I always did this and thought I was just weird. But I always thought I could pick more efficiently and I dug the softer attack. Of course years later find out all the guys I dig do it as well - SRV, Robben Ford, Matt Schofield... so there you go...

When using the shoulder of the pick, one key difference is that the angle of the down and up stroke of the pick are not symmetric. This tends to make the down and up strokes sound more similar than using the sharper point. Another point Tom makes is that using the rounder shoulder gives a warmer tone allowing you to use a lighter pick on lighter strings which can improve speed and accuracy.

I've always subconsciously gravitated towards using the shoulder of the pick since I was a teenager. Just felt and sounded better to me.

I use the shoulder too. In addition to the softer tone, I prefer it because there’s less strain on my hand. 🎸👌

Recovering shredder. Nice one!

Other well known players who use the rounded corner of the pick, include : Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, SRV, Joe Pass, and Pat Metheny, all tone MoFos . . . . .

@powbobs

20 күн бұрын

The Edge also.

@PhilthyCasual

19 күн бұрын

@@powbobs The Edge or the shoulder?

@powbobs

19 күн бұрын

@@PhilthyCasual He uses the textured shoulder of blue Herdim picks.

@onenotesolo256

18 күн бұрын

Whoosh.

@rigelloar7474

18 күн бұрын

@@onenotesolo256

@5:20 NICELY placed ad spot. I respect it.

Been doin' it since I started... Jim Dunlop had (has?) a nylon pick with a knurled shoulder that souded cool. Almost 50 years and I still need a roundish pick.

Steve Morse used a nylon pick playing on the shoulder while in the Dixie Dregs 1975 to 1980s. One of the best flat pickers ever. Pat Martino used both the point and shoulder. Hold the pick the way it works for you. It’s the music that counts. 🎸🎸

SRV used the shoulder of the pick, as does Pat Metheny. I'm sure there are many others as well. I like the tone, and the way the pick glides over the strings.

@rigelloar7474

19 күн бұрын

Oh yeah, the sound is just SO much more vocal !

@Cfaulkner00

2 күн бұрын

I was just gonna mention SRV. He also did lots of rest strokes with the pick, gives it a unique sound.

Using the shoulder was an old trick when all you can find are thin crappy picks. Now we have many sizes, shapes and materials. They all sound and feel different. You should get a variety pack and try a bunch. It's enlightening! Your right hand is the "artist".

I used to play like that for at least the first 5 years of beginning to play. I used the purple gator picks. It felt smoother to play at the time, and I didn't like how playing with the tip felt. After getting some red jazz iiis, that changed and I started playing with the tip.

@PhilthyCasual

20 күн бұрын

I dig the Jazz III XL's,bit more to hang on to and not bad with acoustic

@emilegc

20 күн бұрын

@@PhilthyCasual after playing the regular jazz III size for so long, I just can't get used to bigger ones including the XL variants.

@erickuehnl

20 күн бұрын

I played the red Jazz III for a while and while I loved them at home I found them quite unforgiving live. Anyone else have that issue? I found that switching back to a larger pick gave more room for error. Currently digging Flow 1.0.

You know what’s crazy… I’ve always held the pick like that and was always insecure because I knew it was wrong but couldn’t break the habit.

@JonNewquist

20 күн бұрын

Me too. It's easier to hold and control with a lighter grip.

I switched to the 'blunt' end years ago when I discovered there was less resistance to picking either up or down. My picking hand is not very dextrous. The tonal difference was, as you say, a naturally softer attack. For me, this was a kind of natural compression, which I found very playable. I could even play my 70s SF Fender Twin without using a compressor pedal, which is a real bonus. The attack is still there if I dig in, but not all the time. Feels like better control. Win-win for me.

Yes. It sounds so much better. Ive been only playing for about 2 1/2 months. And i told my guitar teach the first month. The pick keep twisting in my hands. And he gave me some advice on picks to use. I said but i think i like he sound better. So we tried it both ways. And he said wow i think your right. Harder for a beginner learing to hit the strings right

I changed to the shoulder about 3years ago. Once you get used to it you won’t ever use the sharp end. If you use the .7 thickness that is quite stiff when using the shoulder. Better attack tone and feel.

Many years ago I had the privilege to hang out with Pat Metheny in Madrid and noticed that's how he used his pick, 100% of the time! I tried it the following day, and liked what I heard so I still do it, more often than not. It will depend on your style, instrument (acoustic x electric) etc but it definitely smoothes out the sound, if that's what you're going for. Also, it can triple the life of a pick as a bonus, lol

This pretty much happens when you play the same pick so often the tip wears down and and bevels based on your attack, noticed when I bought a Tuff Tone years ago and a few off the shelf heavier picks too (Stubby)

I prefer the shoulder. Never could keep the pick from moving around until it was suggested to me. Then you find out loads of the people you like use the shoulder….

I find my speed a little more consistent and effortless when my jazz iii's point have worn a little..not exactly the same as using the back of the pick but similarly less pronounced tip hitting the string. The problem for me is the clarity and attack you get from a fresh pointed pick is better than that dull attack from a worn pick.

I am really glad to see a teacher talking about the massive difference different picks make to how you sound and play. In my opinion it has truly one of, if not the biggest impacts on tone and playability than anything, and it’s all totally subjective. Cheers and good on you, it’s such an under discussed thing, and it’s so, so important, as it’s your connection to the instrument.

it's hard to go back once you get used to picking with the edge. i feel like it gives me better control bc the finger are closer to the string. but it produces an unpleasant plinky noise when strumming

They have a point, or maybe not

@jakollee

20 күн бұрын

Cute.

I find the edge makes a difference more with acoustic than electric.

Me too, gives a softer feeling and sound I think. Next...move to Nashville and play on a record...

I use my pick this way. I heard Duane Allman did so I tried it. It’s especially toneful on the acoustic. I didn’t want two different picks for electric and acoustic and I have to play both a lot so learned to use a fender medium or heavy on the shoulder. Now it’s the only way I can.

A while ago I switched to using Golden Gate mandolin picks. Quite stiff and rounded, but give a lovely warm tone when playing unplugged, to the point where using any other pick now sounds harsh. I love the way the rounded edge glides across the strings, and funky strumming is easy, whereas before I always had to use a pick with a a bit of give, but the rounded edge negates the need for this

I do a similar thing but slightly different: going for dynamics, to get from clean to distorted with playing rather than with stompboxes or volume knobs (even though I do use plenty of both as well), I use the pick normal (at least 1mm) playing normal and above in dynamics, and I turn it and use not the shoulder but the smooth edge to sort of "slide pick" very quiet stuff. Almost like a tiny violin bow. The very quiet stuff is a hybrid of normal picking and this sliding on the side. This way all my gain pedals can be turned down and used just for a variety of voicings instead of trying to tapdance. It also makes me comfortable plugging straight in to a cranked amp (even with that useless modern wiring instead of good old fashioned vintage wiring or at least some kind of treble bleed), which would throw many people off these days.

Scott Henderson also uses that pick technique (or did last time I checked). I've used it, and it does give a mellower sound but I prefer the pointy end and dialling the tone down. It's worth knowing about if you want to vary tone without using controls. It feels a bit indistinct vs the pointy end, especially for speed lines, there's a bit of a flubby sound. If you like the fingerstyle sound of skin vs nail, it's also a good substitute.

If you think about it, the shoulder of the pick is roughly the same size as your fingertips and/or size of your thumb. I actually think it sounds better, but I alternate both point and shoulder depending on what I want to do.

Also while doing that, try holding it at an angle and use a thicker pick.

They use .70mm planet waves/daddario celluloid “Fender” light picks (so I do too). I also tried about 30 different types of picks and these were the best for me! I switched to shoulder of pick about 6 months back and it’s so much better. I figured if Guthrie and Larry do it, I’m doing it. And so many other greats did it, including SRV!

@pitchygroans

20 күн бұрын

Guthrie Govan is a faster picker than all of those 3 and he recommends a thicker pick and the point, so figure I'll go with that

@stratocumulusnimbostratus328

20 күн бұрын

@@pitchygroansspeed kills

@waynebacer6235

20 күн бұрын

I measured the D'Addario .7 celluloid pick and the Fender Medium celluloid picks with a set of calipers, both measured .5 mm, go figure...

@stratocumulusnimbostratus328

20 күн бұрын

@@waynebacer6235 I mean there is always room for extreme measures, not too sure I care that much 🥰

Not sure about Guthrie, But Bukovac has covered this extensively on his own channel, and to the best of my understanding he's using the shoulder mostly just for super fast playing. I could be wrong, but that was my understanding.

I learned it from Ray Parker Jr. I feel like getting slight compression or a bit of "even" sound when I play funky rhythm. Pickboy 1mm, but I may try thinner ones..

they reccomend doing it with a fender medium type pick.

I prefer using my "medium" picks that have worn down to almost a misshapen circle

i've always played that way. the point sounds too thin.

It's pretty well known that Pat Metheny plays with the shoulder of a pick; I think you've mentioned this yourself in an earlier video. I find that when I want to mainly go for that thicker, darker tone, I'd rather use a round-edged pick designed for that-a Dunlop Primetone Semi Round 1.5mm. It has a very rounded main point, and its shoulders are slightly less rounded. I think part of the reason I prefer having a separate pick for this is that my main electric guitar picks are Dunlop Nylons, 1mm (black) or 1.14mm (gray). I like those because they have less contact "click" than harder materials have. They have a textured surface that makes them easy to hold. But the textured part comes pretty near to the edge of the shoulders, which can interfere with using the shoulders to get a darker tone; I sometimes get a bit of a scrape sensation from the texturing. -Tom

I like both the side and the point - it depends on the style and the mood I'm in. But there's two rounded sides, so that lasts longer LOL. By the way, I love the Black Ice....great pick!!

Here's a tip: Without changing the position of your picking hand, the pick can add huge dynamics to your sound: The tip of the pick gives a brighter, more direct sound; While the shoulder adds a more vocal quality. Flat picking limits the guitar to a percussive instrument. Without pedals and effects, strict flat picking makes guitar rather voiceless (Kind of like striking a xylophone with a plastic stick). But, how you use the pick can add various vocal qualities to the guitar. Learn to use the pick as part of your voice, not just as a way to strike strings.

Another option to try when playing with the shoulder of the pick is, does the point of the pick now point toward the end of your finger or back toward the palm of your hand. I can feel a difference, can you?

Puppies 🐶 . Yea. I learned to hold the pick side also. Never did use the little point.

Did you pick up on the use of the rough side edge of the Herco Nylon plectrums ? I think it Was Tom Bukovac that mentioned it recently when discussing his time playing in Joe Walsh's band.

@powbobs

20 күн бұрын

The Edge started that.

@powbobs

19 күн бұрын

@@5geezers People may have been doing it in the fifties, but you weren’t famous, so nobody cared.

@KozmykJ

19 күн бұрын

@@powbobs Haha. I saw what you did there ..

They have a point.. they just not use it 😆 On the other side... I'm a terrible picker whether I use the shoulder, the fingers or the point

Pinched harmonics are much easier with the side of the pick.

way too smooth for me

Speaking of pick technique. I have an issue with pickup contact, interfering with picking flow... this is more on a particular guitar (music man silhouette, 24 fret h-s-h config.). My pick orientation is loosly held with forward edge angled upwards. Curious if you've experienced the same issue.???

@ggkohler

19 күн бұрын

The h-s-h config on 24 fret instruments provide relatively little space between pickups, so the natural landing point of my pick is generally right on the middle pickup.

I have always done this! Dunlop .88's Nylons using the wide side!

Why not use the pick both ways? Doesn’t have to be one or the other, surely. It’s worth experimenting with, that’s for sure. Loads of examples of players who sound great using the point side and shoulder. Also depends how ‘pointy’ the pick actually is. Try it all and work out if it works for you.

try dunlop flow picks

They have a point but their not using it

Goodness what pickups are in that guitar?

well talking head, I have used it for about 35 years

Hah... Ted Nugent as well... showed me at a record store meet and greet back in the late 70's.

@NJSonye

19 күн бұрын

I forgot about “The Nuge” playing with the shoulder of the pick. I think the main point is having the arm relaxed. I like the approach of my favorite “speed pickers” Eric Johnson, George Benson, and John McLaughlin. I know a few players that had to change their picking as they aged.

They have a point for sure. But they don't use it.

Right away, there's nothing much to it, or Troy Grady or one of the many elite players he interviewed would have mentioned it.

@501chorusecho

17 күн бұрын

oh really? hahaaa...god you people are robots

@Uuur10

17 күн бұрын

@@501chorusecho Yeah, why ? And who are "you people"? If it were really important, Andy Wood, Joscho Stephan, Martin Miller, Olli Soikelli, Steve Morse, etc., and Troy himself, over dozens of hours of videos on picking technique, would have mentioned it. But they haven't.

@501chorusecho

17 күн бұрын

@@Uuur10 forgodsakes don't actually TRY it for yourself...i mean, have you ever had an actual thought of your own?

@Uuur10

17 күн бұрын

@@501chorusecho yeah I don't think there's any need for it. Claims about the rounded part as some sort of secret weapon are disingenuous, especially after Troy's definitive body of work. No need to confuse people. Go watch Joscho's feather smooth chord tremolo with the pointy end of the pick, with full dynamic range, as just one example. Maybe try it too.

Was the thumbnail a pun ?

I'm surprised Tom and Guthrie do that as sometimes can get a chirpy plinky sound which isn't good for recording

@thebrysmith3

20 күн бұрын

I notice that happening sometimes. Especially with Dunlop Flow 4.2 picks. Angeling the pick seems to fix the problem.

The only guitarist on youtube I listen to regarding technique is Anton Oparin.

I’ve heard this channel is supported by Trufire. Is that true? 😂

I find Rick Beato to be an insufferable prat but appreciate you parsing the useful information because i will not watch his videos

Why don’t you make your own content. Come up with something original instead of just talking about what other people do… And using clips of them in order to make money.…

18 күн бұрын

For what it’s worth, I think that’s a pretty mean-spirited take. What the guy’s doing here is a world away from someone doing one of those awful ‘reaction’ videos, or similar. And he’s done plenty of videos that would certainly be classed as ‘original’. I don’t think it’s at all bad for someone as accomplished as this guy to discuss what others have said and then add their own thoughts, as he’s doing here. It’s also a wonderful way for those that may never have heard of the likes of Guthrie Trapp or Tom Bukovac to get acquainted with them.