There are many different types of guitar picks on the market, and metal guitar picks are one option worth considering for those who like to venture outside the norm & carve their own style.
Metal plectrums offer a few unique benefits over other materials like acrylic or wood & when we say metal picks, we're talking about anything made from:
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- Steel
- Titanium, Etc.
However, they also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of before making a purchase too.
In this blog post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of metal guitar picks so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not they're right for you!
Related: Best Guitar Plectrums For Metal
The Benefits Of Using Metal Guitar Picks
- Articulation & Control: Because these picks generally rigid, they offer more control than a flexible pick that might be better suited for strumming. A metal pick is great for playing lead guitar & articulate notes well so each one is heard loud & clear.
- Durability : Metal picks are less likely to break or wear down over time than their plastic or wooden counterparts.
This means that you'll be able to use them for longer and get more mileage out of them. If you're really hard on your guitar picks & go through them very quickly, this is something to consider.
- Grip: This can be a hit or miss but if the picks are handcrafted, they can incorporate different types of grip through textures or design elements such as coarse texture on the pick faces or grip holes. Beware though that some metal picks have nothing going for them in terms of grip so maybe steer away from plain metal picks if sweaty hands is an issue.
- Tone: A metal pick reflect more of the strings' vibrations than other materials, resulting in a brighter sound.
If you're looking for a bit more projection from your guitar, metal picks may be the way to go. They pack a punch!
Related: Learn the names of all 6 guitar strings
The Drawbacks Of Using Metal Plectrums
- Can Be Slippery: As mentioned in the benefits section, grip can be an issue on some of these picks.
There's some plain jane metal picks out there that don't feature any sort of grip & have a smooth texture.
If you have problems with dropping your pick or sweaty hands, metal picks may not be the best option for you.
If you do come across a plain pick, consider adding a rubber grip pad or a cork grip.
- They're Louder: Because a metal pick reflect more of the strings' vibrations, they tend to be louder than other materials. This can be an issue if you're playing in a quiet setting or if you're trying to avoid disturbing your roommates! The metal on metal sound of the strings & pick can be heard loud & clear even without the guitar being lugged into an amp.
- Playability: Some metal picks are simply stamped out of a sheet of metal with no beveling done on them which isn't conducive to smooth playing.
This can feel unpleasant like you're grating metal on metal. Also because metal picks are heavier in weight, you might have to get used to them especially when playing for longer periods of time.
- Wear & Tear: Speaking of metal on metal, these types of picks can increase the frequency that you replace your guitar strings.
This might become a greater issue if you play regularly and for longer durations.
One final note, metal plectrums can scratch your guitar much more easily than other materials.
These picks can be unforgiving to those who don't use a controlled picking technique, so beware!
These are not the best guitar picks for beginners.
Metal Picks Good For Heavy Metal?
These guitar picks are a great option for players who want a brighter sound and more projection from their guitars while having the ultimate in durability.
If you play aggressively then these picks might be the ones for you as they can take quite a beating & some are available with added grip too.
Some of these picks have it all, tone, grip, feel comfortable to play, & are the epitome of durability.
However they require you to have more refined picking & controlled picking technique.
That is if you don't mind the wear & tear that can come out of using metal picks.
This means the increased chance of scratches which might be ok with your aesthetics, but it also means having to change your guitar strings a bit more often.
Are metal picks good for playing metal?
If you're primarily playing lead, you might get the most out of a metal pick.
They can make each individual note sound fuller & ring out like a bell.
They can be great for rhythm playing too but the weight of the pick might be an issue depending on how much speed & precision is required for your music.
Iron Age - No Pun
If you're looking to try some metal guitar picks, consider our "Ducat" Classics.
These picks are made of solid high-quality brass and offer all the benefits we discussed above.
Tap the image below to order yours and see what they can do for your sound!
There's also dozens of reviews & customer photos to check out.
Just beware that since these brass picks are more of a limited edition item in our shop, so are not always in stock.
But if you get a chance to swipe one for yourself, use the promo code: MGP-15 to save 15% on them.
An offer only available through this blog post.
Take one wherever you go: All About Pick Holders
Conclusion
Pros:
- Articulation & Control: They're best for playing lead guitar & articulate notes well by making each note ring out to its fullest.
- Durability : They Stay sharper, longer, and are much more durable than traditional plastic picks or other exotic materials.
- Grip: Some variations can have enhanced grip qualities such as coarse textures & grip holes etc.
- Tone: Produce a bright punchy tone & project that tone well.
Cons:
- Grip: Some plain picks can lack any grip enhancements altogether and making playing difficult.
- They're Louder: Can disturb others if you're trying to keep your practice volumes down.
- Playability: Some of these plectrums are stamped & aren't beveled for smooth playing which can be a grating experience.
- Wear & Tear: Can cause you to replace your guitar strings more often & increase the likelihood of scratching your guitar if you're not careful.
Metal guitar picks can be a great addition to any guitarist's arsenal, but they're not right for everyone.
Are the good guitar picks for beginners? Probably not. At least not as a first pick.
It's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision about whether or not they're right for you.
Anyways, we hope you found this article useful & informative.
Thanks for reading!
Have you ever tried using metal guitar picks? What was your experience?
Let us know in the comments below! We want to know what you think.
-The Iron Age Team
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Alex Rodea
Author
Alex is a former U.S. Marine avionics technician turned founder of Iron Age Guitar Accessories, a one-man shop building boutique picks, knobs, and kill-switches since 2015. He applies systems thinking, precision machining, and insights from thousands of shipped orders and customer reviews to write practical guides on tone, materials, and design for serious players.