The Guitar Pick: A Little Goes A Long Way
When I was young, I always thought my father's guitar pick was the prettiest little thing. It was faux tortoise shell (although I didn't realize that at the time), and I was always driving him crazy by taking it out to play with and then forgetting to put it back where I found it. Even though I was only four or five years old, I still understood that that little piece of plastic was what allowed my father to play the guitar as wonderfully as he did. Guitar picks are magical little pieces of plastic and can be important components in producing the music of the guitar. Guitarists can be very choosy about their picks, but fortunately, the wide variety of styles available can accommodate everyone.
The correct name for a guitar pick is actually "plectrum," although I doubt that the average person on the street would know that. The word comes from the Greek "plektron," or "plassein," meaning "to strike." A plectrum is usually thin, between 0.2 and 1.5+ mm thick, and shaped like a triangle with rounded corners. Traditionally, guitar picks were made from the shells of tortoises. However, human civilization being what it is, the tortoise is currently a highly endangered animal and the result is that the use of its shell for making guitar picks is strictly illegal. Unfortunately, because tortoise shell picks are supposedly superior in tone and easy to use, they are still coveted and sometimes produced.
The modern garden variety guitar pick is made of plastic, although bone, wood, steel and the afore-mentioned tortoise shell versions do exist. They come in a rainbow of colors and sizes and can be as individualized as the artists who use them. The shape and size of a guitar pick is generally dictated by the use to which it is put. A jazz pick, for example, is smaller than one used for a bass guitar. Similarly, the thickness of the pick varies depending on its application. Thinner versions are usually used for strumming or rhythm playing, while thicker picks are generally the choice for single-note lines or lead playing.
Although very different from my father's traditional-looking triangular pick, fingerpicks should also be included under the heading of guitar picks. A fingerpick is a type of plectrum, but instead of being held between the thumb and finger like a typical guitar pick, it is attached to the end of a finger or thumb. It is common for several fingerpicks to be used simultaneously, both on the thumb and the fingers. However, the one on the thumb is usually made of plastic, while those on the fingers are generally metal. Like the triangular pick, the fingerpick comes in a variety of thicknesses according to the style of musician and music.
Fingerpicks are traditionally tools of bluegrass style banjo music, but it is not uncommon to see a guitar player using them. Artists of the Hawaiian guitar, bottleneck guitar and Dobro (a guitar with a single inverted resonator) often utilize fingerpicks. They are sometimes even used by classical guitar players, who tend to employ them as a means of saving their fingernails from the abuse often caused by playing the guitar.
(ArticlesBase SC #559330)
How to Hold a Guitar Pick
Learn how to properly hold a guitar pick. This is my way of holding the guitar pick. (03:11)
How to Choose your Guitar Pick
In this guitar video learn about the different picks that are suitable for different styles of guitars and playing. (01:42)
Pick Tips from Brad Davis
Brad Davis gives some tips on correct acoustic guitar picking (01:39)
How to Play Jazz Guitar - Picking Techniques
Learn how to play Jazz Guitar with this step by step instructional video guide - Picking Techniques (02:19)
How to Hold a Guitar, Pick, and Make Notes
Learn how to hold a guitar, pick and make notes with freeandeasyguitar.com (09:55)
If you have a little experience as a flat-picking guitarist you have probably considered trying to learn some fingerstyle techniques. Finger picking is not difficult to learn as long as you are prepared to treat it as a new discipline and take it slowly.
This is a little essay on the joys and opportunities available to finger picking guitar players. You will learn how to make a simple beginning at adding value to your guitar work by adding some simple finger picking.
If you want to become a famous guitar player or to play for yourself the correct first steps are the most...
Who are the pioneers of modern acoustic guitar music? How do I learn how to play acoustic guitar? Not two of the great mysteries but very important questions. This article will help you with the answers.
An explanantion of how fingerpicking differs from the other methods of playing a guitar and an overview of some of the genres that use fingerpicking.
This article helps you define what bluegrass guitar music is and how to go about learning to play it. If you enjoy listening to bluegrass, it's never too late to learn to play it.
If you have an acoustic guitar and you would like to take lessons there marked differences in the styles of music you could learn. Here are some important facts you need to know before you decide on guitar lessons.
Reba was one of the highlights of this year’s American Music Awards. She was nominated for Favorite Female Artist along with Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.
There are many cheap electric guitars on the market and these can provide an excellent introduction to electric guitar playing for the beginner. When purchasing an electric guitar however it is worth considering two important points: The first consideration is the reputation of the manufacturer. The problem with some cheap electric guitars from less well-known suppliers is that they can be poorly constructed, both in terms of their build method and in the components that are used.
Thinking of buying that second-hand DJ equipment for sale in the classifieds? It may be worth your while to consider all the options before you make an impulsive purchase. The price might look irresistible, but a cheap buy is not necessarily the best buy over the longer term.
Tired of the inevitable hunt for a parking spot and annoying assistants at your favourite DJ equipment shops?
Jamorama Guitar Lessons Jamorama Guitar Lessons
Most independent artists and music enthusiast wants to get exposure a head start of what the music world is all about.
Guitar Superstars Review Guitar Superstars Review
This article contains valuable information on how to make beats for those that want to become music producers.
There are many video games on the market that are sure to please every gamer out there no matter what their age.
Not all games are the same. Some are funny. Others are predictable. In the heap of games to choose from for your fancy, here are some of our offerings.
A description of what constitutes a slit drum and examples of the many forms the instrument takes around the world, both for music and communication.
A description of the purpose served by cleats in sports and a breakdown of the different kinds of cleats available.
Who says adults and teens get all the fun? As the power of the computer is realized in schools, more and more games are geared to the youngest students.
From paid to free, there are games for all to have. Just keep in mind that as in anything, you may get what you pay for. Don't expect the best from free games since these are used as teasers.
An outline of the different bindings styles used for downhill, cross-country and telemark skiing and what those differences are designed to allow.
There are several video games available on the market today that every gamer no matter what their age are sure to enjoy.
0