Short answer: A pick is a flat piece of plastic that you use to strike the strings. As a beginner, the best choice is a teardrop-shaped pick of about 0.70 to 0.80 mm, made of nylon or a sturdy plastic with good grip. With that you can play both chords and single notes without the pick feeling too floppy or too stiff.
What is a pick?
A pick is a small, flat piece of material that you use to strike the strings of your guitar. You hold it between your thumb and index finger and play chords or single notes with it. It is one of the first things you need when you start learning to play guitar on an acoustic or electric guitar.
A pick gives a brighter and tighter attack than your fingers. On a classical guitar with nylon strings, you usually play without a pick. Three properties determine how a pick plays:
- Thickness: from about 0.38 mm (thin and flexible) to 1.5 mm or more (thick and stiff).
- Material: usually plastic such as nylon, celluloid or acetal, sometimes metal, wood or stone.
- Shape: the standard teardrop shape, the small jazz pick, the large triangle and the thumb pick.
Why the right pick matters
When you start playing guitar, it may seem like a small detail, but choosing the right pick makes more of a difference than you think. The pick is not only a tool for playing the strings, but it also affects the sound and the playing experience. For beginners, using an unsuitable pick can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation. With the right pick, it is also easier to practice techniques like alternate picking.
The right pick can help you learn to play better, improve your technique and even boost your confidence. Every pick has its own properties that affect your playing style. As a beginner, it pays to experiment with different kinds of picks to find out what suits you best. Besides choosing your pick, these 5 tips for learning guitar will get you off to a good start.
This process can not only help you develop your own preferences, but also give you a better understanding of the different sounds and techniques you can achieve with the guitar. Choosing the right pick is therefore an important step as a beginner.
Summary
- With the right pick, you play more comfortably as a beginner
- Different picks have different properties, such as flexibility and grip
- Beginners should choose the right pick thickness based on their playing style and preference
- Picks made of materials such as nylon and celluloid are ideal for beginners
- Tips for beginners on how to hold and use the pick correctly
Types of picks
Picks differ in thickness, material and shape. In this table you can see the common types and what each type is suited for.
| Type | Thickness | Material | Shape | Suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin | 0.38 to 0.60 mm | nylon or celluloid | teardrop | smooth chord strumming, especially on an acoustic guitar |
| Medium | 0.60 to 0.80 mm | nylon, celluloid or acetal | teardrop | beginners: chords and single notes |
| Thick | 0.80 to 1.20 mm | nylon or acetal | teardrop | single notes, riffs and solos |
| Extra thick (jazz) | 1.20 mm and thicker | nylon or another hard plastic | small, with a sharp tip | fast, precise notes and solos |
| Triangle | thin to thick | celluloid or plastic | large, with three points | players who find a bigger pick more comfortable to hold |
| Thumb pick | varies by model | usually plastic | ring around your thumb | fingerstyle: bass with your thumb, melody with your fingers |
The most common types are the standard picks, which usually have a teardrop shape and come in different thicknesses. There are also larger triangular picks, which you can use with all three points. These picks are versatile and suitable for different playing styles, from strumming chords to single melody lines.
There are also picks with a special shape, such as jazz picks, which are often smaller and thicker, making them ideal for precision and fast notes. Another type of pick you may come across is the so-called “thumb pick.” This type of pick is worn on the thumb and lets you play with both your fingers and the pick. If you pluck with a regular pick and at the same time with your middle and ring fingers, that is called hybrid picking.
This can be especially handy for fingerstyle guitarists who want to use a combination of techniques. Every type of pick has its own advantages and disadvantages, and as a beginner it is important to try different options to see which one suits your playing style best. A thumb pick is a good example of this; you can read why Tommy Emmanuel plays with one in learning fingerstyle like Tommy Emmanuel.
How to choose the right pick thickness as a beginner
The thickness of a pick plays a big role in how your guitar sounds and feels while you play. Picks are available in different thicknesses, ranging from thin (0.38 mm) to extra thick (1.5 mm or more). Thin picks are often more flexible and can produce a softer sound, which makes them ideal for strumming and chords.
On the other hand, thicker picks offer more control and precision, which makes them better suited to solos and fast passages. As a beginner, it is advisable to start with a medium thickness, such as 0.70 mm to 0.80 mm. This lets you play both chords and single notes without worrying about the limitations of a pick that is too thin or too thick. How to build up such fast passages calmly is covered in practicing fast solos with a metronome.
As you gain more experience, you can experiment with different thicknesses to find out what suits your playing style best. It is important to remember that there is no “right” choice; what matters is what feels best to you.
The best materials for beginner picks
Picks are made of different materials, each with its own unique sound and feel. The most common materials are plastic, nylon and celluloid. Plastic picks are often the cheapest and most accessible option for beginners.
They are lightweight and offer good grip, but can sometimes be less durable than other materials. Nylon picks are popular because of their flexibility and durability. They often have a slightly warmer sound than plastic picks, which makes them appealing to many guitarists.
Celluloid picks are also a good choice; they have a classic look and offer a nice balance between flexibility and firmness. As a beginner, it is wise to try different materials to see which one suits your playing style and preferences best.
How to hold a pick
You hold a pick between the tip of your thumb and the side of your curled index finger, with only the tip sticking out a few millimeters. Here is how to do it step by step:
- Curl your index finger loosely inward, as if you were holding a key.
- Place the pick on the side of the top joint of your index finger, with the tip pointing toward the strings.
- Lay your thumb flat on top of the pick, roughly at a right angle to your index finger.
- Let only the tip stick out a few millimeters. If too much sticks out, the pick will catch on the strings.
- Don’t squeeze too hard: firm enough that the pick doesn’t twist away, loose enough that your hand stays relaxed.
- Strike the strings from your wrist, not from your whole arm.
A relaxed grip helps you move smoothly over the strings without creating unnecessary tension in your hand.
It is also important to find the right angle when striking the strings. Try to hold the pick slightly angled instead of straight up, so you can produce a brighter tone and feel less resistance while playing. Practice regularly with different techniques, such as strumming and picking, to get used to how the pick feels while you play.
This will not only improve your technique, but also increase your overall enjoyment of playing.
Common mistakes when using a pick as a beginner
As a beginner, it is normal to make mistakes while learning to play with a pick. A common mistake is gripping the pick too tightly, which can lead to tension in your hand and fatigue while playing. Remember that you play more smoothly with a relaxed grip.
Another common mistake is not positioning the pick well in relation to the strings. Beginners often tend to strike straight down on the strings, which can result in a dull sound. Instead, try to keep a slight angle when striking the strings to get a brighter tone.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make progress in your guitar playing faster.
Recommendations for the best picks for beginners on the market
There are many different brands and models of picks available that are designed specifically for beginners. A popular choice is the Dunlop Tortex series, which is known for its durability and versatility. These picks are available in different thicknesses and offer excellent grip, which makes them ideal for both strumming and playing single notes.
Another recommendation is nylon picks, such as the Nylon Standard from Dunlop, which feel flexible and give a somewhat softer sound. The classic teardrop-shaped celluloid picks from Fender are also a familiar choice. These picks are perfect for beginners looking for a good balance between price and quality. Don’t forget that personal preference also plays a big role; what works for one guitarist may not work for you.
Try different brands and models to find the perfect match for your playing style.
How using a pick can contribute to a beginner’s development on guitar
Using a pick can offer significant benefits for beginners learning to play guitar. First, using a pick helps develop coordination between hand and fingers. Every guitarist needs that, whatever style you play. If you prefer to play with your fingers, read how to learn fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar.
By practicing regularly with a pick, you learn not only how to strike the strings effectively, but also how to apply different techniques. Using a pick can also contribute to developing a sense of rhythm and timing. When you play with a pick, you are forced to pay attention to the speed and force with which you strike the strings. How to learn to count along the way is covered in the article about counting rhythm on guitar.
This helps not only to improve your technique, but also to develop a better understanding of musical structures and patterns. By deliberately working with a pick, you lay a strong foundation for your further development as a guitarist.
When you are just starting out on guitar, choosing the right pick is an important step. A good pick can make the difference in your playing experience and technique. Besides choosing the right pick, there are other aspects that matter for beginners. An interesting article that can help you get started with guitar is Is learning guitar hard? Tips for beginners. This article offers valuable insights and tips that can help you start your guitar journey successfully.
Frequently asked questions about picks for beginners
What is a pick?
A pick is a small, flat piece of material, usually plastic, that is used to strum or pluck the strings of a guitar.
Why is it important for beginners to choose a good pick?
A good pick can make the learning process easier for beginners by providing a consistent and comfortable playing experience. It can also help develop good technique.
What properties should a good pick have for beginners?
For beginners, it is important that a pick is easy to hold, has a comfortable thickness and offers good grip. The shape and material of the pick can also affect the sound that is produced.
Which types of picks are suitable for beginners?
For beginners, thin to medium plastic picks are often the most suitable. They offer flexibility and are easy to hold.
Should beginners try different picks before choosing one?
Yes, it can be useful for beginners to try different types of picks to find out which one suits their playing style and preferences best.
Which pick thickness works best for strumming chords?
For strumming chords, thin to medium-thick picks often feel pleasant, because they glide smoothly over the strings. For single notes and solos, a thicker pick usually works better, because it bends less.
Why does my pick keep slipping out of my fingers?
Often you are holding the pick too loosely or too much of it sticks out. Let only the tip stick out and choose a pick with a rough surface or texture for extra grip. Do keep your grip relaxed, otherwise your hand tires quickly.
How do you hold a pick properly?
Place the pick on the side of your curled index finger and clamp it with your thumb. Let only the tip stick out a few millimeters and keep your grip relaxed. Strike the strings from your wrist.
Which pick thickness is best for beginners?
A medium pick of about 0.70 to 0.80 mm is the safest choice for most beginners. It is flexible enough to strum chords and firm enough for single notes. If you later mostly play solos, try a thicker pick.
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