View Full Version : How to eliminate "pick" sound
FrDNicholas
Mar-24-2007, 7:13am
I tried to search for this topic as I believe it has been discussed, but couldn't find it. I have just heard my "pick" sound while I am playing. I am using a small, hard pick, which I have liked for the control it seems to give me. I am just playing for my own enjoyment at this point, but would like to try and minimize that "click". If someone could be kind enough to post a link for where this has been discussed, I would be most grateful. Or, if you have any suggestions, I would appreciate those too. Thanks.
jmcgann
Mar-24-2007, 10:23am
Angle the pick slightly, rather than striking the strings dead flat with the pick.
More here. (http://www.johnmcgann.com/techtips.html)
Ted Eschliman
Mar-24-2007, 12:32pm
John's article is terrific, a must-must read for any serious picker. Don't miss his thoughts on pick construction. When I switched from Ultex to Proplec, it took a lot of the bite of the attack and replaced it with string; probabaly a combination of bevel and the material. He mentioned pick angle, and you might consider what part of the string you pick, the "sweet spot."
Consider the pick stroke and the follow-through after the attack. (Don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.) Where you finish the stroke and set up for the next can affect volume as well as articulation timbre.
A thicker pick with a rounded edge might help also. As with John's suggestion to angle the pick attack, this allows the pick to kind of roll over the string rather than percussively pluck it. I find some benefit to sanding the tip to a larger radius as well, especially with thick picks where a "pointy" tip seems to dig in too much.
bradeinhorn
Mar-25-2007, 9:30am
get wegen
Pick material could be your problem. I've tried some picks that have a very distinct click that was unacceptable.
I found the 'Golden Gates' extremely clicky.
I swapped to a Gibson Heavy big triangle, superb.
FrDNicholas
Mar-26-2007, 7:08am
Thank you all. I have been using a thick rounded pick. I will get a couple of different picks and see how they respond. I will also examine the angle at which I am hitting the strings and see how that goes. Thanks again for all your help.