The Ups and Downs of Plectra

October 8, 2010 by Alan Ratcliffe

Sometimes called picks, plectra (or plectrum in the singular) are very important as they are one of the main points of contact between the guitar and player. However they are an often overlooked aspect of playability and can also affect the tone greatly. They are available in dozens of different shapes, sizes, colours, materials and thicknesses, so it can be a little daunting to choose a specific model.

Plectrum design

Thickness & stiffness

The stiffness of a plectrum affects both playability and tone and generally, the thicker a plectrum is, the stiffer it will be, and the faster attack and brighter the tone it will produce. Stiffer plectra will also feel more unforgiving (particularly for rhythm playing), but help the player develop a lighter, more dexterous picking technique. Some players like a thinner plectrum, but will control the stiffness as they play, squeezing it to curve the surface, making it stiffer for playing single note lines while allowing it to flex for rhythm playing.

Shape

The shape can affect the tone. Narrower plectrums produce a thinner, sharper tone with more attack, while wider plectrums give a smoother, warmer tone. Some unusual edge shaping can influence the tone too – such as with the serrated edge of a Sharkfin.

Size

Size is an important aspect of how the plectrum feels to the player. Larger plectra are easy to hold (and harder to lose!), but can feel a bit cumbersome if too large.

Edge

A bevelled edge on a thick plectrum makes it move over the strings easier but softens the attack. There are some plectra with rounded “stylus” tips which make picking in any direction sound and feel the same.

Surface

Many companies offer different grips (from raised lettering to perforations) that make it easier to hold on when your hands start to sweat. A rough surface at the edges of your plectrum will give a more percussive sound.

Materials

Plastic – The most common plectra these days are made of various types of plastic; nylon, delrin and tortex are three of the most common.

Celluloid – The world’s first plastic, was at one time the main material used for plectra. The flammable character of celluloid as well as a tendency to shrink and warp has led to its being largely replaced by other more stable plastics. Only two manufacturers remain, which has led to scarcity and rising prices, so it is mostly only used for some faux tortoiseshell these days.

Tortoiseshell – Used to be quite common but since a ban on their manufacture and distribution in the mid-70′s they are virtually impossible to locate. This is certainly better for the tortoises involved – although many older players lament their disappearance. Tortoiseshell plectra were noted for their high stiffness to thickness ratio, their exceptional durability (imagine using the same plectrum for years!) and their rich complex tone. They were also quite easy to reshape by sanding and filing.

Metal – Some players prefer the brash, bright sound that metal plectra offer. They can be made of copper, stainless steel, aluminium or even a coin (both Brian May of Queen and Billy Gibbons of ZZ-Top use coins)!

Other materials – Stone, Felt, wood, graphite and even exotic space-age materials have been used for plectra. They can offer unique tones or playability, but are rarer and tend to be expensive.

Selecting a Plectrum

The key to finding the right plectrum is experimentation. At first you should try as many different models as you can, making a mental note of which features you like on which plectrum and narrow it down until you get to the one you like the best. While most of us have a favourite plectrum that we prefer using, it’s usually a good idea to keep a few different models on hand as sometimes different styles of playing require a different plectrum choice and it can also be useful to keep a few handy for jamming partners.