I don't break strings or pics.

[sax4blues]

I have only broken 1 or 2 hi-E strings when they were old. And I don't really mash up pics. Is my playing too timid maybe?

I have a blues player friend, good player, and he's destroying pics and breaking strings.

[Daddydex]

I am a fairly aggressive blues player and I rarely break a string. His strings are probably breaking at the same place on the guitar every time. He should fix that. As far as picks are concerned, they will eventually wear out but I wouldn't concern myself with that.

Dan

[Chris Callahan]

I break strings and wear out picks like crazy! I need to wok on my touch. I've always said I can make any guitar sound like a banjo.
Just did as a matter of fact. It's worse when I'm nervous.

[all_identaties_taken]

If your happy with your sound then don't worry about it.

[tjalla]

Back in my SRV-influenced days I used to break a string every 2nd gig, 11s or 12s, standard tuned - but since being turned onto more of a Ronnie Earl/Jimmie Vaughan approach, my right hand technique also has changed and I dont t "bury" into the strings nearly as much... yet I think my tone has gotten better! Never broken a pick tho...

Graphtech saddles really do work tho, fwiw...

Trevor

[Axis29]

I haven't broken a string in years! And I bend the crap out of them! A step and a half is not too uncommon in a blues solo or two during an evening.

I think proper setup of the guitar is #1 here. make sure there aren't any tight angles, funny twists to the strings.

#2 is stretching the strings out when you first install them. Put them on leave them loose, put a thumb on the neck and bend them up as far as you can with your other four fingers. Then take them to pitch and do it again. At least once or twice per string. The retune and you should be good to go!

Picks? I keep one for months, then loose twenty of them in three days... I can't say as I've ever worn one out though.

[jamesbookert]

i only break strings on other peoples guitars...which is a curse. pics on the other and i wear down pretty fast. i'd say if you're happy with your sound then you're doing just fine. that is unless you'd like to be breaking more pics and strings...