What type of guitar pick (plectrum) is best for me?

They come in all shapes,sizes,thickness,materials and colors...You can collect them for show and tell,you can wear them as a necklace(I have seen many of these on Ebay).You can have your name printed on them to impress your friends and fans.Many,many,different options.But when it comes right down to it,which one works best for you? Like most guitarists,I have a large collection of picks that I have collected through the years.(a guitar player can never have too many)Most are kept in a big wooden salad bowl where I practice,waiting for their chance to be picked up.Some,find their way to the laundry room in an attempt to escape by means of my jeans pocket.One of the least expensive products you can purchase at your local music store without feeling guilty about the cost! For me,I prefer the standard triangular "medium" thickness pick.I usually turn the pick around and play with the rounded side as opposed to the pointed tip.The seasoned guitar picker usually knows exactly what type pick he wants,but if your a beginner,I recommend experimenting with several different thicknesses till you find what works best for you.Get yourself a salad bowl....

Regards,                             
Stringz6

The pro's and con's of performing at open mic venues...A brief explanation

If you've ever been to a coffee shop,chances are you've heard the term "open mic" before.An "open mic" is exactly what the term implies.An open event at your local coffee shop(which usually sells,wine,snacks,coffee etc) where singers,songwriters,poets,comedians,rappers etc sign their name to a list and have the opportunity to showcase their talent.These are NOT paid gigs however, opportunities can arise from performing at them. Open mic venues are great for exposing new talent,collaborating with other performers,building up a following and gaining stage experience.That's the good news,now the bad...Most of these venues will be held on a weeknight, not a weekend in order to attract customers on a slow night and usually at 8 p.m. or later.If you work full time like myself and have to get up early,this could present a problem.Some of the performers are not considerate of others and think they are giving a concert instead of performing the usual allotted 3 songs,3 poems etc...Also,depending on who the host of the open mic is,you may find late walk ins bumped on to the list ahead of you,which can be frustrating.

*Some extra food for thought...  I have seen many performers with very large ego's stay outside until it's their time to go onstage and then leave the room as soon as their finished without any regard or consideration for other performers.(Elvis has left the building!)I always make it a point to listen and watch the other performers and give them my full support and appreciate it immensely when I'm given the same consideration...

regards,
stringz6