Best Guitar Picks

A Brief History of the Guitar Pick

Since the early part of the 20th century, guitar picks have been manufactured out of some form of plastic. However, in the days before plastic, other natural materials were used as guitar plectrums. Bone, wood, ivory, and even metal were employed by early guitarists to pluck the strings of their instruments. Some guitarists have even used coins! While these materials were successful at producing sound from the guitar, the wood finish of the instrument paid the price. Metal and wood picks can cause severe damage to the top of a guitar in a very short period of time. A better solution was needed, and plastic was the logical choice.

The Right Pick for the Job

A large amount of personal preference factors into which pick a guitarist feels most comfortable using. Rhythm guitarists and guitarists who do a lot of strumming often favor thin picks that gently brush against the strings. Heavy metal players, on the other hand, and guitarists who do a lot of pick slides and pinch harmonics often prefer thicker picks that they can really dig into the strings with.

No matter which type of music you play, all guitarists want picks that feel good in their hands, don't slip and are durable. The cheap plastic that inexpensive picks are made out of causes them to wear out and break after a minimum of playing time. Better guitar picks should hold up to as much playing as you can dish out. The information in this article is designed to help all guitarists find the best guitar picks for their style of playing.

Some of Today's Best Guitar Picks

Plastic has evolved over the years, and today's best picks are made with newer, more technologically advanced plastics. Here are some of the best picks available on the market today.

• Tortex Picks: Tortex picks were introduced by Jim Dunlop, and they have become some of the most popular picks in the world. The material is very durable and has a surface that doesn't get slippery even under extreme sweating. Tortex picks come in a variety of gauges and shapes so you can find the perfect fit for your style of playing.

• Acetal Polymer Picks: Acetal polymer is a similar material to tortex, and it was designed by the famous guitar accessories manufacturer Steve Clayton. Also available in a wide variety of gauges and shapes, acetal guitar picks will give your playing the edge it needs.

• Ultem Picks: Ultem is another excellent new material that is designed to approximate the sound created by tortoise shell, but to be more durable and affordable. These picks create a very bright tone, and they are the favorites of mandolin players.

• Thumbpicks: Some players like to use a thumbpick instead of a regular guitar pick. These picks are popular with country and jazz players, as well as other players who like to fingerpick but desire a little more attack to their sound than fingers provide. Thumbpicks are available in brass, nickel, plastic and bone for different feels and different sounds.

Picks for Bassists

Bass players often play with their fingers, but some players like the attack and control that a pick provides. While guitar picks will work on bass guitars, there are some picks specifically designed with thick bass strings in mind.

• Big Stubby: The Big Stubby is the standard bass guitar pick. Its smooth finish and thick gauge make it an excellent pick for bass guitarists.

• Felt Picks: Felt picks are also called soft attack picks and are great for bassists who still want a soft, warm tone, but like to play with a pick.

Where to Buy Guitar Picks

The best guitar picks are available at most major music stores. The following links will take you directly to the online music retailer's picks section.

• Musicians Friend

• Sam Ash

• Guitar Center

• Sweetwater