A guitar without a pick is like a set of drums played by setting fists to skins and making the most of the sound that results. A pick is a fundamental enhancement that brings out the intended sound of the instrument. Finding the right pick can open up a new world of sound. The pick, sometimes called the plectrum, comes in many variations to bring out a guitar’s best in sound quality.

Picks and plectrums are made from a variety of materials. The ancestor of the plectrum had to be flexible to produce more delicate sounds. Tone was controlled by holding it closer to or farther from the tip. The size, 40 – 60mm long and 1mm thick, has not changed much. The first plastic ever used for guitar picks is celluloid. The modern pick is believed to have evolved from the original D’Andrea mallet die, circa 1920, the industry standard since 1928. Common materials today include plastic, rubber, tortoiseshell, wood, metal, glass, and stone. Some less well-known materials are ivory, tough felt and meteorite.

A plectrum is most often tear-shaped, or a variant thereof. Thicknesses vary more greatly, for the purpose of producing the wider array of tone and sound quality for an instrument that complement different music genres, styles and playing techniques. Thicker picks, measuring above 1mm, have quicker response times. This makes for faster runs or phrases, which brings out vivid tones. Thinner plectra are more flexible and bend to the will of the strings. If the desired tone is muddier, a thin pick will do the trick. These are also great when playing chords because when the pick follows the players stroke, the strings respond with a distinctive twang that makes beautiful melody. It is truly amazing what a great effect this little bit of material has on music.

The choice of a pick that suits the music should not be taken for granted. Personal preferences come into play more than anything else, of course, but it must be understood that the pick picks the tone. When a player finds the perfect plectrum to complement his or her sound, it is like a young wizard discovering the wand that was made for him.