Function of Picks for Guitar Players

To most people, a guitar pick is simply a flat object that guitar players use to play their instrument. To professional players, however, this simple accessory can determine the type of sound their guitar can produce. The thickness of the pick, its material, the way it is gripped, and many other factors involving this small accessory can either produce the best music or break the performance altogether.

Types of Picks

As with music accessories, the guitar pick comes in different forms and types. The most common guitar pick people know is the heart/triangle shaped pick, held with the index finger and thumb. Other guitar picks, specifically finger picks, are usually attached to the thumb or any finger. The uses for each pick vary, with thin plastic picks producing a bright percussive sound, while thick, heavy picks are used for controlled performances.

The Uses of Picks

Guitar picks produce different sounds depending on their use. Preference over one type of pick is really based on the guitar player or the role he holds in a band. Lead guitarists typically use heavy picks for sustained strumming, while rhythm guitar players may use thin to medium picks for enhanced melodies. Picks must also be well taken care of. A pick breaking in the middle of a performance is likely to disrupt the flow of the music. Thus, determining the best pick that suits one's music style is helpful to create the type of music adored by fans.