Pat Metheny
Quick Facts
Signature Pick
Ernie Ball Heavy
Pat Metheny uses custom extra-heavy gauge picks, typically around 2.0mm or thicker. These extremely thick picks give him the warmth and control essential for his signature legato lines and rich chord voicings.
Why This Pick?
Metheny's preference for extra-heavy picks (2.0mm+) is common among jazz guitarists who prioritize tone and volume over flexibility. A stiff, thick pick transmits more energy directly to the string, producing the warm, round tone that defines Metheny's sound. It helps bring out the natural resonance of his hollow-body guitars and minimizes pick noise — the unwanted 'click' that thinner picks create on contact. For a player known for his crystalline tone, every fraction of a millimeter matters.
About Pat Metheny
Pat Metheny is one of the most influential jazz guitarists of the modern era, with 20 Grammy Awards spanning multiple categories. His Pat Metheny Group pioneered a distinctive sound that blends jazz improvisation with world music, rock, and electronic elements.
His warm, singing tone—achieved partly through his thick picks and Gibson ES-175—has become one of the most recognizable sounds in jazz guitar. Albums like "Bright Size Life," "Offramp," and "Still Life (Talking)" showcase his innovative approach.
The extra-heavy picks Metheny uses eliminate flex entirely, giving him maximum control over dynamics and articulation. This allows for the fluid, horn-like phrasing that characterizes his playing.