I've learned that the pick I use is a major contributor to the tone I get.

I play bluegrass, rock, and jazz, both rhythm and lead.

I've tried every pick in the world, and finally have decided on Dunlop 1.14mm. The material is rather soft, which minimizes noise on the string prior to the attack. It's stiff enough that when I choke up on the point I can get as much stiffness as with a jazz pick, but enough flexibility when I hold it further back to get brush-like strumming action.

I also manipulate the angle of the pick to manipulate the tone. Flush with the string gives a brighter tone, 45 degrees to the string gives a warmer-darker tone.

Check it out.