Have you noticed that picks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Just when you thought learning the guitar was easy, you now have a thousand choices in picks. What I want to do is share with you some basic pick information so we can get back to, well picking of course.
I’m a beginner, which pick should I use? This is all about gauge. Picks range in size based on thickness in millimetres. Until you build up some finesse in your picking hand we always recommend lighter gauge picks. Anything around 0.60 should do the trick. Now you can go lighter, but eventually you will want a thicker pick, and I find 0.60 is a good middle ground. Anything lighter for example, 0.45, is really light and floppy. Some students like them for strumming, but you will notice the sound of it flopping back and forth on your strings.
After a few lessons, and you notice your playing more of your favourite songs, you will want to move up to a thicker pick. Go up in increments. Start with a 0.60. Then try a 0.75 and so on. You will notice more volume, and warmer tone as the gauge moves up. Most importantly you will have more control as well.
Picks also come in various materials, shapes, some have grips, and logos of your favourite band on them. That is for you to experiment and find the shape, size and style that works best for you. So much fun! Now your a pick collector!
Can I use a bread bag clip or a coin as a pick? Sure, just don’t let me see you do it. To be honest, that’s kind of lame! Sorry, you need real picks for picking and grinning. Sometimes if your really stuck, you could cut out a piece of a ice cream container or credit card. Emergency’s only!
I personally use a 1mm pick. Over the past 20 years performing professionally on stage, teaching, songwriting or jamming at the fire, 1mm have always been my favourite. To be precise, Jim Dunlop 1mm. They have a little bit of grip on them and can be purchased in a pack of 6 called match picks. For fingerstlye guitar, I use thumb picks by Fred Kelly. Thumb picks are a different game altogether. They wrap around your thumb and are used primarily in fingerstlye guitar. Watch a few Chet Atkins videos on YouTube to see thumb picks working at their best.
It’s always great to have extras. They break, you loose them, someone will need one.
Picks also have a way of turning up in the laundry, driveway or under your car seats.
Remember to have fun, share and enjoy music.
Happy Picking! Bring Extras!
Brian