Just a curious question. What picks do you use?

[slowjam98]

Took me years to unlearn using a pick. My playing improved a lot, and the versatility in sound and style expanded for me.

If I do need a pick sound, I use my finger & thumb in a "pick hold".

Different strokes for different folks. What works for one person may not work for another.

No need to get snarky. You asked if anyone had used this method—I shared my experience with it. YMMV

 

[rtslinger]

 

[DirkP]

I've used "ordinary" picks during the last years and now tried triangle picks for the first time. I play more relaxed with them like not being afraid to lose the grip. They are a bit larger.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

1mm nylons all the way

 

[Old Blastard]

I play 50'% fingers and switch from tho. To medium to thick to felt picks depending on the song and whether I want a clanky attack or Joe Osborn attack.

Kinda partial to some Snark-brand picks Ingrabbed a year or two ago in 3 different thicknesses.

 

[Jim C]

Was using California Clear's - heavy; different tone than a celluloid pick
Now - 351 shape, extra heavy, celluloid

 

[vickerekes]

Tried dozens and settled on these... great control: everything from a real finger sound to a snap, with no pick noise.

Jim Dunlop Jazztone 208

 

[Tigerpig]

No need to get snarky. You asked if anyone had used this method—I shared my experience with it. YMMV

Literally nothing 'snarky' in his reply...so...?

 

[Ironbar]

Need some advice....recently I have felt some tightness and slight pain in my right hand
fingers...mainly on the middle finger knuckle. I have never played with a pick and was
wondering if the TBers could give me some guidance on where I might start.....I just
want a backup plan if this gets worse. Thanks in advance for your insights. On a side
note, I just bought an arthritic glove where the fingertips are cut out and it helps some.

Try CBD oil. Might just solve the issue in your hand.

 

[Ghook]

So many picks , so little time. Some of the old timers might remember felt picks. Anyway, most medium to heavy picks work for me. I have used a pick since the 60's. Honestly, I feel I can speed pick, if needed, faster than my fingers can. I also think you can control your attack better and make certain notes stand out if playing a nice riff. Most old school bass players used a pick, Carol Kaye, McCartney are two that come to mind.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Usually thins. I prefer flexibility and get better control of my dynamics. Finger style is still my most used mode, however.

Just curious... I know, old thread!

Which thins do you use. I wanted to get better at pick playing and used some thicker picks originally but found that it hampers an alternate picking style. The pick got “caught up” on the strings. I think a more flexible pick may be the answer. Thoughts?

 

[TerriblePeril]

Just curious... I know, old thread!

Which thins do you use. I wanted to get better at pick playing and used some thicker picks originally but found that it hampers an alternate picking style. The pick got “caught up” on the strings. I think a more flexible pick may be the answer. Thoughts?

Plenty of cats go for the thin jazz III style picks for more give as a "kind of built in compressor" as Nolly put it.

Plenty of cats also go the Guthrie Govan route of a thick, heavy, "glassy" pick and hone their picking technique.

Either one is good. Both is arguably better?

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I use the red dunlop tortex picks, I used to use a thick 1mm+ pick but I feel like I can play more quickly and fluidly with a thinner one. Probably depends on what kind of sound you're looking for as well.

This is what I was wondering. I have Clayton Phat Tone pick and a couple other types (felt and some other strange material from Mick’s Picks... they’re green). These picks all seem to get “hung up” on the strings when I want to do 16th notes or alternate style picking. Dunlop Tortex Red, huh?

 

[patrickj]

I rarely use one, but when I do, Big Stubby.

 

[Resonance129]

Anyone have any experience with either of these?:

D'Andrea Pro Plec

Fender "Wavelength"

I've run into some pretty great picks in my search for "THE" pick, but I still buy em. Recently ordered a few of each of those. They're new to me. Seem like designs I'd appreciate.
Ordered some Primetone XL Jazz III's, too. Never ordered that shape/size before, but I already know I like Primetones.

 

[MADChuudoku]

i got on to triangle picks a few years back and have loved them ever since, started on the ultex but i now use the 1.14 tortex picks

 

[TerriblePeril]

Have you tried using your fingers as a pick (Bernard Edwards stylee).

Finger & thumb together like as you would hold a pick, and use the nail/tip of the finger as the pick.

"Hi, this is Andy with Reverb..."
Great style. But I have short nailbeds and chew up my cuticle are something fierce that way unfortunately.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I've been playing guitar for about 28 years and always play guitar with a pick (unless I'm fingerpicking), but for whatever reason could never get used to playing bass with a pick. Still feels foreign to me when I try to use a pick.

 

[Deadworks]

Jazz III's for bass and guitar.

My favorite picks were the older design of McPherson picks. The way the end was tapered was ideal for my playing, and I liked the cut out in the middle so your finger and thumb were in contact. I wish I could go back to the 90's and buy a couple cases of them because I'm not spending 20 bucks for 10 of them on ebay.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I've been playing guitar for about 28 years and always play guitar with a pick (unless I'm fingerpicking), but for whatever reason could never get used to playing bass with a pick. Still feels foreign to me when I try to use a pick.

Ditto! I played guitar 30+ years and I cannot get totally comfortable using a pick for the bass. String spacing and where to rest my picking hand are the main issues. However, I want to learn to use a pick for a handful of songs. I just bought a Dunlop variety pack of picks. I found a couple thicknesses that work well for 16th note picking. Still trying to get used to this whole "pick" thing. Frustrating!