Do Guitar Picks Impact Tone? Some Factors To Consider

Many in the guitarists community have debated whether or not the shape of the guitar pick used really matters in terms of guitar tone. Maybe you yourself remain unconvinced, or perhaps you have noticed that your thicker picks sound “deeper”, “darker”, or more “heavy” but do not fully understand why that is.

Through the discussion of several areas including: pick thickness, sharpness and texture,
we will conclude that the shape of your guitar pick does in fact impact your tone.



Tone is from here on out defined as: musical sound with respect to timbre and manner of expression.
It can often be described through words such as “warm” or “bright”, or in terms such as “color” like a painter’s palette.

Thickness

The amount of force exerted by the pick and the time it takes to release from the string determines the amount of high or low end resonance produced by the string (AKA tone).

Although attack time is seemingly instantaneous when we play, thicker picks are actually in contact with the string for a longer duration. This is because thicker picks need to be played entirely through the string & there is more surface area for the string to slide off of. They take a bit longer to follow through and release the string when used. This results in a larger string displacement, and deeper sound.


Shown: 3mm Provocator Plectrum & .75mm Iron Age Light Delrin Pick

Because thinner picks are more flexible, the time that the pick is interacting with the string is less,
therefore the amount of string displacement is less significant.
More light frequencies will resonate, even while playing the same string, thus resulting in a more bright sound. The pitch of the note will not change, but the audible frequency range will vary pick to pick.

For more about guitar pick thickness, see our other article: Thin vs THICK Guitar Picks

Sharpness

Strings also momentarily conform to the contour of the guitar pick, which in turn impacts the tone.
Rounded picks are associated with darker tones because the release, which is a component of “pick attack”, is more gradual and smooth. A sharper pick has a rigid edge that excites a string’s harmonics.

 
Shown: Extra Sharp Texas Rattler Pick & Black Agate Stone Guitar Pick w/ Round Tip

What Is Pick Attack?

Often we reference this thing called “pick attack” in our marketing terms.
What we mean by this, is the “before & after” of striking a guitar string.
It is the striking force of the pick going into the string itself & the force being exerted out.


Shown: Texas Rattler Plectrum - See how we make this guitar pick

Things that can affect the pick attack include the pick sharpness, thickness, & texture which in combination create a distinct tone & feel. For example a thin pick with a sharp point & heavy grit texture will produce a harsher, brighter, pick attack. On the other hand, a thick pick with a rounded playing tip that’s polished like glass, will produce a much smoother & subdued pick attack. The difference is akin to switching your pickups from the Bridge to the Neck position in terms of tone.

Texture

The texture of the pick’s bevels creates a grip and friction that triggers high end frequencies, much like the rosin of a violins bow.
A more heavily textured guitar pick can ring out those lighter sounding vibrations.
A polished plectrum on the other hand, will tend to glide effortlessly across the strings without much resistance at all & produce a more mellow tone.

Which Guitar Picks Sound Best?

You may be tempted to ask “So what you’re saying is, if I use a really thin, sharp, and heavily textured guitar pick could I get a really bright and snappy guitar tone?” or the contrary, “Can I have a really thick guitar pick with a smooth finish and a round tip to play my mean chugs?”. Theoretically YES, and if simple is what you want, then go for it!



Or would you rather have a pick with controlled variables and careful thought-felt consideration that achieves a wide tonal range?
Not one or the other, not here nor there, not too much, not too little, but sonic superiority.
Luckily Iron Age does all that hard work for you, so all you need to worry about is how your next song will sound.

Conclusion

The debate is over; In the midst of all the amps, pedals, bells and whistles,
the guitar pick remains one of the most important and yet simplest ways to modify your guitar tone: acoustically and physically.
It’s the age-old debate between software & hardware.



Major factors that dictate your pick’s tone are the thickness, sharpness, texture as well as your guitar pick shape.
These variables determine whether you will produce a brighter & clearer tone, or something that's punchier on the lower end.

But don’t take it from us, go ahead & put these theories to the test for yourself!

Do you think your guitar pick impacts your tone?
Or do you feel that it really matters?
Let us know in the comment section below!

-The Iron Age Team

Also in Codex | General