The humble guitar pick

A little, triangular-shaped implement used to pluck or strum a guitar's strings is called a guitar pick, also known as a plectrum. The pick is the preferred way of striking the string for many guitarists due to its distinctive tone and adaptability, even though some guitarists prefer to play with their fingers. We shall examine the development of the guitar pick in this article, along with its numerous types and materials.

As guitarists started experimenting with different materials in the early 1900s to find a tool that could produce a louder and more defined sound than their fingers, the guitar pick's history can be traced back to that time. Tortoiseshell, which was revered for its strength and flexibility, was used to make one of the first picks. Tortoiseshell is now forbidden to be used since the hawksbill turtle, which was used to create it, is an endangered species.

(Hawksbill Turtle)

Guitar picks can now be made from a wide range of materials, including nylon, celluloid, Delrin, and metal. In order to choose the pick that best suits their playing style, guitarists can experiment with the various materials to discover how each one sounds and feels.

(Derlin, celluloid, nylon and metal picks)

The 1930s saw the development of nylon. In the 1960s, Herco started selling nylon guitar picks. They are among the most well-liked since they are inexpensive, adaptable, and versatile. Players can choose a pick that produces a bright or mellow tone based on their preferences because they come in a variety of thicknesses.

When sources of ivory became scarce owing to overhunting, celluloid was used to make billiard balls that looked like ivory. Celluloid is a substance that was created in the 1870s. Celluloid picks provide a somewhat warmer sound and are frequently prefered by jazz and blues guitarists.

DuPont developed the material Delrin in the late 1950s. When the trade in tortoise shell was outlawed in the 1970s, it quickly became another well-liked material for guitar picks. It is a wonderful option for quick and intricate playing because of its reputation for precision and longevity.

Brass or stainless steel picks, which are less popular but can have a distinctive sound and feel that some players love, are examples of metal picks.


The form and thickness of the pick, in addition to the material, can impact the sound and feel. Picks come in a variety of shapes, including teardrop, pointed, and the more common triangle shape. Thinner picks are more flexible and are better for strumming, whereas thicker picks, such as those above 1mm, generate a louder and more defined sound.

The design of the guitar pick has also changed to incorporate specialised models for various playing techniques. For instance, fingerstyle picks are designed to fit over the fingertips and allow for a more natural playing style, whereas jazz picks are frequently thicker and have a pointed tip for more precise playing.

To sum up, the guitar pick is a crucial implement for many guitarists since it enables them to create a distinctive tone and feel. Guitarists can personalise their playing experience and choose the pick that best suits their demands because to the range of materials, shapes, and thicknesses that are readily accessible. The guitar pick is a versatile and significant component of the guitar player's toolset, whether performing quick and complex solos or strumming straightforward chords.

Editors note:
The ability for guitar picks to discover and utilize worm holes that transport them to the other side of the universe and never return is a mystery that has never been solved so please stock up at Maxx Music.