Picking the Perfect Pick

There are millions of different types of guitar picks. They vary in size, shape, thickness, color and chances are you have lost them as frequently as you’ve lost socks in the dryer. Below are a few guidelines to help you pick…er…choose your ideal guitar pic:

SIZE:

The thickness of the guitar pick will ultimately decide whether or not the guitar pick is right for you. In simple terms: thin picks provide less resistance and are ideal for strumming; thick picks provide more resistance and are ideal for picking individual note with precision.

SHAPE:

Pick shape can affect the sound the guitar makes as well as how it feels in your hand. The tip of the pick is what actually comes in contact with the strings so whether or not a pick has a rounded or pointed tip makes a difference. The more pointed tip creates a brighter and more high pitched sound. Consequently, the more rounded the pick tip creates a warmer, darker sound. I found some super awesome, in-depth info graphics describing the different pick types at Rombo Picks. (they also happen to be the picks pictured to the right) Check em out!

Which guitar pick is best for beginners?

.40mm-.60mm (thin) picks are ideal for beginner guitar players. Speaking from 8 years of guitar teaching experience, beginners are typically pretty heavy-handed when first playing their instrument. When you’re first learning how to strum your first chords on your guitar a thin pick will make that process a lot easier. A heavier, thick pick will provide some unwanted resistance that will make strumming more difficult or (as I’ve regrettably witnessed) break the student’s strings.

What are guitar picks made of?

 The most common materials used for guitar picks are typically some sort of plastic be it nylon or celluloid. However, some manufacturers make their picks our of wood or in some cases even solid metal.

Does the material of the pick make a difference?

In a beginner’s hands? Most likely not. However, for beginners, I always suggest nylon guitar picks over celluoid picks. For two reasons:

• Nylon picks are typically more flexible than Celluoid picks
• Nylon picks are durable than Celluoid picks

I have yet to see a player break a nylon pick (I’ve seen celluoid picks shatter dozens of times) The worst that seems to happen to nylon picks is the tip wearing down to a duller edge. Considering most students are playing simple melodies or strumming chords- a dull tipped pick is actually ideal. A broken pick is not.

There’s a reason there’s a plethora of picks to choose from, everybody’s different. Queen’s Brian May uses a sixpence coin when rocks out on stage (not suggested for beginners) some use broken credit cards (not suggested to any player) and some even use a skateboard (not suggested but awesome nonetheless) The best way to figure out what pick works best for you is to take the time to experiment with different types. The more you play the more your tastes and preferences will likely change. Maybe try something new today or at the very least check your dryer after doing laundry. If you play guitar there’s a good chance there are a few picks to choose some from there.