When it comes to playing the guitar, the choice of a guitar pick may seem like a small detail, but it can make a world of difference in your playing style and sound. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting on your musical journey, finding the best guitar pick for your needs is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of guitar picks, discussing various types, materials, and thicknesses. We’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing the perfect pick and recommend some of the top options available in the market. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to find the right pick for your playing style. Without further ado, enjoy our deep dive into the five best guitar picks.
Table of Contents
Understanding Guitar Picks
When you dive into the world of the best guitar picks, you’ll quickly realize that there are various types, materials, and thicknesses to choose from. It’s important to understand the different types and options that are available and how they would apply to your playing style and genre of music.
Types of Guitar Picks
Guitar picks come in various shapes and styles, each catering to different playing techniques and preferences. The most common shapes include standard, jazz, and teardrop, but there are also specialty picks designed for unique playing styles.
Materials Used
The material of your guitar pick significantly influences your tone. Common materials include celluloid, nylon, Delrin, and Tortex, each with its unique characteristics. There are even picks created using stone and various other materials you might not expect! Experimenting with different materials can help you find your preferred sound and see what works best with your playing style.
Thickness and Shape
The thickness of your guitar pick affects how it strikes the strings and produces sound. Thinner picks are more flexible and produce a mellow tone, while thicker picks offer more control and a crisper sound. Thin, flexible picks are often better for strumming (i.e., acoustic guitar songs) while thicker picks are ideal for speed picking (i.e., fast electric guitar solos). The shape of the pick also influences your playing style, with pointed tips ideal for precise picking and rounded tips for strumming.
In a recent interview with Rick Beato, Yngwie Malmsteen explained why thick picks work for his style of playing (i.e., speed picking, sweep picking). A thicker pick will not bend; a thin pick that bends while picking will negatively affect your speed. The speed at which you can pick individual strings will be drastically reduced since you have to wait for the pick to bend back in place every time you’re picking a string.
How to Choose the Perfect Pick
Selecting the ideal guitar pick is a matter of personal preference, but several factors can guide your decision:
Playing Style
Are you primarily a rhythm guitarist or a lead guitarist? Rhythm players often prefer thicker picks for strumming, while lead guitarists may opt for thinner picks for intricate soloing.
Genre and Tone
Different music genres demand distinct tonal qualities. Blues and jazz players might favor a mellower tone with a thinner pick, while heavy metal or rock players may opt for thicker picks to produce a more aggressive sound.
Personal Preference
Don’t hesitate to experiment with various picks to find the one that feels right for you. Your hands, playing technique, and personal taste will significantly influence your choice; the best pick for you might be completely different than the best pick for another guitar player.
Durability
Consider the longevity of your pick. Thinner picks may wear out faster, so it’s essential to have a supply of replacements on hand.
Best Guitar Picks on the Market
Now, let’s delve into some of the best guitar picks available in the market, each offering its unique advantages:
Dunlop Tortex Standard Guitar Picks
These picks are known for their durability and grip. They come in various thicknesses and provide a balanced tone suitable for various playing styles.
Fender 351 Shape Premium Picks
Fender, a legendary name in the guitar world, offers some of the best guitar picks as premium offerings in various materials and designs. They provide excellent precision and are perfect for both strumming and picking.
Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks
Ernie Ball’s Prodigy picks feature a beveled edge for precise string contact. They come in different thicknesses and are loved for their versatility. Ernie Ball also makes some of the most widely used guitar strings.
Jim Dunlop Jazz III Picks
These small, pointed picks are a favorite among shredders. They provide incredible control and precision, making them ideal for fast lead guitar work.
Planet Waves Duralin Guitar Picks
Made from Duralin, a material known for its longevity and strong grip, these picks come in various shapes and thicknesses. They offer a bright, well-defined tone so it’s no question that they would be featured on our list of best guitar picks.
Tips for Proper Guitar Pick Maintenance
To keep your guitar picks in the best condition and ensure consistency in your playing, consider these maintenance tips:
Replacing Worn Picks
As picks wear down, they may produce a less desirable tone and lose their grip. It’s a good practice to replace them as needed to maintain the quality of your playing.
Yngwie Malmsteen has stated that due to his fast-picking style, he replaces a pick as soon as it shows any sort of wear. If a pick has a tiny snag in it, it can immediately throw off your speedpicking!
Storage and Organization
Invest in a pick holder or organizer to keep your picks in one place. This helps you avoid losing them and saves time when you’re searching for the right pick.
Conclusion
In the world of guitar playing, the small choice of a guitar pick can have a significant impact on your sound and playing experience. By understanding the types, materials, and thicknesses of picks and considering your playing style, genre, and personal preferences, you can select the perfect pick for you. The top picks mentioned in this article are great options to start your journey, but remember that experimentation is key to finding your ideal pick. The right pick will help you strike the perfect chord and create the music you love. We hope this guide on the best guitar picks has helped you find the right pick for you! Happy playing!
Guitar Pick FAQs
What can I use as a guitar pick?
If you have a way to cut or punch out a guitar pick shape, you can use old credit cards, CDS, or plastic items like rulers to make a make-shift guitar pick. If you’re in a pinch, grab a quarter or other large coin to use as a guitar pick. Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top and other well-known guitarists have used coins as picks–just be that this will drastically change the tone.
What are some of the best guitar picks?
The best guitar picks are going to vary according to the type of guitarist and the type of music being played. Fender, Dunlop, Ernie Ball, and Planet Waves make some of the best guitar picks in the world, all with their pros and cons and various ideal usage. Thin picks are great for strumming while thick picks offer control and speed for fast picking. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference on what is considered the best guitar pick.