choice of pick

Neil replies to questions from our members.
qca_99
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Sun Oct 25, 2009 3:48 pm

Neil,

Can you explain the pick thickness and what should a beginner be using.


Chasplaya
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Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:35 pm

HI qca, There are quite a few threads already that discuss picks, but essentially the thickness is about the sound you want to hear, what you are comfortable holding. As a beginneer start with medium picks I guess and then try ones either side of that till you get the sound you like and the comfort in grip. It comes down to personal choice. However, you get some picks about the size of a 'dime' (very small) generally used more for electric, I'd steer away from them to begin with at least. To do a search check out the Search Function at the top right of the Forums type in pick and you'll get about three pages of threads, not all are directly about picks , but some titles are obvious to read.


BigBear
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Mon Oct 26, 2009 12:59 am

Chas is right on as usual! Start with a medium and adjust from there. I use a .88 gray Duncan with a raised pattern so it's very easy to hold on to.

One thing to consider about a pick. If you ever plan to play fingerstyle, start splitting your time between a pick and your fingers. I started off with a pick and then never learned to use my fingers until the last few years. I really set myself back without even realizing it. Maybe limit picking to 50% of your practice time at first.

Start thinking about songs as to how to play them both ways. Even hard rock songs. It's a good exercise for building fingerstyle chops!

Good luck! Cheers! :cheer:


Chasplaya
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Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:15 am

BigBear wrote:
Chas is right on as usual! Start with a medium and adjust from there. I use a .88 gray Duncan with a raised pattern so it's very easy to hold on to.

One thing to consider about a pick. If you ever plan to play fingerstyle, start splitting your time between a pick and your fingers. I started off with a pick and then never learned to use my fingers until the last few years. I really set myself back without even realizing it. Maybe limit picking to 50% of your practice time at first.

Start thinking about songs as to how to play them both ways. Even hard rock songs. It's a good exercise for building fingerstyle chops!

Good luck! Cheers! :cheer:
Good advice Rick , man don't ya love this site, all this advice for realtive freebies!


qca_99
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Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:25 pm

Thanks to all that replied. I am just getting used to using this site and seeing the great benefits it has. Didn't realize I would also be learning form other members as well. I only hope I will be able to return the favors some time.


goldleaf
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Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:20 pm

qca_99 wrote:
Neil,

Can you explain the pick thickness and what should a beginner be using.
If you really want to see some cool picks Google Wegen Picks, they are made in the Netherlands and cost around $20 for 3 and some are $15 for 1. I saw my Luthier playing with a pick I never saw before and he told me about them. I have not ordered one yet the price is a little high but they are interesting - Wegen, Gary


reiver
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Wed Oct 28, 2009 7:07 am

qca_99

I would say that the pick thickness would depend on what you are playing. If you are picking out strings/notes (ie Neil Young - Needle and the Damage) then a medium pick would be fine. If you are practicing strumming, I would choose a thinner pick (


BigBear
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Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:14 am

qca_99 wrote:
Thanks to all that replied. I am just getting used to using this site and seeing the great benefits it has. Didn't realize I would also be learning form other members as well. I only hope I will be able to return the favors some time.

Hey qca_99- Have we officially welcomed you yet? You snuck in here! If we haven't welcomed you yet I'll say Big Welcome to you and then ask you to go over to the Please Introduce Yourself thread, start a new topic, then tell us a little about you. Where you live, how old you are, your musical tastes and where you are on your guitar and musical journey ie. have you played forever or are you just starting? It's painless and we've all done it! It helps to know who are fellow players are!

I don't want to hijack this thread so after you post your intro I hope my fellow members will welcome you over there!

Thanks! And let us know if we can ever help! :cheer:


wiley
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Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:47 am



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