(Part 2) Best guitar & bass picks & pick holders according to redditors

https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Tortex-Standard-88mm-Guitar/dp/B0002GX7XY

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:

Wedgie picks are pretty thick picks made of rubber, so that may be what you're talking about. Most people I know use them for bass guitar, but I think it could be used on an electric/acoustic guitar. I'm personally not a fan of them, but it seems to work well for some people.

http://www.amazon.com/Wedgie-WRPP31M-3-1mm-Medium-Rubber/dp/B0002Z2CZY

Pack of 3 rubber guitar picks

Rubber Picks.

I've used these for a while, perfect for when you need a more mellow finger-like tone. They do tend to wear out and leave eraser-like shavings all over you scratch plate though.

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

Here you go buddy https://www.amazon.com/Honbay-9pcs-Picks-Guitar-Ukulele/dp/B06XDMJWCP/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1549667448&sr=8-5&keywords=felt+picks

I've pretty much settled on PETRUCCI SIGNATURE JAZZ III because of the grip. Good for just about everything.

I was also so blessed by Bass Ghoul Himself this past tour. He looked at my insanely smiley face and tossed the pick right to me. I love that man. I got a cool little necklace thingy to put mine in from Amazon, so I can wear it when I want to feel the Power of Ghoul.
I'm glad you got such a nice keepsake!
Enjoy!

I use these ones (1 mm)

http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Nylon-Standard-Picks-Black/dp/B0002D0CHQ

They're nice because they have some texture on them which help you keep a nice grip - good for people with butterfingers like me.

I use one of these when I'm doing a gig where I'll be using a pick. It is easy on/easy off and it holds 2 picks.

I don't remember seeing any that stick to the surface of the body. It seems like it would get in the way.

I remember playing Times Square a few years ago, and I needed to use a pick for, I think two songs in our set, so I used the pick holder I linked above. Easy enough to use for when I'm switching between songs, plus they are cheap enough that you can pick up several in case you either lose them or want to use them on multiple instruments.

I wouldnt recommend jazz iii personally for someone new. I think the jazz iii xl tortex is the way to go.

To me this has the perfect balance of size and comfort ability. I prefer the slightly thicker blue or black ones, but I tend to lean towards more lead playing.

Dunlop 498P.88 Tortex Jazz III XL, Green, .88mm, 12/Player's Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ISQCO6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_QxNIDbCG6YDQV

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.

Ya, np. I can tell you, I got all my materials from Amazon. The guide will mention copper conductive tape, most commonly associated with guitar repair. However, if you order this "guitar repair" tape it's marked up. I used Slug Tape and it works just fine for a lot less money.

In fact here's the rest of the mats:

Pre Back

Touchstone

Wall adapter -- though any should work fine I just didn't have spares and it's <$5

Soldering Iron -- I didn't have one

Guitar Picks if you lack enough -- I used about 6-8 popping the bezel

If you don't already have extended battery and cover

The only thing I didn't buy off Amazon were the magnets. I picked mine up from K&J Magnetics. Go for any of the disc type that are 1/32" thick. I think I got a pack of ten for a little over a dollar, and I believe each is rated for about 0.4lbs of force, more than enough.

It took me about 2 hours to finish the project, but read through the whole thing first, don't just wing it, and make sure you're comortable with popping the glass out of the bezel and soldering on your device. For what's it's worth this was the first time I've ever soldered, and it went better than expected. I practiced making little weld dolops for about 5 minutes before I trusted myself on the back of the device. Good luck!

[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.

I use Dunlop Tortex 1.14mm

https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Tortex-Standard-1-14mm-Purple/dp/B0002GX7ZM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=CRIOHLAXBS22&keywords=1.14mm+guitar+picks&qid=1555016858&s=gateway&sprefix=1.14mm+%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-3

This is super cool! I don't sleep, so this will keep me entertained for a bit!

1.) Something that is grey.

Well, it's more silver-ish, but it'll do! (WL)

2.) Something reminiscent of rain.

Because the sound of the rain is so peaceful :)


3.) Something food related that is unusual.

I know, it is unusual! We will be using it for liquid sugar that we make, to make our homemade Starbucks green tea :) (WL)


4.) Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!)

It's for my boyfriend, and for the aforementioned green teas we make :) I have one, and he's pretty jealous of it. Not to mention he spills so! (WL)


5.) A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it!

It's called Jesus' Son. It is really...interesting to say the least, and I can guarantee not at all what you'd expect! (Unless you're expecting drugs, and the main character to be called Fuckhead!)


6.) An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related!

Clever? Or wrong. Lol.


7.) Something related to cats. I love cats! (keep this SFW, you know who you are...)

Because who doesn't miss these guys?


8.) Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it.

I mean...he's beautiful, so.... <3

9.) A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why?

My username is a big hint to what this movie is! It's just so happy, and makes me laugh every time I watch it (and I've been watching it multiple times every year since it came out, and I was only 5!). It's just a genuinely happy, feel-good movie, with great music :)

10.) Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain.

You know, for heat/fire when there's no electricity! (WL)


11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals.

It might not be the norm, but it's a gift card. Reason being instead of something specific, is with a gift card I can buy food through Amazon. Times have been a little tough around here, and we barely make it through the month money, and food wise. To know I had a little money to spend on groceries somewhere would be a major relief, and put both my boyfriend and I out of stress. I know it's not a "goal goal", but our happiness is a goal of mine, and it's been a little shakey as of late :/(WL)


12.) One of those pesky Add-On items.

Because ours is torn, oops! (WL)


13.) The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why?

A nice, damn vacuum. Our current one sucks (bad pun), and I am really picky about a clean carpet. It would just be really nice to have a nice one, and that'll last instead of having to buy a new one every so often. (WL)


14.) Something bigger than a bread box. EDIT A bread box is typically similar in size to a microwave.

Because it never occurred to me you could buy this on Amazon!

15.) Something smaller than a golf ball.

Individually, smaller than a golfball!


16.) Something that smells wonderful.

I love, love, loooooove this perfume. I've had samples, but never the whole bottle! (WL)


17.) A (SFW) toy.

Not a toy per say, but it's definitely fun, and entertaining for hours! (WL)


18.) Something that would be helpful for going back to school.

Pens! Believe it or not, these have always been my favorite, and despite the fact there's a bunch in a box, I always ended up with none! That's why people should have their own!


19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be.

Because I...I'm...I'm a woman possessed. Normally I'm obsessed with Sherlock but since it's not out yet, I'm catching up on Doctor Who, and I can't. Just can't stop. Been talking in a British accent on accident for days! I also freaking love hoodies so it's the best of both worlds. (WL)


20.) Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand.

BECAUSE LOOK AT IT! Making tasty foods on it for the belly! (WL)

Hey, this was a lot of fun! Regardless of the outcome, thank you. Thoroughly enjoyed myself :)

EDIT: BONUS: Anything made in Oregon.

It's a whole gift set! It's like it knew! I actually added it to my WL. My favorite jam was taken off the shelves, so I'm always up for trying new ones :)


fear cuts deeper than swords

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

I just threw some Dunlop Primetones in with my last amazon order, and it's not often I get emotional over picks. But these are special. You know when you get a pick worn in just right and it becomes magical for the whole week before you lose it? That's these, right out of the bag. Or maybe it's all in my head. But they seem pretty decent. 1mm is what I have. I like 'em a little thick. They're a little pricy as picks go, but I'd probably reorder once I've lost them all.

These seem to be a new-ish line for Dunlop. I just tried them out a couple months ago; awesomeness. I think the standard triangle compares pretty well to a BlueChip CT55 (not as smooth, but darned close).

You can try them in 3 packs in triangle and rounded triangle shapes (little easier on the budget than the 12 pack you linked to). I recommend getting some of each; I switch back and forth on mine for different pieces. They also have the 351 style standard guitar picks in the primetone line, not great for mandolin.

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.

I have really been digging Dunlop Primetone picks recently.

There's a reason the ones you have are the most recommended. I've tried so many jazz picks and yours are really the sweet spot - others are bigger, comically thick, slippery, etc... so I'd recommend a variety pack to test all the options.

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 use these. They are bigger than the standard jazz III but still smaller than normal size picks. To me these are perfect.

https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-427PJP-John-Petrucci-Players/dp/B0117TLSZS

You can get a real one for under $10 with a self-adhesive back. I stick one on all my axes. Invaluable live since I don't sing and I can't have one of those cool mic stand pick holders.

Most teachers would say to start thin, so the pick has more room to bend against the string, and work to thicker ones as your accuracy increases across the strings. As you begin to play faster lead parts a thin pick will hurt your playing as the little bit of time where the pick bends will screw up your timing. I recommended buying these www.amazon.com/dp/B01H31ITWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_I29BzbA5Z4S8E

Here's 100 for $10 and a fancy box. But they are ABS plastic. I'm not sure how I feel about them but I don't like them more than the celluloid/delrin/nylon Fender/Dunlop/Pick Geek picks I have. Here's 100 celluloid picks for $8

Felt pick can work well with the sponge mute.

Like these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDMJWCP/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_7Pm2Bb53CX0C5

Also flatwounds!

• 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.

this would be handy!

my favorite dinosaur is the massospondylus...if the megalodon doesn't count

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0002GWXKC/ref=pe_385040_30332200_TE_item

I don't have a pickguard. I was thinking of getting one of these, but I just wanted to hear what other methods people might have developed before I did.

You could get him this so he could make his own guitar picks from credit cards and such. They're pretty awesome. It's not prime, but does come with free shipping.

Then there's this to hold the picks. That way he won't lose them! The two together would run you about $25 CDN. I'm not sure on the shipping for it, but it's coming from Amazon itself and they're usually pretty fast.

Guitar picks - http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Standard-Tortex-Picks-Green/dp/B0002GX7XY/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1419465600&sr=1-2

I've been using the same pick for over 20 years. I never seem to like anything else as much. Dunlop Tortex 1.14mm. https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Tortex-Standard-1-14mm-Purple/dp/B0002GX7ZM

As a part time guitar player, THIS! It will literally get all that shit together.

With guitar picks getting more and more expensive, having this will help me get them all organized in one area, and not playing hide-and-seek under tables, chairs, and carpets.

Or the new Jazz III cut of those. Real all the benefits. https://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-498P-88-Tortex-Green-Players/dp/B00ISQCO6Q/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Tortex+Jazz+III+XL%2C&qid=1571149348&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-1

Seems like a lot of folks here like Tortex picks, but I'm not a fan.

The best picks I've ever found are Dunlop 1mm nylons. http://www.amazon.com/Dunlop-Nylon-Standard-Picks-Black/dp/B0002D0CHQ

I can't use anything else.

There's this, or this, or this.

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

I do a lot of pick scraping which wears little teeth into the pick very quickly and makes them unusable but a little sanding of the edges and I have it back in order (if not a little smaller) but generally speaking I just loose the damn things before I really have to consider throwing them away.

And my choise in pick, dunlop nylon 1 mm.

Phosphorus

Link

More than a [60 guitar picks] (http://www.amazon.com/ChromaCast-Guitar-Picks-Introductory-Available/dp/B00DD5WWQE/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1397199061&sr=8-9&keywords=guitar+picks).

Neither of those two would be a good pick. They are too thick and not springy enough. It would be hard to hit individual strings, but I guess you could strum with them.

I like a Dunlop 1.14 Mil.

http://www.amazon.com/ChromaCast-Guitar-Picks-Introductory-Available/dp/B00DD5WWQE/ref=pd_cp_MI_2

Get one of these pickholders. It has 2 sided tape on the back. Stick it behind the headstock. Leave room for clipon tuner at the widest part.

Picks are like socks and clothes hangers. They're forever disappearing. If you keep the pickholder full (holds about 6), you'll at least have a replacement ready to go when you start to practice. If you make it a habit to put it back in when you're done, you'll always know where your picks are. Good luck with that though.