Hi, thanks for the information-- As I played along with your suggestions, I suddenly realized that another factor here is the angle at which you hold your guitar-- I play with a strap and hold my guitar with the neck tilted upward like Joe Pass, (and I use a Fender "heavy" teardrop jazz pick.) Because of this, even though I'm holding the pick relatively "fIat", the angle of the pick to the strings is at that 30-45 degree angle. I notice you (like many players) don't use a strap and hold your guitar kind of straight across your lap when you play, so in that case you would need to angle the pick as you described, to achieve the darker tone.
I instinctively have been using the pic at an angle for many years because it gives a better sound for notes and chords. I use a medium sized pic and thickness of 2mm as i find it gives better control.
Super interesting topic Paul. I've recently talked a bit about the George Benson's picking technique with a teacher of mine, and I did some research and exploration on the field this past week, and I ended up finding myself lost in the world of picking techniques haha and specially considering that I come from a more oriented "rock" background, and started studying and playing jazz seriously just a year ago. I often use my fingers also with my pick when soloing (kind of a "chicken picking" style, but not that advanced as some country players such as Danny Gatton), and although I'm trying out and exploring the Benson's pick-hand position and technique (it enables me some more speed also), I still have much to explore, practice and figure out what do I really want and aim for, and also what suits me the best. Idk, but nowadays I'm really lost picking-pathways talking haha. Anyway, great video, Paul, and here's another user of Pro-Plec picks. Cheers!
Brilliant. at 4.09 you talk about Benson rotating the pick from below. Do you think Hendrix did thge same? I am sure I have watched videos of Hendrix using that same George Benson position.I couldn't figure out why, but I think you may have given me a clue. Appreciate we are not talking about Hendrix here but...interesting.
Notice how the neck pickup is reversed (poll pieces are facing towards the tail piece) That is not standard. Nowhere does he make mention of this . Removing and then turning the neck pickup around, places the poll pieces further away from the neck. Therefore makes for a brighter sound. Did anyone else notice this? Look for yourself at any guitar with a two pickup aray and the neck pickup poll pieces will be closer to the fretboard.
Matthew I’ve found that personally, angled works but flat works better. With a thinner pick or a pick with a certain kind of bevel I would angle it but because whichever pick I use has a rounded bevel then flat does it better for me. Since this video I’ve had to sell my L5 and have switched away from Blue Chip to D’Andrea Pro-Pleks (which I used to use before getting the L5) because although they didn’t suit the L5, the Eastman I have needs “taming” and the pro pleks have a darker sound. So anyway I mention that since flat vs. tilted will have a lot to do with what pick you’re trying it with, both the thickness and bevel but also the material used. It’s kind it a rabbit hole to travel down so the easiest way is to get get a bunch of cheaper picks and try it all out, see what sound you like and what suits how you play.
Nice guitar!!!
Hi, thanks for the information-- As I played along with your suggestions, I suddenly realized that another factor here is the angle at which you hold your guitar-- I play with a strap and hold my guitar with the neck tilted upward like Joe Pass, (and I use a Fender "heavy" teardrop jazz pick.) Because of this, even though I'm holding the pick relatively "fIat", the angle of the pick to the strings is at that 30-45 degree angle. I notice you (like many players) don't use a strap and hold your guitar kind of straight across your lap when you play, so in that case you would need to angle the pick as you described, to achieve the darker tone.
I instinctively have been using the pic at an angle for many years because it gives a better sound for notes and chords. I use a medium sized pic and thickness of 2mm as i find it gives better control.
Super interesting topic Paul. I've recently talked a bit about the George Benson's picking technique with a teacher of mine, and I did some research and exploration on the field this past week, and I ended up finding myself lost in the world of picking techniques haha and specially considering that I come from a more oriented "rock" background, and started studying and playing jazz seriously just a year ago. I often use my fingers also with my pick when soloing (kind of a "chicken picking" style, but not that advanced as some country players such as Danny Gatton), and although I'm trying out and exploring the Benson's pick-hand position and technique (it enables me some more speed also), I still have much to explore, practice and figure out what do I really want and aim for, and also what suits me the best. Idk, but nowadays I'm really lost picking-pathways talking haha. Anyway, great video, Paul, and here's another user of Pro-Plec picks. Cheers!
Brilliant. at 4.09 you talk about Benson rotating the pick from below. Do you think Hendrix did thge same? I am sure I have watched videos of Hendrix using that same George Benson position.I couldn't figure out why, but I think you may have given me a clue. Appreciate we are not talking about Hendrix here but...interesting.
Notice how the neck pickup is reversed (poll pieces are facing towards the tail piece) That is not standard. Nowhere does he make mention of this . Removing and then turning the neck pickup around, places the poll pieces further away from the neck. Therefore makes for a brighter sound. Did anyone else notice this? Look for yourself at any guitar with a two pickup aray and the neck pickup poll pieces will be closer to the fretboard.
Good Song, Muito bom, gostei muito do conteudo do canal parabéns e agora amigos, muito sucesso
How have you been, Paul? Miss you on JJG!
So, for you flat picking works, angled not? I have fiddle envy 🤘
Matthew I’ve found that personally, angled works but flat works better. With a thinner pick or a pick with a certain kind of bevel I would angle it but because whichever pick I use has a rounded bevel then flat does it better for me. Since this video I’ve had to sell my L5 and have switched away from Blue Chip to D’Andrea Pro-Pleks (which I used to use before getting the L5) because although they didn’t suit the L5, the Eastman I have needs “taming” and the pro pleks have a darker sound. So anyway I mention that since flat vs. tilted will have a lot to do with what pick you’re trying it with, both the thickness and bevel but also the material used. It’s kind it a rabbit hole to travel down so the easiest way is to get get a bunch of cheaper picks and try it all out, see what sound you like and what suits how you play.
Great video! Well said Paul
Well .... whatever, it's like fingerpickers withe their fingernails: but why is your neck PU mounted the bridge PU way?