Picking a Plectrum

Apparently the concept of a guitar pick is a lot more complicated than it seems. Even a sub-novice like me realizes you get a different sound depending on the thickness of your pick but when the pick industry starts throwing around terms like protein-based materials, the Janka scale and "a control region with inserted molded tip," I get lost.

Premier Guitar magazine considers the not-so-humble plectrum in a story this month and has a great quote from guitar pick guru Jim Dunlop, who has custom made picks for Jerry Garcia and Carlos Santana. "I equate what I do with making paintbrushes for artists," he says. "I'm like the guy who made Da Vinci's paintbrushes."

In addition to painting, Da Vinci also did a lot of inventing and the FX-3 pick (pictured left) from Big Rock Engineering looks like something he would come up with. With that metal clip, curved for easy gripping, holding three staggered picks, it supposedly gives your guitar a 12-string effect. Look out, Roger McGuinn!

When considering a pick you're supposed to factor in the flexibility, the grip, the edge, the point, the material. Me, I usually just go with the one that looks the coolest.