Finger Picks roundup
Finger Picks: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying finger picks for the first time involves more decisions than most players expect. Size, material, blade angle, thickness and brand all affect fit and feel, and the range of available options at any price point is wide enough to be confusing without some orientation.
Material: Metal vs Plastic
The choice of material is the most consequential decision. Metal picks — typically aluminium or nickel-silver alloy — are stiffer, more durable and produce a brighter, more cutting attack on the string. They are the standard choice for five-string banjo and resonator guitar, where brightness and projection are essential. Plastic and celluloid picks are warmer and slightly more flexible, with a less sharp transient. They suit acoustic guitar players who want the benefits of a pick without the full brightness of metal. Some manufacturers offer nylon picks as a middle ground — stiffer than standard celluloid but slightly warmer than metal.
Fit and Size
Fit is more important than brand or material. A loose pick will shift during playing, producing inconsistent tone and potentially slipping off entirely. Most picks are sold in small, medium and large sizing, but sizing varies between manufacturers, and the same stated size from two different brands can fit quite differently. If buying in person, try before you buy. If buying online, order multiple sizes — the cost is low enough that buying a small selection is sensible. Metal picks can be gently bent to widen or narrow the ring; celluloid picks respond to brief soaking in warm water. The overview of types is covered in the full guide. For specific recommendations, see the best value guide.
Blade Angle and Thickness
The blade is the part that contacts the string. A steeper blade angle (relative to the ring) positions the playing surface more directly over the fingertip and suits a more perpendicular approach to the string. A shallower angle suits players who keep their fingers nearly parallel to the string plane. Thickness affects both tone and feel: thicker blades are stiffer and produce more attack; thinner blades flex slightly and produce a softer response. National brand picks use a relatively steep angle that suits resonator guitar and banjo players. Dunlop's 0.013 and 0.020 gauge options represent the thin and thick ends of their range respectively.
Thumb Picks
A thumb pick is a separate accessory from a finger pick, designed for the thumb only. The blade extends over the thumb's nail, and a ring wraps around the thumb. For five-string banjo and Travis-picking styles on acoustic guitar, a thumb pick is standard. It is usually purchased and used alongside two or three finger picks rather than as an alternative. Dunlop, National and Ernie Ball all make commonly used thumb pick models, and the same fit considerations apply — the ring must be snug without being restrictive.
Comments