Pick recommendations for acoustic?

Hybrid138 · 05-05-2012, 02:04 PM

I normally use JazzIII max grips but I've heard that thinner picks are the way to go for acoustic. It supposed to help tone and lower the chance of buzzing? I was thinking of these but I don't know what gauge to get...

Any other recommendations?

Dunlop Nylon Max Grip Guitar Picks - 12-Pack | GuitarCenter

JStraitiff · 05-05-2012, 02:15 PM

Those would work but i actually found that switching from a standard pick shape to jazz IIIs on my acoustic brightened up the tone immensely. I assume its more to do with the pick shape changing my attack rather than the pick material but either way i would go with the jazz IIIs. Lighter picks are pretty good for strumming.

Volteau · 05-05-2012, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JStraitiff

Those would work but i actually found that switching from a standard pick shape to jazz IIIs on my acoustic brightened up the tone immensely. I assume its more to do with the pick shape changing my attack rather than the pick material but either way i would go with the jazz IIIs. Lighter picks are pretty good for strumming.

This. I use Jazz IIIs for anything arpeggiated and "technical" and thiner picks for strumming (around 60-75mm should do).

Augminished · 05-05-2012, 09:19 PM

I have been using these John Pearse Sarod Wooden Guitar Picks

I know they are a bit pricey but I love them when I do acoustic stuff. I have been using the ebony and rosewood ones. I like the ebony better but not by much. They add warmth to your tone and there is less attack which in turn makes it sound smoother. Don't know if this is the tone you are going for but I just dig the hell out of them.

scherzo1928 · 05-05-2012, 10:01 PM

I normally play acoustics with my fingers (long ass pointy nails) but I reaaaaally like using the .50 tortex sharps

Solodini · 05-07-2012, 02:39 AM

I actually feel heavier picks to be more necessary for acoustic than electric, probably because you hear the pick flapping around more on acoustic. I like my big stubby picks for everything. As long as you are able to adjust your grip dynamically and not constantly pick full strength you'll be fine with them.

flint757 · 05-07-2012, 03:34 AM

Depends if your riffing on the acoustic or playing chords. Chords require thinner picks IMO. If your playing it like an electric then heavier gauge would be better.

Solodini · 05-07-2012, 04:07 AM

Even for chordy stuff, I prefer a heavier pick. You can pick more lightly with that if you loosen off and play more gently but you're limited as to how hard you can play with a lighter pick.

flint757 · 05-07-2012, 04:11 AM

Aggressive with a light pick is not achievable (tonally) with a hard pick though which is how I usually play.

Whitechapel7 · 05-07-2012, 10:24 AM

eh, not for me, some people say that the lighter the pick, the more finesse you have. i highly disagree because to me, light picks are floppy as hell and just all around bad news for me personally. maybe try something over .75mm, or finger picking. hope it helps, i apologize if it doesnt

flint757 · 05-07-2012, 01:24 PM

Yeah picks are pretty personal...I've noticed it is easier to go light to heavy than it is the other way too because heave gauge picks change how most people play.

SchecterWhore · 05-08-2012, 04:38 AM

I have an asston of picks in my pants pocket at any given time, with all sorts of sizes, shapes, and gauges, and I don't really have a preference for any of the guitars I play. I just go with what feels right at the moment. Just keep in mind that lighter picks will have a lighter attack and a more luminous quality, more at home with legato, whereas heavier picks will be louder and more direct, much easier to play staccato.

That said, 1.5mm is where I find the greatest amount of versatility based on my personal style.

Holicx · 05-10-2012, 06:49 AM

You should try wood picks, they are a lil bit hard to find , but the sound it emits when you hit those strings is brightly amazing. Still they are a bit expensive compared to other picks.

7thstringofa7thstring · 05-10-2012, 05:06 PM

Why not go to a guitar shop and buy a few picks and try them out and see what works for you,

like some others have said picks are a really personal thing (like any bit of guitar equipment) some prefer thin, fat and others prefer metal picks.

BornToLooze · 05-10-2012, 06:09 PM

I use these with my acoustic and they sound really good
Dunlop Johnny Cash Memphis Pick Tin with 6 Picks | GuitarCenter

Hybrid138 · 05-15-2012, 02:10 PM

I use jazz III picks right now and there is nothing wrong but I do understand the attack argument. Having heavy pick hand technique from metal playing can cause buzzing and different timbre. That's why I was thinking a thinner pick, like some of you have said, would help me keep my approach (within reason) and not affect timbre. I'll look into some of the picks you guys recommended. I think the .75 area looks like a good starting point. I'm not too fond of floppiness

All_¥our_Bass · 05-15-2012, 08:48 PM

Metal picks sound really great on acoustics.

flint757 · 05-15-2012, 08:53 PM

I say buy one of everything in the store and make a decision.

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05-05-2012, 02:04 PM	#1
Hybrid138 SS.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Laredo, TX Posts: 1,523 Thanked: 36 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Pick recommendations for acoustic? I normally use JazzIII max grips but I've heard that thinner picks are the way to go for acoustic. It supposed to help tone and lower the chance of buzzing? I was thinking of these but I don't know what gauge to get... Any other recommendations? Dunlop Nylon Max Grip Guitar Picks - 12-Pack \| GuitarCenter Bacchanalian Bliss (My Ska band): http://www.facebook.com/blisstx (Facebook) http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=223821 (SonicBids)

05-05-2012, 09:19 PM	#4
Augminished Augminished Studio Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 670 Thanked: 26 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have been using these John Pearse Sarod Wooden Guitar Picks I know they are a bit pricey but I love them when I do acoustic stuff. I have been using the ebony and rosewood ones. I like the ebony better but not by much. They add warmth to your tone and there is less attack which in turn makes it sound smoother. Don't know if this is the tone you are going for but I just dig the hell out of them. Check out my Facebook: Augminished-Studio

05-05-2012, 10:01 PM	#5
scherzo1928 has wood for you Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mexico City Posts: 4,691 Thanked: 33 $scherzo1928 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $scherzo1928 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $scherzo1928 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $scherzo1928 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $scherzo1928 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $scherzo1928 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $scherzo1928 is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I normally play acoustics with my fingers (long ass pointy nails) but I reaaaaally like using the .50 tortex sharps Is this... guitar?

05-07-2012, 02:39 AM	#6
Solodini Thread Killer. Join Date: May 2011 Location: East Lothian, Scotland. Posts: 2,156 Thanked: 21 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I actually feel heavier picks to be more necessary for acoustic than electric, probably because you hear the pick flapping around more on acoustic. I like my big stubby picks for everything. As long as you are able to adjust your grip dynamically and not constantly pick full strength you'll be fine with them. flint757 and texshred777 like this. Check out my book: "Playing Guitar Musically: A Guide to Creativity on Guitar & Bass" FREE Sample Chapters Here Buy the full book here. PM me if you want to discuss it or just fancy a chat. I also give lessons over Skype, Bandhappy and within the Lothians.

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05-05-2012, 02:15 PM	#2
JStraitiff Melodic Mamma Jamma Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 1,164 Thanked: 7 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Those would work but i actually found that switching from a standard pick shape to jazz IIIs on my acoustic brightened up the tone immensely. I assume its more to do with the pick shape changing my attack rather than the pick material but either way i would go with the jazz IIIs. Lighter picks are pretty good for strumming.

05-07-2012, 03:34 AM	#7
flint757 SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,619 Thanked: 8 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Depends if your riffing on the acoustic or playing chords. Chords require thinner picks IMO. If your playing it like an electric then heavier gauge would be better. "Look, guys... Religion is like a penis. It's ok to have one. It's ok even to be proud of it. But please don't pull it out in public and start waving it around. And definitely don't force it down the throats of my children."-genome "To most Christians the bible is like a software license No one actually reads it They just scroll to the bottom and click "I agree"."-Shadygrove

05-07-2012, 04:07 AM	#8
Solodini Thread Killer. Join Date: May 2011 Location: East Lothian, Scotland. Posts: 2,156 Thanked: 21 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Even for chordy stuff, I prefer a heavier pick. You can pick more lightly with that if you loosen off and play more gently but you're limited as to how hard you can play with a lighter pick. Check out my book: "Playing Guitar Musically: A Guide to Creativity on Guitar & Bass" FREE Sample Chapters Here Buy the full book here. PM me if you want to discuss it or just fancy a chat. I also give lessons over Skype, Bandhappy and within the Lothians.

05-07-2012, 04:11 AM	#9
flint757 SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,619 Thanked: 8 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Aggressive with a light pick is not achievable (tonally) with a hard pick though which is how I usually play. "Look, guys... Religion is like a penis. It's ok to have one. It's ok even to be proud of it. But please don't pull it out in public and start waving it around. And definitely don't force it down the throats of my children."-genome "To most Christians the bible is like a software license No one actually reads it They just scroll to the bottom and click "I agree"."-Shadygrove

05-07-2012, 10:24 AM	#10
Whitechapel7 ss.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Watertown, SD Posts: 84 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	eh, not for me, some people say that the lighter the pick, the more finesse you have. i highly disagree because to me, light picks are floppy as hell and just all around bad news for me personally. maybe try something over .75mm, or finger picking. hope it helps, i apologize if it doesnt Solodini likes this. Mean People Suck

05-07-2012, 01:24 PM	#11
flint757 SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,619 Thanked: 8 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Yeah picks are pretty personal...I've noticed it is easier to go light to heavy than it is the other way too because heave gauge picks change how most people play. "Look, guys... Religion is like a penis. It's ok to have one. It's ok even to be proud of it. But please don't pull it out in public and start waving it around. And definitely don't force it down the throats of my children."-genome "To most Christians the bible is like a software license No one actually reads it They just scroll to the bottom and click "I agree"."-Shadygrove

05-08-2012, 04:38 AM	#12
SchecterWhore Theory God Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,185 Thanked: 67 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	I have an asston of picks in my pants pocket at any given time, with all sorts of sizes, shapes, and gauges, and I don't really have a preference for any of the guitars I play. I just go with what feels right at the moment. Just keep in mind that lighter picks will have a lighter attack and a more luminous quality, more at home with legato, whereas heavier picks will be louder and more direct, much easier to play staccato. That said, 1.5mm is where I find the greatest amount of versatility based on my personal style. Skype theory lessons. PM me.

05-10-2012, 06:49 AM	#13
Holicx Hector Jirau Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 113 Thanked: 7 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You should try wood picks, they are a lil bit hard to find , but the sound it emits when you hit those strings is brightly amazing. Still they are a bit expensive compared to other picks. Download my free EP here: holicx.bandcamp.com You can find my music and covers here: www.facebook.com/mifumetal www.youtube.com/mifumetal

05-10-2012, 05:06 PM	#14
7thstringofa7thstring ss.org Regular Join Date: May 2012 Location: UK Newcastle Upon Tyne- England Posts: 61 Thanked: 4 / 1 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Why not go to a guitar shop and buy a few picks and try them out and see what works for you, like some others have said picks are a really personal thing (like any bit of guitar equipment) some prefer thin, fat and others prefer metal picks.

05-15-2012, 08:48 PM	#17
All_¥our_Bass Army Without Borders Join Date: May 2006 Location: Zanzibar Land Posts: 6,981 Thanked: 81 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Metal picks sound really great on acoustics. No Nation. No Philosophy. No Ideology.

05-10-2012, 06:09 PM	#15
BornToLooze Leda Fanboy #2 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Baytown, TX Posts: 854 Thanked: 10 Feedback Score: 11 reviews	I use these with my acoustic and they sound really good Dunlop Johnny Cash Memphis Pick Tin with 6 Picks \| GuitarCenter

05-15-2012, 02:10 PM	#16
Hybrid138 SS.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Laredo, TX Posts: 1,523 Thanked: 36 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I use jazz III picks right now and there is nothing wrong but I do understand the attack argument. Having heavy pick hand technique from metal playing can cause buzzing and different timbre. That's why I was thinking a thinner pick, like some of you have said, would help me keep my approach (within reason) and not affect timbre. I'll look into some of the picks you guys recommended. I think the .75 area looks like a good starting point. I'm not too fond of floppiness Bacchanalian Bliss (My Ska band): http://www.facebook.com/blisstx (Facebook) http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=223821 (SonicBids)

05-15-2012, 08:53 PM	#18
flint757 SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,619 Thanked: 8 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I say buy one of everything in the store and make a decision. "Look, guys... Religion is like a penis. It's ok to have one. It's ok even to be proud of it. But please don't pull it out in public and start waving it around. And definitely don't force it down the throats of my children."-genome "To most Christians the bible is like a software license No one actually reads it They just scroll to the bottom and click "I agree"."-Shadygrove

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