The D’Andrea 451 guitar pick shape and similar-sized square shoulder picks:
A smallish Plectrum that is reminiscent of the popular standard:
The D’Andrea 451 Guitar Pick Shape is a smallish pick, not the size of the larger and more common #351. This is roughly the size of your index finger’s pad if you are an adult male. For more on dimensions, in each pick review I will go into greater detail. It is 22.3mm x 26.0mm or 7/8″ x 1 and 3/128″
What works for you?:
If you find that the 351 feels too large and/or ungainly, at least some of the time, the smaller 451s and similar picks might give you greater finger movement control on your right hand.
Essentially just a smaller 351 type, sometimes with less of a sharpness to the tip, they lend well to plucking, alternate picking, and pinch harmonics. They are a little blunter so strumming will work, but shredding might not work as well as some finer-tipped plectrums. In reference to the tip: A Jazz III is more pointy which is a primary difference between the two.
The D’Andrea 451 Guitar Pick shape and the tricks of the trade…
Some of the fancier tricks one can do, such as pick tapping (where one hammers the pick edge behind various frets alternately with picking notes with one’s fingers for rapid sounds) are more easily achieved with these more precise picks because they are less in the way of your other fingers on the right hand (sorry southpaws, left hands for you guys).
You might like these for another guitar trick: Pinch Harmonics. If it feels right when doing that trick, stock up on this size and shape.
Availability though?:
They come in celluloid and are a strong plucker’s candidate. You won’t find this shape in a lot of different materials. For one, other shapes are more popular and for another, those shapes lend to finer control with various materials like Acrylics.
You might find the slightly more bendable ones as compared to Jazz IIIs to suit you, that is one place where they really shine.
Also, you might like to use the shoulders as a virtual second pick. Even the rear edge of the shoulder can be used in a flappy manner, give it a try!
Not so much to say here but that these are a bit of a niche pick for people that try smaller picks. These might be great on a mandolin for instance.
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