Picks and Picking

[Jensby design]

Clayton acetyl 1.26 mm standard.
Years ago I bought like 50 dozen, I tell people I got them custom made to have my first name on them.
suckers, lots of suckers
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damn kids and their custom made picks

 

[Stone Soup]

For the sound the OP is looking for, I use a medium celluloid pick. The medium pick has more of a snap to it. It helps get the attack right for the tone. I also like to use my EMG loaded P/J with the bridge pickup blended in.

*my normal pick thickness is heavy celluloid or 1mm delrin. Depends on the tone I'm going for.

 

[Tenma4]

As with anything else in our art, picks are largely about preference, but I'd like to suggest a slightly different point of view that might be helpful.

I find a thinner picks allow me to move quickly, moving through the string's path, but can create more of a scraping sound that I only desire for a limited effect (think Dunlop Tortex .73 [yellow]), suitable for Tool covers. Also you trade off some low end, often for a bump in the low mids.

Thicker picks are great for many hard rock songs, with great bottom end, but they can be clacky, and the edge of most gives an awkward release by forcing the string to pass off the pick. (Fender Heavy, Extra Heavy)

A perfect combo for me has been the Dunlop Gator Grip 1.5mm (powdery green) because they are stiff, but offer a wonderful beveled edge. They create a deep sound, the ability to change the top end chime to nearly non-existent to more obvious. No suffering in the lows here. They also grip the string enough to not slip off for a weird chime like Big Stubby's do.

For what it's worth, I primarily play with a hybrid technique using the aforementioned picks and fingers/thumb. Cody Wright sounds very similar here and Invalid Link Removedwith Jonathan Scales Fourchestra.

 

[Stone Soup]

picks are largely about preference

They're largely about tone, too.

It's really about experimenting with different gauges and materials until you find what works for you. If your gig is about diverse sounds, one size/material won't do it all.

 

[mmbongo]

Gravity Picks are the best picks you'll ever use.
www.gravitypicks.com

I use the 3mm Striker XL's.

 

[zachoff]

I've been using the Dunlop Nylon .73mm for years. Attack is good, no scratchy sounds, and they don't disintegrate after 3 songs.

 

[The Regulator]

Used these for years and love them.
Not too thin & not too thick.


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[poit57]

I experimented with a few different types of picks when I first started. I settled on Clayton acetal picks 1.26 mm. I use teardrop shape because they feel more comfortable between my fingers, but I don't really know anyone else that likes that shape.

 

[delta7fred]

I don't often use a pick but some songs call for it.

Dunlop 1mm black Nylon is my preferred choice, they seem to have the right amount of give (for me). I loose them before they wear out.

I can usually break a tortex etc. pick in less than a song so have given up on them, maybe I am just a bit heavy handed.

 

[Stone Soup]

I can usually break a tortex etc. pick in less than a song so have given up on them, maybe I am just a bit heavy handed.

A bit heavy handed? I've never broken a tortex pick. I've broken celluloid before, but I still prefer the tone that comes from that material.

 

[spaz21387]

I like dunlop ultex .90s. They are perfect and last forever. I shred dunlop standard picks in 30 minutes. An ultex will last 3-5 band practices which is pretty impressive.

 

[grendle]

I only use the tortex .60 mm oranges. The click and scratch are your technique and learning how to play with a pick. I like them because I can hit the string harder and they give a little. For less scratch its the picking angle. Your picking on too much of an angle and need to pick flatter on the string. Picking at about a 45 deg angle will give maximum " scratch". For the click you need to choke up on the pick more. Less tip equals less click. I actually use the rounded corners for no click, however I pick at more of an angle because I want a little scratch in there. I use heavier picks ( green tortex) on guitar actually. But for different reasons. It's a movement and distance thing.

 

[mapadofu]

My preference is felt picks, usually sold a ukelele picks, are a good option if you want to reduce the amount of attack, but still us a pick.

Some people try rubber (or rubber-ish) picks, but I find that they grab onto the strings and make it hard to pick smoothly.