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Pick Thickness, More than just preference?

Scott Gentzen View Member Profile	Apr 12 2007, 07:29 PM
Apr 12 2007, 07:29 PM	GMC:er Posts: 683 Joined: 16-January 07 From: Centreville, VA, USA	Since my guitar was more of a gift than an active decision to take it up, I've been using the picks that were packed with the guitar. I have no idea what gauge it is but it's thin and flexy. I like it, but what do I know...it's the only one I've used. I'll probably try an assortment of picks at some point so I at least can figure out my preference with a larger sample group but I still keep coming back to the same question... Are there any good reasons to go with a certain thickness of pick other than "I like how it feels"? I've noticed in the forums that there seems to be a preference towards thicker picks and I've been curious about why that is. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: ESP Semi-Hollow Eclipse, 1984 Ibanez Roadstar RS440, Peavey T-60, Daisy Rock Rock Candy Custom Amps: Peavey Transformer 112, Epiphone Valve Jr head with custom 2x12 cab Pedals: Boss TU-2, Budda Bud-Wah, Chuck Collins Harmonic Percolator clone

Jeff View Member Profile	Apr 12 2007, 07:35 PM
Apr 12 2007, 07:35 PM	GMC:er Posts: 877 Joined: 25-April 06 From: Virginia, US	QUOTE (Scott Gentzen @ Apr 12 2007, 07:29 PM) Since my guitar was more of a gift than an active decision to take it up, I've been using the picks that were packed with the guitar. I have no idea what gauge it is but it's thin and flexy. I like it, but what do I know...it's the only one I've used. I'll probably try an assortment of picks at some point so I at least can figure out my preference with a larger sample group but I still keep coming back to the same question... Are there any good reasons to go with a certain thickness of pick other than "I like how it feels"? I've noticed in the forums that there seems to be a preference towards thicker picks and I've been curious about why that is. I have found that the thicker picks give me a better strike on the string. "Better" meaning more solid. For me, the thin picks are a little too flexible and when I am trying to play faster runs they bend too much and create more "pick noise". I can also get better harmonics with thicker picks. I like the thinner picks for strumming acoustic though. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Andrew Cockburn View Member Profile	Apr 12 2007, 07:36 PM
Apr 12 2007, 07:36 PM	Moderation Policy Director Posts: 10.459 Joined: 6-February 07 From: CT, USA	QUOTE (Scott Gentzen @ Apr 12 2007, 02:29 PM) Since my guitar was more of a gift than an active decision to take it up, I've been using the picks that were packed with the guitar. I have no idea what gauge it is but it's thin and flexy. I like it, but what do I know...it's the only one I've used. I'll probably try an assortment of picks at some point so I at least can figure out my preference with a larger sample group but I still keep coming back to the same question... Are there any good reasons to go with a certain thickness of pick other than "I like how it feels"? I've noticed in the forums that there seems to be a preference towards thicker picks and I've been curious about why that is. I used to use thin and flexy for acousting strumming and funky stuff - as soon as I moved to alternate picking I found it a little light, didn't get as much control, so I moved up from 0.46mm to 1.14mm and now I am used to it I wouldn't go back ... You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Check out my Instructor profile Live long and prosper ... My Stuff: Electric Guitars : Ibanez Jem7v, Line6 Variax 700, Fender Plus Strat with 57/62 Pickups, Line6 Variax 705 Bass Acoustic Guitars : Taylor 816ce, Martin D-15, Line6 Variax Acoustic 300 Nylon Effects : Line6 Helix, Keeley Modded Boss DS1, Keeley Modded Boss BD2, Keeley 4 knob compressor, Keeley OxBlood Amps : Epiphone Valve Jnr & Head, Cockburn A.C.1, Cockburn A.C.2, Blackstar Club 50 Head & 4x12 Cab

Robin View Member Profile	Apr 12 2007, 07:41 PM
Apr 12 2007, 07:41 PM	GMC:er Posts: 2.483 Joined: 9-January 07 From: Alta, Norway	This is the only pick I've ever use and I'm never gonna change (I use Jazz II though). No idea how thick it is etc. I dont really care, all I know is that its the best pick I've ever tried http://img.mercadolivre.com.br/jm/img?s=ML...555.jpg&v=I You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Robin Myspace - Creep Colony Myspace - Creep Colony - Paralyzed

wheeler View Member Profile	Apr 12 2007, 07:48 PM
Apr 12 2007, 07:48 PM	GMC:er Posts: 127 Joined: 21-March 07	Look at it this way: a pick is used to strike the strings - i.e., to bend the strings and cause them to vibrate. When you use a thin pick, the string is, in effect, also striking the pick - i.e., bending it. Instead of 100% of the attack being exerted AGAINST the string BY the pick, the string is also attacking and bending the pick. So you lose some of the tone and clarity provided by the attack of a thicker pick. And in terms of speed...again, a thinner pick bends back when it hits the string, whereas a thicker pick stays exactly where it should be. So there is a lag involved when picking with a thin pick that isn't there when you use a thicker pick. That's why most people prefer thick picks for speedpicking. I realize this was kind of muddled, but I hope it got the idea across. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Scoob View Member Profile	Apr 12 2007, 11:55 PM
Apr 12 2007, 11:55 PM	GMC:er Posts: 83 Joined: 16-March 07 From: Kingston, Ontario, Canada	QUOTE (Robin @ Apr 12 2007, 02:41 PM) This is the only pick I've ever use and I'm never gonna change (I use Jazz II though). No idea how thick it is etc. I dont really care, all I know is that its the best pick I've ever tried http://img.mercadolivre.com.br/jm/img?s=ML...555.jpg&v=I I have been using the Jazz III as well for about the last 3 weeks. Now it feels odd to go back. I measured them to see what they were the Black Jazz III is 1.32 mm the Red is 1.37 mm Here is a picture of them beside a regular .71 mm pick. I find the smaller size and the sharper point help get right to the point. I have always used thinner picks and now am stuck on these as well. As most mentioned, thin is still good for acoustic Scoob You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Attached image(s) -------------------- GEAR guitars: Yamaha SE 350, Yamaha FG-360, Jay Turser JT134 Natural Quilt Top, Dean Vendetta, Squire Telecaster (Project to modify to better guitar. New Pickups and electrical parts done). amp: Peavey Rage 108 amp Marshall ATV20X - Just bought Mar. 2007 effects: KORG AX3G (Multi), EBOW, Danelectro Free Speech Talkbox. Old Flanger and Chorus Interface: IK Multimedia STEALTH PLUG

Zee Deveel View Member Profile	Apr 13 2007, 04:49 PM
Apr 13 2007, 04:49 PM	GMC:er Posts: 165 Joined: 17-January 07	Generally speaking the thicker ones are better for picking and the thinner ones for strumming. Though if you wanna play really chuggy, heavy, Pantera style riffs, you're gonna be needing to strum with a pretty thick pick. It's mainly just preference though. Try a bunch and see what you're most comfortable with, I still haven't made up my mind after 4.5 years. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars - Epiphone Les Paul Custom (Seymour Duncan JB), Schecter Omen 6 Extreme FR, Squier Affinity Strat, Yamaha F-301 Acoustic Pedals - Line 6 Uber Metal, Line 6 Echo Park, Jim Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby, MXR Phase 90, Boss NS-2, Digitech WH-4, Boss TR-2, Boss TU-2, Behringer 7 Band EQ Amps - Marshall AV50 Head + Cab, Marshall AVT100 112, Line 6 Spider 112, Fender Frontman

brandon View Member Profile	Apr 13 2007, 10:42 PM
Apr 13 2007, 10:42 PM	GMC:er Posts: 120 Joined: 13-March 07 From: Wilmington, NC	QUOTE (Zee Deveel @ Apr 13 2007, 11:49 AM) Generally speaking the thicker ones are better for picking and the thinner ones for strumming. Though if you wanna play really chuggy, heavy, Pantera style riffs, you're gonna be needing to strum with a pretty thick pick. It's mainly just preference though. Try a bunch and see what you're most comfortable with, I still haven't made up my mind after 4.5 years. Like Zee said, it's definitely all a personal preferance. You should really just go to a music shop and buy a few different types and then when you find a the size you like you start trying out different brands. I've defintely changed the size and type of picks I've played several times over the years. But if it will help, I like the Dunlop .73 You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Mike Seddon View Member Profile	Apr 13 2007, 10:47 PM
Apr 13 2007, 10:47 PM	GMC:er Posts: 60 Joined: 5-April 07	Anyone who has heard me play will know that I use a piece of soft cheese as my pick You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

unmarshal View Member Profile	Apr 13 2007, 11:57 PM
Apr 13 2007, 11:57 PM	GMC:er Posts: 18 Joined: 8-April 07 From: San Francisco	QUOTE (Mike Seddon @ Apr 13 2007, 10:47 PM) Anyone who has heard me play will know that I use a piece of soft cheese as my pick I just changed picks today from Fender Mediums to the Dunlop Jazz IIIs and wow, pinch harmonics and alternate picking just got a lot easier. Highly recommend! -Marshall You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

fkalich View Member Profile	Apr 14 2007, 12:09 AM
Apr 14 2007, 12:09 AM	GMC:er Posts: 2.789 Joined: 12-February 07 From: People's Republic of Lawrence Kansas	QUOTE (Mike Seddon @ Apr 13 2007, 10:47 PM) Anyone who has heard me play will know that I use a piece of soft cheese as my pick Clearly, the amount of pick tip that you expose while playing is a determining factor in the thickness of pick that you need. If you expose a lot of the tip, a thin pick will not do the job. At present, my feelings are that while exposing just a tiny bit of the tip is optimal for some things, e.g. pinch harmonics, it is not for other things, e.g. sweeps. So I change that depending on what I am doing at present. Maybe I will feel different later and hold it always one way, but I doubt it. Try the picks that have a surface on the fat part that is not smooth. I have tried several types. They are always expensive, but so what, just don't lose them. One type adds a thin surface to the fat part of the pick that is rough in some fashion. The ones I prefer just have tiny dots in the plastic. They look cheap, but cost 75 cents. I don't know the brand name, I will relay that next time I go to the shop. I think I like the baby blue ones, 1.3mm. The little plastic dots are finer on those, the fat part almost feels like a sandpaper surface . They really do stay in your hand even if you hold them lightly, it makes sense. Again, just as before, the less tip you expose, the less the advantage of these types of picks. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! This post has been edited by fkalich: Apr 14 2007, 12:24 AM

wheeler View Member Profile	Apr 14 2007, 12:15 AM
Apr 14 2007, 12:15 AM	GMC:er Posts: 127 Joined: 21-March 07	QUOTE (Mike Seddon @ Apr 13 2007, 04:47 PM) Anyone who has heard me play will know that I use a piece of soft cheese as my pick Sorry, not really contributing anything here, just wanted to say that cracked me up. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

blindwillie View Member Profile	Apr 14 2007, 12:16 PM
Apr 14 2007, 12:16 PM	GMC:er Posts: 1.533 Joined: 28-March 07 From: Luleå, Sweden	QUOTE (fkalich @ Apr 14 2007, 01:09 AM) Clearly, the amount of pick tip that you expose while playing is a determining factor in the thickness of pick that you need. If you expose a lot of the tip, a thin pick will not do the job. At present, my feelings are that while exposing just a tiny bit of the tip is optimal for some things, e.g. pinch harmonics, it is not for other things, e.g. sweeps. So I change that depending on what I am doing at present. Maybe I will feel different later and hold it always one way, but I doubt it. Try the picks that have a surface on the fat part that is not smooth. I have tried several types. They are always expensive, but so what, just don't lose them. One type adds a thin surface to the fat part of the pick that is rough in some fashion. The ones I prefer just have tiny dots in the plastic. They look cheap, but cost 75 cents. I don't know the brand name, I will relay that next time I go to the shop. I think I like the baby blue ones, 1.3mm. The little plastic dots are finer on those, the fat part almost feels like a sandpaper surface . They really do stay in your hand even if you hold them lightly, it makes sense. Again, just as before, the less tip you expose, the less the advantage of these types of picks. I use the "dotted fat part" ones too, I like the good grip on the picks. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Schecter C1 Hellraiser EMG 81/85, replaced with JB/Jazz (SH4/SH2n) w. coilsplit Schecter Revenger HB-105, replaced with EMG 81/85 Stratocaster Deluxe Players Noiseless Ibanez 2550z Blackstar HT5H, Blackheart BH5H w. BH112, Laney LX35D, Line6 Pod XT, Marshall MS-2 Headphones: Sennheiser RS120 Stay tuned...

Zee Deveel View Member Profile	Apr 14 2007, 02:39 PM
Apr 14 2007, 02:39 PM	GMC:er Posts: 165 Joined: 17-January 07	QUOTE (unmarshal @ Apr 13 2007, 11:57 PM) I just changed picks today from Fender Mediums to the Dunlop Jazz IIIs and wow, pinch harmonics and alternate picking just got a lot easier. Highly recommend! -Marshall I can't make up my mind if I like the Jazz III picks. They're definitely good for picking but I find they get lost in my hand. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars - Epiphone Les Paul Custom (Seymour Duncan JB), Schecter Omen 6 Extreme FR, Squier Affinity Strat, Yamaha F-301 Acoustic Pedals - Line 6 Uber Metal, Line 6 Echo Park, Jim Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby, MXR Phase 90, Boss NS-2, Digitech WH-4, Boss TR-2, Boss TU-2, Behringer 7 Band EQ Amps - Marshall AV50 Head + Cab, Marshall AVT100 112, Line 6 Spider 112, Fender Frontman

me213 View Member Profile	Apr 15 2007, 02:53 PM
Apr 15 2007, 02:53 PM	GMC:er Posts: 54 Joined: 7-December 06	i also tend to use thick picks . thin picks are too ... ... er thin? i recommend jim dunlop big stubby picks . also i dont lose thick picks as easily as thin ones ,who knows why? You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- QUOTE What could more fun than playing the ELECTRIC GUITAR??!! Paul Gilbert

GuitarDude View Member Profile	Apr 16 2007, 11:29 PM
Apr 16 2007, 11:29 PM	GMC:er Posts: 104 Joined: 3-April 07 From: Sweden,stockholm	I use brain 0.58 I think You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- http://www.gruelvillage.com/ http://myspace.com/gruelvillage http://trig.com/gruelvillage

Chooch View Member Profile	Apr 17 2007, 12:44 AM
Apr 17 2007, 12:44 AM	GMC:er Posts: 34 Joined: 12-March 07	I use black Jazz Dunlop III's You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Scott Gentzen View Member Profile	Apr 19 2007, 09:44 PM
Apr 19 2007, 09:44 PM	GMC:er Posts: 683 Joined: 16-January 07 From: Centreville, VA, USA	Picked up a pack of nylon Dunlop Jazz III's (the red ones). Interesting. They do feel a lot more direct. At my level, I don't think it's really having any effect on my playing (I kinda have that 'wedge of cheese' sound too) but it is interesting. They are quite small and I find myself losing my hold on it a bit, but I'm chalking that up to having to adjust to quite a different pick than I'm used to. It's something else to play with. At least picks are cheap so it's not too expensive to try things out. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Guitars: ESP Semi-Hollow Eclipse, 1984 Ibanez Roadstar RS440, Peavey T-60, Daisy Rock Rock Candy Custom Amps: Peavey Transformer 112, Epiphone Valve Jr head with custom 2x12 cab Pedals: Boss TU-2, Budda Bud-Wah, Chuck Collins Harmonic Percolator clone

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