You nailed with this video as in my experience, plectrums are so overlooked and important to get a great tone. When I got a new pedal in a local shop, I got a complimentary acetate Gravity pick or plectrum. Physically t’s quite different to the Fender I use, however the tones I get make the difference, just amazing. There are a few comparison videos about expensive picks, I guess some of them deserve a try.
I used Tortex .73 most of my life, then a little over a year ago I geeked out on different picks. Now I've been using .88 primetone picks with the grip. I also play a lot of funk and find that they have a clear percussive attack and are a good middle ground for funk rhythm and accurate single not lines. I also really like not dropping my pick as much, or having it slip around
Played Gator Grips 1.14mm since the dawn of humans. Recently switched to Tortex Jazz III XLs and Tortex TIIIs (both 1.14m) after discovering how I preferred the tone of Tortex vs anything I has randomly tried. Standard Tortex and Flows were tough shapes for me to get used to, I had tried them also and gave up on them. Rock and blues! Oh I forgot to mention, I like to drill a 1/4” hole in the middle for the drier months to help with grip. In the summer, my fingers are damp enough to not have grip issues with a light touch. I do toss them out after a couple months, once the tips dull and start to get bevels.
I used Jim Dunlop Gator Grip 2.00mm. I personally really enjoy thick, sturdy picks. I also find that they slip out of my hands way less than any other pick I’ve used. If you can find some online, I’d highly suggest them.
My personal favorite is the dunlop Jazz 3 XL in 1.14/1.35. But I also use the T3 in .73 a bit for both electric and acoustic playing, it's like a normal shaped pick with a more pointed tip, like the jazz 3. And when I'm playing Bass I enjoy the more triangle shaped picks in .88. I still like to mess around with different pick styles and thicknesses, but these are the ones I tend to always gravitate towards.
Great video mate. I do think it's interesting how we sometimes find a style and go "this is it, this will be my pick of choice forever" and then inevitably find something else down the line. Now I have a big ol' pickle jar full of different ones that's become a bit of a lucky dip 😂
Anything with the Jazz III XL shape, but preferably thinner. The 1.0 Flow and Rabea Massaad picks are great for metal riffing and soloing. The original smaller Jazz picks are nice too, but are exceptionally prone to gravity. For strum-style acoustic, .73mm Nylon, to keep some breath in the attack. It's worth getting some of those variety packs with different sizes, so you can switch it up a bit depending on what you're playing.
I gone from Dunlop 72mm nylon. To the jazz 3 1.34mm then jazz 3 88 mm tortex. Then the 88 millimetre XL jazz 3. Now the 2mm ultex jazz 3 or a 1.5 ultex flow
I use heavy picks now and one of the biggest issues for me is a consistent grip. I have a tendency to loosen my grip to strike the string softer, and this is a problem when I'm warming up and my hands are dry. Anyway long story short, I use Dunlop Flow 3mm where I sand the raised lettering flat and apply 3M transfer tape (high tack) to one side. First thing in the morning I can shred as fast as I can with a loose grip and the pick stays in position.
Lately I have been experimenting with picks when recording acoustic rhythm, trying to get that Cat Stevens type sound. Big ultra thin picks seem to work best for that. I have even made them from business cards. The best ones so far have been from the clear plastic they use for blister packaging. Only problem with those is I can never find them after I put them down. 🤣😂
I have a goid collection, mostly standard size, have some Tusq which simulate a pick made out of ivory, everybody should try those, i have wood when i want to do low gain slow blues/jazz, metal pick which i hardly use. John petrucci jaz 3 which i can use but i have to play a day or two with them but most picks i can use. Used pennies and 20p piece.
That Petrucci pick was from me you’re right. I much prefer the older Petrucci picks, but I acquired one of your discarded Tortex 1.14’s a while back and that’s been my preferred for ages now. Very rarely drop them and I found they’ve started making them in black so I can feel a little bit more like Batman. I tried some other weird picks I found in a gigbag for a guitar I bought recently and they are horrific. Next time you’re here you have to try them 😆 I always tell my students to buy a different plectrum each time they go to a shop. I also wonder if we all hold on to our plectrums a bit too long. You always see rockstars going through a dozen or so plectrums in one gig. Some of that is just for show or do throw them out to people but I wonder if actually it’s better to replace them more often rather than when you start struggling to tell which way round it should be 😬
Dunlop delrin 500 2.0 for 35 years. It’s all relative, lots of variables involved of course, but i find that these add some weight to the note, but are still bright.
If you like bright. The best I've found is master 8 Infinix-U jazz 3 xl. All points are useful and I like a 1.0 mil or a little thicker. Dragon Heart picks are good also.
I've used dunlop tortex 0.6mm for 15 years. Only just switched to jazz 3s and the difference is wild, never picks up in recording nearly as much as in the room though.
Totally agree! When I was recording the differences seemed far more than was captured. I guess a lot is to do with our perceived feel and as a result how we compensate for the difference. Very nerdy! 🤣
@@DanLeggatt i found that when using a loop pedal i heard the difference alot less. I think alot of the sound from the pick isn't picked up by the pick ups, you just hear the natural sound of the guitar and the pick.
Recently went through all Tortex and the Grey Dunlops. I now alternate between .73, .88 and 1.0. I see you got your Suhr. String breakage at that price? Best Regards and Best Wishes man!
Hi Dan, interesting subject as I recently bought a mixture of new picks to try. I have used Dunlop Tortex 1.14 purple picks for years (bought 30 and still have 29 I hate loosing picks) I can’t get on with any of the new ones !!!! The only exception is a thin pick my drummer gave me which I use for strumming and I have no idea what it is. A great video as always.🎸
I got tons of picks Mainly i only play dunlop herco for dem the edge scratchy sound, that red JP pick and my finger since I'm mainly a hybrid picker. It's usually just that herco tbh since it's kinda an fx pedal in my finger.
351 shape Dunlop Delrin 500 0.96 (pink colour) for many years and Jazz XL ...others tried but stuck with those two. The massive compression on all the MJ Paul Jackson Jr stuff is a big part of it too. BTW Fender sell the soft touch control knobs for Strats now as fitted to Ultra guitars.
100% on the compression front! That 80s DBX smashed compression tone. Some of it sounds like guitar & compression straight to board with no amp to me as well but could be wrong. He’s such a monster player which doesn’t hurt as well! I need to investigate the 500 series a bit more. This is one of the first I’ve used but love the attack. Just don’t know if I can get away from the Jazz size.
Hi Dan ,over the years I.ve use all sorts .I,ve used shark ,fender tortex. ,I finally settled on herco .70 .s . I then stubbled across Eric Johnson and out of curiosity ,I tried his jazz 3 .eurica !!!! Some people may find them very small ,but for me ideal .I tend to rotate them ,using the point for solo,s ,and a top corner for rhythm but also for a more jazzy type of solo .I have some dunlop jazz 3,s but they are about 1mm bigger ,but feel massive ?????strange ?take it easy Baz
Great video. Always on a tone quest. You introduced me to low wattage Marshall with the Origin. I am thinking of either an SV20H for a Plexi or the JCM800 20 watt version. Have you a view on those or is the Origin the answer? Andrew.
I haven’t played either of them unfortunately. I like the origin a lot but don’t love it. It takes a lot to tame it as I mention in the video. Something like the 800 20 watter with the master volume might be a more well rounded option.
My favorite picks so far are the 1.5mm Ultex Flow, perfect size and shape to let me strum easily due to the full size vs Jazz 3 size picks but still has the Jazz 3 point so that I can still pick easily and accurate like a Jazz 3. Something about them is literally like the pick of destiny for me lol, the best example is that I could never get a clean run of the main riff of Crazy Train with the galloping and triads strumming but the first time I tried it with Flow I somehow got it about 95% clean and I literally stood there with my mouth agape, and I just stared at the pick before saying out loud "Oh yeah, I like you!" Lol
You nailed with this video as in my experience, plectrums are so overlooked and important to get a great tone. When I got a new pedal in a local shop, I got a complimentary acetate Gravity pick or plectrum. Physically t’s quite different to the Fender I use, however the tones I get make the difference, just amazing. There are a few comparison videos about expensive picks, I guess some of them deserve a try.
I used Tortex .73 most of my life, then a little over a year ago I geeked out on different picks. Now I've been using .88 primetone picks with the grip. I also play a lot of funk and find that they have a clear percussive attack and are a good middle ground for funk rhythm and accurate single not lines. I also really like not dropping my pick as much, or having it slip around
Played Gator Grips 1.14mm since the dawn of humans. Recently switched to Tortex Jazz III XLs and Tortex TIIIs (both 1.14m) after discovering how I preferred the tone of Tortex vs anything I has randomly tried. Standard Tortex and Flows were tough shapes for me to get used to, I had tried them also and gave up on them. Rock and blues!
Oh I forgot to mention, I like to drill a 1/4” hole in the middle for the drier months to help with grip. In the summer, my fingers are damp enough to not have grip issues with a light touch. I do toss them out after a couple months, once the tips dull and start to get bevels.
I been trying a few picks, Tusq, John Petrucci, jaz iiixl. Just tried the flow 1.5, it's just jumped to the top of the list.
That demo broke the Internet!!!! and your string :-)
🤣🤣
I used Jim Dunlop Gator Grip 2.00mm. I personally really enjoy thick, sturdy picks. I also find that they slip out of my hands way less than any other pick I’ve used. If you can find some online, I’d highly suggest them.
My personal favorite is the dunlop Jazz 3 XL in 1.14/1.35. But I also use the T3 in .73 a bit for both electric and acoustic playing, it's like a normal shaped pick with a more pointed tip, like the jazz 3. And when I'm playing Bass I enjoy the more triangle shaped picks in .88. I still like to mess around with different pick styles and thicknesses, but these are the ones I tend to always gravitate towards.
Great video mate. I do think it's interesting how we sometimes find a style and go "this is it, this will be my pick of choice forever" and then inevitably find something else down the line. Now I have a big ol' pickle jar full of different ones that's become a bit of a lucky dip 😂
Did you take the pickles out first? 🤣🤣
@@DanLeggatt Yes, but I left some of the juice to preserve the tone 😂
@@simonwest8338 A nice tangy top end 👌
Anything with the Jazz III XL shape, but preferably thinner. The 1.0 Flow and Rabea Massaad picks are great for metal riffing and soloing. The original smaller Jazz picks are nice too, but are exceptionally prone to gravity. For strum-style acoustic, .73mm Nylon, to keep some breath in the attack.
It's worth getting some of those variety packs with different sizes, so you can switch it up a bit depending on what you're playing.
I haven’t tried the flow picks yet, I’ll get them on my list. Cheers 👍
I gone from Dunlop 72mm nylon. To the jazz 3 1.34mm then jazz 3 88 mm tortex. Then the 88 millimetre XL jazz 3. Now the 2mm ultex jazz 3 or a 1.5 ultex flow
I use heavy picks now and one of the biggest issues for me is a consistent grip. I have a tendency to loosen my grip to strike the string softer, and this is a problem when I'm warming up and my hands are dry. Anyway long story short, I use Dunlop Flow 3mm where I sand the raised lettering flat and apply 3M transfer tape (high tack) to one side. First thing in the morning I can shred as fast as I can with a loose grip and the pick stays in position.
Interesting idea. Thanks for sharing 👍
I use dunlop ultex sharp 1.9mm especially for strats - sounds great on all my guitars
Lately I have been experimenting with picks when recording acoustic rhythm, trying to get that Cat Stevens type sound. Big ultra thin picks seem to work best for that. I have even made them from business cards. The best ones so far have been from the clear plastic they use for blister packaging. Only problem with those is I can never find them after I put them down. 🤣😂
The white nylon Dunlops.,. REALLY!
@@WisdomofWTF Thanks Tiffany! Best wishes from Australia.
@@WisdomofWTF Hi again Tiffany. My white nylon Dunlops arrived today. They are amazing! Many thanks.
I have a goid collection, mostly standard size, have some Tusq which simulate a pick made out of ivory, everybody should try those, i have wood when i want to do low gain slow blues/jazz, metal pick which i hardly use. John petrucci jaz 3 which i can use but i have to play a day or two with them but most picks i can use. Used pennies and 20p piece.
That Petrucci pick was from me you’re right. I much prefer the older Petrucci picks, but I acquired one of your discarded Tortex 1.14’s a while back and that’s been my preferred for ages now. Very rarely drop them and I found they’ve started making them in black so I can feel a little bit more like Batman. I tried some other weird picks I found in a gigbag for a guitar I bought recently and they are horrific. Next time you’re here you have to try them 😆 I always tell my students to buy a different plectrum each time they go to a shop.
I also wonder if we all hold on to our plectrums a bit too long. You always see rockstars going through a dozen or so plectrums in one gig. Some of that is just for show or do throw them out to people but I wonder if actually it’s better to replace them more often rather than when you start struggling to tell which way round it should be 😬
Do a Yngwie and start drop kicking them into the crowd during gigs for a regular pick change 🤣🤣
@@DanLeggatt that is basically what I was advising yes 😂
Dunlop delrin 500 2.0 for 35 years.
It’s all relative, lots of variables involved of course, but i find that these add some weight to the note, but are still bright.
If you like bright. The best I've found is master 8 Infinix-U jazz 3 xl. All points are useful and I like a 1.0 mil or a little thicker. Dragon Heart picks are good also.
I’ll check them out, thanks for sharing 👍
I've used dunlop tortex 0.6mm for 15 years. Only just switched to jazz 3s and the difference is wild, never picks up in recording nearly as much as in the room though.
Totally agree! When I was recording the differences seemed far more than was captured. I guess a lot is to do with our perceived feel and as a result how we compensate for the difference. Very nerdy! 🤣
@@DanLeggatt i found that when using a loop pedal i heard the difference alot less. I think alot of the sound from the pick isn't picked up by the pick ups, you just hear the natural sound of the guitar and the pick.
Recently went through all Tortex and the Grey Dunlops. I now alternate between .73, .88 and 1.0. I see you got your Suhr. String breakage at that price? Best Regards and Best Wishes man!
Hi Dan, interesting subject as I recently bought a mixture of new picks to try. I have used Dunlop Tortex 1.14 purple picks for years (bought 30 and still have 29 I hate loosing picks) I can’t get on with any of the new ones !!!! The only exception is a thin pick my drummer gave me which I use for strumming and I have no idea what it is. A great video as always.🎸
Blimey mate, I go through about 20 a month. I don’t know where they end up 🤣 Sounds like we’re on a similar vibe with the 1.14mm
I got tons of picks
Mainly i only play dunlop herco for dem the edge scratchy sound, that red JP pick and my finger since I'm mainly a hybrid picker.
It's usually just that herco tbh since it's kinda an fx pedal in my finger.
351 shape Dunlop Delrin 500 0.96 (pink colour) for many years and Jazz XL ...others tried but stuck with those two. The massive compression on all the MJ Paul Jackson Jr stuff is a big part of it too. BTW Fender sell the soft touch control knobs for Strats now as fitted to Ultra guitars.
100% on the compression front! That 80s DBX smashed compression tone. Some of it sounds like guitar & compression straight to board with no amp to me as well but could be wrong. He’s such a monster player which doesn’t hurt as well!
I need to investigate the 500 series a bit more. This is one of the first I’ve used but love the attack. Just don’t know if I can get away from the Jazz size.
@@DanLeggatt The Delrin 500s wear quickly IMO though, I alternate as mentioned above but 70% is D500
Hi Dan ,over the years I.ve use all sorts .I,ve used shark ,fender tortex. ,I finally settled on herco .70 .s . I then stubbled across Eric Johnson and out of curiosity ,I tried his jazz 3 .eurica !!!! Some people may find them very small ,but for me ideal .I tend to rotate them ,using the point for solo,s ,and a top corner for rhythm but also for a more jazzy type of solo .I have some dunlop jazz 3,s but they are about 1mm bigger ,but feel massive ?????strange ?take it easy Baz
Interesting about rotating the pick for different things. Hadn’t really considered that! Cheers Baz 👍
Tortex Max-Grip. I wish I found it earlier. The convenience of the pick not moving out of your fingers during play playing is worthless.
I didn’t realise they did a tortex max grip. Do you have a link to the ones you use? Sounds like my kind of thing.
@@DanLeggatt they don’t
you can pick your nose, you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your friend's pick
Jim Dunlop .60 (medium)
Dunlop .73 sharkfin
Celluloid 1.5 mm, I just file them down to a regular Jazz size
Great video. Always on a tone quest. You introduced me to low wattage Marshall with the Origin. I am thinking of either an SV20H for a Plexi or the JCM800 20 watt version. Have you a view on those or is the Origin the answer?
Andrew.
I haven’t played either of them unfortunately. I like the origin a lot but don’t love it. It takes a lot to tame it as I mention in the video. Something like the 800 20 watter with the master volume might be a more well rounded option.
@@DanLeggatt I was thinking that might be the case. I will have to try one at some point. Haven't been in a guitar shop for a long while. Thank you.
@@andyracksthecams Good luck on your tone quest dude 👍
Jazz iii xl ultex, or sometimes jp flows.
My favorite picks so far are the 1.5mm Ultex Flow, perfect size and shape to let me strum easily due to the full size vs Jazz 3 size picks but still has the Jazz 3 point so that I can still pick easily and accurate like a Jazz 3.
Something about them is literally like the pick of destiny for me lol, the best example is that I could never get a clean run of the main riff of Crazy Train with the galloping and triads strumming but the first time I tried it with Flow I somehow got it about 95% clean and I literally stood there with my mouth agape, and I just stared at the pick before saying out loud "Oh yeah, I like you!" Lol
So don't get the tortex flex 1.4mm as it breaks strings
This ended in bloodshed. See what happens when you go "off the reservation" and experiment?