Choosing the right guitar pick can greatly impact your playing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding how the thickness of a guitar pick (measured in millimeters, or mm) affects your sound and playability is essential. In this article, we will explore the different mm guitar picks, their applications, and how to choose the one that best suits your style and instrument.
Understanding Guitar Pick Thickness
What is Pick Thickness?
Pick thickness, measured in mm, is one of the most significant factors influencing your playing. The thickness of a guitar pick refers to how thin or thick the material of the pick is, and this can range from less than 0.5mm to over 3mm. The choice of thickness affects not only your comfort but also the tone and attack of your playing.
Why Does Thickness Matter?
Thicker picks produce a fuller, more powerful sound with a strong attack, while thinner picks tend to produce a brighter, more delicate tone. Your choice of pick thickness should align with your playing style, the genre of music you play, and the type of guitar you use.
The Different Thickness Categories
Thin Picks (0.38mm – 0.60mm)
Thin picks are usually 0.38mm to 0.60mm thick. These picks are flexible and bend easily when you strum the strings. They are ideal for beginners, especially those who play acoustic guitars. The flexibility of thin picks allows for a lighter touch, which is great for strumming chords and playing rhythm guitar.
Advantages:
Great for strumming and rhythm guitar.
Produces a bright, jangly sound.
Easy to control for beginners.
Disadvantages:
Less precise for single-note picking.
Can wear out quickly.
Medium Picks (0.60mm – 0.80mm)
Medium picks, ranging from 0.60mm to 0.80mm, offer a balance between flexibility and stiffness. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of playing styles, including strumming, flatpicking, and lead playing.
Advantages:
Versatile for different playing styles.
Provides a good balance of tone and attack.
Durable and long-lasting.
Disadvantages:
May not be ideal for players seeking extreme flexibility or stiffness.
Heavy Picks (0.80mm – 1.2mm)
Heavy picks, which are 0.80mm to 1.2mm thick, are stiffer and less flexible. They are commonly used by lead guitarists who require precision and control for fast, intricate playing. Heavy picks are also favored by bass players for their solid, strong attack.
Advantages:
Great for single-note picking and lead playing.
Provides a strong, powerful tone.
Offers excellent control and precision.
Disadvantages:
Not as flexible for strumming.
Can produce a harsh sound if not used properly.
Extra-Heavy Picks (1.2mm and Above)
Extra-heavy picks, with thicknesses exceeding 1.2mm, are the go-to choice for guitarists who play fast, aggressive styles like metal and hard rock. These picks offer maximum control and minimal flex, allowing for precise, articulate playing.
Advantages:
Perfect for fast, aggressive playing.
Offers maximum control and minimal flex.
Produces a powerful, full-bodied sound.
Disadvantages:
Can be challenging for beginners to control.
Not suitable for strumming.
See Also: Have You Ever Heard of Gretsch Guitars?
Choosing the Right Pick for Your Style
Acoustic Guitar Players
Acoustic guitars, especially those used for strumming chords, benefit from thinner picks. A 0.60mm pick is often a good starting point for acoustic players who want a balance between flexibility and tone. However, if you prefer a brighter sound and more flexibility, consider a pick closer to 0.50mm.
Electric Guitar Players
For electric guitars, the choice of pick thickness largely depends on your playing style. Lead guitarists often prefer heavy or extra-heavy picks (0.80mm and above) for their precision and control. Rhythm guitarists, on the other hand, might opt for a medium pick (0.60mm – 0.80mm) to maintain a balance between strumming and picking.
Bass Guitar Players
Bass players typically use heavy or extra-heavy picks (1.0mm and above) because they provide the strength and control needed to pluck thicker strings. A heavier pick ensures a strong attack, which is crucial for cutting through a mix in a band setting.
Fast and Technical Players
If you play fast, intricate music such as metal or shred guitar, a heavy or extra-heavy pick (1.0mm and above) is ideal. These picks allow for rapid picking without bending, which is essential for maintaining accuracy and speed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pick
Material: The material of the pick also affects the tone and feel. Common materials include celluloid, nylon, and Delrin, each offering a different texture and sound. Experimenting with different materials can help you find the right combination of thickness and feel.
Grip: Some picks come with textured grips or holes to help you hold onto them more securely. If you tend to drop your pick while playing, consider a pick with a grip or a thicker pick that might be easier to hold.
Shape and Size: Picks come in various shapes and sizes, from standard teardrop shapes to jazz picks with pointed tips. The shape and size you choose will depend on your playing style and comfort level. Smaller picks can offer more precision, while larger picks might be easier to hold.
Experimenting with Different Picks
Trying Out Different Picks: It’s essential to try out different picks to find the one that best suits your playing style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various thicknesses, materials, and shapes. You might find that a particular pick thickness works better for certain genres or techniques.
Recording Yourself: One way to evaluate the impact of different picks is to record yourself playing with each one. Listen back to the recordings to hear how the pick affects your tone and attack. This can provide valuable insights into which pick thickness best suits your style.
Considering the Pick for Different Situations: You may find that different situations call for different picks. For example, a thinner pick might be better for recording acoustic tracks, while a heavier pick could be ideal for live performances with an electric guitar. Don’t hesitate to switch picks based on the context.
Conclusion
Choosing the right guitar pick thickness is a personal decision that depends on your playing style, the type of guitar you use, and the sound you want to achieve. Whether you opt for a thin, medium, heavy, or extra-heavy pick, each thickness offers unique advantages and challenges. By experimenting with different picks and paying attention to how they affect your playing, you can find the ideal pick that enhances your musical expression.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what mm guitar pick you should use. The key is to understand how different thicknesses impact your playing and to choose a pick that complements your style and preferences.
