A Study of The Edge's Guitar Delay (U2) -- Herdim Picks

The Edge's Delay Settings > Herdim Picks

Apparently The Edge plays with a Herdim guitar pick held sideways so that his pick's dimpled side (which is supposed to be held between the fingers to help stop the pick from slipping) hits the strings, creating a grating sound. What exactly does it sound like compared to the usual way of holding a pick, and how does it affect the waveform of the note played?

In other words, Edge's picks have bumps on them which rub against the strings to create his signature 'chime' sound.

Here I played a high 'E' first with a Herdim pick held sideways to create the 'grating' sound and then again with the pick held the usual way.

Here's the sample clip (it matches the waveform in Figure 1)

Figure 1: Waveform of the sample clip

(click for email)

Your Comments

You are correct! I happened upon this while experimenting. I thought at first that it was created by adding a bit of clipping, but soon realized that it was a thicker, fuller harmonic than what just clipping could provide. I also thought it might be a certain type of pickup, but he seemed to get the same effect, no matter if he used the Gibson or the Strat. I watched him playing "One" on Live 8 and he really brushes it forward each time he picks! I get the same effect with my Jim Dunlops.

-- JB, Aug 2, 2005

SRV used to turn the pick around as well. Scott Henderson also uses this trick. If you pick with the side of the pick and bend the pick a little with your thumb and index finger, you can play louder and harder. The pick gets harder this way. You'll get a more solid attack. IMHO

-- Roe, Sep 1, 2005

I have been using the Dunlop nylons with dimples for a long time to achieve this effect. But recently I got a hold of some of the Herdim picks and they are so much "Edge-ier". They have more grip to them and seem grab the string a lot better then the Dunlops. The Herdims seem to last longer too. Snarling Dogs also makes a similar pick.

-- Chris, Sep 19, 2005

Greate site. Thank you :)

-- James, Nov 1, 2005

Great job! I was trying to find The Edge's sound forever. I had all my effects dialed up (I have a Boss GT-6 Effects Processor) and I have a great old Fender Twin Reverb but I knew something was missing. I have played the kind of Nylon picks you guys are talking about but I really like the sound I get from Dunlop's Tortex Fins. They have that chime I was looking for. Here's a link: check them out, you won't regret it. http://www.jimdunlop.com/products/picks/products/tortex/index.ht ml

-- Jerome, Nov 3, 2005

I use Jim Dunlop USA "BIG Stubby 2.0 mm" picks and a 1980 Gibson Les Paul Standard. I use such a thick pick to really attack the strings. I turned it around trying the riff from "All I Want Is You" and was shocked at the difference! Much better! Thanks! Dave.

-- David Klein, Dec 22, 2005

to james with the gt6 and the tortex fins picks i have a gt5 and a vox ac 30 can u help me out with edge effects on streets and pride?

-- luke, Mar 4, 2006

anyone know how to do streets with a line 6 DL-4? i have the option of tossing in a boss dd-6 but i'd have to borrow it.

-- scott, Mar 21, 2006

I discovered quite by accident some years back that when I would use my pick to do a scrape down the fret board my pick would have all these little ridges on them so I started using that & in fact I began fabricating my picks ahead of time to have all these little grooves along the sides & back. Recently I began using dunlop .46 mm for a more delicate touch & I still put the grooves on the edge of those picks. Along with the nipples for grip it gives a great tone. Check it out. Good STUFF !

-- Jo Monroe, April 15, 2006

Great site! Thanks for all the great info!

-- Paul G. Laval, Aug 8, 2006

GREAT JOB MY BROTHER FANTASTIC INTEL, GOD BLESS

-- Javo, Dec 2, 2006

DL-4 settings: I use the dotted quarter note setting, then tap in quarter notes. Use an even mix and not too many repeats. Ad a bit of modulation. What really helps is the top-boost channel on the vox. Make it punchy with the slightest bit of grit. Use middle setting on pickups. Strum in 8th notes.

-- jon, Mar 15, 2007

hello, i'm from belgium, you can't buy the herdims here in Belgium, that's why i order them in the UK. they are essential for getting the edge's sound! when you use it on streets or bad or pride, everything with a lot of modulation, you get that sharp pitch noise. when you use it for the fly, the rougher stuff, it gives great crunch

-- lennert moens, June 1, 2007

i use a zoom g6 multi effects pedal, and just use a preloaded setting called "W Fender" and wack the delat too 360...does me fine throughout "where the streets".

-- Dan Harrison, Aug 19, 2007

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