How to Choose Guitar Picks

A pick might be small, but it can have a huge impact on your tone and playing comfort. This is why it’s important to take the time to choose the right one for you. So, let’s get started with a crash course on how to choose your perfect pick.

First of all, there are lots of different types of picks, made from a wide range of materials. Some are even made from recycled vinyl records! There’s also a lot of different shapes to choose from.

Traditionally, guitar picks were made from tortoiseshell, the shell of the Hawksbill sea turtle. This material was incredibly durable and produced an exceptionally warm sound. However, tortoiseshell is endangered, and the trade of it was banned in 1973 under CITES regulations. This led to a need for a replacement material, and the first one that caught on was celluloid. Celluloid was originally made from cellulose, an abundant and inexpensive natural material that was converted to the pick’s shape by heat and pressure. The first celluloid-based pick was invented by Tony D’Andrea in the 1920s, and it quickly became the standard for both acoustic and electric guitarists.

Another popular type of plastic is Acrylic, which is also a very tough and versatile material. It is available in a wide variety of colors and is often used to create patterns. It is also very easy to work with, and some makers use it to create special grips for better handling. However, one drawback of acrylic is that it can be slippery when wet, leading to dropped picks. Some manufacturers have solved this issue by coating the picks in a special material to reduce their slipperiness.

One of the most important factors when choosing a pick is its thickness, known as the gauge. Thinner picks are usually described as light and thicker ones as heavy, but the definition can vary slightly between makers.

The tip of the pick is also an important factor to consider. A sharp tip will produce a much more aggressive and biting sound, which is good for some styles of music but not for others. A more rounded tip will produce a more mellow sound, which is better suited to strumming chords and rhythm playing.

Some picks are even made from bone, wood or metal! These are all fairly uncommon but have been used by some famous players. Ultimately, though, the most important thing is to find the pick that feels best in your hand and suits your style. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always keep in mind the goals of your music and the sound that you want to achieve. So go out and try some new picks, play with them for a while, and then decide if you want to stick with your old favorite or make a change!