When it comes to accessories for guitars, mandolins, basses, and other stringed instruments, picks are often the least expensive. Still, these bits of plastic can’t be taken for granted. As guitar players and other musicians experiment, they will notice that a pick’s shape, thickness, and material all come together to determine how it will influence an instrument's voice.
Guitar Players Should Experiment With Pick Thickness
Picks come in a variety of thicknesses measured in millimeters. Guitar players and other musicians can choose from thin, medium, thick, and even extra thick picks. The instruments they play, gauge of strings they use, styles of playing, and sound they want will all influence the thickness that best meets their needs.
Thin Guitar Picks: Pros and Cons
Though measurements vary between manufacturers, thin picks are generally less than .6mm thick. These can be effective tools for strumming, but are not the best choice for melody lines.
In terms of plastic picks, the thinner the pick, the thinner the sound. Because of their flexibility, thin picks will also produce a distinctive sound known as “pick noise” as they slap the strings. Some musicians appreciate this sound of a sharp attack as the pick clicks against the string while some prefer to hear only the instrument.
Medium Guitar Picks
Medium picks generally fall somewhere between .6mm and .8mm. These picks will produce a slightly richer tone than the thin plectra.
Medium guitar picks are a good stepping stone for progressing musicians who want to work their way to more rigid picks. They can also provide a workable compromise for musicians who prefer the feel of thinner picks but the sound of the thicker ones.
Thick Guitar Picks: Pros and Cons
Picks between .8mm and 1.2mm are classified as thick. Picks in this range produce a fuller, mellower tone. They also offer more attack and control when it comes to fast playing, runs, or tremolo.
While playing a melody line is easier with these thicker picks, strumming takes some getting used to. Jazz players, bass players, mandolin players, and players of electric instruments often gravitate toward the heavier and less flexible picks.
Experimentation is the best way to determine which pick thickness best suits the needs of musicians and their instruments. In related articles, players can:
- Discover guidelines for selecting the best guitar pick based on style of playing and personal preference,
- Explore the materials used to make guitar picks and the unique voice each offers,
- Read about the various shapes of guitar picks to find which works best for them.
Historical facts gained from Picks!: The Colorful Saga of Vintage Celluloid Guitar Plectrums by Will Hoover, 1995.
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