When it comes to guitar picks, there’s no one more iconic than Kirk Hammett. The Metallica guitarist has been using the same Dunlop Jazz III pick for decades, and his signature sound is instantly recognizable. But what makes these picks so special?
Editor’s Note:Kirk Hammett guitar picks are essential gear for any Metallica fan. They’re made from a durable material that can withstand even the most aggressive playing, and they provide a great grip for fast and accurate picking.
After doing some analysis and digging through countless reviews, we put together this guide to help you make the right decision. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these picks will help you take your playing to the next level.
| Key Differences | Kirk Hammett Guitar Picks |
|---|---|
| Material | Dunlop Jazz III (tortex) |
| Thickness | 0.60mm |
| Shape | Jazz III (teardrop) |
| Grip | Textured grip |
| Durability | Very durable |
Here’s a more in-depth look at the features of Kirk Hammett guitar picks:
- Material: Dunlop Jazz III picks are made from tortex, a durable plastic material that can withstand even the most aggressive playing.
- Thickness: These picks are 0.60mm thick, which provides a good balance of flexibility and stiffness.
- Shape: The Jazz III shape is a teardrop shape with a pointed tip. This shape provides a great grip for fast and accurate picking.
- Grip: The picks have a textured grip that helps to keep them in place, even when your hands are sweaty.
- Durability: Dunlop Jazz III picks are very durable and can last for a long time, even with heavy use.
If you’re looking for a guitar pick that will give you the same great sound and feel as Kirk Hammett, then the Dunlop Jazz III pick is the perfect choice. These picks are durable, provide a great grip, and will help you take your playing to the next level.
1. Material
The Dunlop Jazz III pick is made from tortex, a durable plastic material that is known for its bright and articulate sound. This material is a key component of Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks, and it contributes to their unique sound and feel.
Tortex is a proprietary material that was developed by Dunlop in the 1980s. It is made from a blend of nylon and other materials, and it has a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and grip.
The strength of tortex makes it a durable material that can withstand even the most aggressive playing. This is important for Kirk Hammett, who is known for his heavy and aggressive playing style.
The flexibility of tortex gives the pick a good feel and response. It is not too stiff or too flexible, which makes it a versatile pick that can be used for a variety of playing styles.
The grip of tortex helps to keep the pick in place, even when your hands are sweaty. This is important for Kirk Hammett, who needs to be able to rely on his picks to stay in place during his energetic live performances.
Overall, the Dunlop Jazz III pick is a great choice for Kirk Hammett because it provides him with the durability, flexibility, and grip that he needs to perform at his best.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights about the connection between “Material: Dunlop Jazz III (tortex)” and “kirk hammett guitar picks”:
| Key Insight | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tortex is a durable material that can withstand even the most aggressive playing. | This is important for Kirk Hammett, who is known for his heavy and aggressive playing style. |
| Tortex is a flexible material that gives the pick a good feel and response. | This makes it a versatile pick that can be used for a variety of playing styles. |
| Tortex has a good grip that helps to keep the pick in place, even when your hands are sweaty. | This is important for Kirk Hammett, who needs to be able to rely on his picks to stay in place during his energetic live performances. |
2. Thickness
The thickness of a guitar pick is an important factor that affects its sound, feel, and playability. Kirk Hammett uses a pick that is 0.60mm thick, which is a medium thickness. This thickness provides him with a good balance of flexibility and stiffness, making it a versatile pick that can be used for a variety of playing styles.
A thicker pick will be stiffer and produce a brighter sound, while a thinner pick will be more flexible and produce a warmer sound. Kirk Hammett’s 0.60mm pick gives him a good balance of these two qualities, allowing him to play both rhythm and lead guitar with the same pick.
The thickness of a pick also affects its durability. A thicker pick will be more durable and last longer, while a thinner pick will be more likely to break. Kirk Hammett’s 0.60mm pick is a good compromise between durability and playability.
Overall, the thickness of a guitar pick is an important factor to consider when choosing a pick. Kirk Hammett’s 0.60mm pick is a good choice for guitarists who want a versatile pick that can be used for a variety of playing styles.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights about the connection between “Thickness: 0.60mm” and “kirk hammett guitar picks”:
| Key Insight | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 0.60mm is a medium thickness that provides a good balance of flexibility and stiffness. | This makes it a versatile pick that can be used for a variety of playing styles. |
| A thicker pick will be stiffer and produce a brighter sound, while a thinner pick will be more flexible and produce a warmer sound. | Kirk Hammett’s 0.60mm pick gives him a good balance of these two qualities. |
| A thicker pick will be more durable and last longer, while a thinner pick will be more likely to break. | Kirk Hammett’s 0.60mm pick is a good compromise between durability and playability. |
3. Shape
The Jazz III shape is a teardrop shape with a pointed tip, and it is one of the most popular guitar pick shapes in the world. Kirk Hammett has been using Jazz III picks for decades, and they are a key part of his signature sound.
- Provides a great grip: The teardrop
shape of the Jazz III pick provides a great grip, even when your hands are sweaty. This is important for Kirk Hammett, who needs to be able to rely on his picks to stay in place during his energetic live performances. - Facilitates fast and accurate picking: The pointed tip of the Jazz III pick makes it easy to pick quickly and accurately. This is essential for Kirk Hammett’s lead guitar playing, which often involves complex and fast-paced solos.
- Produces a bright and articulate sound: The Jazz III pick produces a bright and articulate sound that is perfect for Kirk Hammett’s aggressive playing style. This is due to the pick’s material (tortex) and its thickness (0.60mm).
- Durable: Jazz III picks are made from a durable material that can withstand even the most aggressive playing. This is important for Kirk Hammett, who needs his picks to last through long and demanding tours.
Overall, the Jazz III shape is a perfect match for Kirk Hammett’s playing style. It provides him with the grip, accuracy, sound, and durability that he needs to perform at his best.
4. Grip
The textured grip of Kirk Hammett guitar picks is an important factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. A textured grip helps to keep the pick in place, even when your hands are sweaty, which is essential for a guitarist who plays with the intensity and aggression of Kirk Hammett.
Without a textured grip, the pick would be more likely to slip out of Hammett’s hand, which could lead to missed notes or even injury. The textured grip also helps to reduce fatigue, as it allows Hammett to hold the pick more loosely. This is important for a guitarist who plays for long periods of time, as it can help to prevent cramps and other hand problems.
In addition to providing a secure grip, the textured grip of Kirk Hammett guitar picks also helps to improve accuracy and control. The textured surface provides tactile feedback that helps Hammett to feel the pick’s position and orientation, which allows him to pick more precisely. This is essential for a guitarist who plays complex and fast-paced solos, as it allows him to hit the right notes at the right time.
Overall, the textured grip of Kirk Hammett guitar picks is an important factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. It provides a secure grip, reduces fatigue, and improves accuracy and control.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights about the connection between “Grip: Textured” and “kirk hammett guitar picks”:
| Key Insight | Explanation |
|---|---|
| A textured grip helps to keep the pick in place, even when your hands are sweaty. | This is essential for a guitarist who plays with the intensity and aggression of Kirk Hammett. |
| A textured grip helps to reduce fatigue. | This is important for a guitarist who plays for long periods of time, as it can help to prevent cramps and other hand problems. |
| A textured grip helps to improve accuracy and control. | This is essential for a guitarist who plays complex and fast-paced solos, as it allows him to hit the right notes at the right time. |
5. Durability
Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks are known for their durability, which is an essential quality for a guitarist who plays with his intensity and aggression. His signature Dunlop Jazz III picks are made from a durable plastic material called tortex, which can withstand even the most aggressive playing. This durability is important for Hammett because it allows him to play without worrying about his picks breaking or wearing out.
- Resists wear and tear: Tortex is a very durable material that can withstand even the most aggressive playing. This means that Hammett’s picks will last longer and he won’t have to replace them as often.
- Maintains shape and integrity: Tortex picks are also very resistant to bending and warping, which means that they will maintain their shape and integrity even after prolonged use. This is important for Hammett because it allows him to play with the same pick for longer periods of time.
- Provides consistent sound and feel: Because tortex picks are so durable, they will provide a consistent sound and feel over time. This is important for Hammett because it allows him to rely on his picks to deliver the same great sound and feel, night after night.
- Reduces the need for frequent replacements: The durability of tortex picks means that Hammett doesn’t have to replace them as often. This saves him time and money, and it also reduces the environmental impact of his guitar playing.
Overall, the durability of Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks is an important factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. It allows him to play with the intensity and aggression that he is known for, without worrying about his picks breaking or wearing out.
6. Flexibility
The moderate flexibility of Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks is a key factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. A pick that is too flexible will bend and flex too much, making it difficult to control and articulate notes. A pick that is too stiff will be too rigid and unforgiving, making it difficult to play fast and fluidly.
The moderate flexibility of Hammett’s picks allows him to play with the speed and accuracy that is required for his complex and fast-paced solos. It also allows him to play with the aggression and intensity that is characteristic of his heavy metal style.
Here are some specific examples of how the moderate flexibility of Hammett’s guitar picks contributes to his playing style:
- It allows him to play fast and fluidly, even when playing complex solos.
- It allows him to play with the aggression and intensity that is characteristic of his heavy metal style.
- It gives him the control and articulation he needs to play single-note lines and chords with clarity and precision.
Overall, the moderate flexibility of Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks is an important factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. It allows him to play with the speed, accuracy, aggression, and intensity that is required for his complex and demanding solos.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights about the connection between “Flexibility: Moderate” and “kirk hammett guitar picks”:
| Key Insight | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Moderate flexibility is a key factor that contributes to Kirk Hammett’s signature sound and playing style. | A pick that is too flexible will bend and flex too much, making it difficult to control and articulate notes. A pick that is too stiff will be too rigid and unforgiving, making it difficult to play fast and fluidly. |
| The moderate flexibility of Hammett’s picks allows him to play with the speed and accuracy that is required for his complex and fast-paced solos. |
It also allows him to play with the aggression and intensity that i s characteristic of his heavy metal style. |
| Overall, the moderate flexibility of Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks is an important factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. | It allows him to play with the speed, accuracy, aggression, and intensity that is required for his complex and demanding solos. |
7. Stiffness
The moderate stiffness of Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks is a key factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. A pick that is too stiff will be too rigid and unforgiving, making it difficult to play fast and fluidly. A pick that is too flexible will bend and flex too much, making it difficult to control and articulate notes.
The moderate stiffness of Hammett’s picks allows him to play with the speed and accuracy that is required for his complex and fast-paced solos. It also allows him to play with the aggression and intensity that is characteristic of his heavy metal style.
Here are some specific examples of how the moderate stiffness of Hammett’s guitar picks contributes to his playing style:
- It allows him to play fast and fluidly, even when playing complex solos.
- It allows him to play with the aggression and intensity that is characteristic of his heavy metal style.
- It gives him the control and articulation he needs to play single-note lines and chords with clarity and precision.
Overall, the moderate stiffness of Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks is an important factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. It allows him to play with the speed, accuracy, aggression, and intensity that is required for his complex and demanding solos.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights about the connection between “Stiffness: Moderate” and “kirk hammett guitar picks”:
| Key Insight | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Moderate stiffness is a key factor that contributes to Kirk Hammett’s signature sound and playing style. | A pick that is too stiff will be too rigid and unforgiving, making it difficult to play fast and fluidly. A pick that is too flexible will bend and flex too much, making it difficult to control and articulate notes. |
| The moderate stiffness of Hammett’s picks allows him to play with the speed and accuracy that is required for his complex and fast-paced solos. | It also allows him to play with the aggression and intensity that is characteristic of his heavy metal style. |
| Overall, the moderate stiffness of Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks is an important factor that contributes to his signature sound and playing style. | It allows him to play with the speed, accuracy, aggression, and intensity that is required for his complex and demanding solos. |
8. Sound
Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks are known for their bright and articulate sound, which is a key component of his signature tone. This sound is achieved through a combination of the pick’s material, thickness, shape, and grip.
- Material: The Dunlop Jazz III pick is made from tortex, a durable plastic material that produces a bright and articulate sound. Tortex is a proprietary material that was developed by Dunlop in the 1980s, and it is known for its unique combination of strength, flexibility, and grip.
- Thickness: The 0.60mm thickness of the pick also contributes to its bright and articulate sound. A thicker pick will produce a brighter sound, while a thinner pick will produce a warmer sound. Hammett’s 0.60mm pick provides a good balance between brightness and warmth.
- Shape: The Jazz III shape is a teardrop shape with a pointed tip. This shape provides a great grip and makes it easy to pick quickly and accurately. The pointed tip also helps to produce a bright and articulate sound.
- Grip: The textured grip of the pick helps to keep it in place, even when your hands are sweaty. This is important for Hammett, who needs to be able to rely on his picks to stay in place during his energetic live performances. The textured grip also helps to reduce fatigue, as it allows Hammett to hold the pick more loosely.
Overall, the bright and articulate sound of Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks is a result of the combination of the pick’s material, thickness, shape, and grip. These factors work together to create a pick that is perfect for Hammett’s aggressive playing style.
FAQs about Kirk Hammett Guitar Picks
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks. These questions cover various aspects of the picks, including their materials, durability, and impact on Hammett’s playing style.
Question 1: What are Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks made of?
Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks are made from a durable plastic material called tortex. Tortex is a proprietary material that was developed by Dunlop in the 1980s and is known for its unique combination of strength, flexibility, and grip.
Question 2: How thick are Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks?
Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks are 0.60mm thick. This thickness provides a good balance between flexibility and stiffness, making the picks versatile and suitable for a variety of playing styles.
Question 3: What shape are Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks?
Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks are Jazz III shaped, which is a teardrop shape with a pointed tip. This shape provides a great grip and makes it easy to pick quickly and accurately.
Question 4: Do Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks have a textured grip?
Yes, Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks have a textured grip. This helps to keep the pick in place, even when your hands are sweaty. The textured grip also helps to reduce fatigue, as it allows the player to hold the pick more loosely.
Question 5: Are Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks durable?
Yes, Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks are very durable. They are made from a strong and flexible material that can withstand even the most aggressive playing. This durability ensures that the picks will last for a long time, even with heavy use.
Question 6: How do Kirk Hammett’s guitar picks affect his playing style?
Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks play a significant role in his playing style. The combination of the pick’s material, thickness, shape, and grip provides him with the control, accuracy, and bright sound that are essential for his aggressive and fast-paced playing style.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of the key features and benefits of Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks. By understanding the materials, construction, and impact of these picks on his playing style, guitarists can make informed decisions about whether these picks are right for their own playing needs.
Transition to the next article section:
Tips for Using Kirk Hammett Guitar Picks
Kirk Hammett’s signature guitar picks are known for their durability, grip, and bright sound. They can be a great choice for guitarists who want to improve their playing. Here are a few tips for using Kirk Hammett guitar picks:
Tip 1: Choose the right thickness.
Kirk Hammett uses a 0.60mm pick, which is a medium thickness. This thickness provides a good balance of flexibility and stiffness, making it versatile for a variety of playing styles. If you’re not sure what thickness to choose, start with a medium pick and experiment until you find one that feels comfortable and gives you the sound you want.
Tip 2: Hold the pick correctly.
The way you hold the pick can affect your playing. Hold the pick between your thumb and first two fingers, with the tip of the pick resting on the string. The angle of the pick should be slightly tilted towards the bridge. This will help you to get a clean, articulate sound.
Tip 3: Use a light touch.
Don’t grip the pick too tightly. A light touch will help you to play more smoothly and accurately. The textured grip of Kirk Hammett guitar picks will help to keep the pick in place, even if you’re playing aggressively.
Tip 4: Experiment with different picking techniques.
There are many different picking techniques that you can use to create different sounds. Experiment with different picking angles, speeds, and strokes. The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about your own playing style and how to use Kirk Hammett guitar picks to get the sound you want.
Tip 5: Keep your picks clean.
Guitar picks can get dirty and worn over time. This can affect the sound and feel of your playing. Clean your picks regularly with a cloth or a mild soap solution. This will help to keep them in good condition and sounding their best.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Kirk Hammett guitar picks. These picks can help you to improve your playing and achieve the sound you want.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Conclusion
Kirk Hammett guitar picks are essential gear for any guitarist who wants to achieve his signature sound. These picks are made from a durable material, have a textured grip, and provide a great balance of flexibility and stiffness. They are perfect for aggressive playing and provide a great grip even when your hands are sweaty. If you’re looking for a guitar pick that will give you the same great sound and feel as Kirk Hammett, then the Dunlop Jazz III pick is the perfect choice.
In summary, Kirk Hammett guitar picks are a must-have for any guitarist who wants to take their playing to the next level. They are durable, provide a great grip, and produce a bright and articulate sound. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these picks will help you achieve your musical goals.
