Different Types of Picks for Strumming

Picks, or otherwise known as plectrums, are little tools that you use to strum or pick the strings in order to create sound. Picks are typically triangular in shape and costs SGD$0.50 cents each in Singapore.

Now I am just going to talk about what you need to worry about in your beginner learning stages. This information is not extensive.

Sound

Different picks create different sounds. Soft plastic picks results in mellow sounds, while metallic picks result in a brighter sound. Even the sound of your own fingers or fingernails striking the strings produces a different sound. Experiment with them all if you wish to get the feel of it.

At this point of time, don’t worry too much about the type of sound you are producing. Your focus is not on making music, but making your body and your hands attuned to wrapping itself around a guitar. Give it time to learn.

Ease of play

The more malleable the pick is, the easier it is to play. As a beginner, you will want to choose the extra-thin (exactly 0.44mm in width) plastic picks, because its ability to bend easily means you are able to totally relax your strumming arm while playing.

Remember that the key to playing guitar, is to relax your entire body while keeping a good posture. If you use a harder pick, your strumming hand tends to tense up. It’s normal; the fingers are trying not to let the pick fly after you strum the pick through the strings.

Position

Hold your pick between your forefinger and your thumb. Us beginners tend to hold the pick with the middle finger as well, but this will only impede your progress as you are unnecessarily stressing your hand (with the middle finger).