Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Justin
Playing at high speeds on a guitar is an art in itself, requiring precision and technique. Whether you’re a metal shredder or a jazz virtuoso, an important part of your skillset is your guitar pick. In this article, we’ll examine the factors that can make a guitar pick better suited to fast playing and review some of the best picks for speed available on the market.
Recommended Guitar Picks for Speed
1) Dunlop Jazz III
The Dunlop Jazz III is an industry-standard when it comes to picks for speed playing. Its small size and sharp point offer excellent control and precision, and its thick gauge makes it durable enough for fast, heavy playing. The Jazz III is made of nylon, offering a certain flexibility and snap that you just don’t get with other materials.
2) Ibanez Paul Gilbert Signature
The Ibanez Paul Gilbert Signature pick is another excellent choice for speed playing. Designed by shred maestro Paul Gilbert himself, this pick features a pointed tip for precise picking and a decent grip to ensure the pick stays securely in hand during fast passages. Its 1.0mm thickness adds to its durability and control. Although in recent times Paul uses a lighter gauge of these I believe.
3) Dava Control Pick
The Dava Control Pick offers a unique design that combines a stiff center with a softer, flexible edge. This design allows you to adjust the flexibility of the pick based on your grip, offering versatility and control. Its smaller size and pointed tip also make it well-suited for fast playing.
4) Gravity Picks Classic Pointed Standard
Gravity Picks Standard Classic (Pointed Tip)
Gravity Picks are handcrafted, offering a range of custom options. The Classic Standard model features a sharp point for precision and is available in multiple thicknesses to suit your preference. It’s made of acrylic, providing a slick, fast-playing surface. But also a playing surface that stays nicely in place.
5) V-Picks Screamer
The V-Picks Screamer is made from acrylic, offering a slick, fast-playing surface. It features a pointed tip and a thickness of 2.75mm, providing the precision and durability needed for speed playing. The Screamer also has an indented edge for better grip.
Certainly, let’s delve into some additional picks that are renowned for facilitating speed playing, along with further considerations to keep in mind when searching for your ideal pick. This guitar pick features at number 1 on my best guitar picks.
6) Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks
Ernie Ball Prodigy Black Mini 1.50mm
Ernie Ball Prodigy picks are precision-engineered for high-speed playing and hard-hitting strumming. Made from Delrin, they provide a smooth release that makes fast passages easier to execute. They come in two thicknesses – 1.5mm and 2mm – and feature a highly durable, machined beveled edge and sharp point for increased control and accuracy. They also come in a variety of shapes. Check out the link above to see more shapes from the Prodigy range
7) ChickenPicks Badazz III
Chicken Picks Badazz III 2.0mm
The ChickenPicks Badazz III is a boutique guitar pick designed with speed in mind. This pick is on the thicker side at 2.2mm and has a unique, sharp contour, allowing for precise, fast playing. Made from a proprietary thermosetting plastic, it offers a bright tone and quick response.
8) Dunlop John Petrucci Signature Jazz III
John Petrucci Signature Dunlop Jazz III
John Petrucci, the lead guitarist of Dream Theater, is known for his speed and precision. The Dunlop John Petrucci Signature Jazz III pick, made from Ultex, features a custom beveled edge and a sharp point to facilitate swift, accurate picking. This pick’s slightly larger size and added grip also aid control.
Factors to Consider for Speed Playing
Thickness
Generally, thicker picks are considered better for speed playing. A thick pick doesn’t flex as much as a thin pick, which can offer better control and accuracy when playing fast sequences. A thick pick will also hold up better under the increased stress of rapid picking. Many guitarists also prefer a medium pick for speed. When it comes to gauge, it really depends on personal preference and which thickness makes it easier for you to play faster. It differs from person to person.
Material
The material of the pick also plays a significant role. Some materials, like Tortex or Ultex, offer a good balance of grip and durability. On the other hand, materials like Delrin or Acrylic are slicker, which can reduce the friction between the pick and the string, facilitating faster playing.
Shape
For speed playing, a pointed tip is usually preferable. The sharper point allows for more precise contact with the strings, which can lead to cleaner and faster note articulation.
Size
A smaller pick can often offer better control, which can be beneficial when playing at high speeds. However, this largely depends on personal comfort and the guitarist’s picking technique.
Technique
Perfecting your picking technique will significantly improve your playing speed, regardless of the pick you’re using. Alternate picking and economy picking are two techniques used by many fast guitarists. Regular practice with a metronome can help you build speed gradually while maintaining precision.
Comfort
The most effective pick will be the one that feels most comfortable in your hand. Everyone’s hand shape, grip style, and comfort level is different, so what works well for one guitarist might not work as well for another. The best way to find the right pick is to try out several different ones and see which one feels and sounds the best to you.
Experimentation
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different picks. Even if a pick isn’t marketed as a ‘speed pick,’ you might find it works well for your style of fast playing. Picks are relatively inexpensive, so feel free to experiment and find the best fit for you.
While picks like the Dunlop Jazz III, Ernie Ball Prodigy, and ChickenPicks Badazz III can enhance speed playing, it’s essential to focus on technique and personal comfort. Remember, speed isn’t everything; expressiveness and precision are just as important in crafting a memorable performance.
Hey, fellow guitar mate! I’m Justin, I have been a professional guitarist since 2012. I have traveled the world playing on different stages alongside some of the best indie bands, at some of the biggest music festivals in the world. As a result, I’ve played lots of different guitar gear. Instead of keeping that knowledge to myself, I have set up this site to share my honest reviews of various guitar gear. But most notably, my love for guitar picks.