02/26/2026
Interview: Legends Arising Zine
Mechanical Precision: Gene Olivarri guitarist of Dirigiri on Pick Engineering & Performance
February 25, 2026
In extreme metal, the margin for error is microscopic. At high tempos and dense arrangements, clarity depends not only on amplification, but on the physical mechanics of ex*****on. For Gene Olivarri of Dirigiri, the guitar pick is not a disposable accessory—it is a calibrated performance tool.
While his broader rig remains intentionally direct and uncompromising, Olivarri’s analysis of pick selection reveals a methodical approach rooted in biomechanics, articulation science, and endurance management.
Legends Arising Zine: Gene, many players treat picks as interchangeable. You clearly don’t. Why?
Gene Olivarri: Because they aren’t interchangeable. The pick is the first point of energy transfer between the player and the instrument. Everything—attack, articulation, timing response—originates at that contact point.
In technical death metal, especially at higher BPM ranges, the pick’s flexibility, edge definition, surface texture, and resistance profile all directly affect performance consistency. If those variables aren’t controlled, the entire signal chain amplifies inconsistencies.
Legends Arising: You use the GripX .73mm from InTune. Why that exact specification?
Gene Olivarri: I’m endorsed by InTune GP, and I use their GripX series in .73mm exclusively.
The .73mm gauge provides a controlled flex profile. That flexibility acts almost like micro-suspension—it absorbs part of the string resistance during high-speed alternate picking. This reduces cumulative strain on the wrist and forearm over long passages.
At the same time, it maintains enough rigidity to preserve percussive definition during palm-muted sections. In death metal, those muted rhythms need to sound tight and surgical, not soft or undefined.
The balance between elasticity and firmness is critical.
Legends Arising: Can you explain how gauge affects biomechanics during fast passages?
Gene Olivarri: With thicker picks—1.0mm or higher—you’re dealing with a more rigid impact surface. That rigidity increases resistance during tremolo picking. Over time, that resistance forces the muscles in the wrist and forearm to compensate.
That compensation creates tension. Tension reduces fluidity and can slightly alter stroke symmetry. At extreme tempos, even minor asymmetry affects note spacing and timing.
The .73mm mitigates that issue. The slight flex reduces impact shock and allows smoother rebound off the string. The result is more consistent stroke depth and better endurance.
It’s about efficiency, not just aggression.
Legends Arising: How does pick material and surface texture factor into this?
Gene Olivarri: Surface texture plays a major role in tension management. The GripX finish provides traction without requiring excessive grip force. If a player has to squeeze harder to stabilize the pick, muscular tension increases throughout the hand and forearm.
Excess grip pressure leads to micro-stiffness in the picking motion. That stiffness translates to less dynamic control and reduced speed over time.
The GripX surface allows me to maintain a relaxed but secure hold. Relaxation is critical for sustaining precision across long rehearsals and live sets.
Legends Arising: Let’s discuss articulation and transient responses in more technical terms.
Gene Olivarri: The transient—the initial attack portion of the note—is where clarity is defined. In dense, high-gain death metal, sustain is abundant. What separates notes is the front edge.
Pick edge geometry affects that transient. A sharp, well-defined tip creates a clean, immediate energy transfer. As the edge wears and becomes rounded, the transient softens and slightly delays, even if only by milliseconds.
At high tempos, those milliseconds accumulate perceptually. That’s why I rotate picks regularly. Once the edge integrity changes, articulation changes.
Legends Arising: Do you measure performance differences between new and worn picks?
Gene Olivarri: Not with instruments, but through feel and response. A worn edge increases drag slightly. That drag changes stroke timing and can subtly reduce attack clarity in palm-muted passages.
For studio tracking, especially on rhythm sections that require tight synchronization, I prefer a fresh or minimally worn edge. It ensures maximum transient precision.
Legends Arising: How does pick angle interact with your chosen gauge?
Gene Olivarri: I use a slight angle relative to the string plane. That reduces contact surface area and lowers friction. Combined with the moderate flexibility of the .73mm, this creates efficient string release and consistent rebound.
Too flat of an angle increases drag. Too steep reduces control. The pick must complement the motion, not resist it.
The .73mm gauge responds predictably within that angle range. A thicker pick behaves differently under the same orientation.
Legends Arising: Does the pick influence harmonic response?
Gene Olivarri: Yes. Artificial harmonics and pinch harmonics rely on precise contact timing between pick edge and thumb. Gauge and stiffness affect how quickly the string releases after impact.
A slightly flexible pick like .73mm gives a controlled release that makes harmonic articulation more consistent without sounding brittle.
Legends Arising: In your broader system—guitar, amp, cabinet—where does the pick rank in importance?
Gene Olivarri: It’s foundational. My amplifier amplifies what my hands produce. If the attack is inconsistent or weak, no amp setting corrects that.
The pick determines:
Transient clarity
Stroke resistance
Endurance capacity
Rhythmic precision
Harmonic response
In highly technical death metal, those factors define professionalism.
Legends Arising: Final thoughts for serious players evaluating their own pick choice?
Gene Olivarri: Approach it analytically. Don’t choose based on genre trends. Evaluate:
Resistance under speed
Edge retention
Grip stability
Fatigue over long sessions
Transient clarity at high gain
Small mechanical refinements compound over time. For me, the InTune GripX .73mm is not an accessory—it’s an engineered extension of my technique.
Dirigiri
Gene Olivarri
Dirigiri official management:
Kaspearia Promotional Management
