- Guitar Picks: Top Tips to Pick the Right One

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Guitar Picks: Top Tips to Pick the Right One

Date Added: July 19, 2010 05:14:49 AM

Author: Beckie Thackeray

Playing guitar is more than a hobby for many guitar lovers across the globe. It is a kind of art and devotion they pursue. If you are an ardent fan of guitar and have been playing it for sometime now, then you must be aware of varied types of guitar picks available in the market place. You can choose from one of these based on your specific requirements. For those who are new to playing guitar, it is important to know about guitar picks in detail.

What is a guitar pick?

A plectrum used on a guitar is referred to as guitar pick. Shaped in sharp isosceles triangle, guitar picks consist of two rounded corners (equal in size). The third corner is less rounded. Some of the common materials use on a pick includes stone, metal, plastic, wood, rubber, glass, felt and tortoiseshell. These are used to pick out notes from the instrument.

Many guitar players take the positioning of guitar picks for granted. However, it is important to understand that different picks are used in a guitar ant different ends. When choosing a pick for your guitar, it is important to make sure that you are picking the right one. Here is a quick guide to picking up the right one:

Four different types of guitar picks are available in the market place. These can be distinguished by the following attributes:

1. Size

2. Thickness

3. Material

4. Shape

Size of Guitar Pick

This is one of the most crucial attributes to consider when choosing a guitar pick. Size of guitar pick can affect the quality of sound and the way you play the instrument. If you are looking for enhanced accuracy, it is good to go for smaller picks. However, if it the strum that you are interested in, then you must go for larger picks. Visiting a reputed guitar shop will get you an idea on variety of guitar picks available for you.

Material of Guitar Pick

As mentioned above, guitar picks are available in varied materials including plastic nylon, plastic, metal etc. A pick can be created out of any material. Bear in mind that different material produces different feel and tone when you use the pick. Guitar picks with rough surfaces possess more bit and produce more grit and volume when played. Coarser surfaces will offer you more control over the volume of the instrument. You can play faster with a guitar pick having smoother surface. Choice of material depends on your personal preference and the results you want from the guitar.

Thickness of Guitar Pick

It is important to choose the thickness of guitar pick with utmost care. Thinner picks work towards highlighting the sound of strum. The thicker picks will let you enjoy offer you punchier blow. You need to focus on your comfort level when choosing a pick based on its thickness. If you do not feel confident about playing faster with thick picks, opt for thinner ones.

Shape of Guitar Pick

The shape of a pick can affect the sound when playing guitar. You can choose from a wide variety of shapes available in the market place. If you are interested in trying out different shapes, be prepared to hear strange new sounds.

Beckie Thackeray is the author of this article on Guitar Picks Keyrings. Find more information about Premium Guitar Picks here.