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Picking: What kind of picks do you use?

F

facepalmmaster

Jan 4, 2012
441
3
#1
I do pretty much every way of playing bass there is, or, at least, I try.... But i've been getting more into metal and heavier alternative, so ive been working a bit more on my picking. Currently, I have some Clayton 1mm picks, the triangle ones. What kind of picks do you like, and why? Also, i cant seem to pick quickly, i always just hit the string and stop. Any advice?
 
#6
I use Gravity Picks Classic Minis - 3mm thick. They are a little pricey, but worth it to me. They are custom picks that are individually ground and polished. The very smooth rounded profile with regard to the pick's thickness hangs up on strings far less often than any other pick I've tried. (I haven't tried them all, but I have tried many different brands, types, and materials over the years.) Although the picks don't have a particular texture (some laser engraving is all), they are still resistant to slips. I use them for both guitar and bass.
 
#9
boynamedsuse said:
I use Gravity Picks Classic Minis - 3mm thick. They are a little pricey, but worth it to me. They are custom picks that are individually ground and polished. The very smooth rounded profile with regard to the pick's thickness hangs up on strings far less often than any other pick I've tried. (I haven't tried them all, but I have tried many different brands, types, and materials over the years.) Although the picks don't have a particular texture (some laser engraving is all), they are still resistant to slips. I use them for both guitar and bass.
Click to expand...
They seem great, the only problem I see is the price, because of all of the 12 picks in the pack i bought, i have about 5 left.... I suppose id be more careful with this, but is it really worth it?
 
#17
You'll get every type of response on this topic from "real bassist don't use picks" to "I use a .38mm (REALLY thin) cause I can play faster". My advice is to determine two things; 1- the thickness you like and 2- the shape you like. It's all subjective really. There are many thicknesses to pick from but most bass pick players tend to use anything from .88 mm on up to 3 mm with most falling around 1mm. There are three basic shapes that are most popular, the triangle (also called a 348), the "standard shape" (pointed triangle or 351) and a smaller teardrop shape (called a jazz or 358). There are other shapes but these are the most prevalent. What you need to do is go down to your local music store, or order online, and buy a few picks in various shapes and thicknesses. By trial and error, you will be able to decide what is best for YOU! Don't play a brand/thickness just because your favorite bassist use one, use what's right for you. Now, what I use is a standard Clayton Acetal 1mm. I like it cause it the style I used when playing guitar and the Clayton's seem to be a bit bigger than everyone elses standards. I have used Dunlop nylons in 1mm and the Tortexs in 1 and 1.14 mm and they are good picks. But trying to find the perfect pick is kinda hopeless, like finding the perfect strings, but just have fun and enjoy the hunt!
 
#18
Mikhail1 said:
You'll get every type of response on this topic from "real bassist don't use picks" to "I use a .38mm (REALLY thin) cause I can play faster". My advice is to determine two things; 1- the thickness you like and 2- the shape you like. It's all subjective really. There are many thicknesses to pick from but most bass pick players tend to use anything from .88 mm on up to 3 mm with most falling around 1mm. There are three basic shapes that are most popular, the triangle (also called a 348), the "standard shape" (pointed triangle or 351) and a smaller teardrop shape (called a jazz or 358). There are other shapes but these are the most prevalent. What you need to do is go down to your local music store, or order online, and buy a few picks in various shapes and thicknesses. By trial and error, you will be able to decide what is best for YOU! Don't play a brand/thickness just because your favorite bassist use one, use what's right for you. Now, what I use is a standard Clayton Acetal 1mm. I like it cause it the style I used when playing guitar and the Clayton's seem to be a bit bigger than everyone elses standards. I have used Dunlop nylons in 1mm and the Tortexs in 1 and 1.14 mm and they are good picks. But trying to find the perfect pick is kinda hopeless, like finding the perfect strings, but just have fun and enjoy the hunt!
Click to expand...

Excellent advice! It's such good advice that it should be in a separate thread with a sticky so everyone can refer to it. Myself, I use a Dunlop Big Stubby pick, the 2mm size in the 351 shape. It's made out of lexan, so it's very hard, and it's a very quiet pick with almost no clackiness. My personal preference, yours might be different. ;)
 

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