Does this make any difference whatsoever?

[CyanJaguar]

I am using the free picks I got at Guitar Center and I was wondering if the pick actually makes any difference in playing. I cant pick as easily as I would like.

[pdadda]

For me, the pick I use makes a HUGE difference. I always play with JIm Dunlop/USA Nylon picks of either .73mm or .88mm. If I play with other picks, I am more awkward.

[keebob]

I think the pick can make a big difference. Try a whole bunch and see what works for you. I use a different one for Acoustic than electric. It depends on your style and the guage of your strings and what sound you are going for.

Honestly, it took me a while to figure out the string/pick combination that works for me.

[scrubs]

I agree with the above statements. Picks are very important.

I use heavy picks for live playing and most electric stuff. I like medium and light picks for recording acoustic, especially for strumming (I usually have to try out a few to really get the sound I want for each song). I prefer jazz picks for lead stuff. I used to use Dunlop "sharkfin" picks which had three different surfaces you could use...I don't think they make them anymore. I miss those picks.

Get to the music store and buy one of each to try out. Picks are inexpensive, so try them and find out what suits your style. Good luck.

[dvon1981]

i def agree with a medium pick for strumming acoustic. I a huge fan of the Dunlop Tortex picks. The green ones. I can't remember thickniess right now...maybe .88? it's a heavy pick, but they are awesome. I can't stand light picks...worthless

[Farview]

I use the 2.0 mm Dunlops, anything thinner seems too floppy.

[pdadda]

Wow, 2mm. You are hardcore.

[MadAudio]

Another Dunlop Tortex user here. I use the greens (yes, they are .88 mm) and the yellows (.73 mm).

[Farview]

Originally Posted by pdadda

Wow, 2mm. You are hardcore.

I spent way too much time playing rhythm guitar in a prog/speed metal band. I also use 12's when I am only playing rhythm. If I am playing leads, I use 10's but the pick stays the same.

[ibanezrocks]

I used to like really heavy picks but for artificial harmonics a lighter pick is easier. I've tried every kind of dunlop pick, as I am a huge dunlop fan, and nothing even comes close to their ultex picks, by far the best feeling and sounding pick ever. I use them for my acoustic and for my electric (heavier gauge on my electric)

[Purge]

I've been swearing by the newer Gator Grips from Dunlop. All the stuff that I loved about the old Tortex ones, but they also come slightly beveled. The 1.14s and the the 1.5s seem to work best for me. The beveled edge really helps glide across the strings at faster speeds.

[Tadpui]

Ive been a Tortex disciple for many years now also. I use the purple ones (1.34 mm, maybe? I can't tell cuz they're all worn off!) on electric.

I absolutely love the yellow Tortex Sharps for acoustic. So bright and loud...but I don't think they make them anymore

I thought this was kinda cool to look thru too: http://www.jimdunlop.com/products/picks/index.html


...and who in the world manufactures a 2mm pick? Seems like that would be akin to using 2 quarters glued together!

[DJL]

Originally Posted by CyanJaguar

I am using the free picks I got at Guitar Center and I was wondering if the pick actually makes any difference in playing. I cant pick as easily as I would like.

I don't know about everyone else... but for me (depending on what I want to do) different picks can make a BIG difference.

[guitar junkie]

i used to buy picks at the music stores and i even had a bunch of them i liked....
but i was playing around once and made a guitar pick out of some plastic that i had laying around and i got the pick bug and was making all kinds of picks after that. i now am using picks made out of cocoa nut very very heavy picks that sound awesome i find that a really light pick has this clicky sound that sucks and i tend to use them only when i need that sound i use a really heavy pick for lead work and for rhythm work as well i do not hit my strings really hard with one although some people think i do i also use my nails and finger tips a great deal.
i use metal finger picks for slide work sometimes as well as with my banjo bass i just use a really heavy pick or fingers so i would say my picks are about 1/8 through 1/4 inch thick its my sound and my pick.

[Clive Hugh]

Dunlop 500, the pink ones .71 mm, definately affect the tone to my liking.

[lpdeluxe]

Pink Dunlop Tortex, 1.14mm. I settled on these years ago: snap, nice shape, and a color you can see when it's on the floor.... I bought half a gross and have never used anything else since. They are slightly rough when new, but the strings polish them up real fast and then they're good until you lose 'em. The Tortex name refers to the fact that they supposedly emulate tortoise shell. I've never played those but the Tortex are fine.

Do all the music stores still give away thin picks with new guitars? I ended up with a bunch that I couldn't give away, and they all ended up in the trash.

[Monsoon]

I think they make a huge difference. I alway used "medium" fender picks, but then I tried the Dunlop Big Stubbys. What a differenence. Never used any other pick since.

[Track Rat]

As stated, picks make a HUGE difference in tone and feel. Thicker=darker sound, thinner=more click.

[apl]

Yellow Tortex here. I started using them because they don't slip around. I've just moved up from orange cuz I'm playing more and I've got the strength.

[Stefan Elmblad]

Picks makes a big difference. I use Jim Dunlop 1.5mm picks, and when I'm using anything else I feel very awkward. I bought 100 of them, and have some stashed here and there in case they stop selling it. Seriously.

[CyanJaguar]

Thanks for the advice people. I went to the store and tried out thicker picks. As you guys said, they made a HUGE difference. I bought the 1.14 mm Tortex and the 2mm gator grip. So far I love both but for my beginning hands the 2mms are easier even though I prefer the sound of the tortex. I also wanted to pick up some big stubbys but the only had them in 3 mm and 1 mm.

Anyhow, my alternate picking is now a reality and not a dream and fast picking is also a reality. I went back and tried the free GC ones just for kicks and I could not believe how frustrating alternating picking was and dont even mention fast picking cause there was just too much flex for them to be of any use.

THanks again for the advice.

[Sloan]

I tend to favor lighter picks for strumming and thicker picks for electric/lead work.

The lighter picks help get rid of the plucking sound a little more while the harder is easier for me to do fast stuff like tremolo picking and all that jazz(shred)..

I've never actually bought picks (for 5 years!) until last month.
I just always got them for free from one of the music stores I buy strings from!

So far these are my favorites:

[ibanezrocks]

The Dunlop ultex picks really do seem like an improvement on the tortex picks in my opinion, if you're looking for something new, try those.

doesnt anyone out there agree with me on those!?

[SteveK]

Dunlop Jazz III's for electric and single note acoustic lines, and thin Martin picks for acoustic strumming. Have used this combo for the past 15 or so years...pick choice definitely influences tone and playability.

[Zona Mona]

Originally Posted by pdadda

For me, the pick I use makes a HUGE difference. I always play with JIm Dunlop/USA Nylon picks of either .73mm or .88mm. If I play with other picks, I am more awkward.

I like these because they have the textured part and it helps me hang on, although I use the 1mm size