Choosing the Perfect Pick: 6 Best Guitar Picks For Beginners
Have you ever considered how much of a difference a small, seemingly insignificant object like a guitar pick can make in your playing?
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, choosing the best guitar pick can have a big impact on your tone, technique, and overall playing experience.
With so many different types of guitar picks available, each with its own unique sound and feel, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use.
From thin and flexible to thick and rigid, from nylon to celluloid to metal, there are countless options to choose from. And with each pick offering its own unique advantages and drawbacks, it can be tough to know where to start.
That’s where this article comes in. In the following sections, we’ll explore the different types of guitar picks available, how they affect tone and playability, and which picks are best suited for different playing styles. Whether you’re a strummer, a fingerpicker, or a lead guitarist, we’ll help you find the perfect pick to take your playing to the next level.
How much are guitar picks?
The cost of guitar picks can vary widely depending on the material, brand, and quantity.
Generally, you can find a pack of 10-12 basic plastic picks for around $5 or less, while more specialized picks made from materials like metal or bone can cost $10 or more per pick.
Some premium guitar picks, such as handcrafted picks made from exotic woods or rare materials, can cost upwards of $50 or even more for a single pick.
It’s worth noting that while some higher-end picks can be quite expensive, many guitarists are perfectly happy with more affordable options, and cost doesn’t always correlate with quality or playability.
How to Choose Guitar Picks
When it comes to guitar picks, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.
From the classic Fender medium pick to the unconventional stone pick, there’s a pick out there for every type of guitarist. But how do you know which pick is right for you?
Below, we list various factors to consider when choosing a guitar pick
Choosing guitar picks according to type
1. Thickness
One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a guitar pick is thickness.
Different picks can have a significant impact on your tone, so it’s important to pay attention to how each pick sounds as you play.
- Thin picks are typically more flexible and easier to bend, making them ideal for strumming and rhythm playing.
- Thick picks, on the other hand, offer a more rigid and precise feel, making them better suited for lead playing and fast picking.
2. Material
But thickness isn’t the only factor to consider. The material of the pick can also have a big impact on your tone and playability.
While it can be tempting to go for the most expensive or durable pick, it’s important to consider how much you’re willing to spend and how long you expect the pick to last.
For example, while a metal pick might be more durable than a nylon pick, it might also be more expensive and produce a different tone.
- Nylon picks are a popular choice due to their affordability and flexibility, but they can sometimes lack the crispness and definition of other materials.
- Celluloid picks, on the other hand, offer a more classic sound and a smooth feel, but can wear down more quickly than other materials.
- And for those looking for a unique sound, metal picks offer a bright and articulate tone, but can be harsh on strings and are not recommended for beginners.
3. Shape and Size
Picks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from traditional teardrop-shaped picks to triangular picks and beyond. When it comes to shape and size, there are also a variety of options to consider.
- Standard picks, like the aforementioned Fender medium pick, offer a familiar shape and size that many guitarists are comfortable with.
- However, there are also more unconventional shapes, like the Dunlop Jazz III, which features a smaller, pointier tip that offers greater precision and control.
So how do you decide which pick is best for you?
It ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style.
- If you’re a strummer or a beginner, a thinner, more flexible pick like a nylon pick might be a good place to start.
- If you’re a lead player or looking for a brighter, more articulate tone, a thicker pick like a metal pick might be worth exploring.
Choosing guitar picks according to playing style
So, you’ve learned about the different types of guitar picks available and how they can affect your tone and playability. But how do you know which pick is right for your playing style?
Different genres and styles of music require different approaches to guitar playing, and the same goes for picks.
For example, a heavy metal guitarist might prefer a thick, pointed pick for shredding, while a folk guitarist might prefer a thin, rounded pick for strumming.
1. Strumming
Let’s start with strumming. If you’re a strummer, you’ll want to choose a pick that’s on the thicker side (around 0.70mm to 1.0mm) to give you more control and a fuller, more resonant sound. Popular picks for strumming include the Dunlop Tortex, the Fender Heavy, and the Clayton Ultem.
2. Fingerpicker
If you’re a fingerpicker, on the other hand, you’ll want to opt for a thinner, more flexible pick (around 0.40mm to 0.60mm). This will allow you to get a more delicate, nuanced sound and help you avoid hitting multiple strings at once. Some great picks for fingerpicking include the Dunlop Nylon, the D’Addario Black Ice, and the Gravity Picks Sunrise.
3. Lead guitarist
Finally, if you’re a lead guitarist, you may prefer a thicker pick (around 1.0mm to 1.5mm) to help you play faster and with more precision. You’ll also want to look for a pick with a pointed tip to help you get a clear, focused attack. Some popular picks for lead guitar include the Jim Dunlop Jazz III, the Clayton Acetal, and the Gravity Picks Razer.
Best Guitar Picks To Buy
1. Fender Premium Guitar Picks
The Fender Guitar Picks are made from celluloid, which is apparently a really good material for picks.
They’re supposed to give your music a warm and round tone, which sounds pretty cool. Lots of professional artists use them, so they must be good.
Plus, they come in three different gauges – Thin, Medium, and Heavy – so you can choose the one that works best for you. And if you’re someone who cares about style, they come in a bunch of different colors and designs to match your playing needs.
View on Amazon: Fender Premium Guitar Picks
2. D’Addario Celluloid Guitar Picks
The D’Addario Celluloid Guitar Picks are a popular choice for guitarists who want a natural feel and warm, fat tone.
These picks come in a pack of 10 and are made from premium quality celluloid.
The medium gauge (70mm) works well for both strumming and articulate picking, so it’s a versatile option for any playing style.
The standard shape is designed for comfortable playing, too. Plus, if you’re concerned about the environment, you’ll be happy to know that D’Addario’s packaging is designed for minimal waste and environmental impact.
View on Amazon: D’Addario Celluloid Guitar Picks
3. Donner Celluloid Guitar Picks
The Donner Celluloid Guitar Picks is a set of high-quality guitar picks that come in four different thicknesses: thin, medium, heavy, and extra heavy.
They’re made of celluloid, which gives them a natural feel and warm tone that’s comfortable to play on electric, acoustic, bass guitar, banjo, or ukulele.
The variety of thicknesses makes them suitable for all styles of music and playing preferences, and the set is a perfect choice for guitar beginners, players, or professionals.
The set comes in more than eight beautiful color designs, giving you a great assortment of picks to match different tastes or guitar styles.
Plus, the circular click-clack metal tin box is a nice size to fit easily inside any pocket or guitar bag, making it easy to store and carry a bunch of picks for guitar. It’s made of an environmentally friendly material without any smell, and it pops off and on with a snappy sound.
View on Amazon: Donner Celluloid Guitar Picks
4. ROTOPATA Guitar Picks
The ROTOPATA 15 Guitar Picks Set picks come in different colors and designs, so you can choose one that matches your style or mood.
One of the cool things about this pack is that it includes picks with three different thicknesses: thin, medium, and heavy. This can affect the tone colors you get when playing, so it’s worth experimenting with different thicknesses to see what works best for you.
These picks are made of high-quality celluloid, which is a material that’s known for being lightweight and durable. So, you can expect these picks to last you for a while, even if you’re a heavy player.
These picks are suitable for use with bass, ukulele, acoustic, or electric guitars, so you can use them no matter what type of guitar you play. The variety of styles and colors can help you find the perfect pick to match your playing needs.
And last but not least, the picks come in a clear plastic organizer box that makes it easy to keep them organized and store them when not in use. So, if you’re looking for a pack of guitar picks that gives you variety, quality, and convenience, this 15 pack might be just what you need.
View on Amazon: ROTOPATA 15 Guitar Picks Set
5. Dunlop Acoustic Guitar Picks
The Dunlop Acoustic Guitar Picks. Their Acoustic Pick Variety Pack is a great way to experiment and find the perfect pick to complement the unique tone and playability of acoustic instruments. This pack includes picks made from a range of materials, from warmer options like Nylon to brighter ones like Ultex. So if you’re looking to refine your unplugged sound, this pack has got you covered!
View on Amazon: Dunlop Acoustic Guitar Picks
6. Stickpick Guitar Picks
Stickpick have a set of guitar picks made of real wood for electric, acoustic and bass guitars. These picks come in various strengths and come in a convenient aluminum can. Plus, they’re sustainably manufactured in Germany.
Wooden picks are best for actual performances and recording music. However, for extended hard strumming, it’s best to switch to a Fender guitar pick.
Overall, the Stickpick wooden picks are great if you’re looking to switch up your guitar playing and experience a warmer, more mellow sound.
View on Amazon: Stickpick Guitar Picks
Conclusion
Of course, these are just general guidelines, and you may find that a different pick thickness or shape works better for your individual playing style. The key is to experiment and find the pick that feels most comfortable and allows you to achieve the sound you’re looking for.
The good news is that there’s no shortage of options to try out, and experimenting with different picks can be a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it’s a different thickness, material, or shape. With a little experimentation, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pick for your playing style.
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