An Ultra-small Jazz Pick Joe Pass Would Have Loved
Joe Pass turned me on to ultra small jazz picks a long time ago, and he was capable of improvising 16ths at 220, so the pick IS capable of a lot of speed. As for strumming, sure, it's good for that too, but if you want speed, this is a good choice. A critical factor is the shape of the point: It can't be too sharp, but it can't be too rounded, either. The Fender pick fits the bill in that regard. Whoever engineered it knew what they were doing. It's "just right." As for thickness, I would have preferred a slightly thicker pick, but it is thick enough -- about 1.2 mm, I would say. The surface has enough grip that it doesn't slip around when you're going 120, but it slips by the string like glass. Drawbacks? Can't think of any. I use a variety of picks in every practice session so as to avoid fatiguing my hand and wrist, but this is always one of them. For reference, I use a Benson-style right-hand grip with the pick held roughly 90 degrees to the string and twisted upward about 80 degrees. Just look at George Benson to get the idea. The pick is very smooth using this technique. A real pleasure.