I've used Dunlop and D'Andrea 1.14 mm purple celluloid picks for some time, and quite honestly, I haven't really had issues with them slipping out of my picking hand. I only leave a bare minimum of the tip sticking out, and it clears the strings easily without any snags.
This is actually really helpful. I appreciate how you give thumbs up to the product, even though it doesn´t suit your personal preference. But I got the feeling it could be tremendous help to me. Thank you!
+John T. Campbell Yeah it's kinda ironic. But after trying many different pick shapes/styles I have settled on the jazz III. I also just realized how old my comment is.
I made a block out of aluminum in the shape of my favorite pics ( 6 kinds since it's a square ) and I melt down plastics real quick, drip it in, then when they are just barely still workable I take a sewing needle and lightly poke them so they have a grip on top
I use Tortex .50, .60 and .73. I love the flex mostly because I like to smash my strings when I play so the flex in the pick makes the sound less harsh. I don't usually drop picks but I keep an extra under my scratch plate on both my Jazzmaster and Sheraton. Plus I think keeping an extra there looks pretty cool. Haha
I appreciate the topic you presented, I am an anomaly opposite you. I have only 20% feeling in my right hand and loose picks easily because I cannot feel them in my hand. thank you for the ideas I also have some success with banjo picks but they stick out too far for fast picking. Keep rocking, great videos!
+Ty Rivera this guy has a couple videos of "torture testing" various guitar picks, you should check it out. It includes the Jazz III (the red one, right? I think I have one.)
I've noticed my problem is strumming so fast for a good 30-45 min almost non stop makes (what I can only describe as) the blood rush away from my hand. my fingers will get ice cold, go numb, and eventually to the point where you can't tell if your holding the pick or not. That's about the time you see the pick fly out of your hand and disappear. Keep going, no blood no glory. I've sprayed many guitars with the flesh from my cuticle.
I never had a problem with losing picks no matter what kind of pick I'm using. When i hold a pick I don't even have to think about it. The only time I've ever dropped a pick is when I'm switching to finger picking while being clumsy, and I flip the thing between my fingers or something like that, or I'm multitasking/not actually playing. It always blew my mind how some people drop their picks so often.
I have really sweaty, greasy hands and dropping picks has been a problem for years, I started using velcro (hook side) on my picks and it's worked well for the past few years
I don't have a problem with loosing picks, rather that they have been sliding around too much when playing shows where it gets really warm. Started playing Dunlop Maxgrip 1.0mm and the problem went away.
I play thicker guage strings and I use a 1.2 mm tortoise shell style pick. when I tremolo pick more than one string at a time the pick changes position in my hand. Im sure the lizard grips would help. thank yoy for making this video Colin!
I'm just the opposite, I don't have sweaty hands, but they are super dry. I don't drop my pick but, what happens for me is that the pick will slide right under my thumb...those lizard grips look like they could help with that. Thanks for putting such helpful content!
I just use 320 Grit adhesive backed sandpaper on my picks. I've never had a problem with picks slipping out of my fingers but I have with them rotating. I used to use Jazz III Max Grips but went to Petrucci Jazz III and they are much more resilient but started moving around in my sweaty fingertips.
I have some of those Dava rubber gripped picks, along with a Dava dual thickness pick that had lasted surprisingly long. But I've dropped a pick on stage and have used my fingernails to compete a passage.
i have sweaty hands and even with the dragons heart i havent had a problem with droppage but they do shift in my fingers. the lizard grips have completely eleveated that problem.
My go-to solution is to take a dremel or other rotary tool and mill out a + shape in the pick. But I haven't done that in a while since for whatever reason I don't really drop my picks much anymore.
Good to see its not only a beginner like me has this problem. I thought I was strumming in a wrong way. I thought I was either holding the pick to softly or strumming too hard. Looks like it's a problem for experienced guitarists too . I've sent off for a v-pick and some super large triangular picks similar to the ones I've seen Carlos santana using. Lots of good tips in this video though.
The biggest issue I have with holding my pick is if my skin is very dry, so there's no moisture on the surface of my fingertips, causing the pick to slip due to lack of friction. I've rarely dropped a pick while playing live, but they will certainly twist in my grip. The simple solution is to lick my pick. Like literally. I put the pick in my mouth and flip it around a few times with my tongue. Then take it in a standard grip between thumb and index finger and sort of rub out the fluids. As the saliva is absorbed by the surface of my skin, it forms a rock hard grip on the pick that can no longer move at all unless I want it to. Works every time.
😁 My non-flexible Tortex picks have a bevel around the playing edges. It takes just a few minutes to do. Since I don't lose or drop picks, it's not wasted time.
I use fender mediums and they work fine, don't slip out, people need to slant their hand slightly, like sweep picking almost, so their is less surface area on the pick and string so they have a lesser chance of dropping
I agree that it probably is just technique issues if you drop your pick because I have ridiculously sweaty hand and use a slick metal pick, but have almost never dropped my pick before.
It's all a learning curve of course, but when you are in the mid sixties with age, played for years and then developed mild Arthritis, but still damned keen to keep playing? So, what do I do now that a normal grip is so weak to not be able to grip anything up to about an inch thick. I have developed a finger nail and flat wound strings twist, the side of the thumb and the tip of the index finger utilizing the nail. It tends to wear in the heat of a gig, but small sacrifice to keep playing. Plectrums are impossible to keep hold of unless high volume amplification is used when you get older, and make no mistake. I have tried them all.....!!
I got hit with MS and went from a guy who never dropped picks to a guy who drops picks a lot. I’ve tried all sorts of things. Nothing has been overly helpful. I’m going to try the lizard grips. Never heard of them. Thanks.
Lol I noticed the picture of angus young on the door good job that's good music man acdc is my absolute favorite band... They have so much good music and they've been so influential on newer rock.... They're at the top of my list
Switched to Jimmy D black and red Jazz III's in 09 and never dropped a pick since. Sometimes I'll go all jeff beck and not use a pick at all but when I do I only use a jazz III. Nothing else feels right now.
I don't drop picks often but the only pick I use is the max grip carbon fiber jazz III. Tortex picks and the bigger ones feel weird to use now. The Dunlop big stubby is okay too.
For me at least the problem of dropping picks was pretty much completely solved by using thicker picks. I used to use the .60mm tortex ones, however my guitar teacher convinced me to start using the more thick picks because they gave a better tone. Ever since then dropping picks has been an anomaly for me and when I discovered the Jazz III with their natural grip, then it simply never happened unless I was barely holding the pick.
guitar19971 I was huge on Jazz III's, I still have like 20 of them at home, you should try out the Dunlop Stubby picks (the blue, transparent, chubby ones) and Petrucci's signature jazz picks! I'm going for the Stubby ones now, they're amazing!
They're like a bit bigger than a standard III, but they're not nylon picks so the feel and sound better (more presence and punch). They hardly wear at all and the JP logo makes holding it easier
I keep one tucked under my strap or set on my mini stand I keep a few extras on the stand with my capo my ebow and my slide. The only time I drop them though is when I flip it over and pinch it in my middle finger (pro tip from paul Gilbert) it's a great trick so you can play fingerstyle sections easy I tend to screw up and drop my pick on occasion.
I use two versions of nylon ex-lites, rough and smooth, when playing acoustic and usually my finger picks on electric, as I normally do lead and soloing, and can't grab a pick fast enough when switching to (usually power) chords. I use acoustic a lot for Celtic folk, and the fast action and chingy-ness of ex-lites really come in handy.
I sweat like a madman when I play guitar for a long period of time and I used to have some trouble holding onto my picks, but once I started using thicker picks is became a nonissue to me. I've recently found Dragonsheart picks, and now the tortex style picks just feel cheap to me anymore. I also play with a bit of a heavy hand as well and the Dragonsheart picks don't wear out as quick as the others. It was a bit of a win win for me. As far as cutting into the picks, I think that was the only way Dimebag would ever play. His picks were sliced up and his volume and tone knobs were melted on the sides with a soldering gun to give them some grip.
For extra grip on picks get a drill and drill out some holes from the pick. Experiment with placement and hole size. If you look at one of the gravity picks he shows that's all it is. Even if you don't drop picks this will reduce how much it turns in your fingers. John Mclaughlin actually scores his pick with a knife for grip and it works for him. Of course if it's not a problem don't change a thing!
Question regarding gravity picks, i normally use Fender 1mm picks, i've noticed that gravity picks are generally thicker, is this more cumbersome when playing lead work?
No, thicker picks will not make your lead playing more cumbersome, in fact they will give you more picking precision. They should also give you slightly better tone.
I get really sweaty hands, I go through strings like they're nothing but I've never had problems with dropping picks. I started with some flimsy fender ones, I had no problems. Then I went to jazz 3s and never went back. Still no issues, the only complaint I have is the writing on them, it can run your finger a bit after long period of playing
I sweat a ridiculous amount on stage as me and my band are very high energy. I use Dunlop Tortex 1.14s and the material seems to stick to my fingers when I get nicely moist and I don't have a problem with dropping them. I love them and wouldn't use anything else. It's all about personal preference.
i never had a problem dropping picks but what i DID have a problem with was my god damn sweaty hands causing the pick to turn out of the proper position as i played. it was so bad that it caused me to grip the pick so tight it would cause a lot of tension in my hand. my solution was i super glue 220 grit wet or dry sandpaper to both sides, leaving about a 3rd of the pick bare (obviously the pointy part that you strike the strings with). NO MORE turning problems!
I've been a bassist for a year now, I can play quiet well with my fingers, but I cannot for the life of me use a pick, i've used the tortec picks and plectra style picks, any suggestion?
I rarely drop my picks, but since I like to vary my grip strength, it does happen. Since hard clear gel picks are my favorite, I am currently playing DAVA Gel picks. They are rubbered and depending on where you grip them, they are stiffer or more flexible, which I love when playing acoustic guitar. This effect is weaker on the smaller, jazz sized picks, which is also ideal for me, since I don't need a flexible pick when playing electric guitar.
@CSGuitars Love your channel! Finally a metal guitarist who doesn't think that open chugging is the only technique needed. Very informative videos with humour mixed in perfectly. Can you do a tutorial on making the ebony pick that you showcased in the video? Looks like a really good idea. I disagree with people who say that the channel has become advertising. I think that these videos are very helpful. Hope you keep making great videos!
Colin, what about people with neuropathy issues? I have diabetes type 2 and have issues holding on to a pick, especially as I play bass, so the strings are thicker to strum and require more force to strum. Can you recommend these products and picks for bass players?
My pick of choice would be one of those Dava ones. I've been through a number of JDs, ESPs etc & either they've fallen outta my hand (Ya, I'm one of THOSE guys) or I've found 'em to just drag or otherwise hold my playin' back (& I'm a bit of a speed freak, especially when it comes to my lead solos).
i use a dunlop 0.6 mm, that has been worn to the point where its almost round. that works for me. when I want to play hard or solos I use very little of the pick, wjen I dp rhytm I use a bit more, and the flex of that thin pick makes for a softere smother sound. at least thats my experience
I used to drop my pick all the time in my first few years of playing. Once I learned how tight or loose I needed to grip per style/sound, I haven't dropped a pick.
Sweaty fingers + very agressive style = flying picks. I've gone for Pickboy Pos-a-grips; a standard pick with 12 holes, and that does the trick for me.
i do sweat like a pig under those lights and really smooth celluloid picks like those really pretty pearloid fender picks or tortex when i'm running around sweating on stage give me fits to hold on to them. I discovered the gator grip picks from dunlop early on and those solved my problem. i use the smoother picks just fine in the studio or practicing around the house. its when i'm on stage under the lights that the dropping the pick becomes important.
That dragons heart pick caught my eye so well that half way through the video I purchased one (the original) from their site, then finished the video! Thanks for the promo code btw, even though it only saved me 70 cents.... Also I might get some of the grip stuff too, but it's expensive.
Personally, I've never dropped my dragon's heart pick, but I've also never gigged with it. That being said, I have extremely sweaty hands, and although dropping a pick isn't really an issue, it sliding out of grip is. I haven't experienced that with dragon's heart, but I have with Jazz III's with the max grip, but those are typically my go to picks, and I've never dropped one.
I use .50mm Tortex picks and I've hardly ever dropped one. I have a couple times, but only when I wasnt really paying attention. When Im playing and focusing on guitar I never drop one. Ever.
I tend never to drop a pick when playing guitar (Knock on wood), regardless of what pick I'm using, however, a couple of my friends do. I'll never really understand how.
One quick thing, I think it's great your showcasing stuff like this but I think you missed out talking about another reason why some people drop their picks, high movement on stage i.e. Head banging, jumping around a lot ect... Granted this hasn't been a problem for myself and admittedly I hardly ever stop moving on stage. Just think it's something worth mentioning for other guitarist.
As someone with as much manual dexterity as an excitable chihuahua (probably partly to blame for the fizzy water incident...) pick dropping is definitely something I struggle with, I should probably invest in some of these lizard grips... Thanks :D
Those are indeed very "theck pecks." I definitely need something that will improve my grip.I've been playing for a very long time,and while I don't often drop picks,they do tend to spin around on me and otherwise move around which is annoying.
Great video! I am with Talon Guitar Picks and we are releasing a new design of guitar picks this February, which have features integrated that keep them constant playing position, among other dynamic designs. I would be thrilled to send you a set to see how they hit for you. Cheers and let me know!
Lol I’ve been a nursing assistant for 20+ years. We move people up in bed by a draw sheet underneath them. This many years in my thumb and pointer finger are outrageously more powerful than the other fingers on both hands lol. In my opinion this probably affects players with an occupation of heavy lifting. I work on scales but no matter what I use the pick slips. So anything with adhesive helps me. Thank you ✌🏻
Thanks for this advice Colin. I might look into these. I've dropped my picks before, especially picks with paint photos that wear off with sweat. I live in Illinois. Where could I buy some? Also, I use normal picks, the standard tortex esque shapes. Which grip size: large or small? Thanks, and keep making fun vids
Thank you so much for this video!! My hands get super sweaty and although I don't drop picks, I'm constantly repositioning my pick during playing which sucks so bad and I was using tortex picks. I tried washing my hands more often, smoked more weed, I even considered Botox injections to my palms, gonna try all these suggestions and find which one I prefer :D
What I found to work best to keep my pick from slipping is a product called "Grip Skin". Its a rubber coating that is applied to Guitar Picks and drum sticks for a better grip. Its very affordable and has really helped my performance. The website is www.gripskin.net - I have also seen it on Reverb, Ebay, and Amazon. Another pro to using Grip Skin is that it can be applied to any size or shape of pick.
Thecker guitar pecks.
I've used Dunlop and D'Andrea 1.14 mm purple celluloid picks for some time, and quite honestly, I haven't really had issues with them slipping out of my picking hand. I only leave a bare minimum of the tip sticking out, and it clears the strings easily without any snags.
This is actually really helpful. I appreciate how you give thumbs up to the product, even though it doesn´t suit your personal preference. But I got the feeling it could be tremendous help to me. Thank you!
Mostly i lose picks because i put them down somewhere and forget where they are.....
Black Jim Dunlop jazz III For the win
+ThrashMetal86 Indeed... It's funny that most metal players use jazz style picks...
+John T. Campbell Yeah it's kinda ironic. But after trying many different pick shapes/styles I have settled on the jazz III. I also just realized how old my comment is.
+ThrashMetal86 You know sometimes I prefer my tortexes over my jazz iii's. I like the surface area
I like red better
I made a block out of aluminum in the shape of my favorite pics ( 6 kinds since it's a square ) and I melt down plastics real quick, drip it in, then when they are just barely still workable I take a sewing needle and lightly poke them so they have a grip on top
I use Tortex .50, .60 and .73. I love the flex mostly because I like to smash my strings when I play so the flex in the pick makes the sound less harsh. I don't usually drop picks but I keep an extra under my scratch plate on both my Jazzmaster and Sheraton. Plus I think keeping an extra there looks pretty cool. Haha
I appreciate the topic you presented, I am an anomaly opposite you. I have only 20% feeling in my right hand and loose picks easily because I cannot feel them in my hand. thank you for the ideas I also have some success with banjo picks but they stick out too far for fast picking. Keep rocking, great videos!
my go to pick is the jazz iii John petrucci signature .... how does it compare to a dragons heart pick?
+Ty Rivera JP Jazz III is the best I've ever used, too. They're hard to find for me, though.
+Ty Rivera this guy has a couple videos of "torture testing" various guitar picks, you should check it out. It includes the Jazz III (the red one, right? I think I have one.)
Have been using Dunlop Max-Grip picks for years, wouldn't want anything else, love them!
Dunlop jazz iii 2.0 no flex. No drop. Gravity picks are slippery if u have even mildly sweaty hands. Great review and insight. Cheers!
I've noticed my problem is strumming so fast for a good 30-45 min almost non stop makes (what I can only describe as) the blood rush away from my hand. my fingers will get ice cold, go numb, and eventually to the point where you can't tell if your holding the pick or not. That's about the time you see the pick fly out of your hand and disappear. Keep going, no blood no glory. I've sprayed many guitars with the flesh from my cuticle.
I never had a problem with losing picks no matter what kind of pick I'm using. When i hold a pick I don't even have to think about it. The only time I've ever dropped a pick is when I'm switching to finger picking while being clumsy, and I flip the thing between my fingers or something like that, or I'm multitasking/not actually playing. It always blew my mind how some people drop their picks so often.
I have really sweaty, greasy hands and dropping picks has been a problem for years, I started using velcro (hook side) on my picks and it's worked well for the past few years
Caught so many picks from big bands that have been scored with a blade, a lot of bands seem to be into that
I don't have a problem with loosing picks, rather that they have been sliding around too much when playing shows where it gets really warm. Started playing Dunlop Maxgrip 1.0mm and the problem went away.
I play thicker guage strings and I use a 1.2 mm tortoise shell style pick. when I tremolo pick more than one string at a time the pick changes position in my hand. Im sure the lizard grips would help. thank yoy for making this video Colin!
I'm just the opposite, I don't have sweaty hands, but they are super dry. I don't drop my pick but, what happens for me is that the pick will slide right under my thumb...those lizard grips look like they could help with that. Thanks for putting such helpful content!
I just use 320 Grit adhesive backed sandpaper on my picks. I've never had a problem with picks slipping out of my fingers but I have with them rotating. I used to use Jazz III Max Grips but went to Petrucci Jazz III and they are much more resilient but started moving around in my sweaty fingertips.
Great video, mate! I've just ordered up a dragon heart pick and can't wait to see if that does the trick for me. Cheers!
I have some of those Dava rubber gripped picks, along with a Dava dual thickness pick that had lasted surprisingly long. But I've dropped a pick on stage and have used my fingernails to compete a passage.
i use 1.14 tortex with the slightly more pointed tip and the number of times i dropped one while playing is neglectable
i have sweaty hands and even with the dragons heart i havent had a problem with droppage but they do shift in my fingers. the lizard grips have completely eleveated that problem.
My go-to solution is to take a dremel or other rotary tool and mill out a + shape in the pick. But I haven't done that in a while since for whatever reason I don't really drop my picks much anymore.
Good to see its not only a beginner like me has this problem. I thought I was strumming in a wrong way. I thought I was either holding the pick to softly or strumming too hard. Looks like it's a problem for experienced guitarists too . I've sent off for a v-pick and some super large triangular picks similar to the ones I've seen Carlos santana using. Lots of good tips in this video though.
The biggest issue I have with holding my pick is if my skin is very dry, so there's no moisture on the surface of my fingertips, causing the pick to slip due to lack of friction. I've rarely dropped a pick while playing live, but they will certainly twist in my grip. The simple solution is to lick my pick. Like literally. I put the pick in my mouth and flip it around a few times with my tongue. Then take it in a standard grip between thumb and index finger and sort of rub out the fluids. As the saliva is absorbed by the surface of my skin, it forms a rock hard grip on the pick that can no longer move at all unless I want it to. Works every time.
😁 My non-flexible Tortex picks have a bevel around the playing edges. It takes just a few minutes to do. Since I don't lose or drop picks, it's not wasted time.
I use fender mediums and they work fine, don't slip out, people need to slant their hand slightly, like sweep picking almost, so their is less surface area on the pick and string so they have a lesser chance of dropping
Dunlop Jazz III's or Big Stubbys are probably my favourite tbh
4:32 what's a sellition?
My go to picks are the Dunlop Jazz III Max Grips. They are small and thick, but also have a great grip.
I agree that it probably is just technique issues if you drop your pick because I have ridiculously sweaty hand and use a slick metal pick, but have almost never dropped my pick before.
It's all a learning curve of course, but when you are in the mid sixties with age, played for years and then developed mild Arthritis, but still damned keen to keep playing? So, what do I do now that a normal grip is so weak to not be able to grip anything up to about an inch thick.
I have developed a finger nail and flat wound strings twist, the side of the thumb and the tip of the index finger utilizing the nail. It tends to wear in the heat of a gig, but small sacrifice to keep playing. Plectrums are impossible to keep hold of unless high volume amplification is used when you get older, and make no mistake. I have tried them all.....!!
I got hit with MS and went from a guy who never dropped picks to a guy who drops picks a lot. I’ve tried all sorts of things. Nothing has been overly helpful. I’m going to try the lizard grips. Never heard of them. Thanks.
I use the razorblade trick, I think its brilliant. not pretty but works well for me at least.
Lol I noticed the picture of angus young on the door good job that's good music man acdc is my absolute favorite band... They have so much good music and they've been so influential on newer rock.... They're at the top of my list
Switched to Jimmy D black and red Jazz III's in 09 and never dropped a pick since. Sometimes I'll go all jeff beck and not use a pick at all but when I do I only use a jazz III. Nothing else feels right now.
I don't drop picks often but the only pick I use is the max grip carbon fiber jazz III. Tortex picks and the bigger ones feel weird to use now. The Dunlop big stubby is okay too.
For me at least the problem of dropping picks was pretty much completely solved by using thicker picks. I used to use the .60mm tortex ones, however my guitar teacher convinced me to start using the more thick picks because they gave a better tone. Ever since then dropping picks has been an anomaly for me and when I discovered the Jazz III with their natural grip, then it simply never happened unless I was barely holding the pick.
guitar19971 I was huge on Jazz III's, I still have like 20 of them at home, you should try out the Dunlop Stubby picks (the blue, transparent, chubby ones) and Petrucci's signature jazz picks! I'm going for the Stubby ones now, they're amazing!
MrGabbo97 Tried the Dunlop stubbies. They were OK but they got worn out way to quickly. May need to check out Petrucci's signature though.
They're like a bit bigger than a standard III, but they're not nylon picks so the feel and sound better (more presence and punch). They hardly wear at all and the JP logo makes holding it easier
MrGabbo97 Thanks for the tip dude. I'll be sure to check them out cause they sound great.
Jazz III XL for me. The regular ones are for bloody newborn babies - they're just about microscopic!
Try Dunlop Tortex Sharp picks. They have a more articulate tone and are a lot easier to use than normal picks.
I keep one tucked under my strap or set on my mini stand I keep a few extras on the stand with my capo my ebow and my slide. The only time I drop them though is when I flip it over and pinch it in my middle finger (pro tip from paul Gilbert) it's a great trick so you can play fingerstyle sections easy I tend to screw up and drop my pick on occasion.
When you score with razor blades, run a lighter under the pick for a few seconds, this melts the sharp raised areas and leaves comfortable scores.
I like the very thin sharkfin picks but They do get slippery so I glue a small piece of cloth to one side.
any suggestions on how not to loose your pick?. my band mate always looses his picks and i have to lend him my spares.. :/
I use two versions of nylon ex-lites, rough and smooth, when playing acoustic and usually my finger picks on electric, as I normally do lead and soloing, and can't grab a pick fast enough when switching to (usually power) chords. I use acoustic a lot for Celtic folk, and the fast action and chingy-ness of ex-lites really come in handy.
I sweat like a madman when I play guitar for a long period of time and I used to have some trouble holding onto my picks, but once I started using thicker picks is became a nonissue to me. I've recently found Dragonsheart picks, and now the tortex style picks just feel cheap to me anymore. I also play with a bit of a heavy hand as well and the Dragonsheart picks don't wear out as quick as the others. It was a bit of a win win for me.
As far as cutting into the picks, I think that was the only way Dimebag would ever play. His picks were sliced up and his volume and tone knobs were melted on the sides with a soldering gun to give them some grip.
I used to drop them all the time, but then I started holding more of the pick in my hand to get pinch harmonics, and I haven't dropped one since
For extra grip on picks get a drill and drill out some holes from the pick. Experiment with placement and hole size. If you look at one of the gravity picks he shows that's all it is. Even if you don't drop picks this will reduce how much it turns in your fingers. John Mclaughlin actually scores his pick with a knife for grip and it works for him. Of course if it's not a problem don't change a thing!
Question regarding gravity picks, i normally use Fender 1mm picks, i've noticed that gravity picks are generally thicker, is this more cumbersome when playing lead work?
No, thicker picks will not make your lead playing more cumbersome, in fact they will give you more picking precision. They should also give you slightly better tone.
I get really sweaty hands, I go through strings like they're nothing but I've never had problems with dropping picks. I started with some flimsy fender ones, I had no problems. Then I went to jazz 3s and never went back. Still no issues, the only complaint I have is the writing on them, it can run your finger a bit after long period of playing
I sweat a ridiculous amount on stage as me and my band are very high energy. I use Dunlop Tortex 1.14s and the material seems to stick to my fingers when I get nicely moist and I don't have a problem with dropping them. I love them and wouldn't use anything else. It's all about personal preference.
I wish they had a slippery edge like Jazz III... They could slide tru strings better.
i never had a problem dropping picks but what i DID have a problem with was my god damn sweaty hands causing the pick to turn out of the proper position as i played. it was so bad that it caused me to grip the pick so tight it would cause a lot of tension in my hand. my solution was i super glue 220 grit wet or dry sandpaper to both sides, leaving about a 3rd of the pick bare (obviously the pointy part that you strike the strings with). NO MORE turning problems!
I've been a bassist for a year now, I can play quiet well with my fingers, but I cannot for the life of me use a pick, i've used the tortec picks and plectra style picks, any suggestion?
I rarely drop my picks, but since I like to vary my grip strength, it does happen.
Since hard clear gel picks are my favorite, I am currently playing DAVA Gel picks.
They are rubbered and depending on where you grip them, they are stiffer or more flexible, which I love when playing acoustic guitar. This effect is weaker on the smaller, jazz sized picks, which is also ideal for me, since I don't need a flexible pick when playing electric guitar.
I've used the purple 2mm Dunlop for decades. Drill 3 small holes in a triangle pattern and and never have an issue... try it...
@CSGuitars Love your channel! Finally a metal guitarist who doesn't think that open chugging is the only technique needed. Very informative videos with humour mixed in perfectly. Can you do a tutorial on making the ebony pick that you showcased in the video? Looks like a really good idea. I disagree with people who say that the channel has become advertising. I think that these videos are very helpful. Hope you keep making great videos!
my picks slide around a lot in my hand when my hands are sweaty but Ive only ever dropped my picks a couple of times
Colin, what about people with neuropathy issues? I have diabetes type 2 and have issues holding on to a pick, especially as I play bass, so the strings are thicker to strum and require more force to strum. Can you recommend these products and picks for bass players?
My pick of choice would be one of those Dava ones. I've been through a number of JDs, ESPs etc & either they've fallen outta my hand (Ya, I'm one of THOSE guys) or I've found 'em to just drag or otherwise hold my playin' back (& I'm a bit of a speed freak, especially when it comes to my lead solos).
Also, Chicken Picks mold do how you hold them. The sweat of your hands actually works to your advantage.
I always take sandpaper and just rough up the pick a little bit and that helps new
i use a dunlop 0.6 mm, that has been worn to the point where its almost round. that works for me. when I want to play hard or solos I use very little of the pick, wjen I dp rhytm I use a bit more, and the flex of that thin pick makes for a softere smother sound. at least thats my experience
What was the black pick that you slashed?
I used to drop my pick all the time in my first few years of playing. Once I learned how tight or loose I needed to grip per style/sound, I haven't dropped a pick.
Sweaty fingers + very agressive style = flying picks.
I've gone for Pickboy Pos-a-grips; a standard pick with 12 holes, and that does the trick for me.
Awesome video man! Thanks for info!
Is that an ART series Ibanez behind you?
Dave Degenerate Yes, it is. Different pickups and electronics, but the rest of it is still ART
Awesome. Got one of those myself and I love it.
Demand it back on penalty of mortal combat
+Dave Degenerate GET OVER HERE!!!!
+zeoalexo FATALITY
i do sweat like a pig under those lights and really smooth celluloid picks like those really pretty pearloid fender picks or tortex when i'm running around sweating on stage give me fits to hold on to them. I discovered the gator grip picks from dunlop early on and those solved my problem. i use the smoother picks just fine in the studio or practicing around the house. its when i'm on stage under the lights that the dropping the pick becomes important.
Pigs don't sweat.
That's why they roll in mud.....
Just saying
That dragons heart pick caught my eye so well that half way through the video I purchased one (the original) from their site, then finished the video!
Thanks for the promo code btw, even though it only saved me 70 cents....
Also I might get some of the grip stuff too, but it's expensive.
I used to have that Dana shirt. To this day I have no idea what happened to it. :(
Personally, I've never dropped my dragon's heart pick, but I've also never gigged with it. That being said, I have extremely sweaty hands, and although dropping a pick isn't really an issue, it sliding out of grip is. I haven't experienced that with dragon's heart, but I have with Jazz III's with the max grip, but those are typically my go to picks, and I've never dropped one.
I use .50mm Tortex picks and I've hardly ever dropped one. I have a couple times, but only when I wasnt really paying attention. When Im playing and focusing on guitar I never drop one. Ever.
I tend never to drop a pick when playing guitar (Knock on wood), regardless of what pick I'm using, however, a couple of my friends do. I'll never really understand how.
I dont drop my pick unless im just being clumsy before or after playing, i think ive only dropped my pick about... 4 times during play total.
My problems were solved with the Jim dunlop Jazz III max grip... im not complaining!
how do u feel about black dunlop jazz 3?
Interesting & informative video as always Colin, thanks for sharing! 👍👍
One quick thing, I think it's great your showcasing stuff like this but I think you missed out talking about another reason why some people drop their picks, high movement on stage i.e. Head banging, jumping around a lot ect... Granted this hasn't been a problem for myself and admittedly I hardly ever stop moving on stage. Just think it's something worth mentioning for other guitarist.
As someone with as much manual dexterity as an excitable chihuahua (probably partly to blame for the fizzy water incident...) pick dropping is definitely something I struggle with, I should probably invest in some of these lizard grips... Thanks :D
good video im using the jazz III Maxi grip cheap and no problems
My favorite are the Dunlop Gator Grip 2mm.
Have you tried Vpics?
I love your guitars
Guitar pecks...
***** I drop my pecks all the time
I do this. My problem is this:
I'll hit a string, chord or note at the wrong angle and the pick goes flying especially on bass guitar
I thought I was the only one with that issue
Those are indeed very "theck pecks." I definitely need something that will improve my grip.I've been playing for a very long time,and while I don't often drop picks,they do tend to spin around on me and otherwise move around which is annoying.
I normally use the tortex sharp picks and i just got some gravity picks but i hold them kinda light and I drop them alot
Great video! I am with Talon Guitar Picks and we are releasing a new design of guitar picks this February, which have features integrated that keep them constant playing position, among other dynamic designs. I would be thrilled to send you a set to see how they hit for you. Cheers and let me know!
Lol I’ve been a nursing assistant for 20+ years. We move people up in bed by a draw sheet underneath them. This many years in my thumb and pointer finger are outrageously more powerful than the other fingers on both hands lol. In my opinion this probably affects players with an occupation of heavy lifting. I work on scales but no matter what I use the pick slips. So anything with adhesive helps me. Thank you ✌🏻
v-picks are a godsend. its counterintuitive, but thicker picks are actually more ergonomic
I just use those .73 dunlops, no pedals or anything.
Just pure sound from my Gibson Les Paul Jr. through my Marshall 1959SLP
If I could afford a custom pick like your I'd have some but I can't. Jazz III it is then
Eric Johnson jazz III's are much better than the standard Jazz III's. Especially for grip. Check them out if you can
+Elias Levinson +Sam Gordon You can also try drilling a 4-5mm hole in the middle of a standard jazz iii if it feels too slippery ;)
switched to dunlop H3's, i dont like them as much but theyre cheaper
Thanks for this advice Colin. I might look into these. I've dropped my picks before, especially picks with paint photos that wear off with sweat. I live in Illinois. Where could I buy some? Also, I use normal picks, the standard tortex esque shapes. Which grip size: large or small? Thanks, and keep making fun vids
Thank you so much for this video!! My hands get super sweaty and although I don't drop picks, I'm constantly repositioning my pick during playing which sucks so bad and I was using tortex picks. I tried washing my hands more often, smoked more weed, I even considered Botox injections to my palms, gonna try all these suggestions and find which one I prefer :D
I use Tortex picks and I've never dropped a pick before
Ive probably dropped my pick 5 times in 7 years. But i have recently changed my technique and pick size from .88 to 3.0
Is that a Dorje poster?
id probably put it on the index fimger side so my thumb can change position for squals easier
What I found to work best to keep my pick from slipping is a product called "Grip Skin". Its a rubber coating that is applied to Guitar Picks and drum sticks for a better grip. Its very affordable and has really helped my performance. The website is www.gripskin.net - I have also seen it on Reverb, Ebay, and Amazon. Another pro to using Grip Skin is that it can be applied to any size or shape of pick.
Great quality vids dude ! Subscribed ;)