5 Must Have Picks for Guitarists

[@Iwantamansonguitar]

Who needs 5 picks when you have the Pick of Destiny!

[@felipebrock9043]

I realize it is pretty off topic but do anybody know a good site to watch new series online?

[@demetriusronald7082]

@Felipe Brock i would suggest Flixzone. You can find it by googling :)

[@Lewis---]

After I tried a Jazz III, I never went back. My current fav is the yellow Ultex ones. Standard sized picks just seem way too big now.

[@JPTyler]

Lewis Hay Agreed! 😁

[@lilflatty2472]

Lewis Hay HELL YEAH I DISCOVERED THAT TINY RED PICK WHEN I WAS ABOUT 12 AND NOW I REFUSE TO USE ANYTHING ELSE!!!

[@bajeena0802]

Lewis Hay …

[@jefebeatz184]

i have jazz III purple heart ones

[@huntermcgahan930]

This almost seems unanimous from what I’ve seen people say.

[@neonballroom93]

I just got a pack of Jazz III's and almost instantly I noticed a difference in my picking, it feels way more fluid and natural now! This is going to be my 'go to' pick from now on I think :)

[@axeofcreation]

+neonballroom93 Excellent. There's a reason so many people use those.

[@cammarc]

neonballroom93 I love them. They're great!

[@dahliafiend]

Same.

[@Aruk02]

The red Jazz III is the best thing ever invented, when i started off i used standard picks which, 8 months ago was completely terrible for alternate picking, now a days i can do it better but the Jazz III made it 1000x easier, most things are way easy to do with the Jazz III and i seriously recommend it!

[@Thelonelyscavenger]

The chicks used to dig my bread bag clip, and a good old quarter works in a pinch!

[@axeofcreation]

janken919 ha!

[@daveoh13]

+janken919 i, too, have used bread bag clips & quarters when a pick was needed when none were available... both work well...

[@69cohonas]

my first pick is jazz III just the best ever !!!!

[@Stretchwreckedem469]

I personally like playing a dunlop nylon 73 for metal. Its ability to bend so easily makes it easier for me to be able to make fast chugs, it also especially helps me arpeggio easier than a regular pick, although i have thought about trying a thicker pick to see if it sounds better. I always went with a thinner pick because it feels kinda like i'm flying across the strings as i play even though i play mainly rhythm guitar. For solos it feels good especially if you have a lighter touch.

[@brendanb2517]

My fav picks is pulled baby teeth gives extra tone the younger they are

[@825-s3e]

😀

[@andrewwilkinson3510]

Dunlop Flow 2.0, boom! :D

[@meikyhastha6327]

Me too, its so comfortable

[@bestregardsband6912]

Flow Pertrucci !!!

[@ZanDaMan_]

My list: 5: Jazz III. This is 5 because it's great but it can be very uncomfortable. 4. The standard picks. These are the picks that pretty much every one buys a pack of as a beginner. This is only 4 because it helps you find your perfect gauge. 3. Dunlop Tortex. These are perfect for the texture, making it very comfortable, and the grip. I personally like .88s because they are the perfect thickness to where they are no longer flimsy. 2. Dragon Heart's picks. These are great picks for those who like thicker picks. They are great for practicing because they will improve accuracy and the variety of edges. This is not first because when using the standard edge, it can feel uncomfortable. The sharp is is the most comfortable to use. 1. Dunlop Big Stubby. This pick is perfect in every way. Feels amazingly comfortable. Sounds good. And looks awesome. These also come in the perfect thicknesses for pretty much any guitar play unless you are used to flimsy plastic picks. These are also pretty cheap for how great they are. Pick up some big stubbies. You won't be disappointed

[@axeofcreation]

I've played Dragonheart since I've made this video. They're nice though haven't broken into my regular rotation.

[@ZanDaMan_]

axeofcreation yeah I like the pointed end for skipping strings but like I said the can still be uncomfortable sometimes. I think the way it looks and sounds cancels that out though

[@JavierLopez-cy2tx]

ZanDaMan nice rank, I tried big stubby and I had good feels but since I tried jazz iii, every other pick feels so big. Anyway I agree with you, they might be uncomfortable but for someone that doesn't have that problem, jazz iii are heaven

[@swagnostic132]

Stubbys are great for speed in my experience. They just glide over strings

[@shahinbieandooh]

I've been using Clayton picks for years and I have to say that they're awesome ...

[@chuckdriver7741]

Clayton standard size in a 1.0mm thickness has been my number one choice for over 10 years. I own hundreds of different picks but the Clayton’s are my favorite. 🎸🦅

[@hollowroots2197]

Planet Waves Black Ice - Medium (and thin). Every so often I'll go back to various derivatives of the legendary Jazz III. Seems to help out with accuracy and precision practice.

[@DonLeeelbow667]

Jazz III for the win!

[@scottudell7202]

Jazz IIIs are my go-to picks, in particular the Kirk Hammett and the Max Grip Jazz IIIs.

[@musket-hc1fc]

The best all-around pick is the Fender heavy: provides the best tone for both single-note melody as well as for rhythm.

[@DannyMiami09]

Easy to hold onto DROPS IT 😂😂😂

[@liamcraven4936]

I use Dunlop 1.14 standard picks. They're cheap and do the job. :)

[@MichaelD8393]

I love the Dunlop Tortex Fin picks, .88 mm (the green ones). So versatile from power ballad strumming to shred to U2 Edge like clipping all in one package. And for faster shred, trickier arpeggios & sweep picking, I alter between the Tortex TIII .88, Dunlop Jazz III XL (the regular Jazz IIIs are a bit too small for my taste but I like them too on occasion) and the V-Pick Snake (a 4.10 mm pick built for speed). Long story short, I need more than just 1 pick for my playing styles.

[@theashlandslarp]

Growing up my only pick was my fingernails.

[@axeofcreation]

Hard to beat the sweet spot of finger and nail on a nylon string.

[@edsoncortes7396]

Ryanstone i used pennies

[@shawntyson4339]

Ryanstone Damn you😂I wished that I could,I just don't get it.

[@chicktapus463]

I use a jazz II XL it has the thickness of a jazz pick and is the size of an actual bloody pick

[@vinlander8484]

yes the tip is very blunt, jazz 2 is slightly sharper, and 3 is the sharpest.Hope that helps.

[@lasseplatburk]

I only use Jazz III picks nowadays, ever since I tried it for the first time. It just blows my mind it took so long for me to find out about it.

[@GuitarPickZone]

I like that you recommend different guitar picks for different situations/styles. I always used to be of the impression that one should stick to what works. But since diving into the world of guitar picks and realizing how much that they affect the tone and feel. I myself have begun building a collection of plectrums for different occasions.

[@bernieorbust6104]

Thin picks are actually great for downtuned metal riffs. Think about it. Try it. If you have thick heavy string gauge, and then try attack it with a thick stiff pick - something has to give. Yes you will get a fatter tone, but it will be harder to control. But with a thinner pick, you can smash through that riffage easier, and no one will tell the difference live. (Recorded is a different story).

[@shaunburns3652]

Shark fin picks my fave to use

[@BeesBadAtLife]

Shaun Burns I agree so much versatility and the hook sits so nice inside my finger when holding it.

[@felicityfoo6240]

Agreed. A friend gave one to me when I started playing and I couldn't find anything else that fit me more

[@s.n.8128]

My current go to is a pick i made myself actually, i just found some old thin plastic, around the same thickness as the "standard" dunlop picks, it's based around the Jazz III shape, so it's just as narrow and pointy, but just slighty longer so i have a better grip on it. =)

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

I would say some must have guitar picks are the Animals as Leaders Primetone picks (if you like medium picks), Acrylic V picks or Gravity Picks, and The JP Jazz III picks.

[@marcospintor1333]

My favorite one is the .58mm Dunlop Gator picks. For acoustic guitar I like them paper thin because I like the swishy feel when strumming. I’ve use the small jazz ones for awhile too

[@jay8819]

Jazz *II* are pretty good, comfortable medium between the big III and really tiny tiny I

[@javierdiazsantana]

Since i stopped playing metal i started using thin picks, for acoustic and Strat tones (Funk, blues)

[@Lemions2113]

Dragon Heart Guitar Picks are beasts. I love them. They are quite expensive though. 10 dollars for a single pick. I think they are considered specialty because they have three unique sides to them that makes the pick extremely versatile. The one I have is 2.5 mm I'm pretty sure they are all thick like that but they have a beveled edge so it isn't getting caught on the strings. You should try one! Or watch CSGuitars' DHGP torture test videos. The main thing with the Dragon Heart is it's insane durability. He beats the crap out of the picks and they are still fine.

[@heyearle325]

Thumb pick and a banjo first finger, sometimes second too - yes boys, even on a tele. Tip, drop your thumb pick in boiled water, place it on your thumb under cold running water, Presto Chango. I also drill 2-3 holes in a flat pick - helps the grip some. There ya go

[@SuperRand13]

Jazz III's for life. My guitar teacher gave me one about 6 months into my playing and i've never gone back.

[@javierdiazsantana]

I started using standards but then i bought some Jazz III's. Totally loved them, i only use Jazz III's on different gauges, materials and even sizes because of the attack and the precision they have, the only standard shape picks i have are only for emergencies. If i play a nylon string acoustic or some clean licks on any electric i use my fingers, even though i don't have nails :O

[@NickVolk]

Dunlop Big stubby 3mm, the smallest one is my favourite. Ever tried? Along with that goes Dunlop 500 (pink ones) 96-1.14 mm for brightness and Stubby 1mm trasparent

[@A.Moortal]

I use a Clayton duraplex 1.14 for everything. I like the shape and feel and they last forever.

[@JPTyler]

My go to pick for over a year now is the D'andrea Pro evening 351. It's smaller than the Jazz III & if I'm not mistaken, primarily used for mandolin.

[@Moodo76]

I have two go to picks in my arsenal, the jazz III and the shark fin pick.

[@headcharge666]

I too really dig the Dunlop Ultex at the moment, but I just purchased some Dunlop Primetone Sculpted 1.3mm picks! I can't wait to try them as they were highly recommended to me from my local guitar store.

[@waldendrm]

I personally use John Petrucci 1.5mm picks They're like Jazz III, but they have a beveled tip and it feels smoother than normal Jazz III picks. They're about $7 on Amazon for a 6 pack. Definitely worth it

[@lachytoy]

I'm been using the D35 sik pik exclusively for over a year now, I find the less harsh twist makes it a lot easier for strumming chords compared to the other models, but having an arsenal of different plectrums is always useful

[@Darca1996]

I like the jazz III XL because of its size and how precise it is because of its shape

[@whiterice9146]

To say every guitar player needs these 5 picks is crazy. I use 1 or two picks for electric and acoustic and I have. Depending what's around. All the picks you listed are ones I'd never even look at....

[@psc502]

Picks that I can file with a fingernail file to create a sharp edge and rub of the "glossy" cover that covers many picks. I like to grip up near the edge of a pick but if it's glossy I can feel slippery. Gatorgrip, tortex, n dunlop 500, seem to fit and a sharp edge can be filed at different angles for tight riffs or struming.

[@BrandonofRedemption]

I actually do have all those pick variations except some of those Specialty picks!

[@GaryDonnelly]

One pick that I have just recently come across, is called the Stylus pick, which is designed to help you develop good alternate picking. I've been playing for about 25 years now and apparently they've been around since the 80's, but many people have never heard of them, myself included. I would highly recommend these picks for any skill level player, especially those just starting out with alternate picking.

[@axeofcreation]

+Gary Donnelly Never heard of them. Just by looking at them I can see what you mean about being useful for alternate picking.

[@timhartmann2037]

I would love to see a hybrid picking lesson from you !

[@donalddenison8896]

A for sure, real, Tortoiseshell, a large rounded triangle fairly thick, the best ever no real substitute. Second and almost as good is the Blue Chip, same thickness and shape as the Tortoiseshell, most folks blindfolded would not be able to tell the difference, it takes very little effort to adapt to it if you have been a tortoiseshell picker, even if you have used the 'shell for years and years. Use technique to vary the sound and forget the rest, nothing compares with the two I have mentioned, I would rather use a brick than any other than those two. Picks are pretty personal, but 60 years of Bluegrass guitar picking has settled me with my opinions, if you like something else and you can make it work for you, God Bless you, everything would be a lot easier though if you were using one of those two picks or thicker or thinner variations of the same. I have seen and heard some great picking come from folks who use picks I wouldn't bother to even look at, so technique and experience obviously can overcome bad equipment, why make it hard for yourself though?. Keep on picking'!

[@darrellmiddleton6615]

Donald Denison real tortiousshell is illegal to buy and sell

[@ChrisB8711]

Awesome video man, really made me think about how one dimensional my pick use is and how its affecting my tone. I almost always use thin picks for everything and have really lacked on expanding an trying new ones. Thanks a lot brother your videos are top of my list.

[@axeofcreation]

+Guy With A Guitar Glad you dug it! Figured it would make a good video since I tend to use so many different picks. I like thin picks too, especially when strumming the good old acoustic.

[@cutlass206]

I use fender thins for hard rock and metal. But i am looking to expand soon

[@_r3verie]

I tried jazz 3s a while ago and loved them, and then recently tried a tortex standard. I realized I actually prefer a bigger pick because I can hit the strings easier. On my jazz 3 sometimes I would just completely miss the string. I need one that’s a little thicker, but I love the classic:)

[@leonardodalpozzo0]

Try Jazz III XL

[@lex3729]

I've used a "M'ind" stone pick (same one!) Since 1978.

[@johnnyespinoza6861]

My favorite are jazz 3 like everyone and the ernie ball prodigy mini pic 1.5 and the tear drop one is cool too

[@parquesguitar]

When I play clean always go fingerstyle but for some reason never tought about using the thin picks for the strumming, I always use the same pick I used for the rest of the song and always souds to "attacky". Never digged the Jazz III until I tried the jazz III XL. I like the dunlop stubby 2mm for heavy riffage!

[@filipvelkov6829]

For me its the jazz 3 tortex and the jazz 3 red one... once I started using them, that was it for me in terms of guitar picks

[@earthsteward9]

I use to have the Jazz 2 before they were discontinued

[@torynhuntley2928]

The pick of destiny is sooooo fun too play with

[@rorysstuff5129]

I use the john petrucci pick and I like it the most. I've tried some jazz III of different materials and I find them comfortable but the best sounding pick I have tried is the john petrucci. Jazz III sound weak while john petrucci pick sounds ballsy.

[@Torrment]

Regarding specialty picks, I'm really happy with my plectrum from BHL - the Protagonist in particular. A lot of them are very Hufschmid-shape-y, and they're not too hard on the wallet. I have an essential tremor AND a death grip, so it's important for me to ease up my tension and allow for a better economy of movement. Thanks for the vid!

[@axeofcreation]

T. Fassett Thanks for sharing, I'll check them out.

[@ron2serve]

my personal choice is definitely Jazz III maxgrip 1.5mm Carbon

[@maxfuster5602]

Only time I use a regular size pick is when I’m playing bass and I use a Gator Grip 2.0mm. I just use Jazz III sizes for everything. Favorite right now is the Eric Johnson Jazz III but I really really want to get my hands on some 1.5 tortex Jazz IIIs

[@andresilvasophisma]

Ultex Sharp are a good choice.

[@justmarc2015]

I think every guitarist should have a super-heavy pick (≥2mm). Using super heavy picks improved my technique a lot and made it easier to use other picks. I prefer thinner

[@spartan7769]

I love the purple plectrums 6mm,

[@Rangar22]

I use Jim Root Dunlop signatures mainly. They're amazing and k recommend them. Best £5 ever spent

[@TheGuitarFreak4u]

You should try the small pointed v pick it is by far my favorite pick

[@rexhayabusa]

the smaller the pick the better

[@lilflatty2472]

Samuel Hernandez THE BEST METAL PICK IS THE JAZZ III HANDS DOWN!!!

[@Whitemanasniffer]

Dunlop Tortex Sharp (1.35/1.5) are the only ones i use. They are great.

[@princenikhil3012]

I have JP Jazz 3...matter closed..!!

[@nemjamesanevem]

I find thumb picks very useful to get the sound out of acoustic low strings. I also have a special pick from steven wilson from his concert, it sounds great on heavy picking, it is super slippery though i dont know how he can hold on to it live :)

[@tball5677]

Dunlop Primetones are my pick of choice.

[@Jon70]

A penny has a bright tone. difficult at first to handle, but worth a try

[@mycholbel999]

Great video! I use the Dunlop 1mm for Metal and Rock, .88 Tortex for Metal and solos, and the Dunlop .73 nylon for classic rock/alternative/acoustic. I also use classical finger style, but I don't grow the finger-nails long. I have not tried any jazz picks yet, but I will! Your videos are awesome, Greg! Any chance you do lessons in Seattle?

[@axeofcreation]

mycholbel999 Thank you! Unfortunately I do not live in the Seattle area BUT Skype works! Contact me if you're interested.

[@nickporter975]

For the past 3-4 months my go to pick is the dunlop jazz 3 tortex .60. I 1st fell in love with the Tosin Abasi sig tortex jazz 3 xl but they felt too big and jumped on the regular jazz shape .60 and haven't gone back

[@axeofcreation]

I'm a fan of the Dunlop Ultex, usually around the .73 -.88 range.

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

5 red Jazz iii's.

[@nonamed_9407]

haha... my picks are a jazz3, a dunlop ultex 1.4, a dunlop maxgrip 1.0, a big dunlop tortex, the john petrucci one and some others.... the ultex and the maxgrip ones are the best for me.. by far.

[@enkoid]

I bought a Hufschmidt green Drop after watching your earlier video. Awkward at first but you are completely right about it helping to break the habit of choking the pick and the dynamic control. I usually use it to practice/record on the 7-string and it's been a big help all around - accuracy, control, dynamics, grip. The €30.- price is intimidating, but I've used it for countless hours over the last year and it's still just as sharp and, for lack of a better word to describe the UHMWPE material, "soapy" as when it first arrived. Also, if you chat with Patrick, don't make a complete ass of yourself like me and break out your German skills... Dude was born in NL and lives in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

[@axeofcreation]

+Tyler Menard That's awesome and exactly why I like it. I'm glad you find it helpful and useful in your practice and playing!

[@NHguitar57]

V-Picks ULP Large ,Traditional UL, Dimensiion

[@VeigeAlice]

I adore the Ultex picks. Got the Tortex sharps, which are good, but when I use them, it makes it more difficult to move more freely between each string. Maybe the thickness of it or that they don't have the edges shaved off towards the point like others do. Tried the Ultex after a while again and suddenly I can play again xD

[@kobebryanthashops]

Vintage Gibson teardrop in heavy is the best pick.

[@leondsouza4253]

BLACK ICE Picks

[@m4gnusroot]

Honestly the Jazz iii is the only pick worth using.

[@phantomofoaktown]

my favorite pick is the Jeff beck special

[@talonguitarpicks1149]

Hello and great video! I am with Talon Guitar Picks, and we are about to release a new design of guitar pick in Feb 2017. I would be thrilled to send you the sample pack and see how they fly for you. Let me know and cheers!

[@whaleguy]

I laughed hard when you dropped the heavy pick :D On a more serious note, maybe you could cover thumb picks sometime? I know they aren't too common with most people just fingerpicking but I have seen people use them, the best example probably being Tommy Emmanuel.

[@ThinPicks]

And Johnny Winter!

[@drewlitton3843]

Could u do a lesson on how to incorporate atonality into compositions?

[@axeofcreation]

Drew Litton That's pretty heavy. Atonal is actually a broad term and there are varying degrees of atonalism. Usually atonal music isn't incorporated into tonal composition. Do you actually mean atonal/12 tone type composition or just incorporating heavy chromatic usage and/or modulations in tonal composition? Regardless, it would be a fun lesson(s) to put together.

[@drewlitton3843]

axeofcreation I have no clue about the 12 tone type or the modulation things, i dont know a lot of theory, but any of of those i guess if its worth talking about.

[@drewlitton3843]

+axeofcreation I mean incorporating heavy chromaticism

[@drewlitton3843]

+axeofcreation and the modulation thing lol

[@xthatghomiex2939]

My favorite picks are by far Fender 358's.

[@axeofcreation]

As you can tell, I use a couple different types depending on what I'm playing.

[@barscanunsal5935]

Don't you have any suggestion about picks? I love playing flamenco. I like playing solo and rhthym together. How many milimetres it has to be and which pick I have to use? By the way I like playing electro guitar too. I want to play so fast. I want to play crazy solos during the songs.How many milimetres it has to be and which pick I have to use? I want to play Rio Ancho by Paco de lucia John Mclaughlin and Al di Meola you know the big three of flamenco. What kind of pick I have to use and how many milimetres it has to be for this song? Please answer my three questions separately.

[@barscanunsal5935]

Please make comments like: For jazz this one for funk this one for metal this one for classic this one for rock this one for blues this one for the other music types about electro all you know

[@miabrantley205]

I love DAVA picks. Once I tried one, they spoiled me for everything else. You can just rotate them to get a different attack.

[@henter2010]

in love with clayton triangle 0.56mm ultem (kind of ultex feeling in dunlop), i find them to have a great atack, you should give them a go man \m/ thanks for the suggestions!

[@timreichert9982]

Dunlop Nylon .73mm

[@codytanaka585]

Same pick as mine #2

[@rst4641]

I build my own picks out of olive or even palm wood, but any other hard wood will do.

[@kilinar2239]

Excuse me but can anybody tell me the name of shape of the fourth pick? Sorry for my English.

[@Mukti0033]

Is there a certain pick you would recommend for a beginning guitarist, or even certain picks you would absolutely not recommend?

[@axeofcreation]

I would start with what feels best for you. Especially in the early stages, the type of pick you use won't impact what you're learning. If you're into Metal, I would recommend at a harder, less flexible pick.

[@MilitantOldLady]

Dunlop Ultex big bass pizza slices. Three thicknesses for styles...i can't do with tiny picks.

[@lilflatty2472]

I HAVE 5 AND THEIR ALL JAZZ III

[@axeofcreation]

ha

[@apostolosfilippos]

4:05 , that's what she said !

[@o-REDBEARD-o]

1. Jazz III 2. Jazz III 3. Jazz III 4. Jazz III 5. The typical guitar store freebie floppy joint.

[@monstermasher666]

i have all these but only everr use jazz 3 and standard :

[@euphoricmohnish]

Out of curiosity, is there a specific pick you would suggest for Adam Jones style playing?

[@axeofcreation]

***** No.

[@wde1978]

.71 Dunlop Gator Grips. Not to light and not to heavy.