3 Factors to Consider When Buying Guitar Picks

An expensive, top-of-the-line electric guitar is expected to produce high-quality sound, but for a serious musician, there are other details and specifications that need to be met for them to hit the right notes, so to speak. Guitar picks are one of those “details”, and small as they may be, they play a huge role in a guitarist's life. If you are hunting for a good pick that will match your new guitar, keep these three important considerations in mind.

1. The right materials – First thing to consider is to choose a pick that is made with materials that work best with your fingers. People would commonly think picks are practically all the same, regardless if they are made of polyethylene, nylon, or acrylic, to name a few, but the material does make a difference. Find something that you feel comfortable with the most and do go for custom picks if you need to.

2. Thin or not – In relation to your comfort and playing style, find a pick that seamlessly adapts to the way you hit your strings. Do you like to strum and pluck your strings vigorously? Then a thin pick won't work for you, so opt for a thicker one.

3. Traditional V vs. Oddball Shapes – Yes, it may be cool rocking and rolling with an odd-looking pick, but note that oddball shapes virtually don't offer much, as opposed to conventional v-shaped options.

To Pick, or Not to Pick?

As a beginner guitar player, you have a voracious appetite to learn all things guitar. You watch videos on YouTube, study guitar tabs, and even join forums to connect with other like-minded individuals who share your passion for the six-string. All that just so you can get to know the secrets behind your guitar heroes and the songs they play.

During your hours of study though, you learn something very peculiar: Some guitar players play with a pick, while some don’t. This discovery spurs one burning question in you: Should you play with a pick or not?

It all boils down to preference and finding your own unique voice. Granted, using a pick is the simpler approach between the two choices, and is therefore a good starting point for a beginner. Using your fingers to pluck or strum demands more skill and is a technique that takes a long time to master.

Still, it is recommended that you experiment with both approaches and achieve a basic facility for each. Most pro-level guitarists can play either way, and will choose one over the other depending on the demands of a song.

In conclusion, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to choosing to play with or without a guitar pick. Again, it’s all about preference, and what feels and sounds good to you. So go ahead and try which one you like.