How to Choose the Right Pick for You
- KC Fret Shop
- Dec 26, 2024
- 5 min read
A pick, or plectrum, is a small, often triangular object used to pluck the strings of a stringed instrument. While it may seem like a simple tool with not much to it, choosing the right pick can significantly impact your playing experience. Let’s dive into the world of picks and explore the factors to consider when choosing the perfect one for you.
Shape Matters
The shape of a pick can influence your playing style and tone. Here are some things to consider:
Smaller picks lend themselves better to more precise movements, and can be beneficial in fast or intricate playing. Better yet, a pick with a sharper tip will also help with speed, as well as definition of notes, sometimes referred to as “pick attack.” A popular example of a pick with these features is the Jazz III. Pictured below:
Picks that are larger and/or have a rounder edge are often preferred for strumming and rhythmic styles of playing. The shape also allows for a softer tone rather than a sharp pick attack. Dunlop’s Primetone semi round is a good example:
Check out some other pick shapes that are fairly common:
Thickness Makes a Difference
The thickness of a pick can also affect your sound and playing style:
Thin Picks: Usually between .40mm and .60mm. These picks are flexible and are known for their bright tone. They’re great for strumming and can help you cut through a band full of musicians when doing so. Many players find them to be too floppy though when needing to play with speed and dexterity.
Medium Picks: Usually between .60mm to .80mm. A good balance of flexibility and stiffness. They're versatile and suitable for most playing styles.
Thick Picks: Heavy is usually .80mm to 1.2mm, and extra heavy is anything beyond that. These picks are stiff and produce a louder, fuller tone. They're ideal for intricate picking and heavy-handed playing styles.
Instrument-Specific Picks
While the factors above apply to most fretted instruments, specific instruments may benefit from certain types of picks:
Guitar: Since the guitar is one of the most versatile instruments ever created, the picks generally used on them vary wildly. Players of all styles play with all styles of picks, and some have their favorites. Ironically, the Jazz III is a favorite among rock and metal players for its dexterity and ability to harbor shredding guitar solos. Most jazz players actually prefer larger and thicker picks such as a 2mm ultra wide, as it still allows for intricacy but with a softer, more rounded touch. Bluegrass acoustic guitar players sometimes also will choose these picks, but may also opt for a light pick with extra flexibility for a brighter, more percussive sound. Many acoustic guitarists who play various styles use finger and thumb picks, which attach to each finger instead of being held between two fingers. Many acoustic guitarists don’t even use picks, and instead just pluck with their fingers. Classical guitarists especially do this, and they usually grow out their fingernails to help with volume and definition.
Mandolin: Mandolin players can also choose wide varieties of picks, but usually they will opt for thicker picks. This helps with power and volume. There are many mandolin players who play with a small, very round, but thick pick. However, Chris Thile (one of the most famous mandolin players) has a signature pick that is very large, even larger than what most guitar players would be comfortable with.
Banjo: Banjo picks stand out, as they are most commonly finger and thumb picks made of metal instead of the usual pick materials (which will be covered more below), as they provide the brightness and clarity needed for bluegrass and old-time music.
Ukulele: Picks used on the ukulele are also a bit unusual, as they are typically similar in size and shape to guitar picks, but they are often made of felt. This allows for a very sweet and delicate sound that goes nicely with the natural tone of the instrument.
Materials Change the Sound
The materials used in pick making include all kinds of elements, varying in hardness or softness. The first modern widespread pick was made from tortoise shell in the late 1800s. They were extremely popular for their durability and tone. Since then, however, production of picks from these shells has been banned due to the tortoise becoming an endangered species. Today, most picks are crafted with some form of plastic, such as celluloid or delrin. Nylon picks are also popular. In addition, folks have made picks of some more experimental materials such as glass, bone, stone, wood, or leather.
Experimental/Outside of the box picks
There are companies out there who set out to break the status quo and try to make picks with very unique designs. It can be interesting and rewarding to experiment with these unorthodox picks, as choosing a pick is never a one-size fits all task, and many people find that something unique fits their playing style the best. Let's look at some of the more uncommon pick designs:
BlueChip
BlueChip is on the cutting edge of pick design when it comes to their proprietary materials used. They make picks with a self lubricating plastic that practically lasts forever! Guitarists have reported using the same one BlueChip pick for several years with little to no wear, claiming that the only change is that they adapt into your playing style, only getting better and more satisfying over time. They are famous for their incredibly warm and smooth tone. Sounds too good to be true! Here’s the catch, though, they can be up to about 50 times more expensive than some more common guitar picks, ranging from $30-$75 per pick.
Gravity Picks
Gravity Picks are made from acrylic, giving their signature see through look, and tout some unique designs, but make bold choices with pick thickness, some being as big as 6mm, almost 6x bigger than the smallest possible “extra heavy” pick.
Iron Age
Iron Age is a company of note, who are in the business of luxury guitar accessories and upgrades, but have a very developed and highly stylized line of picks.
Rombo
Rombo picks have become popular for their experimental pick design, using unconventional shapes, sizes, and even textures in their variety of products.
Experiment and Find Your Perfect Pick
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right pick is to experiment with different shapes and thicknesses. Try out various picks and see which ones you prefer. Consider factors like your playing style, the type of music you play, and the sound you want to achieve.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to guitar picks. So, don't be afraid to try new things and find the perfect pick for your unique playing style.
Have any additional questions? Please reach out and let us know: info@kcfretshop.com
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