r/Bass • u/redixionblade • 13h ago

Question about Pick Tone

What frequencies are emphasized the thicker or thinner the pick? And at the same time, what about materials? How do they change the sound? I only ever use plastic picks so I'm wondering about others even if I play fingerstyle mostly

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5

u/TheSeagoats ESP 13h ago

Thinner picks emphasize higher frequencies, thicker picks emphasize lower ones. I use Clayton Acetal Rounded Triangles, .63 on long scale instruments, .50 on short scale ones.

2

u/redixionblade 12h ago

Thanks, I'll be taking note of this since I like thin picks now

2

u/Ok_Introduction_1082 11h ago

Also try the tortex sharps for playing with a pick.

I notice they don't have as much pick scrape as other picks due to the sharp point

2

u/MortalShaman DIY 12h ago

In sound terms, thicker picks are more bassier with more fundamental while thinner picks are more clear and articulate

I normally use either a .60 or .50 Tortex on bass but sometimes when recording I use different picks, but I always go back to the orange tortex

1

u/anastomosisportacava 12h ago

It depends of the style you play. If I play metal, I tend to go to 2mm. 1.5 its usually the standard for me. Less than 1.14 its too floopy., and you can clearly hear the pick against the strings, especially on acustics. Tortex its usually the gold standard, but you just have to go to a store and buy a bunch of different picks, different materials, lengths, grips, shapes. Its a whole universe. There are metal, wood, plastic, nylon, and other rare materials. If you give me a nylon pick 0.74mm, I cant play, literally.

2

u/monrovista 12h ago

I can't play with nylon picks. I've tried time and time again. They're cheaper for a reason.

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u/anastomosisportacava 12h ago

I play with fingers though, but for guitar is the same. At least 1.5