Step #1 — Establish the basic tone that you want the picks to make by your choice of metal. Nickel-silver creates a bright tone. Brass creates a warm (less-bright) tone. Also, brass picks will reduce pick noise.

Step #2 — Vary the basic tone established by the metal with these three blade styles. Make your selection by using this theory: the more pointed the blade; the brighter the tone. The following chart shows blade to tone relationship.