Last Updated on December 31, 2025 by Justin
The Jazz III pick transformed John Petrucci’s playing. The Dream Theater guitarist has called discovering the Dunlop Jazz III “an enormous impact on my playing style and approach to technique”, a bold statement from someone whose gear list includes signature guitars, amplifiers, and wahs. Since 2012, Petrucci has partnered with Dunlop to develop four distinct signature picks, each addressing specific needs for speed, accuracy, and tonal control.
His pick philosophy centers on three priorities: accuracy, response time, and the ability to glide off strings effortlessly.
From Nylon Jazz III to Ultex: the pre-signature era
Before becoming a Dunlop signature artist, Petrucci spent nearly two decades using the standard black Dunlop Jazz III nylon pick. This preference was already established by his 1995 instructional video Rock Discipline, where viewers could see him wielding the compact, pointed pick that would define his approach to alternate picking.
The original Jazz III featured a 1.38mm thickness, small triangular shape, and pointed tip that allowed for precision striking — essential for Petrucci’s machine-gun alternate picking passages. The nylon material provided a slightly textured surface, though Petrucci would later transition away from it seeking brighter attack and greater durability.
Throughout Dream Theater’s classic era from Images and Words (1992) through Systematic Chaos (2007), the standard Jazz III remained his primary tool. The pick’s small size forced a disciplined grip but rewarded players with exceptional accuracy, exactly the trade-off Petrucci embraced. Perfect for the progressive and melodic metal he is known for.
The signature era begins with Ultex Jazz III (2012)
November 2012 marked a pivotal moment when Dunlop released the first John Petrucci Signature Ultex Jazz III (427PJP). This wasn’t merely a branded standard pick — Petrucci redesigned nearly every aspect.
The signature Jazz III specifications include:
- Material: Ultex (Ultem thermoplastic) replacing nylon
- Thickness: 1.5mm (up from standard 1.38mm)
- Shape: Modified Jazz III, slightly larger than standard
- Features: Raised JP shield logo for enhanced grip, polished beveled tip, longer body.
These are different from the regular Ultex Jazz III picks.
Four picks for different applications
Working alongside Dunlop, Petrucci ultimately developed four distinct signature models, each serving specific musical purposes:
John Petrucci Primetone Jazz III (518-JPRD/JPBK)
The Primetone Jazz III signature uses a 1.38mm thickness with custom speed bevels literally modeled on the edge of Petrucci’s own well-worn picks. Available in oxblood and black, it delivers what Dunlop describes as gliding “off your strings like glass with a loud, bold sound.” Petrucci notes the Jazz III tip provides “precision and clarity” while the custom grip ensures ultimate control. Check out my review of the regular Primetone Jazz III.
John Petrucci Flow Pick (548-JP200)
Released June 2018, the John Petrucci Flow Pick represents a significant departure. At 2.0mm thickness with a larger Flow shape, it came from an unexpected source of inspiration. Petrucci was watching Gypsy Jazz players and became curious about how larger, thicker picks contributed to their distinctive attack and tone. He combined elements from the Jazz III, Jazztone 208, and Ultex picks, resulting in what he called a pick that turned out “beyond my expectations.” The Flow provides enhanced volume, attack, and smooth string-to-string transitions.
John Petrucci Trinity Pick (545-JP140)
Introduced around 2020, represents his most innovative design. The 1.4mm Ultex pick features a unique three-sided triangular shape with three usable pointed tips and three curved edges. It combines Jazz III sizing for maneuverability with Flow pick shoulder contours for comfortable handling.
Petrucci’s enthusiasm for the Trinity is evident: “This pick has helped me reach new levels of speed and accuracy. The quick-release edges allow me to execute difficult, complex licks with ease, and the three-sided shape provides superior handling. The rigid Ultex material makes for an incredibly smooth attack and a noticeably fuller and sweeter tone.”
Trinity collection expands with new materials (2024)
The most recent development came with the John Petrucci Trinity Guitar Pick Collection (PVP124), expanding the Trinity shape across three materials:
| Material | Characteristics | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Ultex | Smooth attack, fuller tone | General shredding, complex passages |
| Tortex | More expressive, three-dimensional tone | Melodic playing |
| Tortex Flex | Maximum clarity on lower strings | Percussive riffs, intricate bass-string lines |
Petrucci used all three variants while recording the latest Dream Theater album, selecting specific materials based on the musical passage. “Having Ultex, Tortex, and Flex versions provides me with the perfect palette to choose from,” he explained.
How pick choice shapes Petrucci’s technique and tone
The physics behind Petrucci’s pick preferences reveal sophisticated thinking about the instrument-player interface.
Speed and alternate picking depend critically on pick geometry. The Jazz III’s small size and sharp point allow Petrucci to minimize the distance between strings, reducing the motion required for his renowned high-speed alternate picking. The polished, beveled tips reduce friction, letting the pick release cleanly during rapid passages. Thicker picks (1.5-2.0mm) maintain rigidity under force, providing consistent contact without the “give” of flexible picks.
Tonal impact comes primarily from material choice. Ultex produces brighter, more articulate attacks compared to nylon, with notes that separate distinctly rather than blurring together during fast runs. Guitar Pick Reviews The 2.0mm Flow pick adds “thickness and volume to each note” with “rich, powerful overtones” useful for Petrucci’s sustained lead lines. The Trinity’s rigid Ultex construction contributes to what Petrucci describes as a “noticeably fuller and sweeter tone.”
Grip security receives careful attention across all models. The raised JP shield logo on the Jazz III, Dream Theater logo on the Trinity, and various textured surfaces prevent slippage during extended performances. As Petrucci notes about the Trinity’s three-sided design: “You can’t grab it the wrong way.”
Conclusion
John Petrucci’s four-decade journey with guitar picks traces an evolution from user to designer, from standard nylon Jazz III to a complete signature line addressing every aspect of professional performance. His unwavering focus on accuracy, response time, and smooth string release has produced picks that don’t merely carry his name but embody specific solutions to technical challenges.
The Trinity pick represents the current pinnacle — combining Jazz III precision with Flow pick comfort in a three-sided design that allows for varied grip positions and wears three times slower than single-tip alternatives. Yet Petrucci maintains all four models in his arsenal, selecting based on musical context. For a guitarist whose technique demands picks capable of executing the most complex passages “with ease,” these tools remain as essential as his Music Man guitars and Mesa amplifiers.
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.