Disclosure: I’m an Ernie Ball artist, so I get Ernie Ball gear at a discount. I bought these. Nobody paid for this post.
My take: the 1.5 mm Ernie Ball Prodigy is my go-to for hardcore. It’s precise, it holds its point, and it’s the pick I use on bass too.
I’ve played Jazz III-style picks for years, and before that, plain triangle picks. Over time I moved up in thickness: 1 mm, then 1.5 mm, and I’ve tried 2 mm. I’ve tried pretty much every pick out there.
Why the Prodigy works for me
- Precision. You can choke up on it and pick exactly where you want, the way I’m used to with a Jazz III.
- Chugs. For tight, chugging hardcore rhythm parts, this is the one. For metal I still reach for something else.
- It lasts. The tip doesn’t wear down fast.
- One pick, both instruments. I use the same pick on guitar and bass, and there’s a larger shape for bass.
Good to know
They feel a little chalky out of the pack. After some playing, the oil from your fingers darkens them a bit, which is normal. After that they feel smooth. My pack is 1.5 mm in two shapes, and it should last me a long time as long as I don’t lose them.
My advice
Get a variety pack and find the shape that fits your hand.
Get them: Ernie Ball Prodigy picks (paid link) · Ernie Ball Prodigy picks, alt pack (paid link)
More reviews: see every video review on my Amazon storefront: my Amazon storefront (paid link)