• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Picking: What kind of picks do you use?

#21
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...

Another useful consideration is overall size of the pick. I used to pick with Fender "Heavy" (can't recall the thickness). This one was ok, but the pick is small and it was hard to relax my grip - otherwise the pick would slip at the worst possible moment. This was especially true playing gigs outside in hot/humid weather.

Last year I visited Gelb Music in Redwood City, CA. They have an excellent selection of picks. Ed, their resident bass expert, recommended a pick made by "Cool" that is "Heavy / 1.0mm." It's about 1/3 larger in size and has a rubber insert. This combination of features makes it very easy to grip, easy to pick, and nearly impossible to slip. I haven't looked back. So +1 to the "try 'em and see what you like" philosophy.
 
#22
I recently found this company pick boy that makes exotic wood picks that are great for bass. They're pretty thick, they don't give a gauge, but I'd say they're somewhere around 2mm maybe a little thicker. They carve grooves for the index and thumb on the front and back so I find them more comfortable than most especially when you're playing to a fast tempo. I usually use the ebony ones and they're definitely my favorite picks for bass.
 
#23
I tried many picks over the years before settling on Dunlop 500s: magenta .96mm for bass, pink .71mm for guitar. I use the two blunt, rounded corners at least as much as the pointy end, for a fuller sound with less click. I also like the Dunlop Tortex, Nylons, and Jazz/Stubby picks. It's amazing how much tonal variation you can get with a $.50 piece of plastic!

Guitarist Eric Johnson's picking technique influenced my approach. Here's a good video where he mentions holding the pick loosely and "brushing" the strings for the best tone, and presents his "circular" technique involving the thumb.
 
#27
facepalmmaster said:
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?
Click to expand...
If you've tried them, then you know how good they are. I'm pretty careful with these picks since they are expensive. I get them in the bright (almost florescent) orange and green since for me those colors are higher contrast and easier to spot if they are dropped or left somewhere by accident. For me they are worth it--since the other picks I've tried (so far, at least) end up unused and that is really throwing away money.
 
#28
boynamedsuse said:
If you've tried them, then you know how good they are. I'm pretty careful with these picks since they are expensive. I get them in the bright (almost florescent) orange and green since for me those colors are higher contrast and easier to spot if they are dropped or left somewhere by accident. For me they are worth it--since the other picks I've tried (so far, at least) end up unused and that is really throwing away money.
Click to expand...

I think ill try one, youre the one that said gravity picks? Id probably go for the bigger one, since my hands are a bit chubby, thats why i like the triangular ones so much. Have you tried v-picks at all? Id love to hear a contrast between the two, since they're both priced the same. They even have an 11.5 mm thick one, its insane, but apparently theyre the most amazing pick ever
 
#29
facepalmmaster said:
I think ill try one, youre the one that said gravity picks? Id probably go for the bigger one, since my hands are a bit chubby, thats why i like the triangular ones so much. Have you tried v-picks at all? Id love to hear a contrast between the two, since they're both priced the same. They even have an 11.5 mm thick one, its insane, but apparently theyre the most amazing pick ever
Click to expand...
Yes, I was referring to Gravity Picks. I have not tried V-Picks.
 
#32
pick.jpg
 
#33
boynamedsuse said:
If you've tried them, then you know how good they are. I'm pretty careful with these picks since they are expensive. I get them in the bright (almost florescent) orange and green since for me those colors are higher contrast and easier to spot if they are dropped or left somewhere by accident. For me they are worth it--since the other picks I've tried (so far, at least) end up unused and that is really throwing away money.
Click to expand...

I use a leather [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] on my wallet chain clip. I like blunt a 1.30mm triangle from Blue Chip and you learn pretty fast not to loose them.

Boutique picks aside I went through several years of experimenting and learned to comfortably use damn near anything available. I feel like a pointy is more agile but I prefer the sound of a more blunt one.
 
#36
facepalmmaster said:
The Most Interesting Bassist in the World
He doesn't always use a pick, but when he does, he prefers the grey nylon Jim Dunlop .88mm
Sorry, had to do it, but anyway, i feel like its hard to pick well on a bass with those lighter picks, they bend too easily
Click to expand...

:rolleyes: I don't get the joke :hmm:

But anyway, as far I can see I'm not the only one using .88.
And they don't bend too easily, if you hold it close to the tip and only use the edge of the tip to pick.
 
#39
You can always glue a piece of gritty sandpaper to a pick you like.
I'm trying to be a better pick player. I usually try a few songs a night and that's gotten me
started. It's really crappy when you think you've got it down pretty good and all of a sudden the
pick hangs up and there goes the bass part for about a 1/4 of a second. One day I'll get better at it,
but practice is the only way. Right now I'm using Dunlop .73 but I already realized they're a bit too thin, even before I checked this thread. Might buy a few .88 ot a 1 next time I'm at the store.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back