A guitar pick is a vital part of your playing. The small piece of plastic can make the difference in how well you strum out your favorite tunes based on your style and comfort. Here is a guide to buying the right one.

What Is a Guitar Pick?

A pick is a small plectrum, or flat tool used to pluck and strum stringed instruments, designed specifically for guitars. Typically triangular, they feature two rounded corners and one slightly less rounded, and different materials offer ranges of flexibility for strumming and picking out chords and notes.

Musicians use picks because of the sound quality they provide. While fingering techniques are a useful and necessary skill, plucking a melody with a pick produces a crisp, louder sound, especially when strumming or performing a solo. Some techniques, such as rapid movements across the strings, are best completed with a pick in hand. Picks also protect the skin on your fingers.

How to Choose One

Weight and material play a part in sound and comfort when it comes to selecting the right pick. Common materials include celluloid, nylon, and acrylic, rubber, tortoiseshell, wood, metal, glass, stone, and more. Celluloid picks are the most common, featuring flexibility that creates a bright sound. Nylon is another top choice with a vibrant sound. It often features textures for better gripping, which is beneficial during a performance if your hands get sweaty.

Thickness influences sound quality. Light, thin picks are better for delicate or acoustic songs, especially thin celluloid options. Medium weight picks are popular, especially for rhythm playing, but they are stiff and thick enough to be effective for leads. Heavy and extra heavy offer the most control, offering a dynamic sound perfect for leads and solos. Heavy picks are also great for a warm bass sound.

Consider size and shape. Smaller guitar picks create less space between your hands and the strings, which helps to transition to palm or fingerpicking techniques easily. Sharper points are better for stronger, brighter sounds while more rounded edges offer a mellow vibe and are better for strumming.

For guitars and accessories like picks, gear, and sheet music, head over to 5J Music. Located in Elko and serving Northeastern Nevada since 1995, their friendly team offers everything from instruments to body jewelry. They also have vinyl albums, a certified piano tuner, and even offer in-house lessons from their guitar tech. For more on their inventory of exciting items, call (775) 778-0484. Visit them online for their products or stop by Facebook for updates.