How To Use and Choose a Plectrum

Choosing the right guitar pick can make a significant difference in your playing experience, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned guitarist. With the vast array of plectrums available, it's crucial to understand the different types of picks and how they can impact your sound and technique.

In this article, we'll explore the different types of guitar picks, how to use them, and how to choose the perfect plectrum to elevate your playing experience. So grab your guitar, and let's dive into the world of plectrums.

What Guitar Pick Shapes Are There?

Guitar pick shapes play a crucial role in determining the feel, control, and tone when playing different music genres. Here are some common guitar pick shapes and their advantages in various musical styles:

Standard

The most common pick shape, standard picks have a wide body and a sharp, pointed tip. This versatile design offers excellent control and precision, making it suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, blues, and country.

Jazz

Jazz picks are smaller and have a more pointed tip compared to standard picks. Their compact size allows for greater control, speed, and precision, making them perfect for intricate playing styles like jazz, fusion, and progressive rock.

Teardrop

Teardrop picks have a rounded body with a tapered tip. The smaller surface area provides a softer attack and warmer tone, making them ideal for fingerstyle players and those who prefer a gentler touch, such as folk or acoustic guitarists.

Triangular

These picks feature three equally pointed or rounded corners, providing a larger gripping surface for more control and comfort. Triangular picks are great for bass players and guitarists who want a more relaxed grip without sacrificing precision.

Sharkfin

Sharkfin picks have a unique, multi-edged design that allows for different playing techniques depending on which edge you use. The pointed tip provides a sharp attack, while the rounded edges offer a softer, more mellow tone. These picks are popular among experimental guitarists who like to switch between various playing styles.

Thumb Picks

Thumb picks are designed to be worn on the thumb, offering the combined benefits of a pick and fingerstyle playing. They are particularly useful for guitarists who play genres like country, bluegrass, and fingerstyle blues, where alternating between picking and fingerpicking is common.

When choosing a guitar pick shape, consider the genres you play and the level of precision, control, and tone you require.

Don't hesitate to experiment with different pick shapes as you progress through Rocksmith+ and its expansive song library. The right pick shape can make all the difference in helping you achieve your desired sound and playing style.

What Guitar Pick Materials Can I Choose From?

The material a guitar pick is made from can have a significant impact on your playing experience, affecting the tone, feel, and durability of the pick. Let's explore some common materials used in making guitar picks:

Celluloid

Celluloid is a classic material used in making guitar picks. It provides a natural, warm tone and a smooth, glossy feel. However, celluloid picks can wear down relatively quickly, so you might need to replace them more frequently.

Nylon

Nylon picks are known for their flexibility and durability. They offer a warmer tone compared to celluloid, with a slightly textured surface that helps provide a better grip. They are a popular choice for players who prefer a softer feel.

Delrin

Delrin, often found in Tortex picks, is a durable, synthetic material known for its resilience and bright, snappy tone. It has a matte finish that offers a comfortable grip, making it suitable for extended playing sessions.

Metal

Metal picks, made from materials like stainless steel, brass, or copper, are extremely durable and produce a bright, sharp tone. The rigidity of metal picks allows for precise picking, making them popular among rock and metal guitarists.

Felt

Felt picks are made from compressed wool or synthetic fibers and offer a much softer feel than other materials. They produce a mellow, warm tone, making them suitable for ukulele players or guitarists who prefer a gentler sound.

Wood

Wooden picks are less common but can provide a unique tone and feel. They are available in various wood types, such as rosewood, ebony, or mahogany, each offering its distinct sound characteristics.

Understanding the different materials available for guitar picks can help you find the perfect match for your playing style and desired tone. As you explore Rocksmith+ and its extensive song library, don't be afraid to experiment with various pick materials to see which one works best for you.

Remember, the ideal guitar pick is the one that makes playing comfortable and enjoyable while complementing your sound.

What Should You Know About Custom-Made and Craft Guitar Picks?

Custom-made and craft guitar picks offer a unique, personalized touch to your playing experience, often reflecting an individual's style or artistic preferences. These picks can be made from a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, bone, or even recycled materials like vinyl records or credit cards.

While custom picks can be an exciting addition to your guitar toolkit, it's essential to be cautious when using them. Here are a few reasons why:

Durability and Wear

Depending on the material, custom and craft guitar picks may not be as durable as mass-produced picks made from traditional materials like nylon or celluloid. This could result in faster wear and tear, affecting your playing experience.

Tone and Consistency

The materials and manufacturing process of custom and craft picks can lead to significant differences in tone and performance. Some custom picks may produce a unique sound that complements your playing style, while others could negatively impact your tone. Testing the pick thoroughly before using it in a performance or recording session is essential.

Cost

Custom and craft picks are often more expensive than standard picks due to the materials used and the artisanal nature of their production. If you're on a budget or prefer to change picks frequently, this may not be the most practical option.

Comfort and Playability

Some custom and craft picks may have unconventional designs or shapes that can affect your playing comfort and technique. It's crucial to ensure that the pick's design works well with your playing style and doesn't hinder your progress as a musician. If you're finding a certain pick to be particularly difficult to hold comfortably, it's likely a sign that you should opt for a different shape or design.

While custom-made and craft guitar picks can be a fun and unique way to express yourself, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before committing to a specific pick.

Find Your Pick of Destiny

The right guitar pick can significantly impact your playing experience, allowing you to produce the desired tone and feel more comfortable while practicing. Exploring various types of picks, materials, and shapes is key to find the perfect match for your unique playing style and preferences.

Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different picks, as this can lead to new discoveries and even improve your technique. Ultimately, the best pick for you is the one that makes playing guitar more enjoyable and helps you achieve your musical goals.

Rocksmith+ is an excellent resource for guitarists of all levels, providing an extensive library of over 7,000 songs, a built-in tuner, and engaging learning tools. As you continue to grow as a musician, Rocksmith+ will be there to support you every step of the way. So, grab your favorite pick, tune up your guitar, and have fun exploring the world of music with Rocksmith+.

Sources:

Guitar Picks | Size, Thickness and Materials | Yousician

History of Bluegrass Music | Bluegrass Heritage Foundation

Guitar Tone | National Guitar Academy