Taking the first steps towards learning to play guitar can be overwhelming. But don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Finding good guitar picks that help you get started is essential. Especially if you want a successful journey. One of these elements is a guitar pick (also known as a plectrum). It can be made from steel, plastic, or some other materials.
However, this small item has a big impact on your sound and technique. In this article, we are going to discuss the best guitar picks for beginners in 2023. With our guitar picks for beginners, you can easily choose the right one for yourself without any hassle.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What is a Guitar Pick?
A guitar pick is a small tool utilized by guitarists to strum or pluck the strings of their instrument.
These are associated with electric and acoustic guitars. But, different types of guitar picks can also be used on other stringed instruments. Such as bass guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles.
Interestingly, beginner guitar picks can be fashioned from a vast array of materials, ranging from common plastic to wood, glass, and even stone.
The choice of material, thickness, and shape of the pick impacts the sound produced by the guitar and allows musicians to express their unique playing style and preferences.
Despite its small size, the guitar pick plays an immense role in a guitarist’s performance, affording them the ability to achieve vastly different sounds and techniques.
Why Use a Guitar Pick?
Using a guitar pick has been a common practice among guitarists for decades. While some players prefer to use their fingers to pick, using a pick offers several advantages that can greatly enhance your playing experience.
Consistency:
One of the main reasons to use a guitar pick is consistency. When you use your fingers to play, there’s a lot of room for variation in the sounds you produce.
For example, you might hit the strings with different parts of your fingers, or use different angles or pressure each time you play. While this can create a unique sound, it can also be difficult to control. Using a guitar pick, on the other hand, offers a consistent way to strike the strings, resulting in a more uniform sound that’s easier to control.
Speed:
Another advantage of using a guitar pick is speed. Picking with your fingers can be slower and more cumbersome than using a pick, which can be especially important when playing fast or intricate passages.
A pick allows you to strike the strings more quickly and with greater precision, making it easier to keep up with the tempo of a song.
Additionally, the type of guitar pick you use can greatly impact your tone.
Tone:
Different materials and thicknesses can produce different sounds, allowing you to customize your tone to suit your playing style. For example, a thinner pick can produce a brighter, more treble-heavy sound, while a thicker pick can produce a warmer, more bass-heavy sound. By experimenting with different picks, you can find the perfect tone for your playing style.
Versatility:
Using a guitar pick can also make it easier to play a variety of techniques. Strumming, picking, and hybrid picking (using both your fingers and a pick to play notes) are all easier with a pick.
Additionally, using a pick can help you achieve a more consistent attack and sound when playing complex techniques such as sweep picking or alternate picking.
Durability:
Lastly, using a pick can help protect your fingers from callouses and other injuries. Playing guitar with just your fingers can be hard on your skin, particularly if you’re playing for long periods of time.
Using a pick can reduce the amount of wear and tear on your fingers, making it more comfortable to play for extended periods.
Top Three Choices for the Best Guitar Pick Packs for Beginners
If you’re wondering about what are the best guitar picks, then we’ve got you covered.
Every guitarist needs a good set of the best acoustic guitar picks to start their journey into the music world.
There are plenty of options available for beginners when it comes to the best guitar pick packs.
However here, we have mentioned three in particular that stand out as the best choices. So if you were thinking ‘where can I buy guitar picks’ then don’t worry. Keep on reading.
D’Addario Pearl Celluloid Guitar Picks
Are you a guitarist looking for a new set of picks? Look no further than the D’Addario Pearl Celluloid Guitar Picks.
This variety pack includes 25 picks in assorted colors and sizes, with 8 light, 9 medium, and 8 heavy picks to suit your playing style. The picks are made of high-quality celluloid, which provides a natural feel and warm, fat tone.
The standard shape of the picks is designed for comfortable playing, and the packaging is designed for minimal waste and environmental impact.
One of the great things about this pack is that it offers a range of thicknesses. The light picks are .50mm, which is perfect for strumming and playing rhythm guitar.
The medium picks are .70mm, which strikes a balance between strumming and picking single notes. Finally, the heavy picks are 1.0mm, which is great for lead guitar playing and picking single notes with precision.
Another great feature of these picks is their durability. The celluloid material is strong and can withstand frequent use without breaking or wearing down quickly.
This means that you can rely on these picks to last you for a long time, even with regular use.
Lastly, these picks make a great gift for any guitar player, whether they’re just starting out or have been playing for years.
The variety of thicknesses and colors means that they’ll have plenty of options to choose from, and the high-quality celluloid material will ensure that they can produce the warm, fat tone that every guitarist craves.
Dunlop Shred Variety Pack Guitar Picks, 12 Pack
For guitar players looking to take their playing to the next level, the Dunlop Shred Variety Pack Guitar Picks are an excellent choice. This pack includes 12 picks in a carefully curated selection of shapes, materials, and grips, designed to suit a wide range of playing styles.
One of the standout features of this pack is the use of carbon fiber material. Carbon fiber is known for its strength and durability, making these picks a great choice for players who want a reliable and long-lasting pick. The material also provides a unique feel, allowing for greater control and precision when playing.
The pack includes a range of shapes, including the classic teardrop shape as well as more unique shapes like the Jazz III XL and the Max Grip Jazz III. Each shape is designed to offer a different playing experience, so guitarists can experiment and find the shape that works best for them.
In addition to the different shapes, the pack also includes picks with various grips, including the Max Grip and the Gator Grip. These grips provide extra traction and help prevent the pick from slipping during fast or aggressive playing.
At 0.25″H x 4″L x 2.5″W in size, this pack is compact and easy to carry with you wherever you go. Whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage, you’ll always have a selection of picks on hand to suit your playing needs.
Overall, the Dunlop Shred Variety Pack Guitar Picks is an excellent choice for guitar players who want to experiment with different shapes, materials, and grips. These are an excellent choices when it comes to picks for electric guitar.
The use of carbon fiber ensures that these picks are strong and durable, while the selection of shapes and grips allows for a truly personalized playing experience.
Guitar Picks, 300 Pcs Guitar Picks Sampler Value Pack
The Augshy Guitar Picks Value Pack is an excellent choice for guitar players who want a wide selection of picks at an affordable price. This pack includes 300 picks made from high-quality celluloid material, which is known for its flexibility, durability, and classic tone.
The pack includes picks in three different thicknesses: 0.46mm, 0.71mm, and 0.96mm. Each guitar pick thickness for beginners offers a different playing timbre, allowing players to experiment and find the pick that suits their playing style. With 100 picks in each thickness, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The celluloid material used in these picks is ultra-thin and lightweight, making them comfortable to play with for extended periods. They’re also extremely durable, so you won’t have to worry about them breaking or wearing out too quickly.
One of the standout features of this pack is the variety it offers. With three different thicknesses and 100 picks in each size, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, these picks are suitable for all levels of playing.
At an affordable price, the Augshy Guitar Picks Value Pack is an excellent choice for guitar players who want a large selection of picks without breaking the bank. And if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, Augshy offers a satisfaction guarantee, so you can purchase with confidence.
Overall, this pack is a great value for any guitar player looking to stock up on picks.
What Makes a Good Guitar Pick?
When it comes to playing the guitar, having the right pick can make all the difference.
Guitar picks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and choosing the right one can greatly affect your playing experience. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the key features that make a good guitar pick.
Material:
The material a guitar pick is made from can greatly affect its tone and feel. Celluloid picks are most popular guitar picks for their warm, classic tone, while nylon picks offer a brighter sound.
Tortex picks are known for their durability and grip, and metal picks offer a unique, bright sound. Experimenting with different materials can help you find the one that best suits your playing style.
Thickness:
The thickness of a guitar pick can greatly impact its sound and feel. Thinner picks are more flexible and produce a brighter, more treble-heavy sound.
Thicker picks, on the other hand, are stiffer and produce a warmer, more bass-heavy sound. Finding the right thickness can help you achieve the tone and feel you’re looking for.
Shape:
The shape of a guitar pick can affect how it feels in your hand and how it strikes the strings. Teardrop-shaped picks are a popular choice for their versatility, while triangular picks offer a more focused attack.
Jazz picks are smaller and offer more precision, making them a good choice for intricate playing styles. Experimenting with different shapes can help you find the one that feels most comfortable and produces the sound you’re looking for.
Grip:
Some guitar picks come with a textured grip to help prevent slippage. This can be especially important if you tend to sweat while playing or if you play for extended periods.
Textured grips can also help you achieve a more consistent playing style by preventing the pick from moving around in your hand.
Durability:
A good guitar pick should be durable enough to withstand regular use. Look for picks made from high-quality materials that won’t break or wear out too quickly.
Tortex and Ultex picks are known for their durability and are a popular choice among guitarists.
Size:
The size of a guitar pick can also affect your playing experience. Smaller picks may be easier to control and offer more precision, while larger picks can provide a fuller sound.
Choosing the right size can depend on your playing style and personal preference.
The difference in Guitar Picks
When it comes to guitar picks, not all are created equal. There are different types of guitar picks that vary in thickness, size, shape, and material. The thickness of a pick can have a significant impact on the tone produced by the guitar, and can also affect the player’s technique.
Thin Guitar Picks: Characteristics and Uses
Thin or light guitar picks, usually between 0.45 mm and 0.70 mm in thickness, are often favored by acoustic guitarists.
These soft guitar picks provide a brighter, more treble-heavy tone and are ideal for strumming and playing intricate fingerpicking patterns.
They also allow for greater flexibility, making it easier for the player to create a wider range of sounds and textures.
Medium Guitar Picks: Characteristics and Uses
Medium guitar picks can range from 0.60 to 0.80 mm in thickness and are commonly known as electric guitar picks. They offer a balance between flexibility and rigidity, providing a fuller and more pronounced sound.
They are also versatile enough to be used for both strumming and picking.
Heavy Guitar Picks: Characteristics and Uses
Heavy guitar picks are typically between 0.80 and 1.2 mm in thickness and are popular among heavy metal and hard rock guitarists.
They produce a thicker, heavier tone with more sustain. This is why these are also categorized as famous guitar picks. So that you can pick and choose chords and heavy riffs. The added weight of heavy picks also allows for greater control and accuracy when playing fast and intricate passages.
Extra Heavy Guitar Picks: Characteristics and Uses
For those who want an even thicker and stiffer pick, extra-heavy picks are available, with a thickness of over 1.2 mm.
These are often used by players who want maximum control and precision when playing intricate solos or fast, complex patterns.
In addition to thickness, guitar picks can also vary in size and shape. Some picks are small and triangular, while others are larger and more rounded. The shape and size of the pick can have an impact on the sound produced, as well as the player’s technique and comfort.
Guitar Pick Materials:
Guitar picks come in a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique properties that can affect the sound and feel of your playing.
In the past, one of the most commonly used materials for guitar picks was a tortoise shell.
However, due to ethical concerns, the use of tortoise shells has been largely phased out in favor of more sustainable materials. Here are some of the most common materials used to make guitar picks today:
Nylon
Nylon is one of the most popular materials for guitar picks, as it is both durable and affordable.
These picks can come in a variety of thicknesses and shapes and tend to produce a bright, clear tone. They also have a bit of flex to them. This makes them the best guitar picks for strumming.
Celluloid
Celluloid is a type of plastic that was first introduced in the late 1800s. It quickly became a popular material for guitar picks due to its ability to mimic the sound and feel of a natural tortoise shell.
These picks can produce warm, rounded tones and are available in a range of thicknesses and colors. However, they can be prone to cracking over time.
Delrin
Delrin is a type of thermoplastic that is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
These Delrin picks tend to be a bit stiffer than nylon or celluloid picks, which can make them a good choice for lead playing or fast picking. They also tend to produce a brighter, more focused tone.
Metal
Metal picks are less common but cool guitar picks than their plastic counterparts, but they can be a good choice for certain styles of playing. These metal picks tend to be very stiff and produce a bright, crisp tone.
They can also be quite heavy, which can take some getting used to if you’re used to playing with lighter plastic picks.
Wood
Wooden picks can produce warm, natural tones that are well-suited to acoustic guitar playing. They tend to be thicker and stiffer than plastic picks, and can require a bit of extra care to maintain. However, they can be a good choice for players who value a more natural, organic sound.
Glass
Glass picks are a relatively new addition to the world of guitar picks. They tend to be very smooth and produce a bright, ringing tone. However, they are also quite fragile and can break easily if dropped.
The choice of guitar pick material is largely a matter of personal preference. Compared to these materials, meteorites care for expensive guitar picks. You can also find guitar picks with holes.
By experimenting with different materials and thicknesses, you can find the pick that works best for your playing style and the sound you’re looking to achieve.
Do guitar picks really matter?
Some guitar players might think that a guitar pick is just a small, insignificant accessory that doesn’t really make much of a difference in their playing.
However, the truth is that guitar picks do make a difference, and can greatly impact a player’s sound and technique.
Impact on Sound
The material and thickness of a guitar pick can greatly impact the tone of the guitar. For example, a thinner pick can produce a brighter and lighter sound, while a thicker pick can produce a darker and heavier sound.
The material used to make the pick can also impact the sound. For example, a pick made from nylon or plastic can produce a warmer tone, while a pick made from metal can produce a brighter, more metallic sound.
Impact on Technique
Using a guitar pick can also impact a player’s technique. A pick can allow for faster and more precise picking, as well as a louder and more consistent sound.
On the other hand, playing without a pick can allow for greater control over dynamics and nuances, as well as a softer and more subtle sound.
The choice of whether or not to use a guitar pick depends on the individual player and their preferences.
Do beginners use guitar picks?
Yes, beginners can and often do use guitar picks. Guitar picks are a popular accessory for both beginners and experienced guitar players alike.
While some beginners may choose to start with fingerstyle playing, using a pick is a common technique taught in many guitar lessons. In fact, using a pick can make it easier for beginners to produce clear and consistent sounds when strumming or picking individual strings. However, it’s ultimately up to personal preference and playing style.
Is Guitar Pick better than Fingers?
While using a guitar pick can certainly provide a different tone and attack than using your fingers. Whether it is “better” ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style.
Using a pick can produce a bright and punchy tone. This tone may be suitable for certain genres of music, such as rock or metal. It can also provide a more consistent tone and volume, as each pick stroke produces a similar sound. Additionally, using a pick can be less tiring on your fingers and can allow you to play faster.
However, some guitar players may prefer to use their fingers, as it can provide a warmer and more natural tone. Fingerstyle playing can also provide more versatility in terms of dynamics and expression, allowing you to play softer or louder depending on how hard you pluck the strings.
Conclusion:
Overall, the choice of whether to use a guitar pick or not depends on individual preference. Picking can provide a bright and punchy tone, as well as increased speed and consistency.
However, fingerstyle playing can provide a warmer sound with more dynamics and expression. Experimenting with different materials can help you find what works best for you.
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Marko is a passionate composer, producer, and multimedia artist with a Master of Music degree. His career involves performing, creating, and producing his own music in his home studio using digital and analogue equipment. Marko is a multi-instrumentalist (he plays guitar, bass, piano, theremin, and other instruments). performs live acts and DJ sets, and works on feature and short films, documentaries, festivals, theaters, and government initiatives.
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