Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: Jannie on December 22, 2011, 04:40:37 PM
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I've always strummend and latter picked with my fingers, lately working on the more common fingerstyle. But with my new Taylor 214 I can tell this is going to wear hard on those fingers and thumb on my right hand after awhile. Granted there will be a learning period but the guitar is so quiet fingerpicking compared to when I do it with my classical that I feel I'm not really getting the sweet spot opened up on the guitar. So I'd told the salesman yesterday when I got my new Taylor that one of the things I wanted to learn was to use a pick. He collected an assortment of their store brand picks in heavy, medium and light, saying that the medium was his favorite. But they have a huge selection of picks to choose from.
I tried playing with them last night and it was pretty bad, like using a big hammer to crack walnuts. But this last hour I can feel and hear something good starting to happen. But with all the choices where can I start beyond the picks he gave me. Are there tried and true picks that have a general appeal. Not playing rock and roll, more folk and simple instrumental. I notice the really light pick tends to sound kind of muddled when strummed, like it's confused about what it's supposed to do or just muddy. The medium so far seems the best but it tends to slide around between my fingers, do they ever make these with a dull textured finish except where the string hits it. I'm totally new to picks so does anyone have any good tips of how to select and use a pick?
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imho, i would try a wide selection of picks to find one(s) that are comfortable to you & that you like the tone of -
depending on if the picks you are using have a glossy finish or are made of plastic or nylon,
they may feel a bit 'slippery' & you may have better luck with a matte finish material pick
it took me a good 2 months when i started to learn how to strum before i began to be able to 'settle in'
with a pick & initially i 'choked up' on it a good bit, so that the tip of the pick was barely protruding from
under my thumb, but i would try to find what you're comfortable with, in terms of holding the pick
there a quite a few companies that make grip/textured picks -
here are a few that should be readily available at stores
cool picks makes a 'cat tongue' pick (textured nylon) &
click on 'picks' then 'cat tongue'
http://www.coolmusicinc.com/index.html (http://www.coolmusicinc.com/index.html)
they also make a juratex pick (feels like sandpaper)
clayton makes a variety of 'grip picks'
http://www.steveclayton.com/grippicks.php (http://www.steveclayton.com/grippicks.php)
dunlop makes a textured nylon pick
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/standard (http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/standard)
& a matte 'gripping' finish pick
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/gator-grip (http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/gator-grip)
personally, i like the feel & tone of their ultex picks
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/standard-ultex (http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/standard-ultex)
i hope this helps, at least for a possible starting point
good question :)
glad you're here :D
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It sounds trite, but: there is no right or wrong answer on picks, it all depends on what sounds and feels best to you. I would say, find a music store that sells picks singly (as opposed to only in packs) and buy a ton of different ones - different weights, shapes, materials (you might be surprised how different the different types of plastic sound), brands, and so on. Most picks are cheap, somewhere around 25 to 50 cents each, so try as many as you can get your hands on.
I'm primarily a rock player and play primarily with a pick - also, I prefer a sharper attack than a lot of other acoustic players do - so my preferences in a pick might be a lot different than yours, but for what it's worth I usually use picks that are labeled "heavy" or are around 1.0 mm, give or take. My favorite pick brands lately are Fender and Dunlop.
There sure are picks that address the slippage issue - anything named "grip", "control", and so on is (supposedly, at least) designed to slide less. The only ones I've tried are Dunlop Gator Grips, which have a powder coating - on the whole pick - that from my experience does make them easier to keep in place. The powder coating doesn't last all that long however, though I use them for their sound rather than their grip factor so it isn't an issue for me personally (I could do without the powder in fact ... seems a little gimmicky to me). There are other types of "grip" and "control" picks too, though I haven't tried them. Also, some people modify picks to reduce slippage. I've heard of punching a hole through a normal pick so that your fingers touch through the hole when you hold the pick, and I've also heard of sanding or otherwise roughing up the part you hold.
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I've found Dunlop nylon's the best cheap picks around for nearly 3 decades - 0.73's and also 0.88's are great on electrics and acoustics both. They have a raised logo with a great grip, preventing them sliding out of your fingers. Should be able to get them anywhere.
Just recently I've found Dunlop Maxgrip's carbon fiber picks (same sizes) to be even better.
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I love cool picks because they are one of the few picks I can hang on to. That said, they don't necessarily give me the best sound (although their new material picks are pretty darn slick).
Best thing you can do is try a bunch. You will discover quickly what is comfortable and what sounds good.
-Dave
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imho, i would try a wide selection of picks to find one(s) that are comfortable to you & that
there a quite a few companies that make grip/textured picks -
here are a few that should be readily available at stores
cool picks makes a 'cat tongue' pick (textured nylon) &
click on 'picks' then 'cat tongue'
http://www.coolmusicinc.com/index.html (http://www.coolmusicinc.com/index.html)
they also make a juratex pick (feels like sandpaper)
good question :)
glad you're here :D
Michael, how did you ever find the web site for Cool picks? I've searched online and never could find much info about them!
Jannie, I like the CoolCell picks (medium works well for me). The reason I like them is because the grip is textured rubber...little raised nubs that are grippy. I'd be happy to send you one if you want to PM me your address. :) The Cool Stealth picks feel somewhat similar to the CoolCell in that the grip is rubbery and grippy but the nubs are different...not sure if I have any extras but will check.
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I played for 10 years before I started using a pick. Always loved the sound of soft strumming with just fingers. Don't care for letting my fingernails grow out either. Can't stand the look or the feel.
When I started taking formal lessons last month, my teacher dude urged me to try using a pick. I bought a pack of Dunlop medium (orange ones). Getting used to it now but still find myself occasionally cheating and going back to no pick.
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Michael, how did you ever find the web site for Cool picks? I've searched online and never could find much info about them!
Jannie, I like the CoolCell picks (medium works well for me). The reason I like them is because the grip is textured rubber...little raised nubs that are grippy. I'd be happy to send you one if you want to PM me your address. :) The Cool Stealth picks feel somewhat similar to the CoolCell in that the grip is rubbery and grippy but the nubs are different...not sure if I have any extras but will check.
hi Cindy,
the music store where my first 2 Taylors came from has Cool picks -
i guess they're 'multi-taskers' as well, as one could smooth out
the nail edges on their fretting hand in a pinch, if needed ;)
i would be very careful not to let them rub on the guitar body or neck &
i wouldn't recommend placing them between the strings & fretboard :o
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Right now I am enjoying the Jim Dunlop Tortoise Heavy ...... Very nice and warm sounding....
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379964_10150438005676828_626936827_9093801_895905925_n.jpg)
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I like the Fender or Dunlop heavies although I will use a medium sometimes. I like to flatpick so the heavies are good for that. I found that when I am doing alot of strumming they tend to fly out of my hand so I use thins for heavy strumming.
I also like to use the V-Picks, the style I like is very thick and costs about $10.00 (I know, I know - $10 for a pick what was I thinking) but I love this thing. Go to the V-Pick website to see them. Vinnie is a very friendly guy and would love to help you, I'll bet if you emailed him he would pick (pun intended) out a selection for you to try.
I think like a previous poster said, just buy alot of singles and give them a try to see what you like. I notice alotof tone difference depending on which pick I am using. Welcome to the forum.
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For years I used either Martin or Fender mediums (Taylor picks appear about the same, just prettier :)) and then in recent times I started using heavier picks and experimenting with sizes and such. Just as strings make a difference in sound, so do picks and how you pick. As others have said, it's an easy and cheap way to experiment, although there are some rather high dollar picks on the market.
Good luck!
Terry
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I've always strummend and latter picked with my fingers, lately working on the more common fingerstyle. But with my new Taylor 214 I can tell this is going to wear hard on those fingers and thumb on my right hand after awhile. Granted there will be a learning period but the guitar is so quiet fingerpicking compared to when I do it with my classical that I feel I'm not really getting the sweet spot opened up on the guitar. So I'd told the salesman yesterday when I got my new Taylor that one of the things I wanted to learn was to use a pick. He collected an assortment of their store brand picks in heavy, medium and light, saying that the medium was his favorite. But they have a huge selection of picks to choose from.
I tried playing with them last night and it was pretty bad, like using a big hammer to crack walnuts. But this last hour I can feel and hear something good starting to happen. But with all the choices where can I start beyond the picks he gave me. Are there tried and true picks that have a general appeal. Not playing rock and roll, more folk and simple instrumental. I notice the really light pick tends to sound kind of muddled when strummed, like it's confused about what it's supposed to do or just muddy. The medium so far seems the best but it tends to slide around between my fingers, do they ever make these with a dull textured finish except where the string hits it. I'm totally new to picks so does anyone have any good tips of how to select and use a pick?
Jannie...if you can afford it...buy a several picks. With really light width picks...there's almost no resistance...and sometimes you can get that "flip, flip, flip, flip" at it hits the strings. With really thick picks, sometimes for me...the strings can flip the pick out of my hands.
I prefer the medium width...for me it's the perfect balance. I prefer the Jim Dunlap 60mm width. They're made out of nylon and have little "grips."
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The only thing you can do is try them all, no kidding, there is no best pick out there, only the best for you. The number one thing to look for is a good grip. I tend to stay away from picks with holes and ones that are textured so I need a material that will want to stick to my fingers naturally. Acrylic is excellent for this but at $4 each I tend to worry about them too much which makes enjoying them difficult. I have tried them all and settled on the Dunlop Ultex picks pictured below but you may find something else works best for you. You will also find that your taste will change so don't worry too much about finding the ultimate pick, there is no such thing.
(http://www.guitarnoize.com/images/blog/dunlop_ultex_sharp.jpg)
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The only thing that I can add to all of the above post is something that you may want to try that my teacher suggested to me. Instead of using the pointed side of the pick, use the round side to strike the strings. This is the way that he plays and it has worked well for him for over 40 years. This way the pick glides along the strings and for me it doesn't slip in my fingers nearly as much. Give it a try, you may like it....
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picks actually develop a wear pattern with use -
the sides of the pointed end are tapered, which will make a
difference in how the pick contacts & interacts with the strings
early on, i used very small teardrop 'jazz' type picks that
were in the medium gauges ( .73 -.96) & found that,
for me, they were easier to hold on to & control
above all else, the pick you should use is the one you're
most comfortable with & that you like the tone of -
it sounds like you are getting used to medium gauge,
so that will narrow it to down to pick material/texture
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For those of you looking for "Cool Picks" Elderly Instruments has the widest
selection in one location that I have found.
http://elderly.com/brand/PK_cool%20picks.html
These picks are made from various materials and have different types of
grip surfaces.
st
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For those of you looking for "Cool Picks" Elderly Instruments has the widest
selection in one location that I have found.
http://elderly.com/brand/PK_cool%20picks.html
These picks are made from various materials and have different types of
grip surfaces.
st
Do the grips wear off? I love the Jim Dunlaps bc the grips seem to not wear out. I might have to try those.
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Wow, lots of good information, I got a whole series of Dunlap Tortex picks, I bought every one from .50mm to 1.14mm and a Fender Medium, plus the shop brand in light med and heavy. Impressive how much the experience using a pick can change - drastically depending on thickness. When I started I assumed I'd go for the lightest. I practiced yesterday and then about an hour and a half this evening just with picks, switching back and forth. The Dunlap Tortex (I don't remember seeing Ultex) after a while I'd try heavier and then just for the heck of it I tried the purple 1.14mm and got a huge softer, deeper sound and a big wow from me. At first I wasn't sure so I went back through all of them, learning control and listening to the sound of the actual pick scraping on the strings and then the difference in the sound of the guitar. Right now I like the heaviest (1.14mm) Tortex and the heaviest of the store brand. We'll see how I feel in the morning. Maybe tomorrow once my fingers are again too sore to keep playing, I'll check out one of the other guitar stores for picks.
Cindy I'll figure out how to send you a PM with the address, and thank you.
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Being new to using picks I was a little shocked when I first tried one. After awhile I found they would kind of start doing their thing and I'd get a rythm. One of the things about the 214 for me (please understand I have damaged hearing and wear aides) is that the guitar doesn't have the deep low tones that my classical had and the pick can accent a higher sound really easily with the lighter picks. But when I got to the heavier picks it found a whole new sound that my ears like a lot and this excited me. It reminds me of when I was trying out different stringsets for my classical, the strings could completely change the sound of the guitar and I'm noticing the same with the picks.
Plus I noticed that it might not keep the same character as I work up to the top of the neck, maybe yes, maybe no so it was (with my untalented fingers) something to keep trying over and over.
I've always played nylon string guitars (took about 25 years off in the middle) and after awhile with a new classical that was amazing but still it was a classical and they are, well, different, I decided I wanted to change.
So I'd always done my own kind of finger picking and had started practicing fingerstyle as well and now with a flat pick. I've got to say that the flat pick really wakes up this guitar wonderfully, it just needs it's operator to get something going that's good.
And, Oh, I just happened to try out a Taylor 714ce today and I am in LOVE, the sound with the cedar over the rosewood rings so wonderfully to my ears that I just have to start saving. I love the Taylor neck, and I admit I do love this 214 and will keep it if I get the 714ce cause I feel safer with it having the dull finish when I take it out or on the retreat I go to every summer with friends. But for now I'm going to set a goal of six money to get it together to get another guitar. Guess I've got the Taylor fever.
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I'm a big fan of the V Picks Ruby Red Tradition UltraLite. Normally, I find their picks too heavy for strumming, but this one is great. It really coaxes a nice, well-rounded tone out of my 816ce, not too bright, not too muddy.
(http://v-picks.com/images/tradition%20ultra%20lite%20ruby%20red.jpg)
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Today I was able to get to another guitar store and picked up a few more; my fingers aren't bleeding but they sure are sore from spending hours switching picks back and forth. I've decided for the next couple of days at least, to just use the Dunlap Tortex Std .60. I find that thickness is much better for me than the really thick ones I was playing last night.
I started getting confused and especially since I've only been using a pick for a couple of days I decided to take one and work it awhile knowing as one of you said, it may take several months to feel settled in using one.
But I also love the process of defining what fits me, my personality and abilities. I'll have to say that my guitar really sounds pretty wonderful with this pick as I progress, I can't wait until I can really find character in the sound with a pick and to be able to always go there.
Have a wonderful holiday,
Namaste, Jannie
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Do the grips wear off? I love the Jim Dunlaps bc the grips seem to not wear out. I might have to try those.
i really don't know if the 'granulated' feeling surface on the Cool pic would wear off -
from the way they feel to me, if the surface were to wear off, so would my thumbprint ;)
actually dirt, finger oil, dead skin cells could collect & 'clog' the textured surface (scrub it ???)
i like dunlops too (ultex, gator tortex), as close to .9 mm as i can get :)
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For those looking for picks Elderly is a source that sell picks individually so you don't have to buy a dozen to find out if they work for you. PICKS GALORE is another great website that sell picks in 1's or 2's. I'm liking the heavier Tortex and Ultrex. I tried those light nylons that some of you like but I don't get it.
http://www.picksgalore.com/index.html (http://www.picksgalore.com/index.html)
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I seem to recall starting with .60's too and over time as my wrist freed up I moved through .73's to .88's. It depends what style you're playing but it's very common that players adapt the picks they use over time.
I also have some Tortex picks but always found them much less pleasing to use than the Dunlop nylon standard series. They have an imprinted logo making them very easy to grip - Tortex are smooth I think?
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/standard
Even better than these to my ear are the Dunlop Maxgrip picks which I discovered recently:
http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/max-grip-nylon-standard
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For years and years, on electric, I used Fender Light in the traditional and larger triangle shapes. Then, I found Herco Flex 50 and they became my exclusive. I used them on acoustic for a long time and then found Cool Picks. For a while now, I've quit using picks on acoustic and just use bare fingers.
I'm definitely in the "no right or wrong" camp... fully personal preference. Buy a bunch (various shapes and weights and textures). Spend some time with each and figure out which works best for you. Then,try the ones you didn't like again in 6 months to see if your tastes have changed.
Ed
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Santa brought a Blue Chip pick that is amazing.
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Which Blue Chip? Do you do more strumming or picking?
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Cindy I got the picks today and quickly settled on the Black Cool Stealth Medium pick and the other is the one by Wedgie. I counted the other styles of picks I had bought so far and it came to 14 and I don't like any of them nearly as much as these two, thank you so much. They are somewhat different but both grip easily without gripping hard which I like. I've a lot to learn but I do like beinga able to adjust the tightness on the pick as part of how the control feels on the string for different effect.
And Cindy I'll keep a collection of all the others with your idea in mind.
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I seem to vacillate between the Blue Chip TP50-1R and the Red Bear T-II Med as my
favorite picks. Both are outstanding for strumming, flatpicking, and arpeggiating.
However, I keep forgetting, pocket washing, and otherwise losing track of picks so
I just can't justify them on a regular, full time basis due to their cost. :o
I have generally settled on the tortex picks offered by McPherson guitars. They have
the standard colors/thicknesses with three different points and a cutout in the middle
for better grip.
http://mcphersonguitars.com/store/products/featured-products/mcpherson-guitar-picks/
I like these because I get a different response/tone from each corner and there are
no grip issues. They are an all around very nice pick.
st
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Jannie, since you like the Wedgie picks, I'll send you the rest that are left in the set. I believe there are 9 more. All the package says is Wedgie Nylon XT .73mm. I'm not even sure where I got them from...maybe an online purchase or maybe local. It might be next week before I can get them mailed, but they're yours! Glad I could help. :)
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Fantastic, thank you so much.
Jannie