Plectrums

thomasross20

I just bought some Jazz 3 stiffo's for my electric playing - used to use Dunlop 1.5mm but found the volume died when it was angled. 

Anyway... what plectrum would you recommend for acoustic playing - some strumming but also picking... I currently have one pink Stagg pick which is ~0.8mm thick and is pretty good but can't seem to find them online. 

richardhomer

I'm a fan of Dunlop Nylons. .88 or .73 are good for strumming. Heavy picks really don't work well.

xSkarloey

I always seem to have Herco .75 plectrums hanging around. They're good I find.

bluechargeboy

I use Ultex 0.90 or 0.94, they have that celluloid zing but they do not wear out as quickly as celluloid. I hold them in a death grip for picking single notes, and lightly for strumming. I play very aggressively though. Thinner plecs are easier for strumming.

Octahedron

I used to really like Dunlop Match Piks. I used to keep a pack/book in each guitar case. But can't find them anywhere anymore. 

crunchman

I tend to use the same ones I use on my electric most of the time.  If you get your technique right so you are just striking the strings with the tip of the pick you are fine.  I actually break a lot less (zero) strings now compared with when I used thinner ones.

shuikit

I just use Jazz IIIs on both electric and acoustic.  For me I like the shape and size of them as much as the thickness so struggle to use 'normal' plectrums.  I agree with @crunchman about the technique, I've also found that I've developed a lighter strumming/picking action which I find gives me more control and dynamics 

Phil_aka_Pip

Try also TeckPick light alloy jobs. I tried them for electric and said YUK! they're horrible. Then picked one up for acoustic, almost without thinking, then thought AH! so THAT'S what they're for!

BilliBob

I struggle horribly using picks, prefer my fingers and index fingernail.  However I am going to have to learn to use one asap, as just got hunted for New Band playing Lead Electric.  Have to step up this lead thing. So I figure I will have to bite the bullet and put some relearning time in.
It is interesting to see what people are using any why.

xmrchi

@Billibob You really dont have to use  plec for lead, if you have used your finger for the last how many years they will do just as well, I never use a Plectrum, and even with the shredding we sometimes do I am just as fast as someone using a Pick, the only thing I cant do is pinch Harmonics. I put a little bit of super glue on my index nail to stop it wearing through and bobs your uncle.

BilliBob

That does sound like a plan, I will try that.  Any pics of the finger nail, glued up?  I suppose I just need to practice the alternate thingy using my nail as a plec.

axisus

BilliBob said:

I struggle horribly using picks, prefer my fingers and index fingernail.  However I am going to have to learn to use one asap, as just got hunted for New Band playing Lead Electric.  Have to step up this lead thing. So I figure I will have to bite the bullet and put some relearning time in.
It is interesting to see what people are using any why.

No problem at all, it's how I play. I can do fast alt picking with my index nail. I give my index finger an acrylic coating with lasts for weeks at a time. can look a bit unsightly later on as the colour goes a bit yellow - not that I'm bothered!

I love the feel of playing with no plec. I'm not quite as fast but the feel is great!

TinLip

The green Dunlop teardrop ones. No question.

Tenebrous

I love the tone of the Dunlop nylon .46s Lovely to strum with, pretty easy to bend slightly to gain rigidity for single note stuff.