On most occasions, Duane was seen using either plain white or celluloid picks (zoom in on the photo below). Although it’s hard to tell from the photos, these seem to be standard 351-shape picks.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis is also confirmed by an AllmanBrotherBand.com forum user by the name of “Goliath”, who mentioned that he has seen an actual Duane guitar pick and that it was a Fender Heavy.
When Jai [ i.e. Jaimoe ] lived with me he gave me a pick that he says was Duane’s. I have no reason to doubt him. It is a Fender Heavy.
Historical Members of the Allman Brothers Band > Duane Allman > Duane’s String gauges???
These still sell today, and you can grab a pack on Amazon here – Fender 351 Shape Classic Picks.
It is however also possible that Duane didn’t have a strict preference when it came to guitar picks. He likely used a few different kinds throughout his career – which goes along what Anathalee G. Sandlin, Johnny Sandlin’s wife, said over at AllmanBrotherBand.com forums.
Johnny has no idea what size pick he used….as for me…I didn’t know they came in sizes so I’m not much help! Duane had several guitars and I’m certain there were variables with his strings, etc. over the years..although I don’t know that for a fact…. this is what Johnny knows about from the early days.
Historical Members of the Allman Brothers Band > Duane Allman > Duane’s String gauges???
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I have a green pick, a Fender 351, with Duane’s name imprinted on it.
Got it from a guy in Huntsville AL who said he got it from Duane.
Is it legit?
Duane Allman’s style he hardly ever used a pic!!!!
absolutely. never while playing slide with open e tuning and rarely with normal tuning/no slide.
Duane used a pick when playing unless he was playing slide.