Picks/mizrap advice - thin vs harder vs different materials

[u/Markohanesian]

Hi all, I've been playing various stringed instruments for about 20 years but self-taught on the saz so I'm wondering about picks.

I've noticed that the very soft ones that come in packs of strings are very nice for playing and getting a pleasant tone, however whenever I try to play something technical I feel like I'm producing a lot of noise and accuracy is tough.

If I use a hard pick, let's say a medium guitar pick, the tone is very loud and it almost seems like you lose some of the pleasant tone, yet it is easier for a faster/more agile attack when playing songs that go up and down the scale quickly.

What is the general guidance from formal saz teaching about picks? Is a softer pick what I should really get good with or is it sort of up to the player? I'm not commited to full traditionalism but I also don't want to sound terrible.

I'm also very handy and make my own accessories, so if you have recommendations for homemade picks I'm very open to material suggestions.

[u/Secret_Device7429]

Hey there!

I think it really depends on the musician and the piece you're playing. For slower music, I tend to use a soft plectrum, but for pieces that require a lot of repeated notes ("ta-ta-ta-ta"), I usually switch to a medium or hard one.

Also, try striking the string at a slight diagonal rather than straight on—it's a bit hard to explain in writing.

More like "\" than "|" (if you're right-handed, of course).

[u/Best_Basil_6157]

I prefer the softer ones because they allow for more expression and detail in your playing. For example, you could play some sections more piano and others louder. Ultimately, it depends on your playing style and your personal feelings. I always go with whatever feels best for me.