Choosing the right guitar pick size depends on your playing style and personal preference. Here’s a quick guide:
Thin Picks (0.40mm – 0.60mm): Thin picks are generally used for strumming and rhythm playing on acoustic guitar. These picks are flexible and produce a bright sound. However, thin picks are not suitable for playing solos since they are difficult to control for fast picking or leads.
Medium Picks (0.60mm – 0.80mm): Medium picks are known as all-round picks because of their versatile use. You can use them for both rhythm and some solo playing. They ensure balanced performance if you play both rhythm and solo parts. Nevertheless, medium picks are not ideal for fast solo playing on an electric guitar. Their control is better than thin picks but not as good as heavy picks.
Heavy Picks (0.80mm – 1.20mm): Strumming and rhythm playing on an electric guitar with heavy picks require more control. Without controlled playing, there is a possibility of producing a noisy sound. When playing solos, heavy picks offer more control over the strings and allow the guitarist to play faster. Playing an acoustic guitar with heavy picks is not ideal. These types of picks are generally used in genres like rock and metal.
Extra Heavy Picks (1.20mm and above): Extra heavy picks are used for producing stiff and strong sounds. These picks are not suitable for strumming or rhythm playing. With extra heavy picks, a guitarist gets better control over the strings, making solo playing more precise. These picks are best suited for genres like Metal, Heavy Metal, and Death Metal, where fast and heavy riff playing is required.
Tips for Beginners: As a beginner, medium picks of size 0.60mm – 0.80mm are most suitable. Exploring other picks is also recommended to experience different sounds and playing styles. A collection of various pick sizes is typical for a guitarist.
The right pick size is ultimately a personal choice, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different sizes and shapes to find what works best for you.
The size of guitar strings you should use depends on several factors, including the type of guitar you play, your playing style, and the tone you want to achieve. Here’s a breakdown:
Light Gauge Strings (e.g., 0.009 – 0.042, 0.010 – 0.046): This type is best suited for beginners of both acoustic and electric guitars. In acoustic guitars, fingerstyle players prefer lighter strings for a brighter sound and easier bending. Similarly, in electric guitars, lighter gauge strings are ideal for bending notes with less effort and faster playing. However, lighter strings have less sustained and a shorter lifespan.
Medium Gauge Strings (e.g., 0.011 – 0.049, 0.012 – 0.054): Medium gauge strings provide a balanced option for rhythm and lead playing. These strings are preferable for guitarists who want a mix of bright and warm tones. A good combination of easy playability and fuller tone can be achieved by using medium gauge strings. They generally produce richer sounds with more sustain and volume, especially on acoustic guitars.
Heavy Gauge Strings (e.g., 0.013 – 0.056, 0.014 – 0.059): Heavy gauge strings are best suited for players who want a thicker tone, often used in jazz, blues, and metal music. Acoustic guitar players who need more volume and depth prefer these strings. Heavy strings provide fuller, warmer sounds with greater sustain and volume. However, playing heavy strings requires more finger strength due to their lower flexibility, but they offer more stability in tuning and a longer lifespan than other string types.
Factors to Consider:
Playing Style: Heavier strings provide more volume and sustain, while lighter strings are easier to bend and play faster. Heavier strings maintain tension better in lower tunings and offer greater longevity.
Guitar Type: Guitarists who play solos often prefer lighter strings on electric guitars to play faster with less effort. Riff guitarists prefer heavier strings for warm and strong tones. Acoustic rhythm guitarists typically use lighter strings, but those who play rhythm, fingerstyle, and solos together often prefer medium or heavy strings on their guitars.
Hand Strength: For beginners, lighter strings are more comfortable to play due to the reduced hand strength required. However, advanced players need to choose their string size based on their preferred genre.
Popular String Gauges by Guitar Type:
Electric Guitar:
- Common: .009-.042 (light), .010-.046 (medium)
- Heavy: .011-.049, .012-.052
Acoustic Guitar:
- Common: .011-.052 (light), .012-.054 (medium)
- Heavy: .013-.056, .014-.059
The best string gauge for you is one that matches your playing style and feels comfortable in your hands. It’s also common to try different gauges to see which one suits your guitar and playing style the best.
Taking care of your guitar is essential to keep it in good condition, maintain its playability, and ensure it lasts for years. Here are some tips on how to care for your guitar:
Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your guitar after each playing session using a soft, dry cloth. It’s necessary to clean the strings, neck, and body to remove sweat, oils, and dirt. For deeper cleaning, use guitar polish or cleaner. Do not use household cleaners, as they may damage the finish. It’s essential to clean the fretboard periodically. Use a fretboard cleaner like lemon oil (if your fretboard is made of rosewood or ebony) to clean and condition the wood. This prevents the fretboard from drying out and keeps it nourished.
String Care: Strings wear out over time. With frequent playing, it’s natural for strings to rust, lose their tone, and become harder to play. It’s recommended to change guitar strings regularly when they feel uncomfortable to play. After changing strings, gently stretch them to help them settle in and stay in tune better. To avoid rust, wipe down the strings after each practice session. This reduces the buildup of sweat and grime.
Humidity Control: Guitars made of solid wood are very sensitive to humidity. The ideal humidity level for keeping guitars is 40-60%, which helps prevent cracking or warping. If possible, use a humidifier or dehumidifier in the room where you keep your guitars; this will definitely enhance the life of your guitar.
Proper Storage: It’s highly recommended to keep your guitar in a hard case rather than in a gig bag. Storing your guitar in a case will protect it from environmental factors such as direct sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. If you’re not using a case, keep your guitar on a stand or in a hanger while still in a bag. Keep your guitar away from heaters, air conditioners, and potential accident-prone areas. Remember, extreme temperatures—whether too hot or too cold—can damage the wood and finish.
Neck and Action Maintenance: Over time, the neck of your guitar may need adjustment. If the strings feel too high or low, or if there’s buzzing, you may need to adjust the truss rod. The height of the strings above the fretboard (action) can be adjusted to suit your playing style. Low action is easier to play but may cause buzzing, while higher action can provide a clearer tone but is harder to play.
Regular Inspections: Periodically check the guitar for any loose nuts, screws, or tuning pegs. Tighten them if needed. Ensure the bridge and nut are in good condition, as they are responsible for intonation and string action.
Professional Maintenance: It’s necessary to have your guitar set up by a professional once a year or more often if needed. This includes adjusting the truss rod, string height, and tuning, as well as checking the nut and saddle. Over time, frets can wear down or become rusted, leading to buzzing or intonation issues. A professional can fix the problem or replace the frets if necessary.
Travel and Transport: It’s essential to use a hard case to protect your guitar from bumps and drops during travel. A good-quality gig bag is also suitable for traveling. Consider loosening the strings slightly to reduce tension due to changes in air pressure while flying.
Avoiding Common Hazards: Keep your guitar out of reach of pets or small children who might accidentally knock it over, causing damage. If you hang your guitar, make sure the support is strong enough to hold it in place. Do not leave your guitar in direct sunlight. Create a secure place to store your guitar.
Regularly Play Your Guitar: Try to play your guitar regularly. Buy a guitar when you are certain about learning it; otherwise, your guitar may be damaged if you don’t play it regularly. The vibration of the strings is very helpful in keeping the wood resonant and healthy.
By following these care tips, you’ll ensure that your guitar stays in excellent condition, sounds great, and remains a joy to play for years to come.