All Encompassing Pick Theorem

[HHP]

The thinner the pick, the less important things like size, shape, material, and configuration are to the final sound. The thicker the pick, the more these same things affect the final sound.

As a corollary, the thinner the pick the more generic the sound and less you can do to change it.

Somewhat arbitrary, but not far off, we can use 1.00mm as the dividing line.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by HHP

The thinner the pick, the less important things like size, shape, material, and configuration are to the final sound. The thicker the pick, the more these same things affect the final sound.

As a corollary, the thinner the pick the more generic the sound and less you can do to change it.

Somewhat arbitrary, but not far off, we can use 1.00mm as the dividing line.

As a general theory though it's all relative isn't it

[Mandobart]

I like fairly thick picks; 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm. I can't stand pick flex. When a pick flexes it sounds too much like a baseball card in bicycle spokes to me. The right material can be rigid enough to not flex even when pretty thin.

For me thick picks work better with a bevel. You really can't put much of a bevel on a thin pick. Thick picks give me better tone, volume and accuracy.

[Long Jon]

Originally Posted by KevWind

As a general theory though it's all relative isn't it

Harry's work is usually special.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Long Jon

Harry's work is usually special.

Huh? who's Harry ? I thought we were speaking bout Stephen and Albert

[Silurian]

There are many variables when it comes to picks: thickness, material, shape, etc. Unfortunately the only constant is my modest playing ability.

[seannx]

Before you remove it from the packaging, and start to play, the pick is simultaneously great and bad, similar to Schrödinger's cat.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schrödinger%27s_cat

[Long Jon]

Originally Posted by KevWind

Huh? who's Harry ? I thought we were speaking bout Stephen and Albert

Harry, aka HHP (we're on first name terms, he calls me "Long".)

[Ozzy the dog]

Picks are funny things. I have always thought they are too easy to loose or to find yourself in a position to play a guitar only to be without a pick. It is for this reason I have always used my nails - 'cause you've always got them with you.

Ironically, I have always carried a pick in my wallet that has never been lost and never been used.

[valleyguy]

Originally Posted by Mandobart

I can't stand pick flex. When a pick flexes it sounds too much like a baseball card in bicycle spokes to me. The right material can be rigid enough to not flex even when pretty thin.

For me thick picks work better with a bevel. You really can't put much of a bevel on a thin pick. Thick picks give me better tone, volume and accuracy.

Says it all..... Especially the bevel.

[Acousticado]

For me personally, the best pick is no pick at all.

[Long Jon]

Originally Posted by Mandobart

I like fairly thick picks; 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm. I can't stand pick flex. When a pick flexes it sounds too much like a baseball card in bicycle spokes to me. The right material can be rigid enough to not flex even when pretty thin.

For me thick picks work better with a bevel. You really can't put much of a bevel on a thin pick. Thick picks give me better tone, volume and accuracy.

Here's a thinish pick , with a bevel , don't flex none, no sir.

https://www.wolframslides.com/precision_strike.php



I have handled one and it felt really lovely, but I didn't have a guitar with me to actually try it.
I may still buy one, although I haven't even crossed the 30 dollar line into BC territory yet.
You'd have to really look after one of those ! I might order one with a hole drilled for key chain.

[Silly Moustache]

I tend to agree with the OP's summary.
I'd say that my observation is that "generally" (not exclusively) beginners who are working on an easy six string strum, find a thin/soft pick easier.

As one's technique develops, one requires a more accurate instrument to pick your way around single strings, chording etc.

Aspects like tone, accuracy, speed come into play and one searches for your ideal.

For me on my dreads, and jumbo wearing (EJ17) mediums - a large triangle (346) by Bluechip (TAD 50 - 1.25m/m) and/or Wegen TF140 (1.4 m/m) are as good as it gets.

For my 000 and L-00 I use a BC TAD40 (1 m/m) or Wegen TF120 (1.2) on light gauge (EJ16) strings.

I regard 1 m/m 351s as a minimum thickness - anything else is too light to provide tone,speed and accuracy.

BTW I consider that a 346 can be lighter than a 351 teardrop style as it has more mass (and three times as many points!)

[Long Jon]

You want mass Andy, that Wolfram tungsten pick feels like a Krugerrand in your hand, yeah, it is 60 odd quid ,,, so what really ?
BC's and CL cost more than half that anyway so you've already crossed that psychological barrier.

It's nigh on indestructible,,,, Just don't lose the bloody thing !

[KarenB]

Never played or saw a pick with a bevel. What does that do to the sound?