You put your picks through some pretty tough conditions when strumming hard or chugging riffs, and the repetitive contact of any material on steel strings eventually wears through, no matter how tough it claims to be. We’ve yet to come across a guitar pick that hasn’t worn out eventually. The material certainly affects the way the pick feels in your hand, and has a small impact on the sound, but we wouldn’t fret too much about the tonal impact of the material itself. You can also get steel picks but the majority nowadays are made from synthetics like celluloid, acrylic, Delrin, Ultex, or nylon. ![]() Picks have been made from all sorts of materials in the past, including bone, steel, tortoiseshell, wood, and abalone shell. (Image credit: Future) What are guitar picks made from? Whether this is a thicker or thinner pick is all in your personal playing style. Ideally, you’ll want your picking hand to be as relaxed as possible, giving you a better picking technique and preventing you from tiring out too soon. Your perfect match will be something that doesn’t make your picking hand work too hard, forcing you to grip your pick tighter. Tonally they offer a fuller, warmer tone thanks to the density of the material, and often come with beveled edges to minimize pick-to-string contact. This stiffness can make them feel cumbersome when strumming chords, as you’ll really feel each of your guitar strings when you strum. Thicker picks tend to be better for players wanting to build up speed, with their stiffness meaning less work for your picking hand when playing licks or riffs. Generally speaking, a thinner pick will have a brighter sound with a less precise attack, making them great for strummed chords on your acoustic guitar and less so for fast picking. The thickness of your pick determines how it will react in your hand, and also plays a part in how your instrument will sound too. Thankfully the majority of guitar picks are inexpensive, so it’s pretty easy to try a few different types until you settle on your perfect match Why are guitar picks different thicknesses? ![]() This means to find the best pick for your personal taste, you’re going to have to play a few. They’re cheap, durable, and available in a range of gauges making them the perfect choice for any guitarist, beginner or otherwise.Ī guitar pick is as personal to each player as a guitar amp, pedals, and your guitar itself. The rainbow-color-coded Dunlop Tortex Standard picks are pretty much the industry standard nowadays, which is why they take the top spot here. ![]() If you just want to see the latest and greatest in the world of guitar picks, then keep scrolling. So if you want to learn more about the gauges and materials available, then read up on our expert advice at the bottom of this article. Harder picks are great for when you want to get heavy or play fast, whereas a softer pick can be better for softer styles where you want more nuance in your playing.Įven this isn’t a hard and fast rule though, shred legend Paul Gilbert manages to play both heavy and fast with a comparatively thin pick, so it’s important to try different styles and see what feels best for you.Ī change of plectrum can completely open up a new world of playing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist. One pick won’t do it all, so it’s always good to have a multitude on hand for differing styles.
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