Guitar Gear

Okay, not for a human, but for a pick, at least for me, it’s what I prefer. I use a Wegen Picks Fatone (fat-tone) pick, and at 5mm thick, it’s one fat pick. I’ve sung the praises of fat picks I’ve used in the past, but this one is special in that I use it for both acoustic and electric guitar; something I couldn’t do with other picks.

In any case, last night I got a renewed appreciation for a fat pick because I actually left my Fatone at home. And not having enough time to set up for my gig and fetch it, I had to use the spare emergency pick I keep hidden in the piano at the restaurant. This is a medium Dunlop Tortex. Not a bad pick, as I used that very same pick for years until I discovered fat picks.

Tonally, it didn’t sound bad, but I had gotten so used to playing with a fat pick that I couldn’t get comfortable with the Tortex. The main issue was holding on to the pick. With fat picks, contrary to what you initially might think, you actually hold the pick much lighter, and let the pick tip do the work. Also, fat picks just glide over the strings effortlessly. In contrast, I felt like the Tortex was getting “stuck” on the strings when I played.

I eventually got used to it, but it was a huge adjustment for me. I was really missing my Fatone. I won’t be forgetting again!