what picks for faster playing?

[MattZilla]

Fat Mike from NOFX uses Dunlop Nylons... IIRC, the 0.46mm.

I used to use them and the 0.38’s as a kid when I was into thrash metal & punk. Nice even & consistent tone regardless of me either standing still like a rock bass player or jumping around like an over redbull-ed idiot.

There is a technique difference between using a medium or heavy pick and using a legitimately thin pick.

Spoiler: Trigger warning: Car analogy

Maybe the technique to use for a thin pick is kinda like shifting a BMW with its stupid notch before the shifter falls into gear while using a heavy pick is like shifting a far more intuitive Honda?

I’ve gotten pretty good with my 90s 323is, and dealing with the notch and not being able to just smash the lever into place isn’t that much of a compromise to get to enjoy the car’s handling and strange lil motor.

probably not a good, let alone great, analogy. Oh well. I finally took that silly little car out for the first time in nine months this weekend and it’s more fresh in my mind than the last time I used a pick.

I’m curious how @JimmyM hurt his hand while using what I find to be a far easier pick to use as compared to most medium & heavy picks, but ultimately I think it’s a difference that’s similar to rounds vs flats & active vs passive.

 

[ihixulu]

@MattZilla , Mike uses .6mm nylons that Dunlop customizes for him.

He talks about it in this YouTube:

 

[Real Soon]

When I was last practicing Roundabout by Yes, I ended up with a Dunlop 1.14 that got the job done. Not that I had many sizes to try, but thinner ones were good for a light touch, and I needed to dig in to get the right sound.

I recently inherited some Fender Heavy picks (along with a guitar, etc; picks weren't named in a will heh), and on acoustic guitar, they're my go-to now. Haven't tried them on bass but maybe I'll take one to rehearsal tonight.

I'm also interested in some of those heavy chunky ones that can push a string without flexing at all.

Also I'm going to practice my standard & economy picking on scales/arpeggios more bc it's already helping a bit, and like you I'd like to level up my plectrum ability. Economy picking may be more for guitar, but can't hurt to add to the toolbox.

 

[One Way]

The first thing my guitar teacher put in my hand after the 6 string acoustic guitar years ago was a pick. Playing with a pick is very natural for me.

About 5 years ago I took up bass and transitioned to playing what I now agree is the coolest instrument in a band. Boy did I work on right hand technique to learn how to play finger style! Due to all the years using a pick playing finger style felt very unnatural to me. The thicker bass strings didn’t feel quite right (or familiar?) to me when played with a pick and I then adapted my pic technique.

I find Fender Medium picks work well for me. Try this, hold the pick so a rounded corner, not the point, strikes the string. The smooth finish of the Fender Medium pick plus the round edge glides through the plucking stroke which minimizes pick flex, too. Give it a try.

 

[Bboopbennie]

i’ve used flats for a while now, and my pick i’ve realized is waaaay to thick if i want to be playing fast. it took me a while to realize that thin = faster playing. but... how thin can i go? i use roto rounds right now with a .73 pick, and it feels much too slow and harsh to okay fast. i’d have to beat the [bleep] out of the strings just to do some 16th notes or anything faster than 8th notes. and it makes a very harsh noise whenever i do that. what pick size do you recommend for easy and comfortable playing with a pick?? btw i’ve been a finger player until now but i realize picks are pretty cool sometimes so i want it in my arsenal.

i’ve used flats for a while now, and my pick i’ve realized is waaaay to thick if i want to be playing fast. it took me a while to realize that thin = faster playing. but... how thin can i go? i use roto rounds right now with a .73 pick, and it feels much too slow and harsh to okay fast. i’d have to beat the [bleep] out of the strings just to do some 16th notes or anything faster than 8th notes. and it makes a very harsh noise whenever i do that. what pick size do you recommend for easy and comfortable playing with a pick?? btw i’ve been a finger player until now but i realize picks are pretty cool sometimes so i want it in my arsenal.

I went thru the same thing as you with the same result. After read all the post on 1mm picks, chunks of steel and the rest I am back. Style and playing is different one to the next. But I like a .6mm pick. It just flows better with a smoother sound. You did open up a can of worms. Its good to wake up TB once in a while. I played finger for years, but the clean atack of the pick is so nice in the mix. Not to say finger sound is out, ya need to pick also.

Wow... just saw the vid on .6mm pick. Yep we are in good company.

 

[danbones]

Lately i’m only playing Jazz III picks, but i did really like the dunlop flow and flex picks for less stiffer picks. the more flexible the pick, the more work and energy you’re expending, but the bigger the pick, the easier it is to run around like a maniac on stage and still hit the strings.

jazz III for recording though, for sure.

 

[JKos]

It's not as much about the particular pick as it is technique. Fender Medium for me but I do play lightly. I don't drive through the string but rather over it.

I can't feel or see the pick deflecting at all.

 

[nabilhuakbar]

@MattZilla , Mike uses .6mm nylons that Dunlop customizes for him.

He talks about it in this YouTube:

This was the video that converted me to .60s. The key is to play them with a lighter touch, but once you get the technique down they're super smooth and responsive. I still prefer Tortex to Nylon but either way I honestly think .60s are the best for most stuff, unless you're looking for a ton of string rattle and fret buzz.