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Post subject: Are There Certain Picks For Certain Types Music?
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:18 pm
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For instance, would an extra heavy pick be geared towards heavy metal? Or maybe there are picks made from different kinds of materials?


Just wondering... it seems like companies are coming up with all different ways to make your guitar produce the sound you want.

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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:39 am
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You're definitely right that the pick makes a big difference, since about 80% of how a guitar sounds is how you play it. I think the key is to find a balance between the string gauge you use and the pick thickness. Thick strings with a thin pick won't let you get a crisp attack, thin strings with a thick pick won't let you have any feel. Really it's just a matter of trying different combos until you find the sound and feel that you're after.


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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:39 am
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guitar + strings + pick + cord + amp = sound.

Take one out and you have no electric guitar sound.

Tweak and change any and all at your leisure to create and improve YOUR own sound.


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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:10 am
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Yes... definately alot of pick choices out there...

I have used this style pick for years... seems very accurate
Image

Also I like these too:
Image

CAFeathers & others in the forum
also just turned me on to these:
Image
V-Picks
I bought some. I'm still waiting to receive them.

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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:42 am
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thanks for the help everybody! Another question... is it better to buy picks individually and spend more, or does it not really matter that much?

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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:03 pm
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You might want to buy individually until you find something you want to stick with so you don't end up with dozens of picks that you don't like. Then buy in bulk. Unless you're buying a v-pick or something like that, the price difference isn't that big.


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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 4:19 pm
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JSJH wrote:
guitar + strings + pick + cord + amp = sound.

Take one out and you have no electric guitar sound.

Tweak and change any and all at your leisure to create and improve YOUR own sound.


Not quite! You've forgotton THE biggest (well IMO) influence on your tone: Your fingers!

You should always aim to have the best quality gear you can afford to avoid having a 'weak link' in your setup such as a cheap cord or old strings or whatever.


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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:03 pm
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The small, hard, teardrop shaped ones have been called jazz picks. I assume it's because a lot of jazz players used them.


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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:31 pm
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I don't use a pick! :shock: My right thumb is hard now, like my fretting fingers :lol:


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Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:03 pm
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Find someplace that has tons of picks. Buy one of each style, and each style in a few different thicknesses. When you play then, ask yourself....

- how does it feel holding it?
- is it too grippy, or too slippery?
- too thick or too thin?
- does it bend too much or not enough?
- can i play fast and accurate with it?
- can i strum well with it?
- how does it affect my tone?

I was playing Dunlop Gators for years, the green 1.5 mils. Then I got sick of them and used Dunlop Ultex 1.0 for a while. Now, I use Dunlop Tortex .88, either in green or pitch black, and I used to hate these years ago. Now, I can't get enough of them. They even start to get chewed up and I still want to keep them.

For me, the Ultex sound just a little clearer, but the Tortex just feel better in my hands to me.

Ask my next year and I'll have something new I like. As your playing level and style changes, you'll probably do the same.


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Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:31 am
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Heavier gauge picks are probably aimed better at soloing and picking. I think lighter gauge picks are geared toward strumming patterns, but in a sense, it also comes down to how the pick feels. I do all my strumming/picking/etc. with a "Big Stubby" 2.0mm pick, because it just feels ultimately comfortable to me.


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