Plectrum position: early sound

[me-and-my-shadow]

Being a newbie right here, I expect this has already been discussed at length...however
I could never figure out just how to ephasise that Strat bark as heard on the early releases suach as The Savage, FBI, Frightened City etc and Ive been playing since the late 50s. I was enlightened by an enthusiast sometime ago. The bark can be achieved by turning the tip of the plectrum at a slight angle so it addresses the string almost from the plectrum side edge initially. Thats not the whole story though..at the same time the tip of your thumb has to make the slightest contact with the string. OK its not easy..get it wrong and you will completely duff the note all together. I only attempt it if Im feeling confident that I wont mess up....which gets more often as the years go by.

[roger bayliss]

See 'Whence The Twang' Thread. Probably more so for the early numbers but not so much Top Boost onwards and each tune might have it's own plectrum useage as guitarists we should understand that the way we hit the strings and how is usually the first point of call for 'tone' .

[Iain Purdon]

David Martin, founder of these boards and former guitarist with Legend, gives a very good demonstration of plectrum technique and how to achieve that (early) sound.

Iain

[me-and-my-shadow]

Granted ! . . . . . personally I've always thought it easier to get the early sound rather than the contemporary. The plectrums I use now are nothing like those I used 50s/60s. I tend to cut them down now, the other inovation I use at times (someones going to tell me its old hat no doubt) is to super glue to different grades of pectrum together at circa 90 deg to each other. The benefit is when a softer tone is required, maybe even mid track, I can easily switch from one grade to the other ..and back. J.

[roger bayliss]

Thats a good idea actually . Apparently Hank uses george dennis sharps 1.3 mm these days . I found a good 'Sharp' pick that Dunlop makes in Delrin that would make a good substitute and a lot of pro players use them too...

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products ... itar_picks

I have ordered a few to give them a try. I usually tend to stick with Delrin 500 1.14mm but I will try these out.

[me-and-my-shadow]

Think Id better try these too. John

[me-and-my-shadow]

Yep....works for me. Smooths off the top noticably. I like ! J.