Jazz III tips

[candid_x]

Thanks to a number of players' recommendations on this forum, I'm trying out the red Jazz III picks. I'm not surprised how much more precise playing individual notes is with these picks, nor that they're harder to hold onto when playing more aggressive rhythms. Plus, my pick hand cramps up after a little while. Is this just a natural muscle (motor skill) development thing, or is it a technique issue, do you think?

Any tips appreciated.

Bruce

 

[andynpeters]

Gripping them too tightly because they're harder to hold on to??

 

[MusicManJP6]

I never use jazz picks coz they are too hard to hold and feel awkward. I play too hard to hold on to them i reckon...

 

[candid_x]

Gripping them too tightly because they're harder to hold on to??

Yes, for sure I'm gripping tighter. It seems if I don't the pick turns sideways. Maybe I'll try lightening up on the grip, but also on the attack, or maybe the whole approach. More finesse.

Thanks, Andy.

 

[candid_x]

I never use jazz picks coz they are too hard to hold and feel awkward. I play too hard to hold on to them i reckon...

I play too clumsily, lol. I believe if I can adapt to these picks it will improve my playing over all. Gonna give them a good try.

 

[JSX]

Try to keep your picking hand more relaxed, you shouldn't cramp up otherwise.

 

[Jimothy JP7]

+1

I barely pinch the pick when I'm playing, unless I'm doing some fast alternate picking.

 

[jeffrey]

Make sure you flip it around some, the logos are different on either side. I hold it with the signature up as it's a tiny bit more grippy.

 

[candid_x]

Jeff, yes I've noticed that. Grippy is good.

Jimothy and JSX, will work on that. Think I’ve been too inefficient, wasting movement and working too hard.

Good stuff, thanks!

 

[kbaim]

Also, if it doesn't work for you, there's no shame in going back to what you like.

 

[candid_x]

Also, if it doesn't work for you, there's no shame in going back to what you like.

Naw, course not. But I really think I can be better if I learn to lighten up on my touch with these little pointy guys. So, Steve Morse, watch out! *cough cough cough*

 

[francric]

I have a love/hate relationship with those..............grip em tight, cramping, grip em lightly tip will eventually move out of place and some days everything goes right. I'll try a different pic, but I keep going back to them.........go figure. Do they make those just a little bigger?

 

[candid_x]

I have a love/hate relationship with those..............grip em tight, cramping, grip em lightly tip will eventually move out of place and some days everything goes right. I'll try a different pic, but I keep going back to them.........go figure. Do they make those just a little bigger?

Someone here mentioned they use one like the JIII but slightly bigger. Maybe Pete?

 

[beej]

There's also an XL version of the Jazz IIIs- I tried them but went back to the small ones. Candid, if you PM me your address I'll send you a bunch!

I love the regular Jazz IIIs, but they take a bit of getting used to. Often I'll drill a bunch of holes ("speedholes" I tell myself) in them - gives me a better grip and makes 'em look cooler

 

[G_Evolution]

I'm currently trying out the XL's - seem to be ok but pinch harmonics seem to be tougher???? - probably more me than the pick!

 

[Fusionman]

I find it easier to get a better grip on the black Jazz III's and I have also found that they wear out slower and more evenly but the Jazz III reds are much more articulate and make for a better single note attack. Small picks naturally take more effort for rhythmic guitar playing. Right now Im concentrating on just the red III's.

I have found that I grip the same way whether Im using a small Jazz pick or a standard sized Fender pick.

I find with a smaller pick you need to concentrate more on relaxing the grip and letting the stiffness and quickness of the pick do the work.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Someone here mentioned they use one like the JIII but slightly bigger. Maybe Pete?

Yep, I use Cool Picks, jazz style - slightly larger than the Jazz III

EDIT:
Wow those are terrible pics of picks. Lemme find a JIII and I'll snap some better ones.

 

[robelinda2]

the black ones are better than the red. give them a go too.

 

[the24thfret]

+eleventy billion for black jIIIs

have you tried the black ones? i refuse to play the red ones anymore, there is a huge difference in grip and whatnot.

 

[candid_x]

There's also an XL version of the Jazz IIIs- I tried them but went back to the small ones. Candid, if you PM me your address I'll send you a bunch!

I love the regular Jazz IIIs, but they take a bit of getting used to. Often I'll drill a bunch of holes ("speedholes" I tell myself) in them - gives me a better grip and makes 'em look cooler

That's right generous of you, Beej! Thanks, man. Msg sent.