Introduction
Playing acoustic guitar involves regularly finding the right equipment to match your style and preferences. A major aspect of equipment that is often overlooked is the guitar pick. There are different types of guitar picks that come in a wide range of sizes, materials, shapes, and weights, and each one may have different effects on the sound of acoustic guitar. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the effects of a heavy pick on the sound of an acoustic guitar.
What is a guitar pick?
Before we dive into the effects of a heavy pick on acoustic guitar sound, it is important to first understand what a guitar pick is. A guitar pick, often called a plectrum, is typically triangular, flat, and made of material such as plastic, nylon, or even metal. It is used to pluck or stroke the strings of a guitar, and it is held between the thumb and index finger. Not all guitar players use picks, some prefer to use their fingers instead, but for those who do use a pick, the type they choose can affect the sound of their playing.
What is a heavy pick?
A heavy guitar pick is one that is defined by its thickness and weight. The weight of a pick is measured in millimeters under the designation of the thickness of the pick. The typical weight of a pick varies widely between 0.38mm and 1.5mm. Heavy guitar picks fall within the range of 0.96mm to 1.5mm. When compared to a lighter pick, a heavy pick has a stiffer and thicker surface.
Effect of a heavy pick on acoustic guitar sound
The primary effect of using a heavy guitar pick on acoustic guitar sound is that the sound of the guitar will be louder and have more attack. This is because heavy picks are typically thicker and stiffer, making them more well-suited to striking the strings of the guitar with greater force. They will, therefore, produce more resistance as they are used to glide over the strings, creating a higher volume and a sharper sound.
In addition, heavy picks also create a more pronounced and defined sound, with each note sounding more smooth and crisp. They are better suited for players who want to get a lot of sound out of each strum or pick, and who want to create a bold and clear tone. For percussive strumming or strumming hard, a heavy guitar pick is a great option as it will create a hard-hitting effect that cuts through other instruments in a band or ensemble performance, making it easier to distinguish individual notes.
Heavy guitar picks also have a prolonged duration of sound, meaning that the notes they generate do not stop abruptly, but instead they oscillate with a slight delay, creating a longer and richer tone. This is also beneficial to players that want to maintain their playing technique without performing tiny adjustments every time they re-pluck.
An important point to note is that although heavy guitar picks give the players more volume, the increased thickness and weight of the pick may also directly result in damaging or intensifying some elements of the sound of an acoustic guitar. For example, compared to a lighter pick, the surface of a heavy pick strikes the strings harder and can therefore produce more harmonics, making certain notes sound more pronounced or louder than others. This effect panes out especially when playing chords, where the strings being stroked by the pick are in close proximity to one another.
Furthermore, if a heavy pick is strummed too hard, it can cause the guitar strings to vibrate excessively, which can result in an overly bright and piercing sound or sound that is brassy or metallic. Even more, heavy picks may produce audible noise when it comes in contact with the strings. This sound can impair other singing and instrumental music being played at the same time by creating booming overtones that can make the overall sound unbalanced.
When should you use a heavy pick?
There is no hard and fast rule that dictates when a musician should use a heavy pick. However, heavy guitar picks are usually used by guitarists who play a lot of heavy metal, hard rock, or those that want to create a loud and pronounced sound. That being said, there are a variety of playing styles that lend themselves well to using heavy picks especially when performing fingerstyle techniques, flatpicking, or when you want to give a more dynamic and rhythmic performance.
If you’re someone who is looking for a more forceful, heavy-handed sound or you have a lot of fast licks, heavy picks can be an excellent choice as they will enable you to deliver those sharp and clear notes more uniformly. They are also great for solo playing, as they emphasize the guitar’s connection to the sound amplifier and the audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, heavy guitar picks have a significant effect on the sound of acoustic guitars. They make the sound louder, give it more attack, and make it more defined while also creating a more prolonged tone. Although heavy picks are suitable for certain styles and techniques of play, poorly produced or aged heavy picks can have inferior and damaging consequences on the overall sound. It is important for players to have a thorough understanding of the pick they choose, how well it will match their playing style for optimal results, and how to care for them over time to ensure they remain in excellent guitar playing condition.