Metal Guitar Picks
Introduction
If you've played guitar for any length of time you have surely come across all sorts of guitar picks. Some with logos, some with textures, some made from plastic, others from wood, and some even from metal. Here we're going to go over what these metal guitar picks are all about. What makes them different from the rest? Is there any benefits to using metal over plastic or even wood? Scroll down & find out for yourself. We'll go over the pros & cons, the playing characteristics, different materials these picks are made from, and some pitfalls you might encounter.
Benefits of Using Metal Plectrums
Your guitar strings are made from steel & that's something very difficult to abrade so typically it's the pick that wears down, not the strings.
Metal plectrums on the other hand, are able to put up more of a fight when put up against steel guitar strings.
Metal picks are all about durability which is the first & foremost characteristic of this type of pick. Here's some more benefits:
- No flex, means you have more picking control & can deliver a more nuanced approach to your playing.
- Punchier tone, because each pick stike hits the strings harder & causes more resonance.
- Grip, metal picks can be finished with all sorts of grip options such as textures, holes, and engravings.
- As mentioned previously, they are also very durable which means they will last you for a long time to come. You can use them over and over again & they will retain their shape & playing characteristics unlike a plastic guitar pick that wears down over time & loses its shape.
Drawbacks To Consider
It's not all rainbows and sunshine when it comes to any sort of metal pick though. There are some major things to consider before you purchase a metal pick for yourself or for others.
Here's a couple of the things you should consider:
- Weight, metal guitar picks do pack a punch in terms of tone but they are also heavier. So if you have to play very fast & precise then this might slow you down. If however you like to play something more like blues or slow rock, then this might not hold you back.
- Strings, because metal guitar picks are also as hard as steel strings, and in some cases even tougher like with titanium, then you will notice that you can go through guitar strings very quickly. If you play very aggressively then you might find yourself replacing yor strings more often or losing that fresh sound quicker than with a plastic or wooden guitar pick.
- Expensive pricing, metal plectrums are also significantly more costly because they are often handmade. For the price of several dozen plastic picks, you might only get 1 metal pick. This can be a drawback but it depends on how you see it, it can also be a quality vs quantity sort of thing.
Types of Metals Used
Not all metal guitar picks are created equally. Here's a range of materials to look out for before making your next purchase.
- Aluminum
- Alloys such as with coin plectrums
- Brass
- Bronze
- Copper
- Steel
- Titanium
Metal Guitar Picks - Conclusion
Are metal picks good for everyone? Not really but that doesn't mean it isn't worth eperiencing one for yourself. Metal guitar picks have many benefits as mentioned but the drawbacks can curb the appeal to some. Either way, it's always best to explore your options, try one for yourself & if you don't like using a metal guitar pick then at least you can turn it into a cool guitar pick necklace.
To reiterate, metal guitar picks are super durable & sometimes toughter than the steel strings themselves. The durability comes at a cost though, & that not only refers to the pick itself but also the cost of strings that you might go through more often.
