The Pick



You will need a pick (plectrum) in order to use these lessons.

The pick is responsible for starting the sound on your guitar and it affects the guitars tone, so it is important to select a good one. Like the violinist goes through several bows before settling on the one they like, you will go through several picks before you settle on the one you prefer. Luckily picks are much less expensive than violin bows!

There are so many picks available today it is beyond the scope of this lesson to attempt to cover the various styles, plus, everybody's taste in picks is different, so the following is only a suggestion.

• Do not think a light gauge pick is easier to play. They are useful for soft music, but because they are so flexible, they often make more noise than stiffer picks.
  
• If your pick is too heavy, it will be difficult to control at first until you are used to it.
  
• Larger picks aren't necessarily better, but you are less likely to drop them when you're playing.
  
• Picks wear out eventually. Some are triangular shaped, which means they are essentially three picks in one and will last three times as long as those that only have one point on them.
  
• See how the pick feels when held between your thumb and first finger. Does it slip easily or does it stick a little? Sticky is better.
  
• Do not go cheap on the pick. Although it is not necessary at this time to pay $40 for a Blue Chip pick, don't be reluctant to pay a few dollars for a good one.
  
• For now, avoid picks made of alternate materials such as wood, stone or metals and stick to conventional plastic materials.
  

When you have your pick and are sure your guitar is ready to play, then it is time to move on to the next lesson!