A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Guitar Picks | What Are the Differences in Shape, Material, and Thickness?
Guitar picks are very small items, but they are important parts that have a significant impact on sound and playability. Many people may be using the included pick without much thought or choosing based on appearance. However, there are actually various types of guitar picks, and the sound and touch can change greatly depending on the differences in shape, material, and thickness.
In this article, we will systematically organize and explain the types of guitar picks as a brand that has been making picks for many years.
【Table of Contents】
What types of guitar picks are there?
The types of guitar picks are broadly determined by the following three elements.
- Shape(teardrop, triangle, etc.)
- Material(celluloid, polyacetal, ultem, etc.)
- Thickness(Thin, Medium, Heavy, etc.)
The combination of these three factors changes the playability, sound response, attack feel, and control. In the next chapter, let's first take a closer look at the type of 'shape', which is the most visually understandable.
The types of guitar picks change with 'shape'
When the shape changes, the angle at which it strikes the strings and the contact area change, resulting in significant differences in attack feel and control. Here are some representative shapes of guitar picks.
Teardrop shape
This is the most standard type. It has a slightly pointed tip and is characterized by its good balance. It is widely used across genres, from beginners to advanced players.
See the list of teardrop-shaped picks here
Triangle shape (onigiri shape)
With a triangular shape, it has a large surface area and stability. It is easy to perform chord strokes and economical since all three corners can be used.
See the list of triangle-shaped picks here
Jazz shape
Small and sharp-tipped, it is suitable for fast phrases and technical performances. It is a popular choice among players who seek quick response.
See the list of jazz-shaped picks here
Home plate shape
Shaped like a baseball base, it offers a unique sense of stability and grip. Recommended for players seeking a distinctive sound.
See the list of home plate-shaped picks here
The type of guitar pick changes with the 'material'.
The material is, in a sense, the 'character' of the pick. It is a very important factor that influences the sound projection and durability.
Ultem (ULTEM)
It is said to have a sound quality close to that of human nails and has become very popular in recent years as a new material. It is very hard yet can produce a balanced sound across both high and low frequencies.
- High sound resolution
- Very resistant to wear and has high durability
- Non-slip texture
List of Ultem material picks here
Celluloid
A classic material for guitar picks. It features a unique flexibility and warm tone, with good grip on the strings.
List of Celluloid material picks here
Polyacetal
A material known for its excellent durability and stable playability. It features a hard and clearly defined sound.
List of Polyacetal material picks here
Celltex (Celltex)
This is a PICKBOY original material that has the texture of celluloid while achieving greater durability. You can enjoy a warm tone.
Here is the list of picks made from Celtex material.
Nylon
It is characterized by its flexibility and softness, making it gentle on the strings. It is also ideal for strumming on acoustic guitars.
Here is the list of picks made from nylon material.
The type of guitar pick changes with thickness.
Thickness directly affects playability. Generally, 'thinner picks are more flexible, while thicker picks provide a more direct feel.'
Thin (thin: around 0.5mm or less)
Highly flexible with a delicate tone. Suitable for strumming on acoustic guitars.
Here is the list of Thin picks.
Medium (normal: around 0.6mm to 0.8mm)
The most versatile thickness. It is a standard type that can handle both strumming and single-note playing.
See the list of Medium picks here.
Heavy (thick: approximately 0.9mm to 1.2mm)
The sound has a clear outline and is suitable for lead playing and fast phrases.
See the list of Heavy picks here.
Extra Heavy (extra thick: over 1.2mm)
With almost no flex, the force applied to the strings is directly converted into sound, making it suitable for technical players.
See the list of Extra Heavy picks here.
Once you understand the types, the next step is to choose 'the one that suits you'.
We have explained the types of guitar picks so far, but the next step after knowing the types is to narrow down 'the one that is best for you'.
For specific selection methods based on playing style and hand size, we have detailed explanations in this article.
Read the guide on how to choose a guitar pick
Summary | Knowing the types of guitar picks is the first step in sound creation
Shape, material, thickness. Enjoy the journey of finding your unique pick from the countless variations created by these three combinations. A single small pick can enhance the sound you produce.
