Guitar Pick (worn vs. new)

[Bandit]

I dropped a pick last night at a Jam and pulled my backup out of my pickguard and miss played a few notes.

That got me thinking, should I be tossing my worn picks and playing with new ones more often? The cost of each pick is only $0.50!!

Also I prefer a Orange Tortex 0.60mm for lead work and a Red Tortex for playing rhythem. I've used a Red one for years, but I like the sound of playing with the thicker Orange Tortex.

[blue metalflake]

Thick vs thin, and various materials, has been beaten around quite a few times if I remember rightly. Afew searches might pull up some of the old wisdom.

On the new vs worn, I always think a "worn in" pick is more comfortable, the notes flow just that bit better, and there's a bit more fluidity to the performance.

[JStella]

I'm sure it's all preference and picking style, but I've gone to Fender Extra Heavy picks and when they get course on the edge I throw em out. I go through a few in a gig if we are playing more rock style songs with heavy strumming. I find the course edges are harder to get the tones I want and they even feel kinda slow to me. I know many others feel the opposite - whatever works for you is good!

- Josh

[bowlfreshener]

I prefer broken in. The edges just a little bit worn down, but not too worn down, and not too square and new. I really like Dunlop Tortex SHARP .88mm picks which seem to last forever, as I bought 3 dozen about 2 years ago and have just now gotten into the 2nd dozen.

[ryokan]

I use my fingers, saves on plastic.

[tjalla]

I constantly lose picks, so I haven't played a worn one in years :D