Reddit mentions: The best guitar & bass picks & pick holders

A couple of things:

1. • You are doing great and have clearly come a long way.
     
2. • I'm not sure how old you are but you appear to have large hands for your age/size/gender and seem pretty comfortable with your pinkie
     
3. • your timing/rhythm seems pretty good
     
4. • The instrument will feel more stable if you get a strap. It doesn't need to be anything fancy but you shouldn't have to hold up the mandolin with your fretting hand. You should be able to let go of the neck and have it stay in place.
     
5. • You have good playing posture. I'm assuming you are sitting when you practice. If not, please do. See this video but keep your good posture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmagoBQunZI
     
6. • The pick you are using is too thin. Generally, mandolinists use 1.5 mm picks with rounded corners. I recommend this as a cheap pick with good tone: https://www.amazon.com/DAndrea-PRO-346-Rounded-Triangle-12-Piece/dp/B000EEJFN0
     
7. • Even though your timing is pretty good, you should practice some of the time with a metronome. This really helps to build better rhythm.
     
8. • When working on a song or tune, try not to stop when you mess up. Stopping during a song is a bad habit. Using a metronome or backing tracks, instead, try to catch up. Mistakes happen all the time. Learning how to keep going is an important skill.
     
9. • you need to work on your picking hand. A lot of great players plant their pinkies like you do, but it isn't recommended. It also looks like you are holding the pick between the tip of the index finger. Your index finger should be curled. Like this: http://www.beimborn.com/stc/sm_pick_on_mandolin.jpg
     
10. • Try to get off the page. The more you can internalize the music you are playing, the better. Reading music can be a crutch. Try to commit the exercises to memory.
      
11. • I always encourage newer players to find a jam in their area that is beginner friendly. Playing with others is fun, improves your ear and speeds learning.

The F310 plays perfectly well, but it definitely sounds like a student instrument. The big difference is the top - the FG800 has a solid spruce top and a sophisticated bracing system, while the F310 uses a laminate top with simpler bracing. The FG800 sounds richer, more balanced and has better sustain.

It's entirely your decision, but I think you'll be happy with the FG800 for longer, particularly if you get into fingerstyle playing. If you're on a tight budget, then there's absolutely nothing wrong with the F310 - it's a perfectly good guitar, you just might outgrow it sooner than the FG800.

If you're just starting out, the only accessories you really need are some picks and a good quality tuner. The tuner is optional, because there are lots of good smartphone apps. Avoid cheap unbranded tuners, because they're inaccurate and unreliable - stick with a Snark clip-on or a smartphone app to avoid frustration.

You'll want a case if you're taking your guitar to lessons or jam sessions, but I'd strongly recommend a hard case rather than a gig bag. Soft padded bags are fine for electrics, but they don't provide enough protection for acoustics. If you're just playing at home, a case is optional as long as you've got somewhere safe to keep your guitar - under the bed is a good choice.

Regarding learning material, everyone around here recommends JustinGuitar and for good reason. He's a fantastic teacher, he covers everything from total novice to expert and it's all completely free.

In your case, yes, I'd recommend a guitar over a lower end keyboard that you'll find very limiting very quickly. You can absolutely learn theory on guitar, though it is a lot more well laid out on a piano keyboard and therefore easier to visualize.

But for someone just wanting to have fun, start with guitar since it will have a much quicker return on investment of your time to get to a point where you're able to have fun playing. You can quickly pick up 3-6 open position chords on guitar and play hundreds of songs probably within months... which would not be the case on piano.

I can also absolutely recommend this guitar which falls well within your budget and leaves you a little more room for other stuff.

If you want to learn theory, I would make sure you supplement you learning of basic guitar chords and strumming patterns (tons of resources everywhere online) with some actually sheet music reading using a method book like this one.

Also, if you're working out of a book like that (or doing scales or melodic playing in general) I'd strongly recommend you get a thick, hard pick like this. You'll have a ton more control and less long-term frustration.

You'll probably also want some softer picks (maybe .50 -.70mm) for general strumming stuff though, particularly early on where you won't have good control of pick distance. You can work up to using hard picks for strumming once you get a bit better hand control, but I'd never recommend a soft pick for non-strumming work.

After all of this, you can easily grab a better keyboard in the future if you want to get more serious and delve a little deeper. Even as a hobbyist the two instruments will compliment each other and the theory stuff will make more sense on piano.

The problem is, the entry point for a decent keyboard is much higher than guitar (usually $400-600). Keep an eye out for used Yamaha P series or Casio Privia keyboards. The older models are fine and can be found used quite a bit cheaper if you're lucky.

As for guitars, I'd recommend against starting electric. There are benefits (beginners find the softer action easier to deal with), but the downside is that there's a lot more gear involved and the entry level is honestly a bit higher for an electric. You probably don't want to spend much less than $150-250. Below there you start to get instruments with uneven tuning and lots of other problems. If you want to look at a guitars in the lower end, the Yamaha Pacifica is well known for being an amazing bang-for-the-buck in terms of quality and not cutting as many corners as other budget guitars.

But you have to worry about amps with electrics and very low end amps are going to be very frustrating to play with and mid-tier amps are going to add a lot of cost... so you'll be looking close the same entry point as a keyboard if you want to go electric from the start.

The acoustic Jasmine I linked is great though. The action is fairly light, the tuning is consistent across the neck and, and it holds in tune very well and the tone is very good for the price. Mine came well setup direct from the manufacturer. I bought it years ago planning to just use it as a beater and expecting very little, but I've been using it for 8 years and it continues to work well for me with the bonus of me not worrying at all about taking it outside or anything like that. Which, obviously, portable music making is the other huge advantage of an acoustic guitar.

I play my uke with my fingers, but I've played guitar a lot with a pic. My personal favorite is the D'Andrea Pro Plec 1.5mm. It sounds great on metal or nylon strings, has a nice smooth surface that glides across strings, and the rigidity gives a nice rich full sound from strings. Great for fast picking licks, or for heavy strumming, works great all around. I also like the shape, it fits into the nook of my finger very well, where I basically have my pointer finger curled like making a fist and the pick sits into that nook on top, held in place with my thumb. It's a great shape for this style of holding a pick, but I know everyone has their own preference. I think these sound good on nylon strings, so maybe give them a try. They require a little different technique than the flexible style of pick, but the sound is a lot better from these imho.

You'll get a lot of recommendations for the free stuff for JustinGuitar, Andyguitar or https://syngates.com.

Supplement these theory lessons with Rocksmith 2014 (PC or gaming machine) which'll help you with mechanics in a FUN(!) way as you learn from famous licensed songs. They add songs every Tuesday (Shania Twain pack was released today for example). There's currently over 1000 songs. The software also has ways to slow down songs, play impromptu with a "band" and do mini-games to improve your muscle memory/technique/chord knowledge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NWZR3rh06c&list=PLkTijIFpb637_jSnwBpwghkRIQrNanu3t

You can also get a cheap but great sounding "bedroom amp" like the Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth for practice (you WON'T do better for the money). Btw, Bluetooth is great for passing thru backing tracks from your phone/computer.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fly+3+bluetooth

Once you evolve to the point where you want to use different effects, you can get the much adored Zoom G1xon (again best in class) for less than $80 and mate it to the Fly 3 (it includes a Looper, Drum Machine, Metronome and Tuner to help with your practicing):

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=zoom+g1xon

Get a Dunlop sampler pick pack off Amazon to find the pick you like most for your fingers. Also stick with around 10-46 area for string gauges or something more unique like the GHS Gilmours which have purposely THINNER gauges in the middle for easier bending (the 10.5-50 set is specifically designed by Gilmour himself for Gibby guitars).

STRINGS:

https://www.amazon.com/GHS-Strings-GB-DGG-Signature-Nickel-Plated/dp/B001I51JNS/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520372995&sr=sr-1&keywords=ghs+gilmour

PICKS:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055VBYWC/ref=twister_B00IPH8MD2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

TUNER (this is best in class, VERY responsive chip):

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UniTuneClip--tc-electronic-unitune-clip-clip-on-chromatic-tuner

• Every guitarist should own a capo. There are a few different types, they're all basically fine.
  
• Every guitarist should own an electric tuner of some kind. I'd generally say a clip-on for an acoustic.
  
• If he's new, he might not have settled on a pick type. Even if he fingerpicks, a variety pack like this is a good idea so he can try something different.
  
• Every guitarist will need spare strings at some point. If you're not sure what type to get, take a photo of his guitar and post it here, someone will point you in the direction of a generic £8-15 (roughly the same $) set.
  
• (edit to add) string changing kit: a small pair of wire cutters, small pliers for string pins, microfibre cloth, can of polish (I’m sure there is actual fretboard polish out there, furniture polish works just as well).
  
• A tab book (tablature and chord charts are fast/easy sheet music for guitarists) of his favourite album might go down well. Not always, but lots of the time, guitar-heavy famous releases on major record labels get an official transcription book. The 'how to play those songs' will definitely already be covered on youtube and on free tab sites, but a physical book can be a nice gift.
  
  
  Because a few people mentioned lessons: talk to him about that before booking anything. If you get them for him, he'll feel obligated to use them. Formal tuition has its place, that place is with a student who wants to learn that way. The reason I stuck with guitar (self-taught) and not keyboard (lessons) was that scales, exercises and learning to a plan did nothing for me. Some people learn-by-doing, I'm confident 15-year-old me would have seen lessons as sucking the fun out of my new hobby.
  If he wants them, great. If he doesn't, let him find his own path.

1. I really didn't think I had anything that was gray!! But this is! And so is this! WOOO!
   
   
2. The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain. But I've never been there.
   
   
3. Not crazy, but still, unusual, right?
   
   
4. This whole list is for the people and animals that I work with!
   
   
5. If you've seen the movie YOU HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!! There's so much more excitement and detail!! Everything makes sense!
   
   
6. Fifteen cents.
   
   
7. We use this for some of the smaller cats at work!! Put a little treat or some whole fresh catnip, and AWAAAAY THEY GO!!
   
   
8. These. so freaking gorgeous!
   
   
9. Just to see and hear Tom Cruise sing. Or Alec Baldwin sing. Or really, the whole thing goes back and forth from awesome to awesome-er, as long as you don't have a lot of expectations.
   
   
10. If you can hunt for food in silence, the zombies won't know where you are!!
    
    
11. This is on my dream list for the hubs to see. My computer is dead and I have to use the kiddo's. I miss my photo editing software, all my files, etc...
    
    
12. I don't believe this, but I have absolutely NO add-on items on any of my wishlists. wow.
    
    
13. See #11. I'm desperate to have a computer back. DESPERATE!
    
    
14. I could carry a breadbox in this thing.
    
    
15. Totes smaller.
    
    
16. Sandalwood smells incredible.
    
    
17. HEXBUGS ARE MY FAVORITES!!
    
    
18. you have to have an awesome pencil case to go back to school!! Or, maybe this one?
    
    
19. RAoA is my favorite obsession. And yeah, that's on my WL!!
    
    
20. I can't get over how gorgeous, or cheap, this is!! Also, the kiddo has this bookmarked on the Senior Year WL. Absolutely gorgeous. And expensive.
    
    

    BONUS!!
    

    
    Yes. Cherries. need them now.
    
    
    
    

Uno) (Before I begin, sorry, I suck at writing.) Not the most interesting, but one of the craziest. So, one time I was camping with a friend, and this was in a randomly chosen spot in the depths of Michigan woods. We only had a tent, an ax, two knives, a .22, a box of matches and fishing poles. On our way to the site we found a couple carcasses, some rabbits, squirrels, a few deer, and a lot of spots that looked like wild Boars have been through there.

Now I don't know if you know how big wild boars can get, but they get pretty huge, and are also very mean. So, we weren't looking forward to running into any of them. Sadly, you don't always get what you want, and we didn't.

We went out to look for food, and try and get a squirrel or a rabbit for dinner. As we're walking through the woods we here some noises, loud noises, oh great. As we get closer we discover the song to be loud grunting, and we assumed it was mating. But we progressed, because it could be dinner for us.

We get to a sort of clearing and see a pack of boars. They definitely noticed us, but we got closer, bad choice. About 15 yards away they get riled up, and then some start running, most in another direction, but two of the biggest ones and another smaller one decided they would take there chances with us. The smaller one and the biggest one chase my friend, and he hurries into a tree, where they wait for him.

But to my luck the second biggest, who was not much smaller than the biggest, decided to charge at me. I'm a nature guy, so I know my stuff, so I know that boars have thick skin, and the .22 and my 3" bladed knife aren't doing anything. Just then I remember the ax, without hesitation I bring it up over my head, like a good wood splitting formation.

About 20 feet away, the boar is getting closer, and will be to me in a matter of seconds. It's in my reach, and I bring the ax down. fwapp Blood splatters, I feel the ax crush the skull.

And that's the story of how I killed a wild boar with an ax. Sorry about my writing.

Dos) This, this, and this, should equal around $20)

Tres) Cool Story Bro.

Thanks for the contest, and telling me about pooping on your cat.

First off, many of these things are intentionally cheap, because I do tend to break and/or lose things, so... Here goes.
All have Amazon links, because that was what was easiest.


Jewelry:

• Elder Scrolls Imperial symbol arrowhead necklace - I made this from scrap a while ago for a basic metal-arts class.
  
  
• Kris knife necklace - Got this at a Renaissance Fest last year, and I also like wearing it.
  
  
• UP by Jawbone (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A17IAO0) - Really great sleep tracker, plug-and-sync
  
• Fitbit Flex (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BGO0Q9O) - The de-facto fitness tracker, wireless sync
  
  
• Pebble watch (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BKEQBI0) - Simple smartwatch
  
  
  Right front pocket:
  
  
• Frame-lock box cutter (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016KHW2W) - Was using a frame-lock knife, to open boxes. Replaced it with this, been happy since.
  
  
• Precise V5 RT (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E6A9M8) - My favorite ball-point pen. Looking forward to the arrival of a Lamy Al-Star fountain pen.
  
  
• Zebra M301 0.5mm (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BLC7FG) - Great intro engineering pencils.
  
  
• Galaxy S5
  
  
• Chapstick
  
  
• Pentel plastic eraser (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q4HQVU) - For the larger-than-one-character mistakes.
  
  
  Left front pocket:
  
  
• 4-in-1 screwdriver (similar to http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014KMDZ0) - Thin profile screwdriver. Awesome. Clips away in a corner and you can forget about it until you need it.
  
  
• Streamlight MicroStream (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00143JZ08) - Tiny little flashlight, amazing little clip. Clip it in a corner and forget it until you need it.
  
  
• Mighty Wallet (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036FN60W) - I keep it relatively thin in contents, and it's amazingly thin by itself.
  
  
• Sennheiser CX300IIs (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EZYMF4) - Some of the best little cheap earbuds. I have over-the-ears for desk-work, but these can go with me easily.
  
  
• Yubikey Neo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LX8KZZ8) - For my 2FA needs, both on the phone and PC. I use it with LastPass.
  
  
• Spare AAA Battery
  
  
• 12" baton (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MHDLF8E) - For self defense, since I stopped carrying a knife, and it's more actually useful for defense than my old knife was anyway.
  
  
  Wallet highlights:
  
  
• Band-aids - I chew my cuticles and pick at scabs. Bad habit. Nice to have these around.
  
  
• Bottle opener - Got this as swag from a startup I used to work for.
  
• Sewing kit - For emergency mending
  
  
• Guitar picks (I like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002D0CGC)
  
  
• Safety pins
  
  
• Handcuff key
  
  
• Handcuff shim - Nice when handcuffs aren't double-locked; sometimes easier to manipulate than the keys.
  
  
  Left back pocket:
  
  
• Field Notes graph-ruled notebook (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CQT2KU) - reasonably durable, cheap notebooks.
  
  
  Not shown:
  
  
• Keysmart Extended key holder (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXQQNC6) - Nice to keep my work keys from jangling around
  
  
• Car keys

This isn't true for everyone, but I suggest getting some Jazz III picks/holding you pick so that less of it sticks out to improve precision (and also reciprocally to improve muscle memory for where exactly you should hit strings laterally). In general, using shorter/thicker picks is better for single note playing.

Also, it helps to truly know the song you're playing. Once you progress, you can just instinctively infer what string pattern to hit based on the notes you know are next.

Red Bandana Strap

Voodoo Strap

Union Jack Strap

This would look awesome with your guitar I think

Very pretty leaf design pickguard

Simple yet very nice, tortoise shell pickguard

Different shape pickguard

You could make your own picks!

Pick your own color strap and it stores picks

Happy shopping. Hope you find something you like. Yo dawg thanks for the contest.

I had a 'The Loar', and they're pretty consistent with pacrim mandolins. Top is thick, not really tap tuned, too much of a coat, so it can be hard to get a nice woody tone out of it. Here are the things I've found.

Don't use coated strings. It's tempting because they last longer, but they tend to be a little brittle sounding.

Your pick makes a big difference. You don't need a Blue Chip, but most guitar picks will add the top end you're fighting. These are a perfect option and value: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JB4WAR2/ref=twister_B072HH4W6C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Set your action up as high as you can stand. It's not as comfortable, but the more downward pressure on the bridge, the more volume and tone projected. Don't allow it to hinder your progress on the instrument, but it does help. Adjusting your bridge height will cause you to need to adjust your intonation by moving your bridge slightly. There's a lot of videos of this on YT.

Don't assume anything is right because it's how it came. These things ship pretty awful from the factory. I bought mine from amazon and the first one they shipped didn't have a truss rod at all. Totally missing; sent it back. The second had it screwed up, as you'll see in the video below. Bridge was backwards.

Get a Tonegard. You can't afford the nasality of a dead back. They also help by providing side pressure, which can help the instrument stay open. Here are a few tests-walk up to a corner so you can hear the sound bounce back. Play with it pressed against your belly, and play with out away from your body. Tonegard keeps it off your body. You'll also notice that squeezing the sides (reasonably) will help it open up. A lot of violin players swear by this. People are split on tonegards, but I think they're pretty crucial for getting the most out of a beginner instrument..and can always move to your new instrument when you jump.

Here's the video of Jerry Rosa setting my The Loar up that i sent him (LM-590). I don't have it anymore, but it did help a lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdORdyv5enU

This Yamaha gets amazing reviews and is $199. It's as good as it gets in the $200 range.

You'll want steel strings for most music, nylon for classical.

You're going to want to get picks and practice with them to get good. Picks are cheap so experiment with thickness to find one that is good for you. Justin Guitar from the sidebar has a great section on using a pick so I'd recommend watching that video.

You can go in a Guitar Center and play some of the guitars there but it might do you some good to find someone that already plays to go with you. Have that person play the various guitars in your price range so you can hear what each one sounds like. Ask for their feedback on what they like/don't like about each one.

I guess it takes all types - my teacher didn't insist on not using them but definitely made his preference against pretty clear.

Since I've been no help at all so far - I was thinking about getting these, I've heard only good things & maybe they could adjust to fit you?

Wegen, Blue Chip, and Dunlop have already been mentioned a lot in this thread. If you carefully search for Wegen picks out there, you can find a good range of shapes and thicknesses. I like the thicker Big Dippers myself.

Dunlop has added some picks to its Primetone series that imho are fantastic. This and this work great (the round one has a textured grip). I also keep a collection of tortex triangles in different thicknesses around for variety, and a few of the D'Andrea Proplecs.

In any case, cheaper pics + sandpaper are fun to mess around with; find your perfect shape and bevel!

I'd say that yes, certain picks can hold you back. I play a "shreddy" style of metal guitar with lots of fast picking patterns, and thin, flexible picks definitely make it more difficult to play. Likewise, if I play a song that involves lots of soft chord strumming, I prefer a more flexible pick.

In general, I think that switching up your equipment (including picks) frequently can negatively affect your technique. It's best practice to find a set of equipment you like and stick with it.

You should look into a variety pack, like this one from Dunlop:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752N9XTL/ref=psdc_11968681_t2_B0055VBYWC

It's $4, and contains 12 different picks of different thicknesses and textures. I'd buy it and try each one out for a little while, until you can narrow down the ones that feel comfortable for you. Focus more on thickness than texture - you can always buy a certain thickness in whatever texture you want. So if a glossy 1.14mm pick feels the best, but you don't like the glossy texture, you can buy that thickness in a matte finish, or whatever.

Then, just buy a large pack of the pick you end up liking the most, and stick with it.

Hi there, I tried a variety of picks when I started my mando journey, but once I found these I haven't looked back: https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Primetone-Triangle-Sculpted-Plectra/dp/B00JB4WAR2

They instantly helped to improve my tone and are very comfortable to hold. Good luck, buddy!

ohh I see, but having a tuner would really help too (since I suck at tuning anything else besides standard tuning). Yep, shapes, sizes, and thickness. I usually get these so I could get all the picks (since I switch picks depending on what genre I play and how comfortable I am while using it.). I'm not really a good guitar player since I also just recently started (I used to play the bass though), so I'm just sharing whatever I've learned from every guitarist I know.

Top two:
Golden Gate Mandolin picks:
http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Gate-GGMP-12-Mandolin-12-Pack/dp/B0052S3WFU

Slightly brighter than V-picks - a bit easier to play cleaner passages.

V-Pick Gypsy picks:
http://v-picks.com/productdetails.php?q=258&page=picks

Darker than Golden Gate - super comfy to hold - V-pick guy makes his picks from a material that is hard and smooth on picking edge but also slightly sticky in the middle - so you can completely relax your picking hand - you will never drop their pick.

Well, since gigging is WAY off in my future (and I can certainly get a nice tuner before that point), the iPhone will do if the amp doesn't. That's good to know.

I'll show you the stuff I have with Amazon links:

Fender Mustang I V2 (20w)

Fender cable because cheap

Picks because cheap

Strap because cheap

Guitar, but in cherry

And I have a 5s at the moment. I work in IT so I have access to a billion different USB cables to hook it up to my computer, and love gadgets/accessories, so that certainly won't be an issue.

I'm sure I will. It's just a matter of time.

I use these for bluegrass picking. I thin out the bottom edge a bit with a fingernail file and smooth it down, and it's pretty well perfect for my otherwise crappy mandolin playing. This is an extra thick pick, and took a little trouble getting used to. But once you get the hang of it, a thinner pick just won't do.

Except for classical playing, where I prefer a little thinner and smaller pick, like these. Since I hold the pick a little different between bluegrass and classical playing, these work out great for the other pick grip for Calace-style.

I've noticed the heavier the pick is, the more consistent the tremolo sound is. Also, regarding pick sizes, there's no one size fits all. You should get a variety pack and see which one you prefer.

I personally find .73 are best for chords and some single note playing. 0.88 are good for both but great at neither. 1.0 is great for solo playing but good for chords. Anything above that and the chords won't sound as nice.

Stick with tools you like using and tools that work well. I have the 64-bit iFixit Pro kit and love it, but I've replaced many of the included tools that came with it. I am always on the search for tools that make my job easier, faster and produce better results. I even sometimes make my own tools or experiment with different materials for picks. I add grips, sharpen/shape my metals tools to aid whatever I'm doing.

But my favorit-est tool? 0.6mm Nylon Guitar Picks

There's no one right answer. Some people will use super heavy picks and it'll work great, and others will feel like their right hand is going to fall off if there isn't some give. I use Dunlop Ultex Jazz III XL's. They're fairly new (the regular Jazz III XL's were my old pick.) I like the sharper end, and Ultex pretty much never wears away. The regular Jazz III size picks are too small for me, but if you don't mind the size, a lot of people swear by them. Dunlop sells a variety pack that's got some good heavy picks to try out in it.

Yeah if I were you I would do what I did to my fender picks. I loved the sound and especially feel so I stuck a bit of sandpaper to the pick with super glue. Worked like a charm. For the same thing but probably better (I haven’t used them) you could try these

Monster Grips - The Ultimate Grip for Guitar Picks and More! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JER27MO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xxLIAbZAZP4VH

the best picks that I have found are in fact, not felt, I really disliked the felt picks.....I ordered a few packs of these on amazon - totally changed how I feel about picks for the Uke..... Wedgie Picks!!!!!! They leave sucha a clean warm tone and are so comfortable to use! Check it!

Definitely a good choice here. It's worth trying some from a pack like this to find what you like:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIX3ZYQ

I'm gonna wanna play with headphones but sounds like that's as easy as just plugging them into my Mac. As for a tuner, I know it does a helluvalot more but what's your take on the Korg Pandora Mini (link in other comment)?




And as for picks, would these work just as well? Didn't really like the look of the Dunlop Tortex.


Clayton Picks VPP/6 Guitar Pick https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00743LAWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_47nqxbTMEZ1NJ



Or these?


Black Star Assorted Celluloid Guitar Picks, Medium, 10 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B28CIIU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1coqxbAF6TBJ1

Definitely need to use this thing for your Guitar Pic creations.

If I were to recommend a pattern: As I street artist I would do the KRINK Drip effect which would look dirty (slang for amazing and great) on wood. See HERE I would do a black or red since your stain is so dark.

Yo dawg

You don't need a snazzy decal. You need a silhouette portrait logo of yourself like me

He won't know what he wants. Just get him something good inexpensive. Depends on how limited your budget is. Craigslist used would be your best bet, but I have you a good list that would take a lot of thinking out of the equation


http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/DTY30-000.htm

Tuner:

Case: call elderly and have them suggest an inexpensive 000 hard case that will fit with the guitar above. They'll probably do a combo discount if you ask.

Picks:

Strap:

Guitar stand:

Yup.

Mandolin generally works better with a thick pick. People really love the Blue Chip picks and I do, too. I ordered several.

However, Dunlop has a basically IDENTICAL pick that instead of costing $35 a pick costs around $2 per: the Dunlop Primetone Triangle 1.5mm Sculpted Plectra.

Highly recommend.

If you can, order both of these packs and play all of them, then just pick the ones you like the most and stick with them.

I found that for picking, the usual jazz III is very good, although I also liked the Ultex picks. I preferred very light picks for strumming since they don't make as much clacking sound when hitting the strings.

[Someone recommended this pick] (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JB4WBTO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and it really made a difference for me. It gives so much more to hold onto and makes it easier to use only the pick portion. And it's very rigid. Which took a lot of getting used to, but it made separating strokes much easier and made them more distinct and clear.

There are huge variety of picks that have an effect on sound and playing. Do yourself a favor and get these to start with. They are missing a Jazz pick, which is essential, but the medium/heavy pack includes it. It will really help you to find a pick that suits you, which I think a lot of players overlook for a long time like 10 years. cough

funf

vier

drei

zwei

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Thanks for the contest, I love your hooties! :3

I always go back to carbon fiber grippy jazz III picks. I've tried a bunch of high end picks like gravity, and while many of those are good for shredding I always end up going back to the jazz 3s. They are just the perfect pick.

I know I am late but... I am fresh out of guitar picks. These would likely hold me over http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001PGXHXA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1407514759&sr=1-2

My all time favorite song is "You Think I Ain't Worth a Dollar, But I Feel Like a Millionaire" by Queens of the Stone Age. A true hard rocking song that is so catchy.

Accessories are always good. Strings, picks, maybe a strap or a stand if he doesn't have those already.

I'm not familiar with the Esteban DVD set aside from his commercials back in the day. There's a lot of good videos on Youtube for a beginner so I don't think that would be necessary regardless.

edit: Since he's new you can get him a variety pack of picks so he can see what he likes: http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-PVP102-Variety-Assorted-Players/dp/B0055VBYWC

I have exactly the same problem. shrediknight has it right as far as nail care goes, and add some vitamin E in the mix (orally or topically); however, the improvement is subtle and takes time. If you use a plectrum, you can try using tape around your fingertips when you play steel and a little gorilla snot to keep from slipping. If you want, you can use a drop of vaseline on the nail surface to keep the adhesive from sticking when you peel it off. It's a bit of a hassle, but better than shredding your nails. I tried using traditional fingerpicks for finger-style folk, but just can't get the right feel.

I glue pick holders to the back of the headstock of most of my guitars:

Mic stand pick holders also work, I keep some on my music stand.

And of course then there's the tin.

Basically, I have picks everywhere, but the pick holder glued to the guitar is the best option.

A Guitar pick holder for all my guitar pick holding needs! Which is ALOT! I mean just look at that shit! God-damned grace from heaven!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002OOMU8/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl/189-3267167-4993132?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3NXTE4W6NMVBT&coliid=I9L5XO77RCWGF

No pet, but enjoy this monkey.

@(^O^)@

I really really really like these. The part rubber/part delrin construction allows it to flex a little if gripped higher up, but become rigid if you adjust your grip slightly. If I'm not using one of the above, it's one of these in the .38mm flavor. Excellent for strumming.

I think many people who advise holding the pick super lightly use picks that are too stiff. The pick has no give, so they make up for it by letting the pick move between their fingers as if on a fulcrum. I prefer moderately-stiff picks, so I can hold it securely.

Anyway, maybe a different pick with more grip and/or surface area would help. The Dunlop Max-Grip picks are fantastic for that. I also like triangular picks and find them easy to grasp and hold onto using the standard thumb/forefinger method. They also have little hyper-overpriced silicone pads you can stick onto picks to increase friction.

But seriously, try some Max-Grip picks.

https://www.amazon.com/s/field-keywords=dunlop%20max-grip

https://www.amazon.com/s/field-keywords=planet+waves+wide+pick

https://www.amazon.com/s/field-keywords=dunlop+triangle

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JER27MO

[Note: This user has been banned from /r/Guitar for not thinking it should take the fucking moron moderators days to take down racial slur posts. The moderators should ban themselves for being so slow. But that'll never happen.]

[This is my cheapest)[http://www.amazon.de/dp/B0002OOMU8/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=171RUC5APS3KD&coliid=I1LIOVRT8TCOR6]

15

Thank you for this contest! =)

What is your favorite musical instrument?

I started from day 1 with picks - a pair of National NP2s and a large Dunlop 9023p.

Since then I have tried on several occasions to pick without them, and it was like trying to play with mittens on.

I had to tweak the Nationals a little to get the right 'wrap' over the end of my fingers, and I've trimmed down the end of the Dunlop a little too. But otherwise they work well for me and I would buy them again.

I have a really cool [pick punch] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pickmaster-RASPM-Plectrum-Punch-Maker/dp/B004SHGBDG). What I would love to do is to source some flat sheets of 1.14mm delrin, seeing as paying 50p for a half-inch triangle of commercial polymer has always struck me as outrageous. The thinnest i'm manageed to find is 10mm which, even for a hardass, is pretty chunky. Anyone got any ideas?

People keep telling me to watch this movie...I guess I should...

Warm Hugs

Yay for not losing guitar picks, for under $5!

I've used the 1.0mm tortex picks for the past 10 or so years. This may be a little odd, but I found if I put the pick in my mouth/licked it before playing I'd get way better grip. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

I suppose you could also try gorilla snot: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002GL5S8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_brRIyb3NMEBNP

Otherwise, the Dunlop nylon picks are kinda texturized too, but they're not as rigid, so I'd recommend .88mm if you try them out.

I really dig these Golden Gate picks. http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Gate-Deluxe-Tortoise-Mandolin/dp/B0052S3WFU

That is a 12 pack, about $1 per pick. Nice and thick, good shape.

I would recommend GHS C6 lap steel strings. Each different tuning for lap steel uses its own string set, but C6 is the most common and versatile.

Oh also you might get him some finger and thumb picks. You don't really have to use them, but some people like to.

You can do what I did and get something like this it's $3.99 for 12 different picks so I could try them out to find out what works best for me.

I use the green turtle for 90% of playing, and the blue alligator when I'm playing something that requires less strumming and more individual string picking.

//i just looked again and apparently amazon made it an "add-on" item that means you have to order other shit before they'll ship it. You can find cheap variety packs all over the place though, and every music store I've been to has a "loose picks" section that you can pick up 10 or so different ones from.

You can buy a plectrum punch off Amazon. The only thing is, the plastic isn't designed to be used on guitar strings, so they fall apart pretty damn quick. You're better spending a few quid on proper plectra

Something like this
You can find a whole bunch of things like that by just searching guitar finger picks on amazon...

I never got the hang of using a pick and my thumb hates me for it.

That said, a friend of mine has some of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-35005002001-Series-Pickholder/dp/B0002OOMU8

They have sticky backs and he attaches them to the headstocks. Very simple but very smart.

I used to do the double-sided tape thing to secure picks to my guitar, but I found out about stuff like this which saves a lot of space. Plus your picks don't have sticky points afterwards.

Find a tech who will do a setup with your pops there.

As far as strings go, 9's will be easier for him to play as he learns. Manufacturer won't matter much right now. Cheap is fine. If he sticks with it, look at coated strings.

Get him a multi-gauge pack of picks. Oh and a thumbpick. No rules.

JD Nylon. link They wear well and don't slip out of sweaty fingers easily.

I swear by these. They're big so they're easy to grip (and find). They're thick so they never break. They're basically perfect.

Try the rubber ones (example), I like their sound more. The sound is closer to playing with your hands.

Ok, here is what you need.

Jim Dunlop Nylon picks. The texture keeps them from slipping. They are nylon, so they don't break (I have some I have been using for 20+ years). The 0.60 thickness has just the right amount of give in my opinion.

I use them for RB as well as regular guitar.

Have you tried using grip picks before? I use a Dava control pick. It's got grip and you can make it flexible or stiff. There's some grip picks in this Dunlop variety pack idk the models of but they're alright.

Dunlop has a light-medium variety pack. Different materials have different sounds, so experiment.

There's also nothing wrong with learning to play with your fingers. It works for Mark Knopfler, Andy from Pro Guitar Shop, and others.

I'll throw in my 2 cents - the Golden Gate is my favorite so far: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Gate-Deluxe-Tortoise-Mandolin/dp/B0052S3WFU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550528566&sr=8-1&keywords=golden+gate+mandolin+pick#customerReviews

Guitar, Amp, Instrument Cable, Headphones, Auto-Tuner, Metronome, Capo, Picks, Strings, Stand, Strap, Bag, String Winder, Polish & Cloth

Don't make them spend more than ~$200 on this. Consider pitching on for some of the accessories at least (though be aware that some of them are quite necessary right off the bat, such as a tuner).

You won't be able to appreciate the difference between a $100 guitar and a $5000 guitar by sound for at least a year and just to get started you need a bunch of supplies (see list above) and the cost adds up quick.

The guitar won't break unless you abuse it. Squier instruments are decent. In fact, you could even get something like a First Act at Walmart for under $100 and still not be able to appreciate the difference for quite a while.

I went with this in the end. My room now looks like swiss cheese.

I sometimes play with picks. Stubby bass ones. You could also try some gorilla snot to prevent them from slipping.

not a mag, but you can't go wrong with a bunch of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Carbon-Fiber-Guitar-Picks/dp/B003MXE4JU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1299717346&sr=1-2

They're probably long out of commission by now

here's a link to something similar

and dunlop makes something like that out of ultex but i think those only go up to 1mm where yours is 1.5mm

I've used these rubber picks before when people were sleeping in the next room and I wanted to play very badly. Other than that, I second the suggestion by "fretless4u" about palm muting. Palm muting is a really useful skill, and these rubber picks should only be used if you really, really have to be quiet, because they feel a bit weird.

If you want an equipment suggestion, you can buy grip pads to place onto your picks, or picks with grips.

EDIT: https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Grips-Ultimate-Guitar-Picks/dp/B00JER27MO

here you go

I'd get one of the light-medium and one of the medium-heavy so that you can try as much as you want.

16 quid for a punch, and your supply is basically infinite.

I think this pack is what he was referring to. It offers a decent range of thicknesses/textures. There's light/medium packs and medium/heavy packs I think.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pickmaster-Plectrum-Punch-Make-Your-Picks/dp/B004SHGBDG

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pickmaster-Plectrum-Punch-Make-Your-Picks/dp/B004SHGBDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394281554&sr=8-1&keywords=pick+punch

Here's one location.

Link for the lazy.

Dunlop PVP102 Pick Variety Pack, Assorted, Medium/Heavy, 12/Player's Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055VBYWC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZWpqxb7C2BYYM

On the back of the head of my guitar.

amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-35005002001-Scottys-Pickholder/dp/B0002OOMU8

You should replace her lube with Gorilla snot and see if she notices.

There's this, or this, or this.

https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-PVP102-Variety-Assorted-Players/dp/B0055VBYWC/

You could put together a restringing kit, with the following things.

1. http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-String-Acoustic-Electric-Guitars/dp/B008XAXQAK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1450285020&sr=8-4&keywords=tuning+peg+winder
   
   
2. http://www.amazon.com/Martin-M140-Bronze-Acoustic-Strings/dp/B0002M6B2M/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1450285048&sr=8-6&keywords=acoustic+strings
   
   
3. http://www.amazon.com/Korg-GA1-Guitar-Bass-Tuner/dp/B002HPMTZU/ref=sr_1_8?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450285069&sr=1-8&keywords=guitar+tuner
   
   
4. http://www.amazon.com/Gibson-Gear-AIGG-950-Polish-Standard/dp/B0002D0MFI/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450285093&sr=1-4&keywords=guitar+polish
   
   
   OPTIONAL
   
   
5. http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-PVP101-Variety-Assorted-Players/dp/B0055V7UR0/ref=sr_1_9?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450285131&sr=1-9&keywords=guitar+picks
   
   
6. http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-35005002001-Scottys-Pickholder/dp/B0002OOMU8/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450285131&sr=1-6&keywords=guitar+picks
   
   This is about $50 and will last a lifetime (except the strings).
   

You don't need one, buy one of these and you will have unlimited picks for all kinds of use.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pickmaster-RASPM-Plectrum-Punch-Maker/dp/B004SHGBDG/ref=pd_sim_MI_1

Everyone is different and has different preferences. I suggest you go by a Dunlop 12 Pick Variety Pack and try to see what works for you.

I could use some guitar picks, but they are an addon item.

Mounted on the headstock.

Dunlop makes these pick holders that you can mount anywhere.

Using mostly the RB4 Jag I dont have this issue but I do use a real guitar pick at times. Something else I do with my picking had is this beauty here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002GL5S8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1] (Gorilla Snot)

https://amzn.com/B0055V7UR0
I think this is the same one I get. I don't think there are any two of the same. I usually just ask for a pick variety pack when I buy new strings.

I had the same problem and solved it with these carbon fiber Jazz IIIs.

If you insist on the picks you already have, get Gorilla Snot, a resin based gunk that keeps the pick in your fingers.

I could use a Pick Holder. Just got a dozen picks, 4 are already MIA.