There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different guitarists prefer different types of picks depending on their personal playing style. Some of the most popular picks used by famous guitarists include Dunlop Tortex, Fender Medium, and Gibson Heavy.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual guitarist to experiment with different picks and find the type that works best for them. Also, celebrities like Slash use signature picks that have his name or face on them. These are typically only available through specific retailers and can be quite expensive.
Did you know that some guitarists even make their own picks? For example, John Petrucci of Dream Theater creates his own signature picks by bonding two thin pieces of metal together.
These are then machined to his desired specifications and usually have a very sharp point to help him achieve the fast picking speeds he is known for. If you are looking to emulate the sound or style of your favorite guitarist, try using the same type of pick they do!
10 Famous Guitar Players and the Picks They Use
So let’s talk about some of the most popular picks used by famous guitarists from a variety of genres.
1) Slash – Dunlop Tortex
Slash is a legendary hard rock guitarist best known for his work with Guns N’ Roses. He is known for his fast, bluesy lead playing style and has used a variety of different picks over the years. However, his current pick of choice is the Dunlop Tortex Standard, which is a medium-gauge pick that provides a good balance between speed and control.
2) Jimi Hendrix – Fender Heavy
Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary electric guitarist who pioneered the use of feedback and distortion in his playing. He was also one of the first guitarists to use wah pedals and other electronics to create unique sounds. Hendrix typically used heavy-gauge picks, such as the Fender Heavy, which helped him achieve the thick, textured tones he was known for.
3) Eddie Van Halen – Gibson Heavy
Eddie Van Halen is a Dutch-born American guitarist who rose to fame in the 1970s with his band Van Halen. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has influenced countless other players. Eddie typically used a Gibson Heavy pick, which is a thick pick that provides a lot of attack and definition.
4) Steve Vai – Dunlop Ultex
Steve Vai has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake. He is also a highly accomplished solo artist in his own right. Steve typically uses Dunlop Ultex picks, which are made from a durable synthetic material that provides a very sharp attack.
5) Joe Satriani – V-Picks
Joe Satriani has worked with a number of high-profile artists, including Mick Jagger, Deep Purple, and Chickenfoot. He is also a successful solo artist and has released over 15 albums. Joe typically uses V-Picks, which are made from a durable acrylic material that provides a very bright tone.
6) John Petrucci – DiMarzio X2N
John Petrucci of Dream Theater is widely considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has won numerous awards for his playing. John typically uses DiMarzio X2N picks, which are made from a durable synthetic material that provides a very sharp attack.
7) James Hetfield – Dunlop Jazz III
Metallica frontman James Hetfield is known for his aggressive, yet melodic playing style. James typically uses Dunlop Jazz III picks, which are made from a durable synthetic material that provides a very sharp attack.
8) Mark Tremonti – Gibson Medium
Mark Tremonti of Creed and Alter Bridge is known for his heavy riffing and lead playing style. Mark typically uses Gibson Medium picks, which are a thick pick that provides a lot of attack and definition.
9) Matt Heafy – Fender Medium
Trivium’s Matt Heafy is known for his aggressive metal playing style and has used a variety of different picks over the years. However, his current pick of choice is the Fender Medium, which is a standard-gauge pick that provides a good balance between speed and control.
10) Zakk Wylde – V-Picks Screamer
Zakk Wylde is best known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society. He is known for his heavy riffing and lead playing style. Zakk typically uses V-Picks Screamer picks, which are made from a durable acrylic material that provides a very bright tone.
10 Things you should know about different types of picks
1. Dunlop Tortex
Dunlop Tortex is one of the most popular brands of guitar picks, and for good reason. They are made from a durable material called Delrin that is designed to resist wear and tear. These picks come in a variety of thicknesses, so you can find the perfect size for your playing style.
2. Fender Medium
Fender Medium picks are a good choice for general strumming and picking. They are made of celluloid, which is a very durable material. These picks come in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect look to match your personality.
3. Gibson Heavy
Gibson Heavy picks are a good choice for players who want a little more control over their sound. These picks are made of a material called Ultex, which is very hard and provides excellent grip.
4. John Petrucci Signature
John Petrucci is a world-renowned guitar player who is known for his fast picking speeds. His signature picks are made by bonding two thin pieces of metal together. These picks are then machined to his desired specifications and usually have a very sharp point.
5. Slash Signature
Slash is a famous guitar player who is best known for his work with Guns N’ Roses. He has his own line of signature picks that are made by the same company that makes Dunlop Tortex picks. These picks are usually only available through specific retailers and can be quite expensive.
6. Steve Vai Signature
Steve Vai is a world-renowned guitar player who has his own line of signature picks. These picks are made of a material called Ultex and are designed to provide excellent grip.
7. Takamine Signature
Takamine is a Japanese guitar company that produces a wide range of musical instruments. They also have their own line of signature picks that are made of a material called Ultem. These picks are very strong and provide excellent grip.
8. Yamaha Signature
Yamaha is a Japanese company that produces a wide range of musical instruments. They also have their own line of signature picks that are made of a material called Ultem. These picks are very strong and provide excellent grip.
9. ZZ Top Signature
ZZ Top is a famous rock band that has been around since the 1970s. They have their own line of signature picks that are made by the same company that makes Dunlop Tortex picks. These picks are usually only available through specific retailers and can be quite expensive.
10. Other Brands
There are many other brands of guitar picks available on the market, such as Ernie Ball, Kyser, and Planet Waves. These companies offer a wide range of picks that are made from different materials and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Now that you know more about the different types of guitar picks available, you can make a better decision on which ones are right for you. Be sure to try out a few different types to see which ones feel the most comfortable and produce the sound you are looking for.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.