Do Guitar Picks Change Guitar Tone?

In today's video, I'm going to test whether guitar picks do actually sound different.
I often get comments asking what plectrums I use, so I thought I would do a test to see if they are actually that different.
In todays video, I am using
Dunlop Flow .88
Gravity Guittar Picks 1.5mm
Dunlop Tortex .88
Dunlop JAZZ 111
Highland Plectrum Co 1967 Queen Elizabeth Coin Pick/Plectrum.
Here is a link to the Highland Plctrum Co Reverb Page.
reverb.com/mar...
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[@ericwarrington6650]

They sure do in my fingers..I use different picks searching for different tones.. sometimes subtle other times not. Thickness and material and even shape or bevel all matter..the Flows and gravities are what I use most along w fender heavies

[@AnxoHunter]

The differences on tone/sound were very subtle. The one that sounded slightly different was the metal one. I would choose the plectrum beacuse of the feel and comfort and not because of the tone.

[@user-ul9oc1lj9x]

I read your kind reply First, the same thing you use I ordered 5 pieces by size ha ha. Thank U~

[@shalomshalom735]

Great video. I use the red Jazz 3, love that pick !

[@ernieb3626]

LOL, not a Shredder LOL to you, Paul I tip my hat all the way from Michigan. You rock I can’t wait to try one of those packs.

[@KeithMilner]

Highland Plectrum Co. 5Yen and Feng Shui coin plectrums are the business. Not only do they sound great, but the hole in the coin helps with grip.

[@micwalt]

I use a Yellow Tortex for most of my playing, but Jazz III XL when I'm doing stuff that calls for fast alternate picking. I absolutely hear a difference in the sharpness of the attack with the Jazz III. (Plus, there's pinch harmonics for days.)

[@timothy5974]

I just ordered the Dunlop Flow 88. Ian a Jazz III user and this was a great video Paul. Thank you and don’t sell yourself short, you can shred!!

[@timothy5974]

Purchased the penny picks from David at Highland, very kind Gentleman. I really want to start supporting businesses like his. Thanx for the heads up 👍

[@Guidojackson1965]

Thank you for this vid. I bought a couple of Dunlop Flow 0.88 and I’ve never looked back. I can honesty say they’ve improved my speed and accuracy. Keep ‘em coming fellas 👍🎸

[@blackblurable]

I’ve mainly used the JP Jazz 3’s, Ultex Jazz 3’s and the classic ones. Now I exclusively play Dava plectrums. Mainly the nylon and sometimes the gel ones. I get the best grip that I’ve had using picks. They have a variety of different styles and there’s good articulation with each. I’d try them out at least. It’s one of those you gotta try them if you play guitar. Great video as always and I really like the way those penny ones look.

[@nathanclave]

My favorites are TUSQ pick and Dunlop Ultex sharp. Everyone should try both 😉

[@frantisca]

Hi Paul, I've quit using plectrums for years, as I feel the dynamics and playing is better with my fingers directly. It modified my style quite a bit, using a lot more legatos, triads, banjo rolls, pull-ups and hammer-ons and of course the thumb for bass on the lower E string ! Before, I tended to use Dunlops Jazz 3 and StarPicks (the ones with the hole in the middle) medium greens. To me, the winner in your selection is the Dunlop Flow... Cheers !

[@sorenahlback]

I like the white Jazz III Tortex Flex 1.0mm. Over 1.0 mm I think tone get a bit muddy. And I sharpen the edge by draw them 1-2 times agains a carpet in "upright" position. That works amazing! If it chords clean playing down to 0.6 sounds great, and also helps the playing.

[@Paul-dw2cl]

I like Dunlop Ultex Sharp picks & Dava picks

[@TheHalrobot]

That neck pickup sound SO GOOD!!!

[@GordonPavilion]

I’m hearing the difference in the initial attack. The “tick” sound as it contacts the string.

[@trebleboost7]

I really have dialied in to the Graphtech TUSQ 1.0mm White (Bright). I would think picking technique would be a big factor and watching your right hand you have definite mastery. I am trying to learn the 'touch' the string and pluck' vs. picking across and wonder if that makes a difference too. Nice ax BTW!

[@Bairov]

The unfinished version of the gravity pick will give you the added presence of the Elizabeth penny as well as the fat warmth of the standard gravity. If articulation is what you're after, get the gravity pointed tip with master finish

[@neilevans6229]

I use a .60mm Dunlop nylon pick which I turn to it's side when playing lead I just can't get on with heavy picks .

[@tonedragon8616]

I just switched from Dunlop prime tones jazz 3 1.4mm to gravity jazz with a eclipse hole and I’m blown away by how much better it feels, sounds, and grip.

[@LightWingStudios]

GREAT stuff Paul. I have a VERY light touch and have been using Gibson THIN Teardrop Jazz picks forever. Whatever gets you where you want to go is the key. :)

[@stevebees3992]

I smiled at you counting through the "Lonely Heart" riff! :) Funnily enough I've been trying different plectrums (plecti???) and have settled (for now) on Dunlop's nylon midi .94mm. I like the warmth that it adds to my tone, and I seem to have a better consistency with my playing using it. Currently trying a standard Dunlop nylon .88 for my acoustic noodling.

[@Sea_Jay]

The Flow is my pick of choice as well. It has grip. Other picks turn sideways on me constantly.

[@timothy5974]

Oh Man, that coin pick has my Birth year for its date !! Keep that one it’s special Paul !! 😝👍🤘

[@toddsteele72]

U2’s The Edge uses Herdim picks. They have a rippled textured surface for grip but Edge turns them around and uses the rippled part on the strings for that subtle scraping sound. A very big part of his 80’s pop sound.

[@owenedwardsguitar7094]

V-Picks Pearly Gates medium P’s are the absolute best I’ve played.

[@andreasjohansson1990]

Jazz III sounds ace.

[@joejohnson8966]

The feel is larger than the audible difference. You as a player notice it without fault.

[@garywaddell6309]

I love the JTC pickups, same reason as you Paul, nice pointy tip. Those highland plectrums sound super crisp. Very nice. I simply love that strat of yours 🙌🏻

[@mightymikeamps9317]

Which model(s) of JTC pickup in which guitar(s) is Paul using? See what you started?

[@garywaddell6309]

@@mightymikeamps9317 LOL none… it’s just my personal choice 😊

[@mightymikeamps9317]

@@garywaddell6309 I’ll check them out. Which one is your favorite? Lately I have found my go to Strat neck Pickup is now a Motor City Woodward 3. It’s outstanding if you like Hendrix and SRV. It has an A3 magnet which is the least likely magnet I would think to use, but another Amp builder (and GIT grad) recommended it, and damn! That’s the sound. As far humbucker a go, I really like the Sheptone Blue Sky Set that’s in my R8 and my 76 Destroyer. 7.8k neck 8.4K Bridge, but with an A4 magnet which is also weird. I like to get the dirt out of my amp or pedal, not the guitar. Paul has that Suh Pete Thorn signature Guitar. Turns out the bridge in that is also an 8.4K/A4 I have way too many pickups.

[@garywaddell6309]

@@mightymikeamps9317 they’re the transparent JTC Ibanez

[@garrysimmons111]

Of course they sound different, but perhaps not in your tests because you didn't test medium (0.77mm) or thin (0.60) in Dunlop nylon versus standard Fender medium.

[@BradRocker]

Great comparison Paul. Must get a Highland. Try Hawk Picks sometime.

[@tonya5809]

The Hawks are great picks. Until l tried one l could never justify spending large on a pick, but boy they are worth every penny. And they are as gorgeous as a piece of jewellery.

[@kenphillips3282]

I use a floppy Dunlop 66mm light grey plectrum but I swing it around and use the top corner edge to stiffen it up and bite with the serrations. I constantly swivel the pick to suit the attack I want or hook it between my fingers when I’m just using fingers. Have done that for years and it covers rhythm and solos.

[@bsjeffrey]

i use a brass pick blank similar shaped to coin pick. it's bigger that most pics. it seems a lot brighter picking to me.

[@Doowopsid]

Great video, thanks. Would like to see a similar one with acoustics

[@jamiebriggs8277]

Interesting. I used to use the tortex red (.5mm) way back when, then moved up steadily until I hit the green (.88mm), but then a couple years ago started using the Flow, .73mm. I go back and forth between that and the Attak Pik Stealth - it's kind of like a jazz pick, but its got a really great contoured shape with a lot of grip and a great sharp point that gives lots of articulation, and some variety in how you can pick to get varied amounts of attack. I've been meaning to get one of the highland picks for a while but haven't got around to it still.

[@PhreddCrintt]

Great video. Been using an American quarter-dollar for quite some time now Paul since my brother bought it for me a few years back. Like you, I love the increased top-end it produces. Just ordered a couple of the pennies to keep it company as I dread losing the one my brother gave me! (It's made from a coin minted in my birth-year 😉

[@nedim_guitar]

Hey, my Dunlop Flows are 1.14! I need to get me those in 0.88, because the 1.14 sounds much warmer. But what I really need is the Highland one! 😍

[@bryantherocker]

I also think it depends on the guitars, strats sound good on tortex greens :) and maybe if your les pauls ounds a bit muddy, use a sharper pick.

[@davroshalfbeard8368]

Definitely make a difference what type of pick you use. Would love to know more about that strat it's a wild cat of a guitar stunning looking

[@davidwoods358]

Some people are a bit afraid of metal picks. It's always been my choice of material when it comes to actual tone and playability. I have been making and selling them under the Zenfire name for over 12 years now. Slowly, changing peoples minds about how brass and phosphor bronze picks can really embellish and enhance their tone.

[@frankbennett3075]

Jon Anderson, what a singer he is.

[@ronmoes42]

Ultimately it comes down to wether the pick is serving your guitar style, over the years i changed quite a bit of picks and the one that's doing it for me now are the dunlop max grip .88 , they are more flexible than the yellow dunlop .88 allthough they have the same thickness, it's the material that makes the change in flexibility. But the feature that is making it all work for me is the max grip ,the pick won't slip either when i do econemy picking or 16th strumming. Plus i must admit the raking of strings as a kind of easthetical effect like in spanish music is very very easy with the dunlop max grip .88

[@nickelcreed4421]

Not only does it change tone, but different picks get different results depending on the way an individual player holds their pick (wrist angle, edge picking ect..), and also how much force and depth they strike with.

[@johnoakleymusic]

Sounded to me like it was material that made more of a difference to the sound than thickness. I suspect thickness is preference based primarily and material adjusts tone accordingly. Interesting video though thanks as always

[@richardlynch5632]

Absolutely the least expensive (Blue Chip not included) tone , dynamic and attack variation one can acquire. 😎👍 Thanks for bringing the coin picks to my attention 😉👍

[@nedim_guitar]

I know that plectrums make a difference, thicker plectrums give a more dull sound, while thinner plectrums have more attack, which makes the tone seem to have more high end. That's from my experience. Now to enjoy the video! 😁

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Funny test this one. I carry three or four different picks with me as they represent primary tone shapers/generators for me.

[@ParaBellum2024]

Nice comparison! I don't often use picks, but when I do, I usually use Tortex 0.73mm. I also use Fender Mojo Grips, which help enormously with keeping hold of picks. The penny looks interesting too, so since I have a tub full of old coins and a decent workshop, I'll make some picks. Rather than just cutting and filing, I'll probably beat them to reduce the overall thickness and give them some shape.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I like them thicker

[@kanesword9528]

i bought a couple of the coin ones, cool idea :)

[@jemwand2530]

This is interesting, i used to use Yellow tortex until I came across the Tusq0.68mm Warm(?) plectrums, which, even though they are more expensive, I just prefer, both tonally and in their rigidity.

[@martoneill]

I have a variety in a little tin. I have my favourites but find options good if things aren’t sounding quiet right.

[@michaelcarter3334]

I always thought so, but upon playing my Amplified Nation SSS at concert volumes I know it's true. Jazz 3 (my old favorite picks) really darkened the tone. Dunlop cortex sounded best. It's subjective but it mattered to my ears.

[@jefft5854]

Using Dunlop tortex and ultex picks, I was surprised to hear a big difference when playing with lots of fuzz: the Ultex gives a way cleaner sound than tortex.

[@nelsonward7981]

I play with the side of the pick, usually a Dunlop 1.14 or an ultex 1.14.

[@tangotango256]

Picked up a tigers eye pick at $30.00 how amazing it sounds on a 12 string !!! Haven't tried it on the rest of the harem yet ... I do like the penny plectrum sound it's metallic and a bit scrapey ??? Kinda cool ... the tiger eye is super smooth and precise for me ...I got on Saturday

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

Old-school Fender or Dunlop medium for me.

[@jovangosen]

I checked the picks myself and found that the thicker the picks, the "darker" they sound. At the extreme, the very thin "Sharkfin" give a lot more brighter harmonics, which is why I think the pick choices are too similar to those tested here. I also think that the differences can be heard very well in your own game, but are less able to be represented in a video. Otherwise "The Studio Rats" are always recommended!!!

[@americantherapy1366]

I've heard elongated pennies (like the ones you get as souvenirs at amusement parks) are good

[@amintasmakedon6020]

Since I love SRV, RHCP and Hendrix sounds I found that Ultex (dunlop ultex) made Picks feet to my needs

[@thelonglife5772]

Well made vibrant acoustic guitars … I feel picks are a giant influence. If I’m bashing around on electric… I care a lot more about the amplifier… speaker and my hands

[@judgeshred66]

For me plectrums are more about how they feel than how they sound. I’m a jazz III user and have been for 20 of years. Have tried different materials but I keep coming back to the old nylon ones (which do have a softer attack). Never liked the tortex - too much of a scratchy attack. Highland sounded nice but I agree it could get too much with certain settings. I also wonder how string life would be effected being hit with metal instead of plastic? I suspect I’d slash through my strings pretty quick being used to the softer Jazz III

[@user-ul9oc1lj9x]

I'm a big fan of your channel. Haha I have a question. I have a lot of interest in Coin Picks, but when I follow the reverb link, There are many kinds of coin picks, but I don't know if the model you have is good ?? Other coins have similar nuances (of course, the sounds are a bit different). I'm curious. I'll be waiting for your reply (I also want to have a few. ha hal)

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers send David at the highland plectrum co a message I’m sure he’ll steer you in the right direction. I like the British penny and the 2 shilling coins.

[@user-ul9oc1lj9x]

@@TheStudioRats thank U ~~

[@janluizleonardi9494]

Hi! I love your videos. Have you ever tried the Ernie Ball prodigy mini? I kind of felt in love with it.

[@isejohn]

I like the sixstringers plectrums.. I don’t notice a lot of difference, never have.. But the sixstringers are different and all I’m using… Have you played these? I would love to hear your review..

[@kye903]

Have you tried, or will you try, the React:IR by St.Rock...?

[@dddocmusic]

Have you noticed if the metal pick is more lickly to snap the strings due to metal on metal.

[@DevilsAvocado69]

A pic is an amplifier. It's that simple.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I used to use the dunlop 1 mm now I use metal more Trebel and they’re 2.5 mm.

[@ivanivkovicmusic]

The difference is much more pronounced on low distortion.

[@TheMirrorify]

I'm a jazz iii man, I have quite a few variants of it and the traditional red nylon is by far my least favourite.

[@sroelit]

Honey acrylic picks. They wear easily, and I get a pick scrape that I personally like.

[@jeremyversusjazz]

You’re “not a shredder?” Um, yeah, dude, you are! 😮

[@mightymikeamps9317]

Is your metal pick from a Queen Elizabeth Penny or the 2 Shilling? I see 2 different kinds from your link

[@TheStudioRats]

It’s the penny but if they’ve all gone the 2 shillings is great also.

[@CG-gp2bh]

Yes sound very different

[@bretspencer]

How long before they come out with a 'pick modeler'? lol

[@mightymikeamps9317]

When I looked for Dunlop Flow 88 at Sweetwater , they look a little different.. They are transparent, whereas your pick is a solid color. Have you tried both? Is there a difference tonaly?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hmm I’ve just checked they are definitely.88 I haven’t tried the clear ones I’m afraid

[@mightymikeamps9317]

@@TheStudioRats lol me too…But I found some just like yours on Amazon.. Guitar Center also had them. I also order the half Penny Queen Elizabeth pick. It had a different design as yours, but the 2 shilling pick looked totally different and was heavier. I really like your tone, and I have bought a few things after your reviews. These picks, and S Gear.. Although I don’t get that tight bottom end, I did however learn that opening lick you play at the beginning of the review, and it has made me more aware of vibrato and grace notes in my own playing. Your channel is one of my favorites.

[@acdclexu6296]

i also dont like the normal jazz 3 i use the primetones or the ultex

[@lincolnosiris3665]

They do.

[@GrassySafe]

They change the way you play, which changes the tone, so yeah.

[@aristocaster]

Not enough that i would change pick instead changing tone settings just a little.

[@tonya5809]

Try a Hawk pick. You'll never look back

[@robertbuffalo8287]

Have you tried different Stone guitar pics?

[@timothyverbist5795]

I don't hear any difference. :/

[@gcvrsa]

Yes, they do. Was this somehow a question? Did a video needed to be made about an answer which is immediately obvious to anyone who has even owned more than one pick?

[@mikeblue385]

yes. i spent about a year trying picks. ended up right back with the herco flex 75. i play with the shoulder. a couple things i learned. v-picks are not unbreakable. snark makes a nice pick. tortex .88 is my second choice.

[@timothymartin2137]

YES

[@MegaChoo2]

I can’t really hear enough difference to buy one over the other. The Highland Plectrum is reasonably priced when considering the work that goes into it. I make my own picks and they take a minimum of 30 minutes for one. Also it is a form of recycling and if you don’t lose it you won’t need to replace it like countless plastic ones. My favorite metal is silver coins 🪙

[@jeffcookdotau]

I used to sharpen my picks on a concrete path so they were pointy. Then I discovered the Dunlop Tortex Sharp and I've been using the 1.14mm purple ones for about 15 years.