Guitar Picks - What Kind Should You Use?

[@MartyMusic]

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[@OwenWilkesMusic]

What was the song you where playing at the beginning?

[@harold3345]

Have you ever heard of a Bucklay BE15 by Wasburn guitar?

[@thetrueguitargod1]

Marty Music sup first let me say love your content, been subbed for years! Anyway I have been playing for almost 14 years and i can only P.H. on the low E with thin picks, but i STRONGLY prefer thick ones? Any tips? And also i have tried pretty much every size pick on the market, though not every material...thanks a mil :)

[@fagyu7502]

I had a 0.73 pick then I went in the store to test other picks they gave me a 1.14 it was good but the 1.5 was the best so I think I m a weirdo

[@veryrabidsquirrel_4569]

Marty Music what about the purple plucktrum

[@jstnn.v]

It's all fun and games until your pick falls into the void...

[@kikukhan9796]

What do you do when that happens?

[@jstnn.v]

Kiku Khan shake my guitar till it comes out like its the end of the world 👍👍

[@kikukhan9796]

MilkyCookie I’m having trouble playing/learning chords. Do u have any tips.

[@jstnn.v]

@@kikukhan9796 I'm afraid I don't have any tips to help you out with. I've never really used pics since I'm more of a fingerstylist.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@kikukhan9796 Keep at it. Go slow. Use a metronome. Do VERY easy songs as they are on the record. Achy Breaky Heart is all of an A and an E, for example. Try guitar lessons at city colleges. Cheap and effective.

[@bongcrosby5598]

I want to know which pick is easier to get out of my guitar when I accidentally drop it into the sound hole.

[@말드래곤]

The heviest one... mine weights about 3000 kg

[@p3rson160]

None of them, just pray for god

[@ΘάνοςΖ-ι1θ]

its gone man forever

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

Hahaha i hated that. I used to take match book covers and reices pieces packages. And use them for picks when i has no muney or was at my parents which was in bum flick egypt. Now afyet my arm has healed and im playing 8 hrs a day im trying to use real pics. Its hard

[@charlesbranch4120]

You'll never find it until you go to the same place all the missing socks from the dryer can be found.

[@corybaxter4792]

“What kind of pick should you use?” The one with Guitar Center’s phone number that you stole from the top of an amp.

[@hathaway.1166]

That’s how I got my 1mm Martin pick, bur i ended up losing it lol

[@folkfingerstylefreddy2154]

Thin picks for strumming, thick for lead. Basically all you need to know!

[@voiceinthen0ise]

what to do for both then ??

[@masterofp00pers]

@@voiceinthen0ise lol like what's the difference between strumming and lead?

[@voiceinthen0ise]

@@masterofp00pers exactly mate

[@corysummers3008]

Yeah, I'm newer, 6 months, but finding that thin sounds better for strumming.

[@johnathanmclaren4116]

I seem to like the feel of a thinner pick for lead usually. It may be because I tend to pick a bit too hard though.

[@rayross997]

Will there be a "Marty" pick? With hat & beard? Drilling a small hole in the centre of a pick makes it much easier to hold & control.

[@larrygeetar9309]

+Ray Ross I think it's Dunlop that makes picks with a hole already cut into the pick. Could be wrong on the manufacturer but they do exist. It's helpful. The Marty Special Plectrum would be tres cool.

[@Gutslinger]

I've almost only ever used the Dunlop Max Grips. I don't really like the ones with the holes as much as I like the Max Grips.

[@leathercheerio1]

Drilling a hole..that makes sense..thanks for the tip I always lose my picks through the port hole..It's a good storage spot but a bitch to get out..lol

[@nicigoetz3813]

Would be great!!!

[@gjuliancantu3147]

Ray Ross that’s a good idea

[@MartyMusic]

7:57 will fix everything

[@US_Beagle]

Marty Music I love Jables

[@mymusic9407]

Marty Music I don't usually there because I use bottle tabs because I am too lazy to look for my pics

[@gmg921]

I actually use that pick for years still do. Gives you alot to hold onto and still comes to a fine-ish point.

[@Luke.Raistrick]

Used to have that pick, maybe still do but all the black outline has worn out which I’m said about.

[@jamesiyer4937]

Thanks lol

[@MinakitCannel]

I recommend the pick of destiny

[@phoenixcampagnuolo8375]

Check on these awesome guitar picks offered by R.P. Industries!! www.bonanza.com/listings/R-P-Industries-Guitar-Pick-15-pack-/545267462 They’re smooth and very durable while also producing a great sound. Best of all R.P. Industries sells them in packages of 15. That’s 3 extra picks for the same price! This product is recommended for any guitar player. Be sure to check out this pick and share with your friends.

[@gingerbeer914]

It's just some ridiculously overpriced pseudo-satanist shit. I has very little or nothing to do with decent pick research. If you want to try something different, try a Dava... kzbin.info/www/bejne/maWtl3aojZmkZrc There is NO gauge difference between the different colors. The LONGER pick with the red tip is VERY NICE for strumming! I prefer the red tip over the metal tip.

[@jzip]

@@galinetttonetto6761 no my friend. You can't handle the pick to you it becomes just a pick the destiny isn't for everybody

[@galinetttonetto6761]

i recommand a V-pic screamer yo

[@ryneagheilim9782]

That when used for singing you burst microphones into flames, which makes sense XD

[@Max-dr6rz]

Imagine using a pick This post was made by the classical guitar gang

[@vae3716]

You need a pick to solo mate

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Wait'll you get a fingernail caught on a steel string. Lol Fun times.

[@Alberto-ny7kf]

@@vae3716 no you don't

[@vae3716]

@@Alberto-ny7kf yes you do, if you carefully see almost all of the great guitarists use a pick. P.S: I also don't disagree with you to solo with fingers it's just that the pick seems more right than fingers

[@vae3716]

@@Alberto-ny7kf and also it's more fun with pick at least for me, it's just a matter of preference I guess haha

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Hold the pick up to your ear and you'll hear the ocean ;)

[@Guitarplayer724]

Love that song, Excellent Zep riff :D

[@MajedMashmoushy]

I like to listen to Led Zepp on loud speakers better

[@guitarpickfashion5026]

It's actually just a great lake.

[@only-legitness]

You'll hear Dick Dale's surf guitar :))

[@JamesGowan]

Brian May plays with a British metal coin

[@lukasjohansen9200]

James Gowan Yes i do!

[@ArmyBoiSweat]

The guy from zz top plays with a peso

[@davidwoods358]

I love the different sounds various picks can impart to the tone of the guitar. I used plastic picks for years but have been using metal picks from Zenfire for the past 5 years. I love the dedicated grip pads, and the materials make the notes really sound articulate, clear and punchy. I play mostly electric, on acoustic I use fingers only. They're fantastic picks.

[@Ross-cc7os]

I started off with coins.. wondered why I got through so many strings 🤣

[@nate4472]

Begginers, listen to what this man is saying about starting early using pick! I did not use a pick for my first year of playing and it was hell to try to pick up after practicing without one.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I've been known to use both at once. I didn't tell my teacher. Still got an A.

[@S.Kona34]

If you can play that nice with those cigar digits there is hope for me....lol. Big fan Marty...!!

[@larrygeetar9309]

+J &S "Sausage Fingers," I have 'em, too. A bass player of mine used to call me "Links." It ain't the meat it's the motion, brother!

[@S.Kona34]

Haha...Words to live by....!!!

[@salvadoresangiovanni5392]

I see paws like Marty's and I want to point them to bass guitars.

[@christopherbartlett96]

Marty is one of the few people that can make a discussion on guitar picks cool and interesting.

[@lil_weasel219]

That blue Tortex was not 1.14 but 1.00 mm. The purple one is 1.14.

[@JohnnyGuitarRocks]

Good call Mr. Fox, you are correct!

[@Michael-jv2cn]

The 1.14 mm. also comes in pitch black. Also the .88 mm. comes in pitch black and green. Amazon has them in both colors.

[@Mustaine1ify]

@@Michael-jv2cn Yeh I use .88 Tortex Jazz3 (Green) for everything on electric and the .50 Tortex on acoustic.

[@mellowgeekstudio]

I was looking for this comment.

[@ThermalCowboy]

No wonder Marty is so good, he has the POD!

[@wesbranchfield]

Jazz III Anyone?

[@BiggMACKeystone77]

Once I used a Jazz III my life changed haha

[@minigungaming5915]

My guitar teacher bought a couple for our class. I love that pick.

[@tylercady3985]

I flip between a dunop tortex .88 and a jazz lll. Can't decide which I like more. Jazz is easier for fast metal downpicking and .88 feels better for leads so idk

[@wormcultist6637]

To small

[@dr150]

Thicker picks warm up the tone too much for me. I stick with thin picks (.70 or less) for my acoustic to get a nice crisp sound.

[@SaxJockey]

I have been using 0.81 Celluloid picks on electric guitar for a while, these have an inherent bright/crisp sound. As you suggest, 0.46 and 0.71 are brighter and a better match for acoustic. Wanted to try some thicker ones so just bought a tester pack of Gator (0.58, 0.71, 0.96, 1.14, 1.5, 2.0). The heavies definitely warm up the tone a lot. I'll probably settle for the 0.71 or 0.96; little bit warmer than the 0.81 celluloid, but maintains some nice clarity.

[@1seriousgearheadify]

About 5 yrs ago i went with thick picks and will never use a pick that bends again. Aside from the tone superiority a thick pick is a wrist saver. And now all i hear is the pick slap when someone is using a thin pick. And a thicker pick stays in your fingers during a solo. Give them an honest try

[@tcoudi]

best acoustic pickers ( grass, jazz) usually center between 1,5 - 2 mm. no flex. and the gator 1.5 is one one the best cheap picks around.

[@ev512]

Solid vid. You should do one on string types/gauges for acoustic and electric next gear Thursday!

[@doroteaarango7841]

Agreed I have always wanted to know more about that

[@salvadoresangiovanni5392]

Depends on your desired string clearance and playing style.

[@johndennis5182]

I use to play with a guy who was a great guitar player, he was self taught like most great guitar players, and he could strum real well and also play solo and your traditional flat picking style, and he played with a very thin pick, after playing with him for about 6 mo. I grabed one of his picks cause I forgot my bag of new ones that I just bought, and I was shocked when I picked up one of his picks. I said to him HOW IN THE HELL CAN YOU PLAY THE WAY YOU DO WITH THIS VERY PAPER THIN PICK? I could not believe he could get all the sound that he could get with such a VERY thin pick. but he could, so to each his own I guess. I have been playing for about 30 years and have tried many picks over the years, and the one that works well for me is my Dunlop nylon .60 mid pick, not to thin and not to hard, I can strum very well with it, and its also hard enough to get some good loud sound when I want to dig in and pick, and I play a Martin HD28 in a neil young and blues style of playing. that is my 2 cents worth to anyone who interested in knowing...ps I also believe neil plays with a Med. pick also.

[@Dr.M.VincentCurley]

I *knew* playing with my knuckles was wrong.. Guitar pick huh, I'll have to check those out sometime..

[@Michael-jv2cn]

I just started playing but I didn't like a thin pick because I can hear it flapping. I went with a Tortex Blue 1.00 MM. The powdery stuff rubs off real quick.

[@slave138]

That was the same thing that turned me off on the thin picks, too. Sounded too much like putting a baseball card in the spokes of a bike.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Have you tried celluloid? Don't get a match on it (flammable) but they have a nice sound, no weird noises and they slide off the string when they should

[@dennissollars9062]

My favorite Chet Atkins Quote: "If you're real lucky, somebody will give you a guitar as a kid and you'll learn to play it with your fingers."

[@Barrygee]

I used Dunlop tortex 0.73 (yellow) for years and I loved them....but a couple of years ago I discovered the black versions which I thought looked cooler so I got some.....they’re still Dunlop tortex and still 0.73 just black instead of yellow so I assumed they would be the same...No..I swear they are easier to grip and sound better than the yellow ones.. has anyone else noticed this or is it purely my imagination?

[@GuitarPickZone]

Hey Marty. Awesome video! I know you said that the Jazz III picks won't make you play faster (which I agree with). But don't you think that the jazz style plectrums help you play more accurately, not necessarily faster? P.S. the blue tortex is 1.0mm not 1.14, that's the purple one :)

[@aidanrae9238]

5:41 “I’m not used to this pick but...” and then casually tries it out and sounds like a god

[@sleepy4x]

Dear Marty, the blue Tortex are 1.0 mm and not 1.14 like the blue Gators. There are Tortex 1.14, but they are purple.

[@denebc]

I'm a former guitar 'dabbler' and I can play at least 3 favorite songs from you after watching your vids for only three days! Thank you for this! Followed and subscribed with bell on! You rock, Marty!

[@Joelmsk]

I always switch out my light and heavy picks depending on what I’m playing (soft songs/lots of strumming= light | less strumming/ hard strums= heavy)

[@Minty.Fresh.Tunes.]

The blue Tortex pick you were holding before the gator pick is actually a 1.0mm. Best pick ever.

[@danielhartman6529]

Hey Marty. Just wanted to say. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.To you and your family. Thank you for all your great and helpful Lessons on U Tube. You are my favorite.

[@harold3345]

Daniel Hartman +

[@jessel1217]

Pretty sure Marty is Jewish, lol.

[@missydragneel2719]

3:18 my starter pick

[@chriswilson6117]

Also I found thicker the pick lighter the grip and it is all about a light touch less tension less fatigue

[@randomnobody2011]

I've found that playing with a Quarter (US currency) helps me play pinch harmonics much easier, and pick slides sound better (in my opinion) because the ridges on the quarter seems to help "lock" the string into places and make a more consistent sounding scrape decent down the fretboard

[@IronMagus]

My favorite picks are the Dunlop nylons, .73 (grey) for strumming and 1.0mm (black) for more precise picking.

[@TheAbcakl]

I use old swedish 1 sek coins most of the time. They have a serrated edge to them and gives the tone a bit different "attack" and works very well for rock or metal. I found that hard picks works well for pinch squeals and soft picks works well with clean rythm guitar. This could all be just how my own playing is affected, but I like testing different picks, they all give very different results.

[@socialLjetlag]

My first pick were the jazz 3 dunlops,it made me hate all the other big picks, anything similar to the size and strength of the jazz dunlop 3 I'll roll with otherwise I just use my hand because I despise big picks for soloing and even strumming I've broken alot of big picks idk if I strum hard or it was because I had 13 gauge Acoustic string

[@StopFear]

What if you are learning classical guitar play? You have to use your fingers. Or is there a pick for that too?

[@EM-df6mo]

Marty, just a little hint sir. If you like that "Dust" which helps the grip on your pick. Try this sir, I use a little bit of Rosin meant for violin bows on my index and middle finger and the thumb. I rub it into the tips of my thumb and fingers. not sticky but it sure makes that pick easy to hold onto. Just wanted to share that with you.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Wouldn't cork grease for saxes work the same...?

[@lorencpepdjonovic63]

Brian May: 'Hold my Coin'

[@stephendavis5530]

I still have trouble using a pick to strum. Oddly enough, I'm better at picking out lead notes than I am at strumming. I used to use my fingertips all the time because with my first guitar, I lost the pick and just didn't bother to get a new one. A few people would say my fingertip strumming sounded crap (though it seemed OK to me) I am gradually getting better at strumming with a pick!

[@AbdullahArRafi]

Did you try out the Ultex Sharp picks(Translucent Yellow) or the Hetfield Black Fangs? For strumming, they create an amazing balanced sound IMHO.

[@albertkolb2265]

Could not have said it better myself, I started with orange Dunlop’s 60mm and never changed best pick there is in my opinion. Thx Marty. Yea love the powder on new pics my favorite

[@dagnabbit6187]

Just to let everybody know . Whether you are a plectrum person , a finger style person sans pick or a thumb pick person your style is a compromise . I was once a Professional Projectionist at a Movie Theatre back in the analog days . As the technician who we often had to work with told us , every picture or what you saw on screen was a compromise. Well ditto for the auditory arts especially the guitar .

[@paulsimmons5726]

Marty, I've seen many different types of picks over the years and I'd like to mention a few that I've found to be useful. Martin used to sell a hard plastic pick that had a molded grip on the large end and a thin, pliable end to actually pick the strings, had some of these in red and later ordered some in a brown shell color. They have the advantages of a thin pick but the plastic gives them some stiffness, one of my faves. Another great pick is the basic thin type but I always seemed to send them soaring off the stage... One day I took my pocket knife and twisted a hole in the center of my pick, problem dealt with! I later found that an old fashioned paper hole punch works perfectly without exposing my fingers to a razor edged knife! US Quarters work well for the Brian May serrated edge technique but pay attention or you'll scuff your guitar's finish to Hades and back. You can also kill strings pretty quick too. If a quarter is too big, try a dime. Brian uses a Six-pence, hard to find here in the US. I've also encountered a number of WTF picks... This worst pick I ever used was the orange Gibson Tri-Pick, which had three pick tips molded to a center so that the guitarist could choose either a thin, medium, or thick pick. Great idea on paper, disaster for me! My buddies and I bought a few of these but after a few weeks passed we started leaving them in each other's guitar cases, like a game of hot-potato! Marty, I enjoyed this video as it was full of old memories!

[@danxthexman82]

I like those Dunlop tortex pics. I can't remember the first pics i used cause its been 20 years ago now but i started using the orange tortex pics in my teens and used those for 5-10 years probably. Now i use the green and blue tortex pics mostly but im still experimenting with pics. I like the gravity pics but they are 5$ a piece! lol rediculous

[@EremEdition]

I'm not into shredding but if I'm using a pick I prefer the jazz shape and take a razor and scratch little criss crosses where my fingers go so the grip is locked in

[@OutFall]

My grandma got me some wooden picks for my birthday. I HATE THEM WITH A PASSION!!

[@rambadur5226]

Year's ago , found a "Cort pick" on the floor at "session music frankfurt" became my best...

[@Alex-eo9of]

Marty - have you tried Dunlop Primetone? I've recently converted to them from the Dunlop Ultex that I've loved for the past 10 years

[@captainomega3611]

I don't like thin picks. I like thick picks. I have big hands. I like strong picks. I like 1.0 to 1.30 pick.

[@lmao7439]

Imagine using a pick Post was made by Brian may and mark knopfler gang

[@EvAn-tm3yb]

Imagine not using a pick This post was made by every other cool guitarist game

[@altermann1ify]

Man, sometimes I play great with one pick and lousy with another, and vice versa. I like thin picks to a point, but they don't sound or ring very good. Thick picks give too much resistance, especially for speedy metal type stuff. Small picks vs big picks... hmm. for some things small picks are better, others bigger. I like the hetfield black and white fangs and bog street mini beasts

[@nicholassakamoto2455]

I prefer to use a lot of guitar picks from Dunlop and Fender. The Tortex and Nylon picks are my preference, but I’ve also been using some Fender celluloid picks (351 and 451), as well as their nylon picks.

[@Slime_Head]

I've been using the dunlop Jazz III for the past year or so and I love it!

[@m2solo]

Slime_Head same! Best pick in my opinion

[@gegolis123]

Try Dunlop stubby 2.0mm. Makes a glassy tone

[@phoenixcampagnuolo8375]

Check on these awesome guitar picks offered by R.P. Industries!! www.bonanza.com/listings/R-P-Industries-Guitar-Pick-15-pack-/545267462 They’re smooth and very durable while also producing a great sound. Best of all R.P. Industries sells them in packages of 15. That’s 3 extra picks for the same price! This product is recommended for any guitar player. Be sure to check out this pick and share with your friends.

[@StopFear]

Aren’t tortoises too endangered to be using their shell to make picks?

[@m.feniks]

I play classical guitar for 6 years now, so I didnt use picks before, but few months ago, I bought my first electric guitar and I had to use pick to get wanted sound and effect. Tho it was really hard for me to get use to it hah. I still prefer playing without pick. I cant imagine using pick for arpeggio and my classical guitar 😅

[@cristysnyder7816]

I use fender heavy picks.

[@Dash8Q400Channel]

0.38 or 0.46 for beginners both are very good and forgiving

[@BoboEverest]

Light are for strumming and chords, harder picks are for solo, riffs and scales, when you have to do individual string picking.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I dunno. I was using medium. Then saw some morbid Absolute History thing on how the Victorians managed to die horriby and they mentioned celluloid. Turns out, I have a few. I like them better. No weird clicking sounds and it slides off the strings as I'd prefer. Just don't light a match to them. Flammable AF. They showed it on the video.

[@ph6376]

I use a Dunlop .60mm nylon Max-Grip, which has the textured grip. I like the fact that it doesn't slip and it's good for strumming or lead. If I need more stiffness, I just hold it closer to the tip. (okay, I know how that sounds - purely unintentional) BTW; Brian May famously uses a sixpence coin for his pick, and has since his early years.

[@msmith7462]

Agree, the Dunlop Max Grip are the best for sweaty fingers since they have the textured grips, I use a 1.5mm, just need to run them thru the dishwasher once in a while to clear out the buildup...

[@sheilafunderburk5593]

Marty Music is a great teacher. One of the best I've seen. Keep up the good work!

[@lucys9060]

tortex .60 all the way ;)

[@theproxymoxie5140]

Lucy M only ones I use

[@realdaneben6512]

me too, but i drilled them with 3 holes for better grip

[@gemmafink5922]

realdaneben me too!!

[@scottfishkind5335]

Nice presentation! One thing I would add is that to my ears, the thickness of the pick also has an impact on the timbre, with thinner pics bringing out more of a jangly high end sound and thicker picks seem to emphasize the mid-range more. So I very among picks depending on the tone I want for a given musical situation.

[@djinnxx7050]

When I started playing I used whatever was in my pocket or lying around, usually a fifty pence peice or even a pound coin a few times. Never broke any strings but it didn't sound great either, but that was most likely just me. I've even used a fiver, just rolled it up and gave it a go, didn't work so well.

[@kringle02]

What’s the song you play at the begaining I can’t think of the name

[@muh4229]

I hope I will reach Marty's level one day :))

[@swiftbunnyOG]

I feel like when I play with my fingers the sound is warmer. When I try to play with a pick the sound gets just a little too bright sometimes, especially if I'm playing on my travel guitar.

[@davidherman8244]

And then there's the pic of Destiny

[@ikea_meatballs_6952]

If the pick feels good for you, you’re using the correct pick. That’s all you need to know

[@leebee2105]

Marty, what is the song you open with? It was one of the last videos I had of my dad playing guitar and it was a short clip. He passed away last month and we have been racking our brains. This is Definitely the song he was playing!! ❤️

[@msmith7462]

Blind Faith - Can't Find My Way Home, Marty has a lesson on that one (Thank You Marty!)...

[@LacedBacon]

I did this and other beginners can too. You go and buy yourself one of those packs of random sized picks and try them all and see which you like best. That way you don't end up with all these extra bags of picks that you don't use. Anyways great video Marty! One gear request I just thought of is how to use a Wah Wah pedal, like on rock and funk situations.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I swear, I once saw a guy in a dress and full makeup use one in stilettos. Lol. I didn't really care, I got my own issues, but it's hard not to show shock when you're not expecting that haha

[@rogerclark4079]

Nice video Marty! I never broke down the art of picking a pick before.........could you do Black Crows "She talks to angels"?

[@KenPryor]

I've been using a Dunlop .73 pick that is textured to help you keep hold of it. I've gotten pretty used to it and don't see myself changing anytime soon.

[@adamelsdon1754]

That's one sweet pick holder behind you, tell us about your Divided by Thirteen Amp, it looks well cool!

[@djt1317]

I had trouble with thick picks when I first started, they would always snag on up strokes. My strumming was terrible. All arm.. got my wrist in on the action and boom! No more snagging. I'm not as accurate with thin picks. They're too light, and flex too much, making it harder to feel exactly what string I'm gonna hit

[@davidwu7782]

Dunlop.88s for everybody

[@itsjroses1591]

I've been playing for about two years now and my favorite pick is the Dunlop Tortex 60 mm. It's perfect! I use it on my acoustic and electric and have no trouble. So to anyone who wants a good pick which you can use whenever, this is your friend:)

[@Haise-san]

Yeah it's really good, but I might prefer Utex 0.60mm a little bit more, idk but it just sounds more clean.

[@itsjroses1591]

@@Haise-san :) that’s cool. What kind of guitar ?

[@Haise-san]

@@itsjroses1591 Currently on an acoustic, never tried it on an electric so idk how it will sound

[@bigtruckbrad]

Tortex .50 mm is what I use on my 12 string. Fender medium celluloid on my 6 string acoustic

[@munuborah3]

you are the best..making confident a beginner, strumming, choosing picks till now...hoping for the best in coming sections of my guitar life..thank you.

[@EvAn-tm3yb]

I have a 2.0 gator and man it's so fun to hold it feels nice

[@caleblee4856]

I play with many different picks sometimes I run very thin sometimes I’ll run 1mm or something just depends on how the song is played and what I’m feeling

[@TheOuttabody]

As Mark Knopfler once said, “A pick is actually the biggest amplifier that there is”. When I bought my acoustic guitar, I got myself the thinnest pick, 0.50mm, I could find at the store at the time. But even 0.50mm was too stiff and thick for me as I didn’t want to bother people at home, playing loud and also, didn’t feel natural in my hand. Maybe I should use it as a doorstopper. That’s some cartoonish imagination there!!! So, I hated guitar picks because I sucked at using a pick. Why? Because I never spent enough time, practicing with it! Especially strumming was the worst part because it was way too loud even for my liking. Even though strumming down was not a problem as it felt natural like going with the grain, but strumming up felt “unnatural” as if going against the grain. And strumming up, more often than not, the pick would get stuck on some of the strings. I think the thinnest nylon pick I could find at Amazon was 0.38mm, which I never got around to order it, because I was either too lazy or didn’t think that it was a priority until I had something else I needed at Amazon to order. Anyway, one day, I was bored enough to cut my own guitar pick, using the thinnest possible plastic I could find, which was a disposable plastic cup on which I first outlined the actual shape of the pick. I guess I was just curious to see if using a thinner pick really helped and made it better for me. And wow! At my first attempt using the pick I, myself, made, I just loved it. I had no problem with picking strings or with strumming. And I loved how natural the strumming felt. The pick I made was more forgiving because it was very thin and flexible. I was surprised that I was naturally and nonchalantly alternating my strumming, sometimes hitting all 4 or 5 strings (depending on the chord), and every now and then, only hitting 2 or 3 strings, which, in my opinion, gave nice “accent” (if you will) or emphasis to whatever I was strumming. So, absolutely and positively, if you do have a problem with using a pick, I definitely recommend that you try the thinnest pick you can make or find. If the pick happens to be a bit too thin for you, you can always find something thicker to cut yourself a new pick. It is just a trial and error to find out what works for you.

[@larrygeetar9309]

Hi there, Marty ~ One of your biggest (not literally, at least I hope not) and most faithful followers here. Thanks for such entertaining and well done guitar vids. You're one of my go-to's for tips and I use them with my students, too ... I know you're in the San Diego area so I'm sending my best wishes to you during the raging fires, which have now reached S.D. County. I have very good friends out there and it's a frightening scene. Be safe and prayers to all ... On picks ~ I've found that the pick makes quite a difference in sound, touch and dynamics on all types of guitars. I prefer a basic Fender Medium style pick, which is .73 mm, especially for electric guitar. Oddly, I like a thicker pick on acoustic. To me, tortoise shell is the best but I do use Dunlop/Tortex types in a pinch and they're fine. It seems that tortoise shell gives the clearest sound and is smoothest on the strings, which I like. I've used so many different picks over the last several years just to see how they work for me: heavy, super heavy (over 1.14 mm), tortoise shell, tortex, wood (there is such a thing!), glass, shell ... The craziest and coolest ones were a couple made for me by a friend from an old piano key. (Not much give there!) There is a medium heavy thickness of .84 mm which is a really good compromise for me. Lastly, I use my fingers almost exclusively at home on both acoustic and electric. But on an electric gig I can't get the attack I like from my fingers so I'm pick-bound, for the most part. As you said, it's what one is most comfortable with. On an acoustic gig I go back and forth, pick and fingers. I'm not that great with my fingers but the last 5 years I've worked on it. No question you have more control with fingers if you're comfortable that way. I tried thumb picks and they sucked - totally unnatural. Certain things cry out for finger style and I had to get better at it because I had students who wanted to learn the style. Like you, I started with thin picks but gave them up pretty quick. And I agree beginners should start out with a pick even if that's not where they ultimately end up. Versatility is good, for sure. Sorry for the long-windedness. Best to you and yours for the holiday season. Keep the jingle bell rockin'.

[@Ght_Frak]

Personally I use .73 Ernie-Ball Everlast picks. I find that the provide a robust sound, they have a satin feel. They are made of delrin and are strong and flexible. So I'd recommend using those if you're looking for something like that Edit: it's a fairly wide pick that gives you something to hold onto

[@olliecarson5150]

They are great

[@rodnyg7952]

I've been using my fingers for both acoustic & electric for over 30yrs. I rarely use a pic, & when I do it's a super thin one ( like Dunlop .38mm nylon) that I've rounded a bit at the tip with light sandpaper beforehand. I guess it's become a habit, but I find I have the best control for picking and strumming (or both at the same time) without a pic. If I need more volume, ... well, I turn up the amp gain --problem solved.

[@IuliusCurt]

And then there are the really thick ones, like Dunlop Stubby Triangle or even the Purple plectrum thingy

[@pyropixel354]

I use a Dunlop pick like yours, it’s great :)

[@jonswainson333]

While strumming I find my pick rotates, any suggestions to prevent this ? Love the channel by the way it has helped me find a passion for playing

[@sirbaguette8378]

Jon Swainson Maybe try gripping the pick harder with the two fingers or... Maybe you're holding it wrong...

[@kennymartin6667]

My personal favorite is the tortoise shells. They're good for switching from picking to strumming and vice versa. Great video, Marty!

[@patmillen9162]

I think we can all agree the tortex .88 us the best pick lol ... ive been seeing wood picks pop up here and there, could be interesting to give one of those a try

[@timbarry1064]

On the subject of picks let me ask you the proper relation of the pick to the strings. Do you hold your pick parallel to the strings during contact or do you have the pick at such an angle to allow the tip of the pick to rub the strings as you strum? I can't seem to find any info on that. I get a smoother sound with the angled method myself.

[@RicHSAD2]

Started with heavier picks, now I prefer the lighter ones. I personally find that lighter picks sound better/more energetic. Also, if Paul Gilbert can "shred" on a 0.50mm pick then clearly a Jazz III is not mandatory here.

[@devanhansonmusic]

Dragon heart picks are very cool, you should check them out.

[@beatnball]

My first pick was nail cutting blade 😑

[@gavinr7372]

Tortex .75mm is the best I’ve ever used, but I’ll definitely try out the gator pick, seems awesome!

[@CrimeQuestTV]

Could you do a lesson on john Mayer's version of ain't no sunshine such a cool song