Picks

[Frankengruven]

Fender Mediums are sort of my benchmark.  Grew up with them, actually my Dad was using thins when I started.  I experimented with mediums and he was quickly converted.  I've had heavys in the past that I've worn to the point that you couldn't readily tell which corner was originally pointed, and I think I might have had a medium or two that actually made it this far without getting lost or torn.

I've got a couple of the purple Dunlops, and I really liked them for bass at first, but I came to realize that I have to grip them too tight, and my hand cramps.  Back to Fender mediums for bass, and then it's only if I'm playing too fast for my fingers to keep up or a rhythm that has really square corners and no room for bounce.  Or if my right index and middle fingers are shredded.  I've got .58 Dunlop that's just  too mushy for me, and an orange Dulop, not sure of the gauge, that's just right for me.  Sort of like a more responsive Fender Medium.  Plus, it's orange.  We've got a couple of the textured/grippy nylon Dunlops around  the house, and my Dad has favored these for at least ten years, but they've never really felt right to me.  The heavier black ones are decent, but I hate the grays and the whites.  They're just too soft.

I've yet to try a Jazz III, and it never occurred to me to use a paper clip.  I bet it works a little bit better than a penny, or a matchbook.  Actually, if I don't have a proper pick I just use the side of my thumb any more.  But i have used matchbooks and loose change with less than satisfactory results, in the past.  I've also cut up old bank cards and used them as picks.  They're surprisingly not bad.

[cst]

I tried my driver's license and it sounded pretty good, but it was unweildy.

Every time I try to use the side of my thumb, I get wildly inconsistent results. It is somewhat better when my guitar is plugged in. What is the proper way to do this? I'll look elsewhere on the web, but I was given to understand this was THE premier forum, so feel free to respond.

[Frankengruven]

You have to do it long enough to build up a beefy callous.  My Grampa actually uses  his nail, grows it out a little bit for that purpose, but I use my thumb more like Vic Wooton.  Basically you want the outer edge of your thumb to look more like the bottom of your big toe.  I sometimes feel more in control of things if I play like this instead of with a pick.  Especially if there's alcohol involved.

[GR]

I use dunlops. I have the solid purple ones(1.xx mm) and the see thru yellow ones(xh) anything less feels like a joke to me. I even use a bug stubby some times. Anyone every tries a jellyfish? Saw one today. $8 for a pic seems nuts but I am intrigued.

[FC]

   I really like these   http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Big-Stubby-Picks-3-0mm/dp/B0002D0CKS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1278330209&sr=8-2  Used one last night at the gig ... works great , and I can use the more rounded edge for a SRV tone ... 

Oh, yes. I have the purple ones too and they are great. They are my number two choice after the ones I mentioned above, completely different feel and tone but great. I recommend them.

[GPW]

  For picks on the Cheap (thrifty) , we've made picks out of plastic laundry detergent bottles  in the past ... Many suitable bottles around for pick making ... softer tone , not as "clicky" as the harder picks ...
 and we've used silver coins in the past ... still have my Mexican Peso in the pick caddy for ZZ top stuff ... Works !!!

[Rusty]

I use fender medium generally, but I also have a bunch of credit cards that I cut up into picks.  Finally found a use for all the stupid card offers I get in the mail.

[Steven]

I have this DAVA rock Celluloid pick and its pretty nice.

[Franky G-String]

   I really like these   http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Big-Stubby-Picks-3-0mm/dp/B0002D0CKS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1278330209&sr=8-2  Used one last night at the gig ... works great , and I can use the more rounded edge for a SRV tone ... 

I heard somewhere that these are what YJM uses.  I tried them, but they're not my thing.  I like to choke up on the pick and that indention gets in the way.

[SecretWeapon]

When I first started I didn't have any cash for picks so I used the little plastic clips that come on bread bags. They work pretty well but have way too much attack for a beginner.

I've also used other random things to play my guitar at different times... Rocks, random pieces of metal, a coat hanger once, a Snickers bar... broken pieces of a CD... Eating utensils, hair pins... The list goes on. 

[Stone Freedom]

$8 for a pic seems nuts but I am intrigued.

Look up Red Bear Picks. I'm not even going to post the price.

Picks I use are Fender mediums or orange .60 Dunlops for acoustic, and Fender heavys/extra heavys or Dunlop Tortex 1.14 OR Dunlop Ultex 1.0/1.14 for electric. Depends on my mood, but I think I like Dunlops a little bit better than the Fenders.

[thebird55]

Let me try to revive this dead thread.

I know we have some Tortex fans here. Have any of you seen these? (Also comes in nylon).



I don't know where to tell you to get these, other that my local store: (The blue area is textured like fine sandpaper).



I have got to try these:


http://www.picksandstones.com/

http://www.picksandstones.com/products.php?cat=14

[Steven]

You will play like a god!

[sangy]

omg those tortex picks look insane whats with all the gripping in the left side?

Jazz III picks are awesome, everyone is ought to have one.

[GPW]

  Best have a good assortment... We've got all manner of picks , collected for many years from picks left at the studio, or off  stage floors, out of the back of amps (?) ... bought very few comparatively ...   lets you easily sort out the ones you Don't like !!!   Be aware ,get re-cycle picks for FREE  ...

  Hint: we keep ours in an Altoids(candy) tin... some small hinged container works well in a gig bag...  marked  PICKS  

 Edit:   For carrying our favorite picks to the gig (the personal collection)  we've taken to using one of those cheap  football shaped coin holders, the kind you squeeze the ends to open ... holds enough picks , fits easily in the pocket..   best so far for gigging...