When you first begin playing guitar, you may not think about the different accessories you’ll need. After all, it’s just a simple instrument, right? Well, you’d be surprised at how many details there are to consider when buying your first guitar. If you’re new to the guitar world or have been thinking of taking up this instrument and learning to play it, here are some pointers that will help you choose the best guitar pick for your needs. Whether you want to play heavy metal or smooth jazz, these guitar pick lessons will come in handy when choosing the right type of pick for your technique and style.
Know Your Materials
You’ll start with the basics when you’re choosing a guitar pick and the first thing to note is the material from which it’s made. There are three types of picks that you should be familiar with – nylon, metal, and plastic.
– Nylon guitar picks. These are the most popular picks for guitarists. They are durable, flexible, and are available in a variety of colors and textures. The only disadvantage of nylon picks is that, when played with a heavy-handed style, they tend to wear unevenly and lose their shape quickly.
– Metal guitar picks. You’ll find that these picks exist in two varieties – brass and steel. Brass is softer than steel and less likely to cause string damage.
– Plastic guitar picks. People makes them from celluloid, a material taken from the stalks of the native tobacco plant. They are the least expensive type of pick, but also the least durable.
How to Grip a Guitar Pick
Before you decide on the type of pick that you want, you should first consider how you’ll be holding it. Different grip styles are practiced by guitarists, so you must know which one is right for you. For example, if you use a standard grip while playing, you’ll probably prefer a larger pick that’s easy to grip. On the other hand, if you use a thumb pick, you’ll need a smaller pick that’s easy to control.
– Standard grip. With a standard grip, you hold the pick between your thumb and index finger. This is the most common grip among guitarists.
– Thumb-over grip. This is similar to the standard grip, but you wrap your thumb around the pick and hold it from the back.
– Thumb or finger-pick . When you use a thumb pick or finger pick, you’ll be holding the pick between your thumb and other fingers.
Nylon vs. Metal Guitar Picks
The next decision you’ll need to make is whether to go for a nylon or metal pick. There are many benefits to each type that you should consider before making your choice.
– Nylon guitar picks. As we’ve already seen, nylon picks are the most popular types of guitar picks. Because they are made from synthetic material, they are very durable and easy to grip. They also come in a variety of colors, which makes them a stylish choice.
– Metal guitar picks. These are often chosen by guitarists who prefer a heavier sound. They are also good for those who need a more rigid pick, such as when playing a banjo.
Grover vs. Hexagonal Guitar Picks
Most guitar picks are hexagonal in shape, but you may come across some grooved or curved picks. Hexagonal picks have the advantage of being easy to hold in either a standard or thumb-over grip. Grooved picks, on the other hand, are often used by finger-style guitarists. Curved picks are popular among banjo players as they provide extra clearance for the strings.
Acoustic Guitar Picks
If you play acoustic guitar, you’ll want to choose an appropriately-sized pick that’s easy to grip. Acoustic guitar picks are generally small and hexagonal in shape. These types of picks are easy to control, even with light strokes on the strings.
Electronic Guitar Picks
If you play electric guitar, you’ll need a different type of pick. These are generally thicker and longer than acoustic picks. You can use them in both hands. They have a rounded edge that’s easy to grip. Before you choose a pick, you’ll need to keep in mind the type of sound that you want to produce with your guitar. For example, you can play easier with a lighter pick. However, it will produce a softer sound. Likewise, a heavier pick is great for producing a deep sound but is harder to control.
Conclusion
Choosing the right guitar pick is an important decision. It can greatly influence the sound produced by your guitar. Beginners should start with a nylon pick, which is easy to grip and durable enough for frequent use. As you advance in your playing, you can try different types of picks to see which ones work best for your style. Before you make a decision, you should first consider the material from which the pick is made, how you’ll be holding it, and the type of sound you want to produce. With these pointers in mind, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right guitar pick for your needs.
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