The guitar pick is one useful tool that offers a lot of benefits. Using one produces a more vibrant sound as compared to playing the guitar with just your fingertips. Youll also enjoy a better contrast between plucking near the bridge and near the neck with a pick. And depending on the thickness of the pick, you can easily vary the softness and loudness of your guitars sound.
Picking the Right Pick
When choosing a pick, keep in mind your playing style and the type of strings you use on your guitar. If youre into heavy metal and rock, youll produce more controlled tones if you use a thicker pick when plucking or strumming an electric guitar. You can use a thinner pick when playing these kinds of music but expect the tones to be muddier and less sharp.
Guitar picks are usually made of plastic, metal, and wood, although rare pieces can be made of glass, agate, or materials similar to the tortoise shell. Thin picks are mostly made of nylon because this material can be cut into very thin sheets. However, nylon picks lose their flexibility only after one to two months of regular use, so you need to buy extra picks if you frequently play the guitar.
Metal picks produce brighter guitar music compared to those made of plastic, but they easily wear out the strings. If you use a metal pick when strumming, youll quickly damage the guitars finish. Despite these disadvantages, many top guitarists prefer to use a metal pick including Vivian Campbell, Vernon Reid, and Frank Zappa.Compared to metal and plastic picks, those made of wood create warmer tones. Creating your signature guitar music is easier with a wooden pick because each one has a different hardness, structure, and density. Hardwoods such as zebrawood, rosewood, and African blackwood are popular materials because a pick should be able to withstand frequent strumming and plucking.
Using a Guitar Pick
To properly hold the pick, create a loose fist with your thumb touching the side of your index finger. Place the pick between the thumb and the index finger and grip it in place. Use just the right amount of pressure when gripping the pick. Holding it too tight will strain your fingers and arm, while gripping it loosely will cause you to drop it when strumming or plucking the strings fast. To avoid straining your strumming hand, use only your wrist when stroking the strings. Using a pick for the first time might feel awkward but with enough practice, youll be able to play the guitar smoothly.
If youre just starting to learn how to play the guitar, make sure to get a pick that matches your playing style. You dont have to spend a lot because the cheapest picks can cost less than $5. But before you pay for one, take a look at its material, thickness, and shape. By getting the right pick for your guitar and playing style, sweet guitar music is just a few strokes away.
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