Hello and a question about picks…

[edenfield99]

Hi everyone,
I’ve just signed up to the forum after ordering Tommy’s lessons 1 and 2 for the jump blues course. The name’s Chris and I’m from near Manchester in the UK. I’ve been playing guitar for 25 years but only just started to get into Jump and Swing blues after primarily being a rock and then blues (of the pentatonic minor variety) player. Looking forward to getting involved and learning more about this great music.

Anyway, enough about me, here’s my question…

I notice Tommy uses 1.5mm or 2mm picks and I use a 1mm tortex plectrum (plectrum…well I’m British 🙂 ) which I’ve always thought was quite thick compared to what my other guitar playing friends use. So what do you use?? And for those using the thicker picks, what do you see as the advantage?

[Craner]

I too use 1.5mm and thicker picks. The advantage to how I see it is since the pick doesn’t flex at all there is more control. The pick is always where you need it since it’s not flexing and bending around the strings.

[Tommy Harkenrider]

I agree with Craner. I seem to have a better connection with the string, and have better dynamic control. I use relatively heavy strings so I tend to pick harder especially on my hollow body guitars. I think this helps to get the top vibrating. Thanks Chris!!!

[edenfield99]

Thanks both,
By a fortuitous coincidence moments after posting this I saw that a guy on another forum I frequent was giving away a set of 1.5mm Dunlop jazz picks on a first come first served basis and I got in there first 🙂 They should turn up in a day or so so I can give it a go.
Chris

[Tommy Harkenrider]

I think you will be happy with the thickness

[Author]

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