- Snappy, Fluid Attack
- Gauges – .50, .60, .73, .88, 1.0, 1.14 Mm
- Bright, Crisp Tone
- Different Textures
- Light/Medium Or Medium/Hard Size
- 12 Picks Per Package
- Wide Body And A Rounded Tip
- Natural Feel & Warm, Fat Musical Tone
- Wide Variety Of Gauges
- Nylon Pick & Carbon Addictive
- Red Nylon, Black Stiffo, And Carbon Fiber
- Max-Grip Technology & Jazz III
- Rigid And Durable
- Smooth Striking Surface And Warm Musical Tone
- Celluloid Picks
Choose the Best Guitar Pick for Metal
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Guitar Picks are an essential piece of gear for any metalhead. Whether you’re a beginner just starting, or a seasoned pro, you need the right Guitar Pick for the job if you want to sound your best. This epic guide will answer all of your questions about Guitar Picks for metal and help you find the perfect set of plectrums for your needs. Here you also find reviews of some of the best picks on the market today, so you can find the right one without having to spend hours wading through endless product listings!
Table of Contents
Dunlop Tortex Standard 1.14-mm Purple Guitar Pick, 12 Pack
Looking for the perfect guitar pick? Look no further than Dunlop’s Tortex Standard 1.14-mm Purple Guitar Pick! Made of the popular Tortex material, this pick replicates the feel of a tortoiseshell pick and is ideal for electric, acoustic, and bass guitar playing.
It provides a bright, crisp tone and maximum memory – meaning your pick will stay in shape even with heavy playing. The grip-enhancing matte surface also ensures a snappy, fluid attack while the highly durable treated Delrin base prevents bending and wear.
And with its sharp point, you’ll achieve maximum speed during those fast licks. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this pick is perfect for any musician looking to up their game!
Dunlop PVP101 Assorted Pick Pack, Light/Medium, 12 pieces
This pack provides a versatile assortment of picks that can handle any style of playing. The Dunlop PVP101 Assorted Pick Pack is a multi-pack that includes 12 packs of picks in a variety of colors, textures, shapes, and materials.
ChromaCast Sampler Guitar Picks CC-SAMPLE, 12 pieces
ChromaCast Sampler Guitar Picks give you the perfect combination of strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability. The classic guitar pick shape is great for playing acoustic, rhythm guitar, and fast single-note passages.
With a wide-body and rounded tip, these picks provide a natural feel and ensure a warm, fat musical tone. Plus, with 12 colors to choose from in every pack, you can find the perfect set to suit your style. Assorted gauges range from 50 mm to 1.14 mm so you can find the perfect pick for your playing style.
These picks are also great for beginners – they come with protection against chipping and feature 6 Duralin Picks (from extra thin to heavy gauges) as well as 6 Celluloid Picks (from thin to thick gauges).
Dunlop 471R3C Max-Grip® Nylon Jazz III, 24 pieces per Bag
Dunlop 471R3C Max-Grip® Nylon Jazz III picks are the perfect addition to your toolkit. Made of carbon fiber, these picks are shaped for extreme precision and durability.
With a beveled shape that allows for quick string release, they combine the speed, precision, and control you need to play at your best. The ribbed grip provides a non-slip surface that will keep you in control even when things get sweaty.
The sharp tip increases speed and articulation while playing, making these picks ideal for any situation. With a thickness of 1.38 mm., they’re just thick enough to provide some heft without feeling cumbersome.
Fender 351 Shape Classic Picks, 12 pieces in pack
You demand the best in your guitar playing, so why not demand the best in your guitar picks? With Fender 351 Shape Classic Picks, you’ll get picks that are ideal for electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, and bass.
They’re made of a unique tortoiseshell pattern that gives them a one-of-a-kind look, and they also have a comfortable and pleasant feel. What’s more, these picks are rigid and durable – perfect for any player who wants a long-lasting pick. You’ll appreciate their traditional 351 shape and glossy smooth surface.
And with a smooth striking surface, they provide a warm round musical tone that is perfect for any style or technique. Plus, these high-performance picks are heavy gauge, so they provide a balanced tone and plenty of projection.
Buyer’s Guide
What are the Guitar Picks used for?
There are a variety of reasons one might choose to use a guitar pick. Some players might find that using a pick gives them more control over their sound, or makes it easier to play fast passages. Others may prefer the feel of a pick against the strings, or simply like the way picks look.
The first Guitar Picks were made of tortoise shells and were used in the early 1900s. Today, there are a variety of materials picks can be made from, including plastic, nylon, metal, stone, and wood. These small devices are an important part of the guitarist’s arsenal and can be used to create a variety of sounds.
What are the Different Types of Guitar Picks?
There are three main types of guitar picks: triangular, teardrop, and rectangular. Each has its unique shape that offers a different playing experience.
Triangular picks have three-pointed sides and are typically smaller than other types of picks. They offer good control and precision and are ideal for strumming or finger-picking styles. Teardrop Picks have a rounded edge on one side and a pointy edge on the other. This type is versatile and can be used for a variety of genres.
Rectangular picks are larger and have two beveled edges. They provide a good grip and are often used for heavier styles of music, such as metal or rock.
There are also variations of these shapes, including the Jazz III pick which is triangular with a sharp point, and the Ultex Sharp which is teardrop-shaped with a pointed tip. Each player should experiment with different types of guitar picks to see what feels best in their hand and produces the sound they desire [1].
Ideal Guitar Picks by genre
Black Metal
For black metal, you want a guitar pick that is thin and has a sharp point. This will help you get the fast and precise notes needed for this genre. The effective picks for playing black metal are those made of plastic or nylon. These materials will give you the required speed and precision without dulling your tone.
Death Metal
When playing death metal, you need a guitar pick that can handle heavy distortion. A thick and stiff pick is ideal for this genre. Picks made of hard materials like plastic or metal are perfect for delivering the aggressive tones needed for death metal.
Power Metal/Thrash Metal
For power metal and thrash metal, you need a guitar pick that can provide a good tone and durability. A medium-thickness pick is ideal for these genres. Picks made of materials like nylon or celluloid are great for delivering a clear tone without losing any durability.
If you’re looking for the best guitar picks for power metal or thrash metal, take a look at the picks made of durable materials with a medium thickness to help you achieve great tone and longevity.
Doom/Stoner Metal
When playing doom or stoner metal, you’ll want a guitar pick that has a heavy feel and is slightly flexible. A thick and stiff pick is perfect for achieving the massive tones needed for these genres. Picks made of materials like celluloid or plastic are great for delivering a powerful sound without losing any flexibility.
If you’re looking for the best guitar picks for doom or stoner metal, check out the picks that are made of durable materials with a medium thickness to help you achieve great tone and longevity. They also have a heavy feel and slight flexibility to help you create those massive tones.
Djent
For djent, you’ll want a guitar pick that is thin and has a sharp point. This will help you get the fast and precise notes needed for this genre. The effective picks for playing djent are those made of plastic or nylon. These materials will give you the required speed and precision without dulling your tone.
If you’re looking for the best guitar picks for djent, check out the picks that are made of durable materials with a medium thickness to help you achieve great tone and longevity. They also have a thin profile and sharp points to help you get those fast and precise notes.
Punk
When playing punk, you’ll want a guitar pick that is thin and has a sharp point. This will help you get the fast and precise notes needed for this genre.
If you’re looking for the best guitar picks for punk, check out the picks that are made of durable materials with a medium thickness to help you achieve great tone and longevity. They also have a thin profile and sharp points to help you get those fast and precise notes.
Main Features Of The Right Guitar Pick
Thickness
A Guitar Pick should be of a thickness that allows it to be gripped comfortably in the hand. If it is too thin, it might easily slip out of your fingers; if it is too thick, then you will find it difficult to hold and maneuver. Therefore, the perfect thickness for a Guitar Pick should allow you to grip it securely without having to apply much pressure. This also depends on the size of your hands; if you have smaller hands, then you will need a thinner pick than someone with larger hands.
The standard size for most Guitar Picks is 0.71 mm, but this can vary depending on the brand or type of pick. The Dunlop Tortex Standard Guitar Picks are around 0.73 mm thick, while the Jim Dunlop Jazz III Guitar Picks are a thinner 0.60 mm [2].
Shape
The shape of a Guitar Pick is also important, as it can affect your playing style. Some people prefer picks that are curved or shaped like a teardrop, while others prefer a more traditional rectangular pick. The shape of the pick can also depend on the type of music you play; for example, jazz players might prefer a smaller, triangular-shaped pick for faster and more delicate playing styles.
The thickness and shape of the guitar pick should be comfortable for your hand and fit well with the way you hold the instrument.
Tip Type/Edge Type
The tip type and edge type of a Guitar Pick are also important factors to consider. The three most common types of tips are pointed, beveled, and rounded. Pointed tips are great for shredding and metal solos as they provide a sharper sound, while beveled tips create a smooth sound that is ideal for strumming chords.
The edge type refers to the shape of the edge of the pick. There are two main types of edges- sharp and blunt. Sharp edges provide a brighter tone and more attack, while blunt edges deliver a mellower tone with less sustain. You should choose the tip type and edge type that best suits your playing style.
Size
The size of a Guitar Pick is also important, as it can affect the sound and playing style. Larger picks produce a louder and more powerful sound, while smaller picks create a softer and more delicate tone. Larger picks are also better for strumming chords, while smaller picks are better for intricate lead work.
Material
The material of a Guitar Pick also plays an important role in the sound it produces. picks made from plastic or nylon are generally brighter and have more attacks than those made from wood. Picks made from tortoiseshell, bone, or metal produce a warmer sound with more sustain.
Plastic Guitar Picks are the most popular type, as they are durable and affordable. The Dunlop Tortex Standard Guitar Picks are made from a tough plastic material that is resistant to wear and tear, while the Jim Dunlop Jazz III Guitar Picks are made from thin but resilient nylon.
The tortoiseshell picks are handmade from real tortoiseshell, which gives them a unique appearance and warm tone. They can be quite expensive compared to other types of picks.
Bone guitar picks are also handmade from natural bone, which makes them quite rare and expensive. They have a mellow tone with good sustain and provide an interesting visual contrast against dark-colored guitars.
Metal guitar picks can be made from a variety of metals, such as brass, bronze, aluminum, or stainless steel. They produce a bright and aggressive tone that is ideal for metal music.
You should choose the material of your Guitar Pick based on the type of music you play and your personal preferences. If you want a pick to play metal music, a metal Guitar Pick would be the best option. For jazz or blues, a tortoiseshell or bone pick might be a better choice [3].
Guitar Picks for Metal: Useful Tips
- When choosing a guitar pick for metal, think about the genres you plan on playing. If you’re into thrash, death, or black metal, you’ll want a pick that can provide a good amount of attack and definition. A thicker pick with beveled edges is usually ideal for this type of music.
- Conversely, if you prefer classic rock or power metal, a thin jazz pick might be more appropriate. It all comes down to personal preference – just experiment until you find the sound and feel that you like best.
- Some guitarists like to use two picks at once: one for chords and another for solos. This gives them a bit more flexibility when it comes to dynamics and tone.
- When playing fast licks or shredding solos, it’s important to use a pick that has a good amount of speed and precision. A picks with pointed edges or a sharp point will work best for this type of playing.
- If you’re having trouble holding on to your pick, there are a few things you can do to improve your grip. You can try wrapping your thumb around the top of the pick or using a plectrum clip to keep it in place.
- Experiment with different gauges and materials to find the perfect guitar pick for metal. There are many different types of picks available, so take your time and find the one that’s right for you.
FAQ
What important features of the best Guitar Pick for metal?
When looking for the best Guitar Pick for metal, you’ll want to consider a few factors. Picking the right thickness is important, as is choosing a material that will provide good grip and durability. You’ll also want to find a shape that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing style.
Some picks are designed specifically for metal players, while others can be used with any type of music. If you’re not sure which pick is right for you, it’s always a good idea to try out several different options before making a decision.
How Do Metal Guitar Picks work?
Metal Guitar Picks work by transferring the string’s vibration to the guitar body. This helps to create a stronger and fuller sound, which is ideal for metal music. They also provide more grip than traditional picks, which can be helpful when playing fast solos or shredding riffs.
What thickness of Guitar Picks is best?
The thickness of your Guitar Picks will depend on your playing style and preferences. A thicker pick is generally better for heavy metal music, while a thinner pick is ideal for more delicate genres like folk or country. However, it’s always best to experiment with different sizes and shapes until you find the one that feels best in your hand.
What pick does James Hetfield use?
James Hetfield, frontman for the metal band Metallica, uses a variety of different Guitar Picks depending on the song he’s playing. He has been known to use everything from standard picks to jazz picks and even credit cards when performing live. However, his go-to choice is usually a thick black pick with sharp edges that provides good grip and sound quality.
What pick does Dave Mustaine use?
Dave Mustaine, founder of the metal band Megadeth, is known for using very thin picks. He prefers to use picks that are between 0.50 and 0.73 millimeters in thickness, which allows him to play with speed and precision. He often uses white picks made from nylon or plastic but has also been known to use tortoise-shell and even metal picks on occasion.
Does Kirk Hammett use a pick?
Kirk Hammett, the lead guitarist for Metallica, uses a variety of different picks depending on the song he’s playing. He has been known to use everything from standard picks to jazz picks and even credit cards when performing live. However, his go-to choice is usually a thick black pick with sharp edges that provides good grip and sound quality.
What are the best materials for Guitar Picks?
Many different materials can be used for Guitar Picks, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular options include plastic, nylon, metal, and tortoise-shell.
Plastic is a common choice because it’s cheap and durable. Nylon picks are softer than other materials and tend to produce a warmer tone. Metal picks provide a brighter sound than other materials, while tortoise-shell picks offer a good grip and a mellow tone. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which material is best suited for your playing style.
Useful Video: Guitar Picks – What Kind Should You Use?
Conclusion Paragraph
The Guitar Picks for Metal epic guide has come to a close! It has provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which guitar pick is best for your metal playing style. These devices are not all created equal, so it is important to do your research and find the one that will help you achieve the sound you are looking for. Consider the factors that are discussed in this article, and be sure to check out the product reviews before making your purchase.
References:
- https://www.guitarlobby.com/types-of-guitar-picks-shapes-sizes-thicknesses-materials/
- https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-guitar-picks/
- https://guitargearfinder.com/guides/ultimate-guide-to-guitar-picks-materials-thicknesses-faq/