by Alex Rodea June 13, 2024
The Jim Dunlop Jazz III guitar pick is a true titan in the world of guitar accessories. Its popularity and iconic status can be attributed to its revolutionary design and unmatched performance. Featuring a sharp, pointed tip and a compact, almost triangular shape, the Jazz III grants guitarists unparalleled control, speed, and precision. It effortlessly glides across the strings, making it a favorite among shredders and virtuosos.
The Jazz III's influence extends beyond its exceptional playability – it has garnered endorsements from renowned artists such as John Petrucci and Kirk Hammett, solidifying its iconic status as a symbol of excellence. With its ability to unlock new levels of technique and unleash blistering solos, the Dunlop Jazz III remains a staple in every guitarist's arsenal, forever leaving its mark on the world of music.
In this article we will dig a little deeper into how the JD Jazz3 came to be!
Related: The Ultimate Guitar Picks Guide
The Dunlop Jazz III pick was developed by Jim Dunlop, founder of Dunlop Manufacturing, in the early to mid-1980s. Jim Dunlop, always attentive to the evolving needs of guitarists, sought to create a pick that offered unmatched control, speed, and precision. Responding to feedback from professional musicians and his own observations of the market, Dunlop designed the Jazz III with a compact, pointed tip and a comfortable grip, making it ideal for intricate and fast playing styles
Unlike some myths, the Jazz III was not created in direct collaboration with John Petrucci or any single artist at its inception. The pick was instead the result of Jim Dunlop’s experimentation with shapes and materials, ultimately settling on a small, triangular design made of durable and grippy nylon. This design quickly set the Jazz III apart from other picks on the market.
The Jazz III’s unique features—its sharp tip, compact form, and tactile grip—quickly caught the attention of guitarists seeking more precision and articulation. As word spread, it became a favorite among technical players and session musicians, valued for its ability to facilitate fast, accurate picking.
As demand grew, Dunlop expanded the Jazz III line to include new materials like Tortex and Ultex, as well as textured options such as Max Grip. Larger sizes (XL, XL Stiffo) and signature models, including those developed in collaboration with artists like John Petrucci, were introduced to meet the diverse preferences of players.
The Jazz III has since been endorsed by a host of influential guitarists, including John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Kirk Hammett, and Andy James. Their praise and use of the pick have helped cement its status as a staple accessory in the guitar world, renowned for its impact on playability and tone.
Dunlop has continued to innovate and introduce new versions of the Jazz III pick to meet evolving player demands. They have released specialized editions, such as the Jazz III XL Primetone and the John Petrucci Signature Jazz III, which incorporate specific materials, bevels, and grip enhancements to further refine the pick's performance.
The Dunlop Jazz III guitar pick has left a lasting impact on guitar playing techniques and tonal characteristics. Its precise and focused attack, combined with the ability to dig into the strings effortlessly, has made it a go-to pick for shredders, rockers, and players seeking speed and accuracy. It has become synonymous with technical proficiency and has influenced guitarists across various genres and skill levels.
In conclusion, the Dunlop Jazz III guitar pick has a rich history that began with a specific request from John Petrucci for a smaller, sturdier pick. Its design and unique characteristics have made it a favorite among guitarists worldwide, leading to various iterations, endorsements, and its status as a cultural icon in the guitar community.
The iconic Jim Dunlop Jazz III pick has served as a wellspring of inspiration for numerous new pick designs. Its innovative shape and exceptional performance have sparked a wave of creativity among guitar accessory manufacturers.
From variations in materials, thicknesses, and textures to unique bevels and grips, the influence of the Jazz III can be seen in the diversification of pick options available today.
Guitarists now have an array of choices to suit their individual playing styles and preferences, all thanks to the groundbreaking design of the Dunlop Jazz III. This influential pick continues to ignite the imaginations of designers, pushing the boundaries of pick technology and enriching the guitar-playing experience for players of all levels.
The influence of the JD J3 continues on today which has garnered many requests from our own fans to produce a small, yet capable & precise plectrum. And while we aren’t able to produce all that many at a time, the few that are handcrafted by us carry on a piece of that lineage. Here’s a few of our handmade jazz picks to explore, tap the image to learn more:
These picks are made from faux ivory & have a very solid feel to them with a matte finish for grip & punchy tone. While they aren’t as small as the original J3 picks, they’re inspired by the shape while bringing something new to the table.
This pick takes everything you love about the jazz3 & takes it up a notch. These ultem picks share similar dimensions & a unique look that’s backed up by performance enhancements. They feature a coarse grit face & grip holes, 3mm thickness for a comfortable hold. Check these out if you’re looking to shred.
Takes the jazz style pick in a different direction are these pearl acrylic Xiphos picks. They’re elegantly polished & refined for a smooth playing experience. Make no mistake though, this pick can also dish out some thick chugs & screaming for vengeance.
This is the truest to size & shape of the original JazzIII. It’s a subtle looking pick with an unsuspecting amount of durability. This pick is made from a bearing-grade engineering plastic that stays put in your hand while slicing through notes with speed & ease.
Related: See The Top 10 Best Iron Age Guitar Picks
by Alex Rodea March 20, 2025
Engraved guitar picks add both style and function, offering extra grip and a personal touch with custom initials, logos, or messages. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or a pick that stands out, check out our top choices and grab your first engraving for free with code...
by Alex Rodea March 19, 2025
by Alex Rodea March 06, 2025
by Alex Rodea March 06, 2025
by Alex Rodea March 05, 2025
by Alex Rodea March 05, 2025
For the latest news & announcements, check out our News & Updates Blog
For tips, tricks, & other informative articles, check out our General Guitar Blog
Become a newsletter subscriber to get the latest info on new blog articles, receive exclusive promo codes, and be notified of upcoming giveaways!
Iron Age is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Iron Age Guitar Accessories
226 Douglas Way St
San Antonio, TX 78210
USA
⚔️
“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”
~William A. Foster (MOH Recipient, 1945)
Sign up for the Iron Age newsletter to Save 15% on your 1st order, plus get exclusive offers, product updates, and early access to giveaways!
© 2025 Iron Age Guitar Accessories.
Est 2015.
Alex Rodea
Author
Founder of Iron Age, my guitar journey began in 2006, fueling a passion for crafting premium guitar accessories that embody timeless style & innovative expression. Through my Stay Tuned Guitar site I also share tips & info for new guitarists, offering everything from beginner tutorials to DIY tips & general music knowledge.