Is the Jazz III the ultimate lead guitar pick?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2019
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Bright red. Extra pointy. Yes, it's an iconic pick! In our poll about which picks Cracking the Code viewers use, the Jazz III was an overwhelming favorite. Despite the name, this pick is popular in many genres, including rock, metal, prog, fusion, and really any style where single-note lead playing virtuosity is on the menu. What about the Jazz III is so appealing to great lead players? It all comes down to geometry - specifically, its impact on edge picking and tone. Learn more about pick design and function in the Pickslanting Primer! troygrady.com/primer/pick-des...
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Person - "Hey troy what is your age?"
Troy - "something between 25 and 60".
hahahaha
for real tho
He is 15 yrs old and 3ft 7inches tall
more pointy point
He is about 50
The first time I picked one up I never looked back.
OOOH pun intended!
same here.my playing got instantly better after I discovered this pick! I still suck though lol
It really is a game changer for playing lead. So much more precise because of the tip. Although I prefer the XL version.
@@ferrinbonn The John Petrucci one is quite bit bigger too. I found the same as you the standard one was a little small and the glossy tip of the JP picks feel a little smoother coming off of the strings
Jazz iii is my life
I prefer using an 16 GB SD card, got real grip, usually it doesn't slip and it usually have a upload speed of 4 MB/s which is cool
The new one have grip
Great joke man!
big toe nail works as a charm too
So Micro SD is actually Jazz SD
Dumbass
I like it
Been using jazzIII since 2001
I also like cheese, owls, helicopters and granola
Helicopters are fucking badass
You should consider Skydiving, it's a hoot!
I like owls too! They are awesome.
Who the hell doesnt like helicopters?
@@jeembojones4194 the vietnamese
"It's 1.4 millimiters, don't quote me on that" - GRADY, Troy, 2019
Actual spec is 1.38mm. . .
Troy "1.4 mm" Grady
Troy measured the precise angles of the pick, but didn't Google it's thickness lol
and you quoted him on that
Okay we know that, but what about the size of the pick?
It has made all other guitar picks look and feel alien to me
I currently play Dunlop 1.14 picks. It's in between pointy and smooth, and now that I'm thinking about it, it fits my style. Pointy is lead and single notes, and smooth is purely chords. I'll probably pick up the jazz 3 next time I'm near a guitar center, they look fun.
No wonder why i sucked for all these years, been using the wrong pick. Thanks man.
HaHa good one, same problem for me I guess
This pick may actually help you get better quicker. No kidding.
@@jfo3000 The Ernie Ball Prodigy is a far superior pick, in the same vein. It's got a beveled edge, and that soft rubber feel that sticks to your finger. Jazz III's are hard plastic.
This is precisely the level of geekery I need. Down the rabbit hole we go! Thanks Troy!
Didn't realise how much I wanted someone to make this video until now. Guitar nerding at it's best, great stuff man!
_its_ best, even
My girlfriends dad gave me one of the plectrums. I was like pfff Jazz? I only play the purest metal... fool.
It sat on my windowsill for 6 months until I tried it.
Will not use other picks now.
@@zav2349 Lol, well spotted!
@@zav2349 Lol, well spotted!
@@mycinematics8948 On the plus side, at least you got round to trying it out!
I had used red Jazz IIIs for almost 20 years before I realized that McLaughlin also had them. He should try to find his own stuff.
Lol
this video has way higher production values than it has any right to. keep up the good work!
That's how we do!
Nobody has ever made a video of a guitar pick like this, let alone the most used guitar pick in shredding. Manificent video production. Keep the awesome work.
The Max grip version is almost perfect for me (perfection: the pick that will not get lost in the washing machine)
oh man, try the ultex ones. it changed my life. Its the same material used on spacecraft and they never slip your fingers.
I have a Max grip and it's soo grippy i can't even adjust it hahaha
@@1thess523 it's the "set and forget" of picks.
Jazz iii = Compression Pedal of the pick world
That one is too griptacular and I can’t fix it in my fingers when I need too. Also feels like it’s shredding and sandpapering your fingers lol
I've been using Jazz III picks for years now.
For me Jim Dunlop make the best picks / plectrums.
A 12 minute review on a guitar pick, with 40k views in 2 days lol good job
Definitely lots of love for the Jazz III
It's crazy right? How many of y'all are there out there??
@@troygradybunch of us, just a pickin' and a grinnin'
@@troygrady Obviously alot of us are from the south? ; )
Genius!
This channel is very underrated..this is probably one of the most important channels for Guitar playing and research
I’ve used jazz lll picks for quite some time.
Great find.
✌🏻❤️💪🏻
I have used this pick for 17 years Red Nylon is my favorite. Great video and illustration.
i've ben using this picks for like 5 years now, and i found weird that i was the only one of my guitarrist friends that used it cause i just love it, its great to see that so many people actually use it!
They're all I've used since I discovered them. They're the perfect size for me.
Granted I mostly use the black ones.
the JP flow 2.0 is an evolution of this pick! 10/10 fully recommended to fans of the Jazz III
absolutely, been using jazz 3 for more than 12 years, got the flow a month ago, It feels so much better tbh.
Yep. I'm trying to get used to the 2mm, but they feel really good!!
Do you guys remember the scene in "Pick of Destiny" where JB finds out about the pick? He looks at covers of guitar mags and realises, that "they all use the same pick". That's what the Jazz III was for me when I started using it 7 or 8 or so years ago. All my heroes were using it. Never went back since. I've been using different interpretations of this classic shape over the years. Currently using the Dunlop John Petrucci Flow pick (2mm thickness). Have been using that for 2 or 3 years now and am incredibly happy with it.
I just switched to Jazz III picks and can now play Eruption blindfolded underwater on a left handed guitar. Thanks Dunlop!
I still use the same one I had when I first started learning almost 10 years ago.
I’ve tried other flat picks, different types of fingerpicks, etc and always find this to be the one I gravitate towards for everything from metal to bluegrass. My only preference over it would be my bare thumb.
Bought a variety pack of jazz 3s for the first time today after binging cracking the code, for this to be released today! Love your vids man keep up the good work
I watched this video and realized I actually have one of these amazingly enough ( and have for 20 years, It's a long story ) so I am going to be giving it a thorough trial run. Thanks for the video.
love this blend of engineering marvels/how it's made + youtube guitar videos. EXACTLY the type of video i want to see
Duuude! I was not expecting this vid to be so technical! Loved it!
Just bought this pick. Solved the problems I was running into with other styles. Only problem I have now...my picking hand is outpacing my fretting hand
i have that problem too tho im not playing with jazz picks. idk what to do about it
@@nikoskarafotias9953 metronome maybe idk
Try hand stretches
Guitar Nerds Unite...Exploring all the minutia surrounding the all mighty guitar pick. Great Vid
A friend of mine turned me on to this pick about ten years ago and I haven't looked back since 22 years of playing! Awesome and unique review!
Wow dude, awesome and detailed video! I have used Jazz III picks for years...saw Alexi Laiho talk about them a long time ago and I've never looked back. It all comes down to personal preference for sure but for shredding... these are absolutely perfect and super fun to use.
Also, you can always play on the shoulder point for a more bass-forward sound. :) One of the best parts of the jazz III shape!
Really interesting video Troy, loved it!
Before discovering the Jazz III, I used to play with trad picks going from 1.14 to 2 so it can keep its shape.
I hate soft picks...
But the problem was that I always held the picks towards the point rather than where we're supposed to hold it, so the picks had a whole useless part for me.
Then I discovered the Jazz II and III, and it was a revelation!
The perfect size for my way of picking.
Since then, I only use traditional picks for acoustic guitar to have a thicker sound.
But on electric, I don't see myself using anything but a Jazz III ever again!
I have always one on my person, we never know when we're gonna need it... 🤘😎🤘
Peace from France mate! 🍻
I've had mine for about 3 years now and it's my favorite
Dude your channel is a treasure. The animations! Thank you
I loved both the Red and Black Jazz IIIs, though I mostly use the Red ones. Also, the XL version of the Red Jazz III is pretty cool too if you want a slightly bigger version of the same shape. Basically the only picks I've used for years, except on acoustic where I'll switch to a more regular pick or just use fingerstyle ;)
The eric johnson vid was where I was introduced to this pick. Soon became my favorite.
Been using them for years now. Great pics for lead or otherwise. And they are great for cupping in my hand when I swop from plectrum to finger picking and back again.
funny to see this video pop up while I'm holding the same pick! Can't thank Troy enough for sharing his brilliant breakdowns and entertaining videos over the years!
I've pretty much always used the Jazz III picks they're absolutely perfect
Love these picks. The Ultex version is also amazing.
been using them for years- absolutely love them...
I’m at a point where I’m ready to start diving back into your videos, im back into my usual practice routine and I really want to start digging deep on my speed picking
Troy Grady: when a video is so fascinating that you watch it twice in a row!
My current favorite is the Ultex Jazz III. I thought I'd miss the grip of the Max Grip (my 2nd favorite), but the Ultex is super comfortable and stays in the hand just fine. Also seems to release the string smoother. Dig.
I agree. It's the best one
yeah, awesome picks.
What??? Have you tried the carbon fiber one? Ultex way too bitey
ultex not as grippy as max grip tho
Jazz 3 always been my favourite pick, never knew others felt the same!
these videos are unreal bud. outstanding!
Is this becoming a series?
Because I'm all about it. Please don't stop.
Oh no. I don't have those kinda funds.
Well I'm just here lurking for the free stuff then.
Love your videos mate!
My friend gave me one and since then I am only using jazz 3 but with max grip!
So many good and insightful points here. Great content. Keep it up.
I’ve been using these picks for decades. I have several different materials and I love them all. Each has a slightly different attack and feel which is so awesome. Such a brilliant pick design. I also use much larger Andy James Flow picks but I can’t just drop using the Jazz lll. It’s a pick I can’t and will not stop using as long as I’m playing!
That was very interesting! I've used the Jazz III for several years and learned things here (I'm definitely not a speed player though). Recently I was given some V Picks and really like them too. I like their Euro and Chicken Picker for electric guitar. I like the V Pick Lite Medium for mandolin (previously I always used the rounded edge of a Fender Heavy). I see a mandolin in the background and am curious what picks you use on it. I'll have to go back and use the Jazz III again on electric to compare again. Great video! Subscribed!
I was making great progress on my picking but eventually ended up with cts (not sure if brought on by guitar practise as I had a repetitive job as well). I had carpal tunnel surgery this afternoon and I'm sat with a completely numb hand in a sling just hoping I'll still be able to play at a mediocre level after it's healed. Keep striving to improve but also appreciate what technique you do have, no matter how limited.
@Greg Brown this is good advice, however in my case I found little relief from anything sadly. I do wonder if I went too hard with extensor exercises and stretches when I first developed symptoms instead of just resting as I found my symptoms worsened. I also think I may just be susceptible to it as my mum and aunt both have it as well. I hope you're able to stop your symptoms from progressing.
I have severe tennis elbow in both arms (I do upholstery for a living). There was a time it was so bad I could not pick up the guitar. God give you good rest and healing. Finding balance and paying attention to patterns that bring pain helps us to learn new ways to do things! You could even end up better than you were with new techniques and understanding! God bless.
@Greg Brown " trying to play above my skill level and shred beyond my abilities". yeah I can relate to this. It's difficult as you have to push yourself to some extent in order to get a "feel" for higher tempo playing but you need to recognise when its too much too soon. I never had any real warning before flare ups, for instance one day I had to lift some heavy boxes repetitively at work and felt fine doing so (regular fatigue), but later that night had severe burning and numbness. It's not always easy to spot when you're doing damage.
@@BrianVallotton thanks buddy, I hope you can continue to play pain free
This is a level of breakdown that I didn't even realize I needed. This is great work.
Very unique camera angle for insight on your picking! Awesome idea!
Just bought the variety pack of jazz III picks on amazon after watching this, lets see how it goes🤘
Joerconvict1 I appreciate I’m late, but was there one that stood out? Looking at doing the same thing
JP jazz iii is the best
Ultex material.
A little bit bigger than jazz iii, but smaller than ultex/tortex
Sharper, glossier tip feels faster than every pick i've ever tried.
Pretty much agree however I switched to jp`s new flow picks and they feel alot less slippery, I do like the tips of the jazz3 :)
EJ jazz 3 is the best. Perfect sharpness
@@Christheawsome3 Looks like a nice pick too, but i prefer ultex to nylon
Just personal preference
Try ultex jazz 3 xl
Jazz III Ultex XL are the best evolution of it indeed
Not tried this one because it looked too small but I did try the Ultex Jazz III XL and it's the best so far, amazing grip and made me realise the difference in tone between different picks.
You go into so much detail, and it is important detail, I never even thought a pick would make a difference. I use thick, solid, picks, I forget the make, they are purple/blue, and have indents for your finger/thumb (which like at it stops the pick moving around). With its fat tip I can feel where the string is, but I will try other picks, see if I get a different sound.
Just a hair small for my hands, I use the Jazz III XL, which also seems to be sharper than anything else I've tried, I love them.
The Ultex ones are a god send.
I was just saying that they are awkward to hold...a bit small...and seems to strain the hand a bit. I was used to the larger profile of the Dunlop 2mm. I think I'll try the Jazz III XL
@@nicholas72611 I've got Red and Black plastic picks but almost nobody sells ultex picks here... A tourist today offered me a Ultex Jazz III XL and in an instant connection I couldn't believe how good this pick was!
@@CarlosCepinha Use amazon my friend. You can get a 24 bag of Jazz III XL Ultex for $10
@@nicholas72611 Thanks! Usually I'm afraid of counterfeit picks unless it's an authorized dealer. (I've seen people getting scammed on fake Elixir strings)
I use my fingers but I'll gladly watch any new video from Troy Grady!
Honestly watching Troy's videos has positively influenced my picking and finger picking technique as well. Because I have tried ( unsuccessfully) to adapt my finger technique to be as fast as, when I use a pick.
Re entering the world of guitars. And wow, this is quality content. Subed.
Hi Troy, very impressed and thankful for all your videos over the years..... After 20+ years of playing guitar(using the dunlop .083 picks), I switched to the Jazz III about 12 years ago, which completely transformed my playing in terms of speed, accuracy, and picking style. My personal observation was that the Jazz III placed my hand and fingers closer to the strings, kind of forcing the proximity and accuracy needed to play fast. This fact alone for me seems to be the larger of the impacts of the Jazz III in addition to the design and shape. The transition was several months long and I almost switched back at one time. But the results of switching to the Jazz III was drastic in terms of enhancing my playing ability. I will never go back. It's the greatest secret out there that most guitar players have not yet discovered!
Last summer a friend of a relative got me this pick as a gift. I had never heard of Jazz picks before. 11 months later, I'm still using that exact same pick (They don't sell those at any store in my country, because they're fucking ignorant, the idiots don't even sell Ernie Ball strings). Even after all this time it's still playable.
To anyone who isn't comfortable with it, I hear you. Just give it a day or two to get used to it. Believe me it's worth it.
I feel you bro. They don’t even have a guitar store in my city, so you can’t really test out any thing, just have to buy them
Where the hell you live bro? Even here they sell tortex picks
@@santiguitar1607 I'm in the middle east, the market here for guitar or any music equipment is not well supported at all. You'd be lucky to walk in a music store and find the string gauges you need, or any string packs for 7-string guitars.
In Lebanon the local currency has dropped by 80% of its value for about a year now so I've been hanging on to my last string set for about 10 months.
Where do you mean by "here"? I'm sure wherever "here" is, you have it much better lmao.
Cheers.
@@schizophrenicenthusiast I mean, here is Colombia, a third-world country
@@santiguitar1607 yeah, I've been to Colombia and there are a lot of very poor parts, but the middle east is a 4th world country by comparison lmao
I had a nice conversation with Joe Bonamassa around 5 years ago and he got me on these picks. I completely love them!
That jazzy lick Troy played is awesome and it's also really hard to play at the speed he plays. Troy is so good, man.
Everytime I try any other pick I always end up going back to the jazz iii. Great video!
I am by most accounts a terrible guitarist, but the Dunlop 3 has felt like an extension of my hand since I was first handed one. And I properly struggled with certain picks in the past.
Me too. Larger picks always rotated in my hand and then i was playing the side of the pick. C told i was bad, but the Jazz 3 fixed that instantly. and the control too
Same here
Check out the "max grip" Jazz III pick. It takes away the only problem with that pick that it become a bit slippery sometimes. So if you can find the "max grip" Jazz III give it a try it's great!
I like the same shape in tortex. I settled on the green one. Picking really fast it gives me enough feedback through the pick to know where I am but little enough friction to feel like gliding through the strings. Fantastic picks.
Absolutely, been using them for 30 years, highly recommended.
I use the "max grip" model, with a surface for better handling.
Hands down the best pick for pinch harmonics!!
Thanks for all you do troy!
I've been using the Jazz III for many years. Love the attack and the small pick size.
I use the Eric Johnson series picks, which I believe are similar. Definitely among the best picks for fast lead playing!
They're almost identical. I find the Eric Johnson picks to be slightly flatter and have less coating on them. Between that and the fact that there is more text on the pick, they feel easier to hold onto to me.
Also use the EJ Jazz III. It's a slightly different material and rings a bit brighter than the standard Jazz III. They look similar, but feel very different when playing, so it's down to preference. From what I'd heard (grain of salt), Dunlop changed the formula for the plastic way back. EJ didn't like it as much and asked if he could get picks with the original formula, which is why we have both now (like Classic Coke vs. New Coke).
@@kevindeboard6411 classic EJ lol!!! "hey man did you change the plastic formula in these picks? something sounds different?"
Yes 😎 Jazz III!!!! I have the EJ and JP 6pk. I can't play anywhere near Eric or John but I try especially when i use their magically picks🙏
I randomly found one of these on the floor somewhere yearrrsssss ago and realized it was the only pick that will work for me from that moment forward
Starting in 1989 I went from the soft pick type they give you whenever you try a guitar in a shop, to Jazz III around 2000, then Dava picks from 2010 for about 10 years. This year I discovered the John Petrucci picks and they are my prefered lead guitar pick. However, I was very curious and bought a 25$ handmade 3mm acrylic pick which is around the size of a Jazz III XL and begining to love it more and more. In the end I prefer a really rigid unbendable pointy pick with a size that is conrfortable for me. Great video! I really liked the technical explanations.
favorite variations of jazz III's though? I personally prefer the max grip. Also love the gold ultex
same for me but I'm open to trying other variants too!
Could you look into the variations of the Jazz III, such as the Kirk Hammett Signature Jazz III?
Its the same pick with a notch cut out.
The Eric Johnson one is the only pick I use. It is the perfect sharpness. The standard one is too dull imo
@Pro Wongpakorn Choktithirath Ha Ha so true! funny
Man you make it look so easy strumming those strings. I keep getting caught on the strings and I'm not strumming hard but when I put a little pressure I hit other strings by mistake.
Brendon Small threw me one of these after I saw Dethklok live at Hollywood Palladium in 2009. I still have and use it to this day. Definitely my favorite pick ever.
I use the Tortex wedge 1.14. I used the Jazz III for a while back in the day, but found it useless for rhythm playing. The bigger picks tend to stabilize your thumb more also.
They make a Jazz III XL version if you need a bigger pick. I've used both over the years. But yea, I have no problem chugging super fast/hard metal rhythms with even a normal small Jazz III. It just depends on you as a player.
actually the best pick is the jazz III max grip. never slips with sweat~
emailchrismoll I agree. I use the Dunlop max grip carbon fiber jazz 3. 👍🏻
I use the same one
Was about to comment this. I use to cut the Jazz 3 to have a grip pattern until I discovered the max grips.
exactly what I wanted to say...its the best one out there for sure...I also made the experience that in a live environment, where there is a lot of sweat (possibly), the max grip feature just makes it perfect...
I like the regular more the max grip just feels like sandpaper
I've been using that pick for over a decade now for all things guitar. Acoustic, electric, rythm and solos. Such a great pick.
Great playing! I used the Jazz 3 for years but switched to metal picks made by Zenfire, their Phat Jazz picks are very similar to the jazz 3's They have a cool non slip grip with hand beveled edges. I can't play without them now.
I have to say that I think the Flow is way better. To me the Flow feels more comfortable, slips off the strings better, has better grip and I love the tone of Ultex.
Same here. The only downside of the Ultex Flow is that it wears out so quickly. I've been using the 2mm version for a while now and it's the first pick ever that I don't have to break in for a day or two, though. For extra grip I use grip tape btw
I’ve been really digging the Dunlop Flow 3.0mm
Gotta check those out! I've been using their "gypsy jazz" primetone 3mm picks for may years now. The only time I ever use anything else is for strumming across all six on acoustic, where a less than 1mm pick gives a completely different attack sound.
Andreya Ek I think we have similar tastes in what we like out of our picks! I was using the Primetone .73 for strumming on acoustic, but have now switched to the Flow .73 and having looked back. The Flow 3.0mm is like playing with a hot knife through butter on electric! 🔥
Flows Finally have everything i needed. Ultex Material, Pointy end, with a great grip. It was like made for me on all the things i wanted in a pick
I used the jazz III for 22 years... played flow Andy James and now jazz III seems like it holds me back. So now I have the packs of flow 2mm, 3mm, 4.20mm and tortex flows. Not going back to jazz III anytime soon.
brian sizemore let me know what you think. I started with the 2.0mm and quickly graduated to the 3.0mm. 4.20mm seemed a little too thick, but might revisit based on your feedback.
Been using them exclusively since I heard someone mention them. So good 👍🏼
I'd like to see you do more of these "pick's affect on tone" type videos where you compare the different types of picks with a few fingerpicking techniques and different types of fingerpicks
No. The dunlop Jaz III Ultrex is! It's exactly the same dimension but longer wearing!
I have used both and will play Ultrex as a second choice they do have better grip than the red nylon but feel a little sticky i guess on the strings.
I was about to make a comment on the Ultex Jazz III but you beat me to it. I think the different material slides on the string smoother and sounds better.
@@mikeg9b Ultrex feels like it has just a but more drag on the strings compared to nylon.
ultrex is better, made out of better materials. A normal jazz iii has problems with shaving off the sides and wearing out more quickly
@@ashleyjohansson230 Never had the sides shave off, wear yes but not to that extreme. Come to think of it I have never owned a pick long enough to wear out. I always loose them.
Try the Dunlop Jazztone 205. For some reason they always sounded better to me
Camilo Velandia YES!!! These are the best and 203 , My Go To Picks
@@KilSwt2318 Never tried that one! Many years ago, I ordered a set of each... 204, 205, 206, 207 and 208. I stayed with 205 for normal use, and 208 for dark acoustic sound (soft pick for regular acoustic "pop" stuff). I'll check out the 203
Camilo Velandia bro you’d like em a lot trust me , def for lead stuff
I recently switched from the standard red Jazz III to the black tortex version. Similar feel, but slightly brighter. Love it.
It's really cool learning about this in depth
Yes
By the way, if have trouble getting artificial harmonics to pop, jazz picks make it much easier with more control.
Started playing guitar in 1976 and didn't discover the Jazz III until 1989. Still using them.
Im sold! I play with a pretty high degree of edge picking and sometimes im getting a tone I dont really like because of the round point of my picks.
Ordering some jazz 3s now 😃