Guitar picks, also known as plectrums, are used to pluck the strings of a guitar. They come in a vast array of sizes, shapes, materials, and thicknesses, each offering a different feel and sound when used. While some guitarists prefer to use their fingers to play the guitar, using a pick can provide a different texture, volume, and attack to the notes. For beginners, a pick can be especially helpful as it allows for more consistent string-plucking, which is essential for developing good rhythm and technique.The pick makes contact with the strings, and depending on its properties, it can either glide smoothly or grip the strings more firmly. This interaction affects the tone of the guitar, with some picks producing a bright, sharp sound, while others yield a warmer, more mellow tone. Additionally, the thickness and shape of the pick can impact how comfortable it is to hold and how easily you can control your playing. Understanding these aspects is the first step in finding the best guitar pick for your needs.
Materials of Guitar Picks
The material of a guitar pick is a fundamental factor that affects its sound and feel.
Plastic Picks
Nylon Picks: Nylon picks are a popular choice for beginners. They are relatively soft, which makes them gentle on the strings. This softness also results in a warm, smooth tone. Nylon picks are often used in genres like folk and classical guitar playing, where a more mellow sound is desired. For example, when playing a delicate folk melody, the warm tone produced by a nylon pick can enhance the song’s emotional depth.
Celluloid Picks: Celluloid is a common material for guitar picks. It offers a good balance between flexibility and durability. Celluloid picks can produce a bright, clear sound, making them suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from pop to rock. Their smooth surface allows for easy string-gliding, which is beneficial for fast-paced playing. For instance, in a pop-rock song with quick strumming patterns, a celluloid pick can help you achieve a crisp, energetic sound.
Metal Picks
Steel Picks: Steel picks are known for their hardness and durability. They produce a very bright, sharp tone with a lot of attack. This makes them ideal for genres like heavy metal, where a powerful, cutting sound is required. When playing aggressive metal riffs, the sharp attack of a steel pick can cut through the mix and add an extra edge to the sound. However, their hardness can also make them a bit more difficult to control for beginners, as they require a firmer grip.
Brass Picks: Brass picks offer a tone that is slightly warmer than steel picks but still retains a good amount of brightness. They are also quite durable. Brass picks can be a good choice for blues and rock players who want a bit more warmth in their sound while still maintaining a sharp attack. For example, in a blues solo, a brass pick can add a touch of warmth to the otherwise bright sound of the guitar.
Natural Material Picks
Tortoise Shell Picks: Traditional tortoise shell picks were made from the shells of actual tortoises, but due to ethical and conservation reasons, synthetic versions are now more commonly used. These picks offer a unique combination of flexibility and tone. They produce a rich, warm sound with a smooth attack. The synthetic tortoise shell picks are often favored by jazz guitarists for their ability to produce a sophisticated, mellow tone.
Bone Picks: Bone picks are another option. They have a natural, warm tone and a smooth feel. Bone picks can be a great choice for acoustic guitar players who prefer a more organic sound. When playing an acoustic ballad, a bone pick can enhance the natural resonance of the guitar, giving the music a more earthy, authentic feel.
Thickness of Guitar Picks
The thickness of a guitar pick plays a crucial role in how it feels to play and the sound it produces.
Thin Picks (0.46-0.60 mm)
Ease of Strumming: Thin picks are very flexible, which makes them great for strumming chords. They glide easily across the strings, allowing for quick and fluid strumming patterns. For beginners who are just learning basic strumming techniques, thin picks can be a good starting point as they require less pressure to use. In a simple pop song with easy-going strumming, a thin pick can help you achieve a light, airy sound.
Suitable Genres: Thin picks are commonly used in genres like folk, pop, and light rock. Their flexibility allows for a softer attack on the strings, which is ideal for creating a gentle, harmonious sound. For example, in a folk-style strumming pattern, a thin pick can produce a delicate, pleasant sound that complements the acoustic nature of the guitar.
Medium Picks (0.60-0.80 mm)
Versatility: Medium-thickness picks offer a good balance between flexibility and rigidity. They can be used for both strumming and picking individual notes. They provide more control than thin picks when playing single-note lines, while still being flexible enough for strumming. This makes them a very versatile choice for beginners. In a song that requires both chord strumming and simple lead guitar parts, a medium pick can handle both tasks effectively.
Wider Range of Genres: Medium picks are suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from rock to country. They can produce a sound that is neither too soft nor too sharp, making them adaptable to different musical styles. For instance, in a country song with a mix of strumming and finger-picking elements, a medium pick can be used to achieve a balanced sound.
Thick Picks (0.80 mm and above)
Picking Precision: Thick picks are very rigid, which makes them perfect for picking individual notes with precision. They offer more control when playing complex lead guitar lines or intricate finger-picking patterns. For beginners who are interested in learning lead guitar techniques, thick picks can help them develop better accuracy. In a fast-paced rock solo, a thick pick can ensure that each note is clean and distinct.
Genres Requiring a Strong Attack: Thick picks are commonly used in genres like heavy metal and hard rock, where a powerful, aggressive sound is needed. The rigidity of the pick allows for a strong attack on the strings, producing a sharp, cutting tone. When playing heavy-handed metal riffs, a thick pick can deliver the intensity required.
Shape of Guitar Picks
The shape of a guitar pick can also impact your playing experience.
Standard Teardrop Shape
Versatility: The standard teardrop-shaped pick is one of the most common shapes. It has a rounded end and a pointed tip. This shape is very versatile as the rounded end can be used for strumming, while the pointed tip is useful for picking individual notes. It offers a good balance between surface area for strumming and precision for picking. For beginners, this shape is easy to hold and use, as it fits comfortably in the hand. In a basic guitar chord-strumming exercise, the rounded end of a teardrop-shaped pick can cover multiple strings easily, while the pointed tip can be used for simple single-note melodies.
Suitable for All Genres: Due to its versatility, the teardrop-shaped pick is suitable for all musical genres. Whether you’re playing folk, rock, or jazz, this pick shape can meet your needs. In a jazz guitar piece, the teardrop pick can be used to strum chords in a rhythm section and then quickly switch to picking individual notes for a solo.
Triangle Shape
Enhanced Grip: Triangle-shaped picks have three sides, which can provide a better grip for some players. The multiple edges of the triangle can be used for different playing techniques. One edge might be used for strumming, while another can be used for picking. This shape can be especially beneficial for beginners who have trouble holding onto a pick. The added grip can give them more confidence in their playing. In a fast-paced strumming pattern, the better grip of a triangle-shaped pick can prevent it from slipping out of your hand.
Unique Sound Characteristics: The different edges of a triangle-shaped pick can produce slightly different sounds. Depending on which edge you use, you can achieve a brighter or warmer tone. This can add an extra layer of variety to your playing. For example, using one edge for a bright, sharp strum and another for a more mellow, rounded sound.
Thumb Picks
Thumb-Specific Playing: Thumb picks are designed to be worn on the thumb. They are especially useful for finger- style guitar playing, where the thumb is used to play the bass notes. Thumb picks can provide a more consistent attack on the strings compared to using just the thumb alone. For beginners learning finger-style techniques, a thumb pick can help them develop a more defined bass line. In a finger-style blues song, the thumb pick can be used to play the steady bass notes, while the other fingers pick the melody and chords.
Comfort and Control: Wearing a thumb pick can also be more comfortable for some players, especially when playing for extended periods. It can reduce fatigue in the thumb, allowing for longer practice sessions. The shape of the thumb pick is designed to fit the curvature of the thumb, providing better control over the picking motion.
Tips for Trying Out Guitar Picks
Before settling on a particular guitar pick, it’s important to try them out.
Borrow from Fellow Guitarists
Experience Different Picks: One of the easiest ways to try out different guitar picks is to borrow them from fellow guitarists. They may have a collection of picks that you can test-drive. This allows you to get a feel for different materials, thicknesses, and shapes without having to buy them. You can ask a more experienced guitarist to recommend a few picks to try and then borrow them for a short period to see how they feel in your hand and how they sound on your guitar.
Learn from Their Experience: While borrowing picks, you can also ask the owner for their insights. They can tell you about the pros and cons of each pick, based on their own playing experience. This can be very valuable information for a beginner, as it can help you make a more informed decision.
Visit a Music Store
Hands-on Testing: Most music stores have a selection of guitar picks that you can handle and test. You can go to a music store and spend some time trying out different picks on one of their display guitars. This hands-on experience is essential for getting a feel for how a pick will perform. You can strum some chords and pick some single notes with different picks to see which ones feel the most comfortable and produce the best sound.
Seek Expert Advice: Music store staff are often knowledgeable about guitar picks and can offer advice. They can recommend picks based on your skill level, the type of music you want to play, and your guitar type. They can also answer any questions you may have about the different picks available.
Conclusion
Choosing the best guitar pick for beginners is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on various factors such as the material, thickness, shape of the pick, your musical preferences, and your budget. By understanding these factors and trying out different picks, you can find the pick that feels comfortable in your hand, produces the tone you desire, and helps you progress in your guitar-playing journey. Whether you’re aiming to strum catchy chords in a pop song, pick intricate melodies in a classical piece, or shred through heavy riffs in a metal anthem, the right guitar pick can be your trusted companion in creating beautiful music.
