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Guitar Pick Thickness: Choosing the Right One for You

by Brett Quattrucci on January 25, 2023

Guitar picks come in a variety of thicknesses, each with their own unique benefits. The thickness of a pick can greatly affect one’s tone, playability, and comfort.

 

Thicker Guitar Picks

Thicker guitar picks, typically 1mm or greater, are great for technical picking methods like alternate picking and hybrid picking. They provide better control over volume and articulation of single notes. These picks produce a nice, full sound as well as a faster attack. They are also nearly impossible to bend or break, making them more durable and a better choice for live performances.

For more advanced guitarists, thicker guitar picks can be more ergonomic, improving feel and reducing hand fatigue. However, for beginner guitarists, thicker picks can be challenging to control if you do not have highly accurate pick strokes due to their lack of flexibility. Thicker picks are popular among the progressive guitar crowd especially those who play metal and heavier genres.

 

Thinner Guitar Picks

On the other hand, a thinner pick of 1mm or less, is a perfect choice for strumming, especially for beginners as they are easier to control and keep in one’s hand. These picks are more flexible, allowing for easier movement over the strings without needing to be super accurate.

The downside is that thinner guitar picks are less responsive than thicker ones due to their flexibility and the time it takes them to return to shape from their flexed position. This means that thinner picks are not as effective for shredding and fast lead playing. Thinner guitar picks are more popular among those who play classic guitar genres like folks, country, blues, and other guitar styles that incorporate a lot of strumming.

Another benefit of trying different pick thicknesses is that they can help to reduce hand fatigue and discomfort. A thicker pick can be more comfortable to hold for long periods of time, while a thinner pick can be easier to maneuver.

This can be especially important for players who have hand or wrist problems, as they can use a pick that is more comfortable for them. Many guitarists suffer from arthritis and have trouble keeping a proper grip on their picks. For these folks, a thicker pick can be easier to hold since they do not need to close their hand so tightly.

 

Guitar Pick Material

It’s important to quickly mention that the material of the pick also affects the sound and playability. Different materials have different density and rigidity, like celluloid, nylon, Delrin, Tortex, resin, wood and so on. Each has a different tone and feel, and it's worth experimenting with different materials and thicknesses to find the combination that works best for you.

 

Conclusion: The Right Guitar Pick Thickness Varies

In choosing the right guitar pick thickness one must account for many factors such as desired tone, playing style, and even one’s hand shape. It is important for guitarists to experiment with a variety of pick shapes, thicknesses, and materials in order to discover what feels and sounds best to them. 

We offer guitar picks in a wide variety of materials and thicknesses to help guitarists like you hone their tone and find their groove. From 5 mm thick handmade picks to standard .71 mm Delrin picks, our selection of picks provide a unique playing experience and promote the development of one’s unique sound and style.

Find your ideal pick here 👉🏻 Guitar Picks from Ploutone

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Author Bio

Brett, the owner and founder of Ploutone, is a modern guitarist on a mission to create a sustainable future and build a thriving community through the power of music. Brett founded Ploutone to celebrate independent artists and foster connections among guitarists worldwide. With a vision of spreading positivity and promoting sustainability, Brett hopes to inspire others to push the boundaries of their instruments and contribute to a better world.

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