Jazz picks - Any downside

Barnezy

I’ve been using small jazz picks for about a year now. I find them far more accurate, controllable and I like being closer to the strings. I grabbed one of my old standard shaped picks the other day and pardon the pun, it felt like a blunt instrument. 

Those more experienced, is there any downside to using Jazz picks in your opinion?

hobbio

I use Jazz 3 picks mainly, it's just a personal preference. I do switch back to heavy tortex from time to time but overall I'm just more accurate with a small pointy plectrum.

CarpeDiem

I've been using Dunlop Jazz 3 picks for years, and I mainly play electric. The only downside I see is that I have to play more softly when strumming an acoustic, but I see this as a positive as it forces me to focus more on the dynamics. Overall, I much prefer them to either larger or softer material picks.

Alterlifeson

I like the purple Tortex Jazz iii's. I normally switch between those and the .88 green tortex ones with a sharp end. The only time I miss the larger size of the green ones if if I really want to bash away at some power chords quite aggressively. I find the large size gives me a bit more to grab onto and the pick doesn't fly away with a hard strum.

JMP220478

I use the the Carbon Fibre Max Grip mini ones - after years of drilling holes in Tortex picks for extra traction ..
main issues are theyre easy to lose and being black absolutely useless to find if you drop on a dark stage . 
Also not so good for pick scrapes due to small size ..
what I didnt appreciate is how many Dunlop Jazz models n materials theyre are ... 

https://www.jimdunlop.com/category/products/guitar+picks/jazz.do ;  

jdgm

The only downside is when doing funky waka-waka rhythm stuff (some may disagree) where a thinner pick may be more suitable....usually can't be bothered and flick a finger. I've used Jazz IIIs for decades and am now also picking up my V-pick (even thicker) and Jazz III-size Stubby, Tortex and Ultex. So yes to all of the above.

stratman3142

I can't think of a downside, apart from experimenting with other picks for tone. For example a thin pick for a clicky acoustic sound.

Many years ago I asked Alan Murphy what pick he used at an SFX gig and he gave me one of his black (stiffo) Jazz 3 picks. As I was obssessed with his playing, I forced myself to get used to that type of pick. That's the type of pick I used for years, but now I prefer the Jazz 3 Ultex (amber coloured) pick for tone, grip and feel. Varying the tightness of grip allows me to emulate a stiff to lighter feel, for everything from faster picking to funk rhythm.

I'm used to Jazz 3 size now, and bigger picks feel a bit unwieldy to me but, for example, I could happily use a Fender 351 size if necessary.

bingefeller

No downside to using a Jazz III.  If that's what you like then keep using it.  

guitarfishbay

If you like it then keep using them.

For my tastes there are a few downsides but YMMV.

I don’t think they’re the right choice for acoustic playing or strumming, and switching between small and normal sized pick playing does take me a bit of time to adjust. So that’s one reason I don’t use them. I find it easier to just stick with normal sized picks.

The other is that IMO they don’t sound as chunky for the type of riffs I play as a bigger pick. I usually prefer the sound of a Tortex TIII .88 these days but I also like other thicknesses and the max grip nylons as well.

But it is all personal preference at the end of the day.

ToneControl

I've used 3mm stubbies for about 30 years, as mentioned excellent control, accuracy, dynamics, and it helps you slow down and phrase solos

I fingerpick acoustic
If I do need to strum an acoustic with a plectrum, I use a larger thinner flat pick, the stubby is not as well suited I think

guitars4you

I use 2mm Stubbies (middle size so one up from Jazz)  and struggle to be comfortable with any other pick now

The biggest issue I have with any pic is the person in control of what the pic can do !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

prlgmnr

I like a Jazz III size for.... jazz and then the XL size for rock/metal/more strummy stuff.

I think when I first picked up a Jazz III all those years ago I was all "wow this is so accurate" but for me I felt it granted a bit of the feel of accuracy without me actually improving my accuracy, so I tend to practise more with the bigger pick now.

Stevepage

Downside for me was playing heavy rhythm. They don't quite have the attack you get from a bigger pick. The Tortex TIII picks remedy this some what.

I did just use the Eric Johnson Jazz IIIs last night and I'm really enjoying them again

Kvaksalver

Over the last year I've startede using smaller and smaller picks. That all started when trying a Jazz III. Currently my favourites are Ernie Balls new Prodigy Minis in a 2mm.

For comparison:

Top: Dunlop standard size, Pick Boy Pos a Grip, Dunlop John Petrucci Flow, Chicken Picks Badazz

Bottom: D’addario Black Ice, Dunlop Jazz III, Ernie Ball Prodigy Mini, D’andrea Pro Plec 358

mudslide73

I used to use Herco 75s but then went on a Jazz III odyssey due to my worship of Eric Johnson. Can't use a normal size pick now but I can't imagine wanting to go back. The Hercos feel like dustbin lids by comparison

Sassafras

Only downside I've noticed is they're easier to lose than the big ones.