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Pick Thickness

#42
Depending on where you're located, it's worth getting something like the Dunlop Tortex mix pack. You'll get ~6 different thicknesses ranging from .50 - 1.15. They also make a bigger 'variety pack' with like 15-20 different picks so you can really experiment.

The other factor is obviously the overall shape/dimension. I don't play with a pick super often, but I prefer the larger triangle picks over the standard or jazz picks. Point being, it's a lot to do with personal preference, comfort, feel, and the sound/response you want. For example, if you're doing heavier stuff with lots of down-picking you may favor something beefier. On the other hand, I like the .6-.8 gauge picks for more bouncy, melodic feeling lines. Check this out for a good example of what a sub-1.0 mm can do...

 
#47
Generally a thicker pick is quicker and offers more control, but is less forgiving. (This is similar to saxophone reeds). I have worked up to 1.2mm on guitar. For bass I almost never use a pick unless the song needs one so just use one of my 1.2s. Might get up to 1.5 some day...
 
#48
60 MM and I'll keep an 88mm handy. But I think I've got a hundred varied picks lost throughout my house.
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#49
ulgeby said:
Hello guys. I want to play with a pick, because so bassist that inspires me plays with a pick. And i couldnt decide which thickness it should have. So, would you give me advice? Thank you.
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Best advice is to try a bunch, see what you like. A lot of bassists like thicker picks. I like thin picks. Everyone’s different and there is no best, so just start trying them.
 
#50
ulgeby said:
Hello guys. I want to play with a pick, because so bassist that inspires me plays with a pick. And i couldnt decide which thickness it should have. So, would you give me advice? Thank you.
Click to expand...
It depends on the instrument, type of strings, and the sound you are going for. In my world, I use a Fender Heavy or Extra Heavy standard pick for my short scale Starfire with Pyramid flats and a Telefunken 1.3mm Big Stubby on my long scale basses with rounds (mostly Modulus).
 
#51
GroovinOnFunk said:
I, personally, prefer light.
But here's the beauty of it... They're PICKS. Super cheap. Just buy some and see which YOU like best
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you'd be surprised how expensive picks can get. wegen, etc.

OP : I don't pick too much on bass but generally I really like dunlop ultex triangle picks from 1.5mm-2mm. I use that for guitar and mandolin, works for bass too.

d'andrea pro plec triangle offers a rounder shape that can sound very different. golden gate triangle picks are another good choice.

fwiw I only use triangles, I find they offer amenable ergonomics. in a pinch I can turn a typical guitar pick *sideways*

all the best!
 
#52
I played Fender mediums for years and years. Then as my hands got older and I lost some endurance, I got into Carole Kaye’s technique, moved closer to the neck, used more forearm and a much reduced angle on the wrist, and went to a thick heavy pick (Fender extra heavies). Wish I’d done that all years ago as I like my pick tone better now. Carole Kaye rocks imo.
 
#53
Ive tried a ton of picks over the years... for me the best feeling / sounding pick are very rigid picks that aren't super thick. I also play with both fingers and pick specifically for the tonal difference so i want a very focused attack when im using a pick.

Dunlop Ultex 1.0 - my favourite by a long shot and they take forever to wear.

Runner up before i found Ultex:

Gatortex various sizes.


For me tortex and the nylon ones are too flexible until you get to the really heavy gauges like 2mm or more, and when they get that thick they feel cumbersome. With the Ultex theres almost no flex even at 1.0mm and because the surface is so smooth you get a very snappy and fluid attack. If you want something with a SLIGHT bit of flex .73 works. Try Ultex 1.0 you wont regret it.
 
#56
All subjective, but my favorite pick player is Bobby Vega and I believe he uses the yellow Dunlpp .73 Tortex. I like it, too but it's a bit too thin for me, and I prefer .88 green, sometimes the blue 1.0, but that's as heavy as I go. I often play with flatwounds and that changes the feel a bit.

But do whatever is comfortable. It's not like trying out different sets of $250 upright strings.
 
#57
I use a purple 3.0 Stubby, a thick 3mm rubber wedgie, a .60 Grey nylon(Fat Mike picks), .75 Yellow Tortex, 1mm Dava pick. and every one sounds like a pick. except the wedgie that made me play slower. I tend to put my nails as well as the pick thru the string lol.. so you may want a bigger pick.. Like a triangle. at least a .75 a little compression.. and a solid tortex or nylon.
 
#60
There are a lot more variables to a pick than just thickness. Size and shape makes a huge difference and you will likely find one you prefer if you try a few. There are picks the size of my pinky nail all the way up to huge triangle picks that you could use to paddle a canoe. Material also matters. Tortex, delrin, nylon, celluloid all feel and sound more or less different. Some materials are slippery, some sticky. You may prefer one or the other. The shape of the tip makes it glide across the string differently.

Try a bunch of them, they are cheap! Your preferences may also change over time. I have a jar filled with various models, even though i mostly play fingerstyle.
 

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