www.guitar-picks.co.uk

The guitar pick, also known as a plectrum, has been around for about 55 years. The first major manufacturer of guitar picks were Fender guitars. Fender were also capitalising on the fact that, they were one of the first manufacturers of electric guitars.

In 2005 Fender  released a 50th Anniversary pick. Theses were 0.73mm Medium plectrums. They were Tortoise shell coloured premium celluloid and, had gold writing saying 50th Anniversary of the world’s #1 Pick 1955 - 2005. Although it’s only five years since they were out, they are now quite collectable.

Over 99% of guitar picks sold are made out of some kind of plastic. The most popular material being celluloid. The best quality picks sold by Fender, Gibson and, also the ones we sell, are made out of premium celluloid. Basically the sound is just that bit better with premium celluloid, than the standard stuff.

When choosing a guitar pick you need to take the following into account:

Shape and size: Plectrums come in many shapes. To make matters easier Fender gave all the shapes a number. As time has gone on, most players do not know the numbers and, to be honest they are not needed. The most popular shape and size is the 351. It’s also the only shape and size we sell. Although players do buy the other shapes and sizes, often it just so they can try them out. Most go back to the 351. When I say size, I do not mean thickness / gauge. You can buy picks that are the same shape as a 351, but are smaller. Fender have found the main user of the smaller picks are, mandolin players.

Thickness / Gauge: Most manufacturers refer to the thickness of the pick, as the gauge. The gauge is normally measured in millimetres. They are also sold by the names Thin / Light, Medium, Heavy / Thick and Extra Heavy.  So which gauges is best for you? Well it all depends on lots of factors. First is what feels best. Just like buying a car, what feels best to you, might not feel best to the next player. After that it depends on the type of guitar you play. Acoustic, Electric lead, electric rhythm and Bass guitar. Then it’s down to the gauge of strings you use. They type of music you play, and what sounds best to you.

The following is guide to thickness / gauge:

Thin / Light  0.44mm - 0.69mm  

Medium 0.70mm - 0.84mm

Heavy / Thick 0.85mm - 1.13mm

Extra Heavy 1.14mm - 2.00mm

So who uses which? This in not gospel, it’s just a general guide, as you have to take into account the string gauge and music type.

Thin / Light : Acoustic guitar and Electric guitar with light strings. The sound is more muddy and less controlled than Medium picks. Thin guitar picks are sold much smaller numbers, than Medium or Heavy picks.

Medium : Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar. There are two types of Medium picks. The most popular are 0.71mm - 0.73mm. There are also picks 0.81mm - 0.84mm. Sometimes these are referred to as Medium / Heavy or M/H. Basically these are Medium picks, that are just a bit thicker than the regular 0.71mm medium. The sound produced with medium guitar picks is much sharper and controlled than the Thin variety.  Mostly used with 9s and 10s gauge strings.

Heavy and Extra Heavy : Electric guitar and electric bass. Heavy picks produce a very sharp sound. The most popular type of music they are used for is Metal on the guitar. The string gauge is at the thicker end 10s, 11s and 12s. Because Bass guitars have much thicker strings, heavy and extra heavy picks are most suited.

If you find yourself breaking lots of strings. The best thing to do is try using a slightly thinner pick. So if you are using 0.96mm Heavy, try 0.81mm Medium. This is a cheaper option than changing the gauge of your strings. Changing string gauge could mean you need to have your guitar set up for the different strings.

Want more info about the picks we sell? Then click here.