help! i have never learned to use or hold a plectrum.

[T.C. Elliott]

My snide response is, "why would you start now?" But honestly, I have to agree that trying different sizes and thickness is key. I like the big triangular picks (I call them "bluegrass" picks) with the rounded edges. You can hold onto them better and the more rounded corners work better for me (they don't tangle in the strings and go flying as much.)

I once used regular ol' dunlop picks, but I would turn them around and use one of the more wide rounded edges so as to facilitate ease of use, etc. 

I also used thumb picks for a short while not long after I started playing. When I was strictly playing acoustic blues it was cool.

So all that just to say, try anything and everything. Go try everything at the local store and then buy a few dollars worth of the least aggravating of the bunch and see what works for you. It may be the opposite of everything I suggested.

[kenny mac]

Jim,I don't use a pick.
There's a difference in tone and you seem to get more into your own style without one,but that's just my opinion.
I was always losing them then I would go into a panic before a gig and start looking for an alternative.
One day I thought enough is enough and haven't looked back.
If you need to use one ,get a light gauge that bends when you strum with it and it's less likely to catch and fly across the room.

[Hilary]

Here's my favourite - very thin and bendy - but it's a personal thing and depends on what you're playing. You get a stronger, cleaner sound with a pick but a softer, warmer sound without. You will drop them and lose them - I always made sure I had a few in my purse, had the bright idea of tucking one in my bra for emergencies until I took it out to play it and it had bent!

Jim Dunlop Nylon Guitar Picks / Plectrums: 0.38mm (Handy pack of 10 Picks) £3.10 (free delivery)

[alfstone]

i have a few thumb picks but again the problem is the sound they make on the strings.

...but after all, James, since you have reached your musical dimension WITHOUT using picks, why should you begin to use them right now? I think they will add just nothing to your musical world, since it seems you are NOT comfortable at all with them...just added problems, nothing else...

my 0.0000002 dracmas

Alfredo

[Geir]

I think you should get a pick !! A soft one to start with. Although as some have pointed out, you have your own way of playing without a pick, it's always good to try something new. I play with or without a pick depending of what I feel is right for a song. Having the option to do both is a good thing. There are some things that's almost impossible to play without a pick and vice versa.

And buying a pick is probably the cheapest investment a guitarist can do to change things up a bit

[Oldrottenhead]

Thanks for all the great advice guys. Reading through I think my problem has been the angle I hold the pick at. Will be the weekend before I get a chance to try out all the advice given. Bloody work.

[Hilary]

I think we are all missing a vital point here - without a pick you can't wear nail polish . . .

[IanR]

Using a pick is going to sound louder and a little harsher than playing with fingers. But it is something you should master because it will let you play big, loud and fast rock chords without ripping your fingers up.

Using a small, stiff pick may help you hold on better (I had to ensure I spelled this last sentence correctly!).  I like the Jim Dunlop Jazz III picks because they sound good, are not flexy, so they don't whack the string as you strum, they have a nice sharp point so you can be nice and subtle, they are cheap and there is even a version with a grippy surface, which I have tried but it is probably just a gimmick.

This guy may be of help:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE2S3u-Wz1g


Otherwise, you could try adding some Tarzan Grip to one side of the pick, and if you sniff it, you might write some crazy, whacky songs.

Ian

[Blooby]

On a related note, playing bass with a felt pick has the sound of fingers and the ease (at least for me) of playing with a pick. I can't play a bass with my fingers for the life of me.

Blooby

[64Guitars]

usually after a couple of strums they go flying across the room.

https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?topic=15925.0

(seems appropriate for MonkeyFest)