. Nowadays, when I'm looking for more pick like attack I simply strike down on the strings for some fret klank (doesn't sound exactly like a pick, but does give me a more pick-like attack).

About a year ago I started developing some thumb issues, and had to play a few gigs with a pick just to get through the gigs. If I hadn't developed that skill earlier in life I would have been screwed. I did quickly realize that I much preferred the sound and feel of playing fingerstyle, so I switched back as soon as I could. BUT, it got me through a few gigs when my thumb was at its worst.

 

[higain617]

One like for this post and another for your avatar.

I wasn’t sure about the grip on the Max Grips at first, even though I’ve always preferred a pick with some kind of raised grip surface to a smooth one. I came to them through using the standard Dunlop nylons.

I now really like the Max Grip .88, I think I was pinching them a bit too tightly at first, so kind of feeling the grip more than I actually needed to.

You can hold these a little more loosely because with that grip they are never likely to slip.

When I want something with a bit more character & brightness (without being as grindy / scratchy / stiff / clicky as Tortex), I use a Herco Vintage ‘66 Gold ‘Light’ pick. Despite the name it’s more of a medium pick - (measured with digital calipers) it comes in at .81 which is a really great inbetween gauge from the more standard .73 to .88. This gives a nice snappy, but not clicky attack.

These are my 2 faves right now. I’m about to try flats on my P for the first time (Fender 9050L) coming from GHS Pressurewounds, so will have to see which pick I prefer with them.

Edit: I wouldn’t say I’ve ‘switched’ as I’ve generally played with a pick anyway. I love the attack, tone & slight compressive effect, that fingers just can’t replicate.

RIP, Richard Griffiths. One of the greatest movies ever.