Introducing CrystalBright Guitar Picks: Enhance Your Guitar Tone with Brighter and Clearer Sound

Unveil Brilliance: Redefining Your Guitar Tone with CrystalBright Guitar Picks

Rombo is now six years old, and in that time, we have built a loyal base of guitar enthusiasts who trust our craftsmanship. We know that about 35% of our customers would appreciate a broader selection of pick materials, especially one that offers brighter and clearer tones. 

In response, we committed over 12 months to material research to find the perfect formula for an advanced guitar pick, resulting in **CrystalBright**.

Imagine a guitar pick that not only withstands the test of time but also enhances your guitar’s tone with an unmistakable brightness.

Introducing CrystalBright Material for Brighter Guitar Tones

The new CrystalBright formula significantly increases surface hardness, which gives it excellent abrasion resistance. Guitar picks crafted from CrystalBright stand out for their bright tones and incredible durability. Lightweight and robust, this material also provides excellent scratch and bend resistance, making it a game-changer for electric and acoustic guitarists alike.

*Fun Fact*: CrystalBright is so resilient that it’s commonly used in aircraft canopies, offering clear tones and aesthetic appeal ideal for any guitar practice or live session.

Why Transparency? The organization of molecules in CrystalBright allows light to pass through without diffraction, resulting in an "amorphous" structure with randomly distributed macromolecules. About 92% of light can pass through it, making it more transparent than standard glass. And don’t worry—our picks are textured in the grip area, so they stay visible, and you won’t lose them easily!

ROMBO DIAMOND IN CRYSTALBRIGHT: LINK

Standard Rombo Material vs. CrystalBright Guitar Picks

Here’s a quick breakdown of what CrystalBright offers:

- Brighter tones for enhanced clarity

- Improved attack

- Increased durability

- Less flexibility

- Enhanced grip

Guitar Picks Variety Pack in CrystalBright: LINK

The “magic” of CrystalBright comes from its reduced flexibility without increasing thickness. This characteristic makes the pick notably less flexible despite being thin, resulting in a brighter, clearer tone. 

Crafted by Machines – Perfected by Hand in Germany

CrystalBright’s production process is complex, requiring special attention to detail and precision. While injection molding allows us to shape each pick, CrystalBright demands additional, hands-on adjustments. Each pick goes through a meticulous process that includes:

1. Injection molding for initial shaping
2. Manual removal of burrs from the edges
3. Hand-polishing of the pick tip for a premium finish
4. Final optical inspection to ensure quality

With these steps, we achieve a level of craftsmanship that meets boutique standards, producing premium guitar picks that maintain consistency and quality.

Rombo Horizon in CrystalBright: Link Here

Our Most Durable Guitar Picks Yet

Our standard Rombo picks are known for their high durability, but CrystalBright marks a new level of endurance. Over our last three Kickstarter campaigns, we focused on premium guitar picks, using different shapes to modify properties such as tone, ergonomics, and attack. Exploring these shapes with CrystalBright has allowed us to refine the tonal adjustments required to produce the bright tones we envisioned.

Rombo Prisma CrystalBright: Link Here

Durability was a natural outcome of this process. Since brighter tones result from harder materials, we sought out the hardest acrylic available, creating a pick that maximizes both brightness and durability.

LINK TO THE CRYSTALBRIGHT COLLECTION HERE

The Design Process of our Guitar Picks

Playing the guitar is more than just a hobby or a way to pass the time; it’s a powerful tool that can transform your life in myriad ways. From boosting your mental health to enhancing your social skills, playing the guitar offers a wide range of benefits that extend far beyond the music itself. Whether you’re a beginner picking up the guitar for the first time or an experienced player looking to deepen your understanding of its impact, this article will explore the many advantages of playing the guitar.

1. Learn to Focus for Long Periods of Time

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, the ability to focus has become a rare and valuable skill. The constant barrage of notifications, emails, and social media updates can make it difficult to concentrate on a single task for an extended period. However, playing the guitar can help you develop the skill of deep focus, allowing you to shut out distractions and immerse yourself in the music.

When you focus on learning a piece of music, you engage in deep work—a state of heightened concentration where your brain is fully committed to the task at hand. This level of focus not only improves your guitar playing but also builds mental resilience. Over time, this ability to concentrate intensely will carry over into other areas of your life, making it easier to handle challenging tasks at work or during moments of high stress. With improved mental endurance, you’ll find that you’re less fatigued at the end of the day and able to learn new skills more quickly.

2. Guitar and Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is a crucial component of success in any endeavor, and playing the guitar is no exception. While natural talent can give you a head start, consistent practice and dedication are what truly allow you to excel. The process of learning to play the guitar teaches you the value of hard work and perseverance.

Developing self-discipline through guitar practice involves setting aside dedicated time each day to practice, turning off distractions like your phone, and pushing through challenges even when you’re tempted to give up. By committing to a regular practice routine, you’ll develop a strong work ethic that can be applied to other areas of your life, whether it’s your career, education, or personal goals. Some say that self-discipline is the key to happiness, and the guitar can be a powerful tool in helping you cultivate this essential life skill.

3. Enter the State of Flow More Easily

The “state of flow” is a psychological concept that refers to a mental state in which a person is fully immersed in an activity, losing all sense of time and self-awareness. This state is often described as the optimal experience, where creativity and productivity are at their peak. Playing the guitar is an excellent way to achieve this state of flow, especially as you become more proficient.

With enough practice, you’ll develop warm-up routines and techniques that help you enter the state of flow more easily. Whether you’re improvising a solo, writing a new song, or simply practicing scales, the guitar can transport you into a world where time seems to stand still, and your creativity flows effortlessly. This ability to enter the state of flow can be incredibly beneficial in other areas of your life, such as when you’re working on creative projects, solving complex problems, or engaging in any activity that requires deep focus.

4. Playing Guitar Gives You a Confidence Boost

Playing the guitar is inherently cool, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a challenging piece or performing in front of others can provide a significant confidence boost. The combination of overcoming obstacles, setting and achieving goals, and expressing yourself through music all contribute to a heightened sense of self-confidence.

This confidence isn’t just limited to your guitar playing—it can spill over into other areas of your life. Whether it’s giving a presentation at work, meeting new people, or taking on new challenges, the confidence you gain from playing the guitar can help you approach life with a more positive and self-assured attitude.

5. Improve Your Motor Skills

Playing the guitar requires the coordination of multiple motor skills, including hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and rhythmic timing. To play a piece of music correctly, you must coordinate your picking hand, fretting hand, and even your breathing and posture. If any one of these elements is out of sync, the quality of your performance will suffer.

Regular guitar practice helps improve your motor skills, making it easier to perform complex tasks that require fine motor control. These enhanced motor skills aren’t just beneficial for playing the guitar—they can also make it easier to learn other instruments or skills that require precise hand movements. For example, if you decide to pick up the bass, ukulele or mandolin after learning the guitar, you’ll likely find that you can master these instruments more quickly due to your improved motor skills.

6. Guitar Playing Keeps You Motivated

Motivation is a key factor in learning and personal growth, and playing the guitar can be a powerful motivator. The process of learning new songs, mastering challenging techniques, and setting and achieving goals keeps you engaged and motivated to continue improving.

One of the most rewarding aspects of playing the guitar is the sense of accomplishment you feel when you finally nail a difficult riff or play a song flawlessly from start to finish. This sense of achievement can keep you motivated to practice regularly and push through the challenges that come with learning any new skill. The motivation you gain from playing the guitar can also carry over into other areas of your life, helping you stay focused and committed to achieving your personal and professional goals.

7. Learn Multitasking

Playing the guitar requires you to multitask in several ways. You need to read sheet music or tablature, keep time with your foot or a metronome, control your breathing, and coordinate your fingers—all at the same time. This simultaneous engagement of multiple cognitive and physical tasks helps improve your multitasking abilities.

Improving your multitasking skills through guitar playing can have a positive impact on your daily life. Whether you’re juggling multiple projects at work, managing household tasks, or balancing your social life with personal responsibilities, the ability to multitask effectively is an invaluable skill that can help you stay organized and efficient.

8. Social Benefits: Meet Like-Minded People

Playing the guitar is not only a solitary pursuit but also a social activity that can connect you with like-minded individuals. Whether you join a band, participate in a jam session, or take part in online guitar communities, playing the guitar can help you build a network of fellow musicians and music enthusiasts.

These social connections can lead to valuable friendships, mentorship opportunities, and even professional collaborations. By surrounding yourself with others who share your passion for music, you’ll find inspiration, support, and encouragement to continue growing as a guitarist and musician.

9. Reduce Stress

In today’s hectic world, finding effective ways to reduce stress is more important than ever. Playing the guitar offers a healthy and enjoyable way to unwind and relieve stress. The act of playing music has been shown to lower cortisol levels—the hormone responsible for stress—while increasing the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.

When you play the guitar, you enter a state of mindfulness, where your attention is fully focused on the music. This mindfulness can help you temporarily escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing you to relax and recharge. Whether you’re strumming your favorite chords, improvising a solo, or simply practicing scales, playing the guitar can be a powerful tool for managing stress and maintaining your mental well-being.

10. Boost Your Creativity

Playing the guitar is a highly creative activity that encourages you to think outside the box and explore new musical ideas. Whether you’re composing your own songs, experimenting with different chord progressions, or improvising solos, the guitar provides endless opportunities for creative expression.

Regularly engaging in creative activities like playing the guitar can enhance your problem-solving skills, improve your ability to think critically, and foster innovation in other areas of your life. Whether you’re a musician, artist, writer, or entrepreneur, the creativity you cultivate through playing the guitar can help you approach challenges with a fresh perspective and develop unique solutions.

11. Keep Your Brain Active, Especially in Old Age

As we age, it’s important to keep our brains active and engaged to maintain cognitive function and prevent mental decline. Playing the guitar is an excellent way to keep your brain sharp, as it requires you to continuously learn new skills, memorize songs, and coordinate complex movements.

Studies have shown that playing a musical instrument can improve memory, increase neural connectivity, and even delay the onset of dementia. Whether you’re a young adult or a senior citizen, playing the guitar can help you keep your mind active and healthy, providing long-term cognitive benefits.

12. Express Your Feelings Through Music

Music is a universal language that allows us to express our emotions in ways that words cannot. Playing the guitar gives you a powerful outlet for expressing your feelings, whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or love. Through your guitar playing, you can convey emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally, creating a deep and personal connection with the music.

This emotional expression can be incredibly therapeutic, helping you process and release pent-up feelings. Whether you’re writing your own songs or playing covers of your favorite artists, the guitar provides a medium for expressing your innermost thoughts and emotions.

13. Feel Part of Something Bigger

Playing the guitar connects you to a rich musical tradition that spans cultures, genres, and generations. Whether you’re playing classical guitar, blues, rock, or jazz, you’re participating in a global community of musicians who share a passion for creating and performing music. This sense of belonging can be incredibly fulfilling, as it allows you to contribute to a larger cultural narrative and be part of something bigger than yourself.

Additionally, playing the guitar can connect you with others who share your musical interests, whether it’s through jam sessions, concerts, or online communities. This sense of connection and shared purpose can be a powerful motivator, encouraging you to continue learning and growing as a guitarist.

14. Personal Satisfaction: Achieving Goals

One of the most rewarding aspects of playing the guitar is the sense of personal satisfaction that comes from setting and achieving goals. Whether it’s mastering a difficult song, learning a new technique, or performing in front of an audience, the guitar provides countless opportunities for personal achievement.

This sense of accomplishment can boost your self-esteem and motivate you to set and pursue new goals, both in your guitar playing and in other areas of your life. The discipline, focus, and perseverance you develop through playing the guitar can help you achieve success in whatever you set your mind to.

15. Take You Out of Your Comfort Zone

Learning to play the guitar can be challenging, especially when you’re first starting out. However, stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing through these challenges is where real growth happens. Whether it’s performing in front of others, learning a new genre of music, or tackling a difficult technique, the guitar constantly challenges you to expand your skills and push your boundaries.

By embracing these challenges, you’ll develop a greater sense of resilience and adaptability, which can help you face challenges in other areas of your life with confidence and determination.

Conclusion

Playing the guitar offers a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond the music itself. From improving your mental focus and motor skills to boosting your confidence and creativity, the guitar is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-expression. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the journey of learning to play the guitar can enrich your life in countless ways, helping you become a more focused, disciplined, and fulfilled individual.

So, pick up your guitar and start playing—you never know just how much it might change your life for the better.

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LINK TO THE VARIAETY PACK

Starting your journey as a guitarist can be incredibly exciting, but with the vast array of gear and accessories available, it can also be a bit overwhelming. While the guitar itself is obviously the most critical piece of equipment, there are several other accessories that are essential for beginners. These tools not only make playing easier but also enhance the overall learning experience. In this guide, we'll cover five essential guitar accessories every beginner should own.

1. Guitar Picks: The Small Tool with a Big Impact

When you're starting out, it's easy to overlook the importance of a guitar pick. However, this small tool can significantly impact your playing style, tone, and technique. Guitar picks, or plectrums, are used to strike the strings and can produce a variety of sounds depending on their shape, thickness, and material.

Why Guitar Picks Matter for Beginners

For beginners, a guitar pick can make learning easier and more enjoyable. It helps in developing precision, speed, and consistency, which are crucial skills as you progress. Using a pick also reduces the strain on your fingers, which is particularly important for those who are just starting and may not yet have developed the necessary calluses.

The Rombo Variety Pack: Why Exploration Matters

One of the most common challenges for beginners is finding the right pick. Picks come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and thicknesses, and each one can feel different in your hand and produce a unique sound. This is where our Variety Pack comes in. This pack contains 12 picks, each designed to offer a different playing experience. Whether you prefer a warm, mellow tone or a bright, crisp sound, the Rombo Variety Pack allows you to experiment and find what suits your style best.

Exploring different picks is not just about finding what feels comfortable; it’s also about understanding how subtle changes in your gear can influence your sound. For instance, thicker picks generally produce a fuller tone with more volume, while thinner picks are often preferred for strumming as they produce a lighter, more delicate sound. The Rombo Variety Pack gives you the freedom to explore these differences, which is crucial for developing your unique playing style. Link Here.

Investing in a guitar pick variety pack is an excellent decision for beginners. It not only helps you find the right pick for your style but also aids in understanding how different factors—like material, thickness, and shape—affect your tone and playability. This exploration is a critical part of your development as a guitarist and can greatly enhance your learning experience.

2. Tuner: Stay in Tune, Stay on Track

A guitar tuner is another essential accessory that every beginner should own. Playing in tune is fundamental to sounding good and progressing in your practice sessions. There are several types of tuners available, including clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, and smartphone apps.

Why a Tuner is Important

Staying in tune ensures that your practice sessions are productive and that your ear develops correctly. Beginners often struggle to identify when their guitar is out of tune, and practicing with an out-of-tune instrument can slow down your learning and even lead to poor technique. A good tuner will help you quickly and accurately tune your guitar, making sure you're always playing at your best.

Clip-On Tuners: Convenience and Accuracy

Clip-on tuners are especially useful for beginners because they are easy to use and highly portable. They attach to the headstock of your guitar and pick up vibrations directly from the instrument, making them accurate even in noisy environments. A reliable clip-on tuner can become an indispensable part of your daily practice routine, ensuring that you always sound your best.

3. Guitar Strap: Comfort and Stability

A guitar strap might seem like a simple accessory, but it’s crucial for both comfort and stability, especially when playing standing up. For beginners, a strap can help with posture, ensuring that you hold the guitar correctly, which is essential for developing good playing habits.

Why a Good Guitar Strap Matters

A well-designed guitar strap will distribute the weight of your guitar evenly across your shoulder, preventing strain and allowing you to play for longer periods without discomfort. This is particularly important for beginners who are still building up their strength and endurance.

Choosing the Right Strap

When selecting a guitar strap, look for one that is adjustable and made from durable, comfortable material. Leather straps are popular for their durability and comfort, while synthetic materials can offer similar benefits at a lower cost. The width of the strap is also important—wider straps distribute weight more evenly, which can be more comfortable during long practice sessions.

Don’t forget the Strap Blocks!

A strap block is an indispensable guitar accessory, essential for preventing your instrument from slipping and crashing to the floor. This makes strap blocks the top budget-friendly choice and a must-have for guitarists. With strap blocks, you can perform on stage with confidence, knowing your guitar is secure no matter how you move. Link Here!

4. Capo: Unlock New Possibilities

A capo is a small device that clamps down on the strings of your guitar at a specific fret, effectively changing the pitch of the open strings. This simple tool can open up a world of possibilities, especially for beginners who might not yet be comfortable playing barre chords or using alternate tunings.

Why a Capo is Essential

Using a capo allows you to play songs in different keys without having to learn new chord shapes. This can make learning new songs easier and more enjoyable, as you can focus on strumming and timing without worrying about complex finger positions. A capo is also invaluable for playing along with recordings or other musicians, as it lets you match the key of a song without needing to transpose chords.

Choosing the Right Capo

When selecting a capo, look for one that is easy to use and doesn’t put too much pressure on your strings, which can cause them to go out of tune.

5. Guitar Case or Gig Bag: Protection on the Go

Your guitar is an investment, and protecting it should be a top priority. Whether you're taking your guitar to lessons, a friend's house, or just storing it at home, a good guitar case or gig bag is essential for keeping your instrument safe from damage.

Why You Need a Guitar Case or Gig Bag

A quality case or gig bag protects your guitar from physical damage, such as bumps and scratches, as well as environmental factors like humidity and temperature changes. This is especially important for beginners who may not yet be familiar with how to properly care for their instrument. A good case or bag can also make transporting your guitar easier and more convenient.

Choosing the Right Protection

There are two main types of guitar protection: hard cases and gig bags. Hard cases offer the best protection but can be bulky and expensive. Gig bags, on the other hand, are lighter and easier to carry but offer less protection. For beginners, a padded gig bag is often the best choice, as it provides a good balance of protection, portability, and cost.

Bonus -> 6: Multieffects pedal.

A multi-effects pedal is an essential tool for beginner guitarists looking to explore a wide range of sounds without breaking the bank. These versatile devices combine multiple effects—such as distortion, delay, reverb, and modulation—into a single, compact unit. This not only saves money but also reduces the clutter of individual pedals, making it easier for beginners to manage their gear.

One of the biggest advantages of a multi-effects pedal for beginners is its ability to offer an extensive library of tones and effects. Instead of purchasing individual pedals for each effect, a multi-effects pedal provides access to a variety of sounds, allowing beginners to experiment and discover their unique style. This versatility is particularly beneficial for those still exploring different genres, as they can easily switch between sounds suited for rock, blues, jazz, or metal with just a few clicks.

Another key benefit is the user-friendly interface. Most multi-effects pedals are designed with beginners in mind, featuring intuitive controls and pre-set patches that make it easy to start playing right out of the box. This ease of use helps beginners focus on developing their playing skills rather than getting bogged down in technicalities.

In addition, a multi-effects pedal often comes with built-in tuners, looper functions, and amp simulations, further simplifying a beginner's setup. The built-in tuner ensures that the guitar is always in tune, while the looper function helps with practice and songwriting. Amp simulations allow beginners to experience different amp sounds without needing to purchase multiple amplifiers.

Overall, a multi-effects pedal is a cost-effective, space-saving, and user-friendly solution for beginner guitarists, providing them with all the tools they need to explore and refine their sound.

Conclusion

Starting out as a guitarist is a journey filled with learning, exploration, and a lot of fun. While your guitar is the centerpiece of this journey, the right accessories can make a significant difference in how quickly you progress and how enjoyable the experience is. 

Guitar picks, in particular, are an essential accessory that deserves careful consideration. The Rombo Variety Pack (Link here) offers beginners an excellent opportunity to explore different picks, helping you find the perfect match for your playing style while also expanding your understanding of how this small tool can shape your sound.

Alongside picks, a reliable tuner, a comfortable strap, a versatile capo, and a protective case or gig bag are all essential accessories that will enhance your learning experience and ensure that you're set up for success. Investing in these accessories from the start will not only make playing easier and more enjoyable but will also help you develop good habits and a deeper understanding of your instrument.

8 Myths about guitar picks

We have been in the guitar pick industry for a couple of years now. During this time, numerous customers have sent lots of inquiries with repeated questions and myths.

We have summarized the top 8 myths that “shocked” us the most, and we explain why they don’t make any sense!

1st Myth: Guitar picks don't influence guitar tone.

In guitar picks, qualities like thickness, material, shape, and size play a pivotal role in tone, feedback, grip, guitar pick noise, sustain, etc…

Why this happens has a simple explanation: Different shapes or materials make the guitar strings vibrate in different patterns.

In our article “Do guitar picks really affect the tone of your guitar” we discuss all the aspects in detail.

2nd Myth: There is a "best" pick for everything

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments because it is versatile. This versatility is achieved by a broad range of techniques. Different techniques require different picks.

Like in every guitar aspect, there is no "better" or "worse".

If you are looking for a brighter sound, then Tortex might be your choice. Nevertheless, if your aim is to get a warmer/darker/deeper tone, other materials like Nylon could perform way better.

The same applies to guitar pick thickness, shape, size, the grip texture, etc.

I recommend having at least 3 to 5 guitar picks for different specific usages. If you do not know where to start you have three options:

• Learn about guitar picks
• A Variety Pack
• Get advice (free advice here)

3rd Myth: You don't need picks if you know how to play with your fingers

Both methods are valid and appropriate for the right musical context. Your goal as a musician is to be able to create the sounds you imagine. The method is up to you!

However, some basic techniques like tremolo picking, palm mute, pinch harmonics, or pick slides are very difficult to perform with fingers. Even more, they are also faster to learn if you use guitar picks. This point also plays a role in keeping your motivation at a high level.

If you love both picking methods you’ll end up with a broader technique repertoire and will profit from both worlds.

4th Myth: Bryan May uses a coin. Everyone should do the same.

You can make a pick out of every item, a penny, paper, old credit cards, or anything else. The important thing here is the joy of exploration. Not the specific taste of one excellent influential guitarist.

Imagine how much you’ll limit yourself if you make the wrong decisions at the beginning of your career. 

5th Myth: Guitar picks don't have an influence on speed.

Some qualities like pick shape, a beveled edge, and a polished guitar pick can play an important role in your speed.

“Real” guitar shredders use thick and pointy guitar picks. Probably this combination is the best place to start if you are looking for guitar speed. But remember, the most influential factor when it comes to developing speed is the number of hours of deliberate training!

6th Myth: Once you find a pick that works for you, stick to it forever.

If every song has different requirements, why always use the same guitar pick?

Different guitar picks make a difference in your tone and your playing.

I am not saying that’s impossible to play a “master of puppets” with a 0.38 mm rounded guitar pick. It is all a matter of practice and habits. However, with the right tools, you will learn faster. 

In this case, for such a song with lots of palm-mute and downpicking, I would choose a thick, pointy, durable guitar pick, like Rombo Diamond. 

If later today, I’m feeling like playing bossanova-jazz phrases with my semi-hollow guitar, I’ll probably use a rounded medium pick. Preferably our of Nylon.

7th Myth: Guitar picks are expensive

This is one of the most controversial aspects related to guitar picks.

You can find arguments for both the “cheap” and the “expensive” side.

Argument: “Guitar picks are expensive”:

• It’s just a piece of plastic
• I’ll lose it very fast

Argument: “Guitar picks are actually cheap”

• If it is a good one, I can use it for over 200 hours (more on durability here)
• It’s the fastest way to change the tone of your guitar
• It’s the bridge between your hands and your instrument and it deserves more attention.
• It costs less than a cup of coffee.

Put in perspective, when you purchase a guitar pick you don’t only “buy a piece of plastic”. Behind the shape and the material development there is a lot of engineering going on. 

In addition, you are supporting the infrastructure behind it (customer support, web development, logistics, production, marketing, distribution, R&D, packaging,...). Without one of these single elements, there won’t be guitar picks. 

8th Myth: After five seconds on the floor, a pick disappears and goes to an unknown dimension.

This happens after only three seconds, not five.

Tone, timbre, ring, and sound, are some of the terms that are usually used to refer to the sound waves produced by your guitar and amp.

Music doesn’t understand restrictions. So, one way for you as a guitarist of expanding your repertoire of guitar sounds is by asking yourself simple questions: 

• Why should I change the tone of my guitar?
• How do I change the tone of my guitar?
• And… Do guitar picks really affect the tone of my guitar? And how?

We will cover these aspects and discuss some specific examples of guitar picks and guitar techniques and tones.

WHY CHANGE THE TONE OF YOUR GUITAR?

As a guitarist, you should not only reflect on your practice and skill improvements but also look for ways of increasing the amount of totally different sounds your guitar (in your hands!) is able to produce.

Imagine the wide palette of different sounds and effects that you would need to learn 30 songs from different genres.

The advantages of mastering ways to change the sound of your guitar playing are countless: 

• Your compositions will be musically richer
• You will develop your innate creativity
• It will force you to learn new techniques
• It will allow you to think out of the box

In other words, you will be a better guitar player.

HOW TO CHANGE THE TONE OF YOUR GUITAR:

Think about the “chain” of connected elements that is present when you play guitar. I like to reverse it and start from the sound source:

It starts with your guitar amp and amp settings and continues through the cable (from a specific brand and specs) and your particular effect pedals. After another couple of cables, your guitar pick-ups, circuitry, wood type, and guitar strings will play a role in the tone too. What comes after that? The guitar pick and your picking hand. Note, that also your fretting hand will have an influence on sound (string pressure).

If you replace just one element, the sound will change. 

The good thing here is that this is 100% measurable by recording the guitar. So everyone at home with a mid-class microphone can start noticing the differences. Of course, then, the microphone and audio interface will play a role on tone too! 

Now you know what to “adjust” to allow you to make the same guitar passages sound differently.

WHY USE GUITAR PICKS FOR CHANGING THE TONE?

Go again through the complete sound chain. From all the mentioned elements, guitar picks have three main advantages when your goal is changing the tone:

• The tone changes immediately:  No necessity to plug/unplug new gear or change gear settings.
• Cheap: With a minimal investment you are able to test dozens of products.
• No necessity for knowledge in other areas (recording, effects, settings,...)

Sure, using another guitar or replacing one of your pedals will have a much higher impact on tone! Nevertheless, something as simple as using another guitar pick can create appreciable differences that you will hear and enjoy.

HOW DO GUITAR PICKS CHANGE THE TONE OF YOUR GUITAR?

Guitar picks can be reduced to 4 main qualities: Material, Thickness, Shape, and Size.

These qualities define the “personality” of the guitar picks to at least 80% and they affect how guitar strings vibrate. In consequence, the different guitar string vibration patterns are different.

Some materials like Nylon produce warmer, mellower tones. Others like Tortex, create brighter sounds.

The material can also influence grip and flexibility.

Pointy guitar picks have more attack and produce brighter tones. Rounded guitar picks are especially useful for soft release and warmer tones. In techniques like strumming, rounded picks will produce less pick noise.

Thin picks and some medium picks are very flexible. This quality can produce a very characteristic “snappy attack” that is not possible with very thick picks. 

Of course, everything is interconnected: Flexibility also depends on the material and shape! Thickness affects grip and guitar pick noise too.

The larger the pick, the more “mass” it has. Picks with high mass will produce warmer, darker, and fuller tones. Small picks tend to be much less flexible and have a more aggressive attack.

As you can see, you have to consider all factors together. A Tortex pick is able to produce warm tones, it needs to have the right shape, thickness, and size. On the other hand, the same happens to Nylon picks: A very pointy medium-sized Nylon pick can produce brighter sounds than the average less pointy Tortex guitar pick.

Let’s compile three ideal examples:

IDEAL GUITAR PICK FOR THICK, FULL, AND DEFINED OVERDRIVE TONES:

An ideal guitar pick for thick, full, and dark overdrive or distortion sound could be made of Nylon. It should have a sharp tip for note control and at least 1.5 mm thickness. The larger the pick, the thicker and fuller the tone.

One specific example of this could be Jazz iii XL or Rombo Diamond. The last one uses variable thickness along its body to increase its total mass and create even fuller tones with high bass in the background.

IDEAL GUITAR PICK FOR WARM STRUMMING WITH REDUCED PICK NOISE

Strumming is especially easy to perform when the tip of the guitar pick is rounded. To achieve even warmer tones the ideal strumming pick should have enough mass. The material Nylon, in combination with a medium thickness and the already mentioned rounded tip, will help reduce the pick noise.

Depending on your preferences you can use medium thickness or heavy thickness. The last one is more difficult to master but will reduce the pick noise substantially.

Good examples of this are Rombo Origami (medium gauge) or Rombo Waves (heavy gauge)

IDEAL GUITAR PICK FOR CLEAR AND DEFINED TONES

Clear and defined guitar tones are produced by pointy pick tips. Ideally, the surface of the tip is polished and has a beveled edge.

Most guitarists prefer small picks for these kinds of tones. Sweep picking, alternate picking, pinch harmonics, and other advanced lead guitar techniques are much easier to perform with such picks.

Depending on your preferences you can then choose different materials: Tortex will increase the attack and create very bright peaks, while Nylon will produce a fuller sound with more bass. Other materials (celluloid, carbon, wood,...) will behave differently.

Rombo Jade is the perfect candidate for speed, control, and attack.

CONCLUSION

Do picks change your guitar tone? Definitely yes!

Not only the tone is affected but other aspects like flexibility, grip, pick noise, attack, or control will be affected by the guitar pick too.

Sound changes will remain as a way of adding some color and dynamic to your music and guitar picks can help you here. With a very low budget and little time, you can experiment and add some fresh input to your daily guitar practice.

The most convenient way of trying many different guitar picks in just one session is by trying a variety pack containing many different guitar picks. Here you can find ours!

1- What is a Guitar Pick Variety Pack

 A Guitar Pick Variety Pack is a set of at least three different guitar picks aimed to contain different shapes, sizes, materials, or thicknesses of plectrums. 

There are other common names for this type of guitar pick set, like “Try out Mix,” “Guitar Pick Mix Set,” or “Guitar Pick Box.” Some variety packs are focused on specific guitar areas like a “Heavy Gauge Variety Pack,” thought to be used by advanced players or “Beginner’s Variety Pack” containing medium and thin guitar picks.

On guitar picks, qualities like thickness, shape, size, and material play a pivotal role in the guitar tone, sustain, grip, or pick noise.

Therefore, it is not only about the personal preferences of the player but also about the techniques you want to develop. Your hands do an arduous job, give them the proper tools they need.

2- Reasons why a Variety Pack is a good idea

REASON ONE - It is the fastest and cheapest way of changing your guitar tone

Think about it: The guitar, strings, amp, cable, and effects pedals are all pieces of the guitar gear that play a role in tone. Surprise: guitar picks too!

Use a rounded thick nylon pick and you’ll get mellower, darker, and thicker tones. Use a pointy medium Tortex guitar pick and your tone will be as bright as you can imagine.

It only takes two seconds and the cost of a coffee to change your pick and increase your tone spectrum. Larger tone repertoire means larger versatility.

Music is about staying dynamic, and monotony kills dynamics. Therefore, your most logical step as a guitarist is to find ways of expanding your repertoire of tones and techniques. This happens with practice and the right guitar gear.

REASON TWO - The joy of exploration

Music theory, speed exercises, precision exercises, and warm-ups all have one thing in common: They focus on improvement, repetition, and perfection.

However, performance is not everything and sometimes we should focus on the joy of exploration.

The greatest ideas happen when we achieve a “flow” state, also known as the “zone.” This applies to guitar too! So, why not relax for a day, test some new pieces of gear, spark some creativity by playing around some guitar phrases, and then see what happens without planning too much and having the pressure of achieving one specific performance milestone?

Chose 4-5 different picks, turn on the amp, and give yourself a two hours break by enjoying the music you are playing now.

PS: Don’t forget to turn off your phone!

REASON THREE - Develop specific skills

Try to perform your speed exercise with a large, worn-out, thin guitar pick. Let’s say 0.35 mm.

You will face one of these three scenarios:

• You are slower than usual.
• You are as fast as usual but your technique is bad.
• You are slower and your technique is bad.

As in every discipline, using the right tools is the key to success.

“Modern Guitars” are attributed to Spanish musician, Antonio de Torres Jurado. He was a luthier, and in the mid-1800s, he began creating the style of guitar that would rise to all modern guitars.

Imagine then how immense the number of available guitar techniques that had more than a dozen decades to be developed is. From strumming to hybrid picking, palm mute, sweep picking, or down picking, all these techniques have different requirements, and different requirements can be fulfilled with different tools.

In our article, “7 essential guitar pick techniques,” we have summarized some of the most common techniques.

REASON FOUR - Different instruments

Sure, the average guitar player owns a red Stratocaster with 09 strings and plays classic rock.

But what about the rest of us? The 7 strings shredders, the acoustic unplugged fans, the indie effect experts, the experimental music lovers, the metal-heads, the bassists using picks, and the jazz/bossa relaxed musicians out there?

We all deserve to have a choice according to our requirements.

Personally, I like to play bass with a medium pick (Rombo Prisma), and I love the warm tones of Rombo Horizon for guitar reverb phrases on my telecaster. However, when I feel like using the thickest metal distortion ever, I choose Rombo Diamond.

Different guitar pick shapes, sizes, materials, and thicknesses create a widely broad tonality and usability ranges that I need to keep my motivation up!

REASON FIVE - A fresh input kills routine!

Did you use the same guitar pick for the last 20 years? Well, it’s never too late to get a little bit of fresh air and try something new.

Even the riff you have played 1000 times will sound different and you might notice that there are some nuances on “pick feedback” that can make your sound more fun and interesting.

What is the worst that can happen? In the worst case, you will discover a guitar pick that you prefer more than your usual! Go take that risk :-)

REASON SIX - A Guitar Pick Variety Pack is a great gift

Guitar players have a lot of things going on in their heads: the next gig, one unfinished song composition they started some weeks ago, the speed rates of their last practice, and more.

A Guitar Pick Variety Pack is a great gift for beginners, intermediate, or advanced players. Guitarists love trying new gear because it is a way to spark some creativity and explore tonalities.

A variety pack is a super affordable option for a small, but elegant gift to make a guitarist smile and feel excited for the next practice day.

There are many different gift options from Rombo:

• Guitar Pick Variety Pack
• Guitar Pick Gift Box
• Guitar Pick Variety Bundle

If only one of the guitar picks is chosen as the new favorite one, your friend will be thankful for life!

REASON SEVEN - Reflecting on your guitar tone and level

Even if you don’t like the picks included in the variety pack, they will have a positive effect on your playing.

You will reflect and confirm why you had chosen your current pick in the past and what the advantages of it are. You will reflect on your guitar tone and the nuances of guitar pick feedback and pick noise.

These experiences accumulate, and after years of exploration, you start having a sixth sense of “feeling” your instrument, your preferences, and music in general.

What do you do with your new picks? Well, if you don’t like them, give them to a friend that could need inspiration!

3- Who can profit from Guitar Pick Variety Packs (Spoiler: Everyone)

From the reasons above, we can take away a clear lesson: It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an advanced player, the advantages of trying a Guitar Pick Variety Pack are always there.

Why beginners profit from Guitar Pick Variety Packs:

• Develop new skills.
• Develop a sense of exploration and identify tone nuances.
• Understand that different techniques need different requirements.
• Understand that the guitar path is a long one and that not everything is performance.

Why intermediate and advanced players profit from guitar pick variety packs:

• Expand the spectrum of techniques.
• Discover an unexpected tonality change.
• Focus on one specific technique.
• Joy of exploration.

4- Examples of a guitar pick variety pack

One example is our own guitar pick variety pack containing:

- 1 Rombo Classic | 0.45 mm

- 1 Rombo Origami | 0.75 mm

- 1 Rombo Prisma | 0.8 mm

- 1 Rombo Crisp | 1 mm

- 1 Rombo Waves | 1.25 mm

- 1 Rombo Horizon | 1.4 mm

- 1 Rombo Diamond | 2 mm

- 1 Rombo Jade | 2.3 mm

It is not only thickness that is everything. In order to make these picks more understandable for you, we have created four metrics: Attack, Flexibility, Tone, and Techniques. Here an example:

With this information, and in combination with the description of the pick and the technical drawing, we give you a very precise picture of the qualities of our guitar picks.

We also have a specific set for beginners with the “Beginners Guitar Pick Gift Box”:

And a specific set for intermediate/advanced players.

5- Conclusion

A Variety Pack is not only an excellent gift for your musician friends, but also for yourself if you are looking to explore tones, develop specific skills, or just need fresh air and try new guitar gear.

Different qualities like shape, thickness, or material, make guitar picks very different tools for different requirements. You will learn a lot in the process of testing them and every fresh input can help keep your motivation at the highest level.

The worst case: You will discover your new favorite pick!

Im Juni 2022 haben wir die ersten 3D-Skizzen unserer vier neuen Plektrum-Modelle fertiggestellt. Die Picks waren jedoch nicht zu 100 % fertig.

Die Dicke, Größe und sogar die Namen der Plektren waren noch nicht definiert.

Wir haben uns für den Ansatz entschieden, so viele Gitarristen wie möglich einzubeziehen, um uns beim Co-Design unserer neuen Gitarren-Plektren zu helfen.

Das Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, die Ergebnisse der Umfrage zusammenzufassen, an der 2122 Gitarristen teilgenommen haben. Diese Leute haben das endgültige Design unserer Picks direkt beeinflusst.

Die Gitarren-Community hat Rombo seit seinem Start im Jahr 2019 stark unterstützt.

Wir wollten keine neuen Gitarrenpicks kreieren, ohne die Leute zu fragen, die von Anfang an dabei waren. Sie alle sind der Kern von Rombo, und Sie sollten entscheiden, welche Produkte wir entwickeln.

Der logischste Schritt war, eine große Umfrage zu erstellen, die es der Community ermöglicht, uns mitzuteilen, wie sie ihre Gitarrenplektren gern hätten. Wir glauben, dass dies der einzige Weg ist, ein Produkt zu entwickeln, das auf den Wünschen unserer Community basiert und uns ermöglicht, grundlegende Entscheidungen über die Ausrichtung unseres Unternehmens zu treffen.

Dies ist nur möglich, wenn man auf die Gedanken jedes Gitarristen hört.

GUITAR PICKS 2023 - ERGEBNISSE DER UMFRAGE

2122 Gitarristen haben an der Umfrage teilgenommen und sich somit am Designprozess dieser neuen Gitarren-Plektren für 2023 beteiligt.

509 von ihnen hinterließen eine private Nachricht mit detaillierten Informationen.
Weiter unten gehen wir auf diese Nachrichten ein.

WAS IST IHR LIEBLINGS-GITARREN-PICK-DESIGN?

Es gibt einen klaren Gewinner. Gitarrenplektrum Nummer 2 ist der Favorit für die meisten Teilnehmer.

Könnte es an seiner Ähnlichkeit in Form und Größe mit dem legendären Jazz-III-Gitarrenpick liegen?

Überraschenderweise ist Nummer 4 das Gitarrenplektrum, das mich während des Prototypentests am meisten überrascht hat. Aber natürlich weiß man nie, bis man es probiert hat!

GITARRENPICK NUMMER 1:

Name:

• Mosaic: 33,4%
• Pegasus: 16,6%
• Sense: 13%
• Summit 6,8%
• Andere Namen: 30,2%

Durchschnittliche Dicke: 0,66 mm
Größe: Kleine Größe mit 89 % der Stimmen

GITARRENPICK NUMMER 2:

Name:

• Shell: 42 %
• Lance: 18%
• Turtle: 8,2%
• Andere Namen: 31,8%

Durchschnittliche Dicke: 0,953 mm
Größe: Mittlere Größe mit 77 % der Stimmen

GITARRENPICK NUMMER 3:

Name:

• Erebus: 52%
• Quasar: 32,1%
• Jupiter: 10,1%
• Moon: 5,15%
• Andere Namen: 0,65%

Durchschnittliche Dicke: >2 mm
Größe: Große Größe mit 55 % der Stimmen

GITARRENPICK NUMMER 4:

Name:

• Dune: 39,8%
• Lance: 31,2%
• Doppler:19,6 %
• Sense: 4,7%
• Andere Namen: 4,7%

Durchschnittliche Dicke: 0,72 mm
Größe: Mittlere Größe mit 85 % der Stimmen

GUITAR PICKS: PERSÖNLICHE GEDANKEN VON 509 GITARRENSPIELERN

Insgesamt 509 Personen haben uns eine private Nachricht bezüglich Gitarrenpleks hinterlassen.

Wir haben sie alle sorgfältig gelesen und werden alle diese Informationen während der Entwicklung berücksichtigen.

Hier sind die 10 häufigsten Fragen, die wir wiederholt erhalten haben, und unsere Kommentare dazu:

● Werden die Plektren in verschiedenen Farben erhältlich sein?
Ja! Die Markteinführung umfasst alle regulären Rombo-Farben.
Weitere „Special Edition“-Farben sind in Vorbereitung.

● Werden sie die gleiche Griffstruktur haben?
Viele Leute haben uns E-Mails und Briefe bezüglich der Griffstruktur geschickt. Mit den Mikronoppen haben wir den Vorteil von mittelgriffigen Oberflächen, die viel Kontrolle hinzufügen.

Eine sehr kleine Anzahl von Menschen möchte jedoch, dass die Picks mehr Grip haben. Wir mussten hier eine Entscheidung treffen, und es war schwer. Wir werden die „Korndichte“ auf den strukturierten Bereichen leicht erhöhen, sodass mehr „Micro nodules“ pro Quadratmillimeter entstehen.

Auf diese Weise hoffen wir, den Bedürfnissen aller Gruppen gerecht zu werden.

● Das Material ist kühl, erzeugt aber warme und sanfte Töne. ich bevorzuge
helle Töne. Plant ihr ein neues Materialsortiment?
Wir haben unser Materialkomposition absichtlich geschaffen, um diese sanften Töne zu erreichen. Etwa 12 % der Benutzer gaben jedoch an, helle Töne zu bevorzugen.

Wir haben beschlossen, mit der Forschung an einem neuen Material zu beginnen, das als zusätzliches Sortiment auf den Markt gebracht wird, sobald wir die richtige Formel gefunden haben. Das voraussichtliche Datum für die Markteinführung des neuen Materials ist Anfang 2024.

● Warum erstellt ihr nicht für jedes Plektrum unterschiedliche Dicken?
der Modelle?
Wir möchten, dass jedes Plektrum einzigartig ist. Da jeder Mensch individuelle Vorlieben hat, glauben wir, dass jedes Plektrum sein eigenes Design haben sollte. In Zukunft hoffen wir, eine breitere Palette von Plektrumdesigns erstellen zu können, um jedes mögliche Bedürfnis abzudecken.

● Was ist mit Plektren für Bassisten?
Die meisten unserer Plektren sind mit Bass kompatibel, wie wir bei einigen Bassisten bestätigt haben, die sie regelmäßig verwenden, insbesondere Rombo Diamond und Rombo Origami. Das haben wir HIER erklärt.

● Ihr solltet Merch, T-Shirts und andere Dinge anbieten:
Vielleicht in der Zukunft. Jetzt wollen wir uns zu 100% auf die Entwicklung der Gitarrenpicks konzentrieren. Jede Minute, die wir für das Design eines T-Shirts aufwenden, wird von der Qualität der Picks abgezogen! ;)

● Werdet ihr die EcoBlack-Reihe in anderen Farben anbieten?
Das EcoBlack-Material kann derzeit nur einfarbig produziert werden.

Durch den Recyclingprozess entsteht eine sehr dunkle Pigmentierung. Die Industrie arbeitet hart daran, einen Weg zu finden, neue Recyclingverfahren zu schaffen. Wir hoffen, dass wir in Zukunft alle unsere Plektren aus recyceltem Material herstellen werden.

● Warum erstellet ihr keine Boutique-Picks?
Gegenfrage: Was ist ein Boutique-Plektrum?

Ein Boutique-Plektrum ist ein einzigartiges Kunstwerk in Form eines Plektrums, das ihr zum Gitarrenspielen verwenden könnt. Normalerweise sind diese Plektren handgefertigt und aus exotischen Materialien. Sie enthalten einige künstlerische Elemente wie Ornamentgeometrien und sind in der Regel einzigartige Sondereditionsstücke mit erhöhten Startpreisen.

Unser Ansatz ist ein anderer. Wir kreieren Boutique-ähnliche Gitarren-Pick-Designs zu sehr erschwinglichen Preisen. Andernfalls wären nur ein paar Rombo-Designs für die einflussreichsten Pick-Sammler verfügbar.

Wir glauben, dass wir auf diese Weise eine Nische zwischen Massenproduktions-Picks und einzelnen Sondereditionen gefunden haben. Mit diesem Ansatz bringen wir das Boutique-Feeling zu einer größeren Anzahl von Menschen und stärken die Plektrum-Community und das Bewusstsein für dieses kleine, aber wichtige Accessoire.

● Einige Plektren, die ich 2019 bestellt habe, hatten Grate. Dies ist kein Problem für
spielen, aber es sieht nicht cool aus.
Wir haben gute Nachrichten für Sie. 2021 haben wir eine neue Methode entwickelt, um die Grate manuell von den Plektren zu entfernen. Das bedeutet, dass alle Rombo-Picks manuell überarbeitet und bearbeitet werden, um alle visuellen Aspekte zu entfernen, die nicht zum ursprünglichen Design gehören (wie kleine Grate an der Umrandung).

Dies hat uns zusätzliche Zeit gekostet, aber als Premium-Marke müssen wir unsere Qualitätsstandards ständig verbessern, um sicherzustellen, dass eure Plektren so gut sind, wie ihr es erwartet!

● Warum nochmal Kickstarter?
Siehe unten :)

WANN SIND DIE NEUEN PICKS VERFÜGBAR?

Die neuen Gitarrenpicks kommen im Frühjahr 2023 auf den Markt.

Wenn ihr eine E-Mail erhalten möchtet, sobald die Picks verfügbar sind, abonniert unseren Newsletter (siehe Fußzeile).

Dies ist der Zeitplan, den wir für dieses Projekt erstellt haben:

WARUM KICKSTARTER?

Kickstarter-Kampagnen lassen Träume und Ideen Wirklichkeit werden. Rombo ist immer noch ein kleines Start-up, das von zwei Personen geführt wird und nur begrenzten Zugang zu Ressourcen hat. Über Kickstarter binden wir die Community der Gitarristen ein und zeigen unsere Gitarrenplektren vor dem Start.

Dieser Prozess bringt uns in Kontakt mit den echten Gitarristen. Es zwingt uns, flexibel zu bleiben, Änderungen zu akzeptieren, und es fordert uns heraus, neue Designs zu entwickeln, um die Erwartungen unseres Publikums zu erfüllen.

Wir lieben offene und kritische Kritik, und dies ist der beste Ort dafür, wo alle Kommentare und Gedanken sichtbar sind. Indem wir Ihre Erfahrungen teilen, können wir auf eure Bedürfnisse und Wünsche eingehen und Gitarrenplektren entwickeln, die einen Unterschied machen.

2.5- Pain in the neck when playing the guitar:

This problem is very common among ambitious beginners that want to scale their skills fast. 

One of the most valuable skills when it comes to guitar playing is versatility.

Versatility allows you to adapt to different environments and enriches your playing, making a difference in the final result.

Music is about staying dynamic and monotony kills dynamic. Therefore, the most logical step for you as a guitarist is to expand your repertoire of guitar skills to keep that vital, engaging sound that makes music so joyful.

If you have decided to use a guitar pick for playing guitar, there are seven techniques that are a must.

They will take time to learn and master, but believe me, they make the difference.

1- TREMOLO PICKING:

If you have listened to the music of the last 70 years, you can probably recognize this guitar technique in most rock classic hits.

Tremolo is an Italian word which means “to shake” or “to tremble”.

In the context of guitar, it involves striking one (sometimes more than one) guitar string very fast with alternating strokes. Therefore, this technique is a form of alternate picking. Tremolo picking is very easy to learn but it requires strong discipline and practice to master.

Tremolo picking is essentially useful for any style of music and obviously a big part of the surf guitar sound (I’m a big fan of it!).

In guitar literature, sometimes the words tremolo and vibrato are reversed. This technique has nothing to do with a “tremolo bar” or a "tremolo effects box".

WHY IS TREMOLO PICKING IMPORTANT?

If one of your long-term goals in your guitar learning process is to increase speed, tremolo picking is a good place to start.

It is not only very fun but also can add new textures and some dynamics to your compositions. You would be surprised how well this technique fits even in metal or hardcore music.

A FAMOUS SONG WITH TREMOLO PICKING:

The surf rock version of the song “Misirlou”, from Dick Dale, is probably the greatest example of tremolo picking. The original one is a traditional song from the Eastern Mediterranean area dating back to 1927!

The version of Dick Dale got very popular after appearing in the soundtrack of Pulp Fiction in 1994.

BEST PICK FOR TREMOLO PICKING:

The most influential factors when choosing the best guitar pick for tremolo picking are thickness, material, and grip.

It’s important to have a snappy, responsive guitar pick. For this, medium picks with a medium/pointy tip are my recommendation.

However, there is no consensus in the guitar world for this. Many players have reported preferring thick, rigid picks.

In my case, I have found the best stability and speed using Rombo Origami. This pick can be described as: Flexible but still rigid enough for note control. Right amount of flexibility for a snappy fluid attack that's bright and crisp. The concave surface on the hold area ensures an ergonomic and comfortable hold.

Everyone’s hand is a little different in how they hold the pick and move. The best way to find out is to test different shapes and thicknesses, and then try them out

Good luck!

2- PICK SLIDES:

One very extended technique often performed in the rock, metal, and punk genres is pick slides or pick scrapes.

By holding the edge of the guitar pick against the guitar strings and moving it along the edge, the pick catches the strings’ windings, causing the strings to vibrate and produce a very pleasant textured noise.

Usually, guitar pick slides start near the bridge and end over the higher frets. However, there are countless variations of pick slides depending on the direction, the angle of the pick relative to the strings, and other variables.

Unfortunately, performing pick slides completely ruins the edges of the guitar pick, especially on thinner ones. This won’t directly affect the tone or control of the plectrum, but the damaged sides will develop some dents.

What makes a guitar pick durable? Find our here.

WHY ARE PICK SLIDES IMPORTANT?

Guitar pick slides are not the most relevant aspect of your playing. Nevertheless, a correctly performed slide in the right place will add so much to the moment.

The noisy textures produced by this technique are the perfect weapon of choice for songs using high distortion levels.

A FAMOUS SONG WITH PICK SLIDES:

The first use of the pick slide is attributed to Bo Diddley and can be heard in the opening of his song "Road Runner" from the 60s.

Today, some guitarists have taken this technique to a new level and have created signature variations. A shining example of pick slides from the last years is the metal band Gojira with their famous signature “Gojira-Scrape” that was created by accident and combines several guitar pick techniques

BEST PICK FOR PICK SLIDES:

If you are going to do pick slides frequently, then you need to consider two things:

• Using durable guitar pick materials, and 
• Using thick picks.

Otherwise, your guitar picks will be inoperative after a couple of sessions. The dilemma is that most players get better noisy sounds with a medium guitar pick.

I have found a solution that works for me: medium-heavy picks that are large enough to scrape with higher areas of the pick that won’t touch the strings. From our picks, I prefer Rombo Horizon the most for pick slides. Also, the curvy edge creates different pressure on different strings and that’s nice.

3- PINCH HARMONICS:

Do you know any guitar player who does not like pinch harmonics? I do not either.

Pinch harmonics are created by the picking hand. Playing this technique produces high-pitched tones. This phenomenon occurs when you stop a part of the string vibrations in the right position and create a "node".

There is a simple way to test this; pick a note and apply a small pressure anywhere on the string such that the vibration doesn’t stop completely.

WHY ARE PINCH HARMONICS IMPORTANT?

Pinch harmonics are often related to high gain tones and metal music but they are a powerful tool to add dynamics and textures to any genre of music or type of guitar; electric or acoustic.

It is considered one of the most abstruse techniques for intermediate players. Common problems are pinch harmonics that aren't loud enough or additional noises that make the harmonics not sound clean enough.

Root causes of this problem can be:

• the guitar player does not know the right places on the strings to play pinch harmonics 

• there is unwanted noise coming from unmuted strings

• the pinch harmonic is produced isolated, without combining it with other techniques like vibrato.

Most guitar players (including me) played their first pinch harmonic accidentally.

A FAMOUS SONG WITH PINCH HARMONICS:

Guitarist Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top is considered the father of pinch harmonics. Not because he invented them, but because he brought them to the mainstream. Although he is a well-rounded guitarist with a focused skillset based on blues, he is best known for his pinch harmonics.

BEST PICK FOR PINCH HARMONICS:

There is no special pick to do pinch harmonics. The pinch harmonic is technically produced by the thumb of your picking hand.

However, this technique is widely used in lead guitar in combination with other advanced techniques that work especially well with thick, small guitar picks.

Therefore, although you can learn pinch harmonics using thin picks, I recommend using thick picks.

#If you want to learn more about the differences between thin and thick guitar picks read our article "Thick guitar picks vs thin guitar picks".

4- PALM MUTE:

Palm mute is a very regular technique used by most guitarists. By placing the side of the picking hand on the strings close to the bridge and dampening the guitar strings (when necessary), the strings produce muted sounds.

You can control the dampening effect by moving your hand to a different position further from the bridge.

Although this technique isn't seen as a very difficult one, these are common mistakes that prevent players from learning it properly:

• wrong hand position
• not having a relaxed posture
• problems by keeping a stable tempo
• too much pressure on the strings

WHY IS PALM MUTE IMPORTANT?

As a guitarist or bassist, you are always on the lookout to make your music sound natural, creative, and exciting.

Palm-muting is a great skill for dynamic control exercises. This means you will automatically learn how to shape your sound using fluctuations in volume and intensity.

With this skill in your repertoire, your music will sound more vocal and dynamic.

A FAMOUS SONG WITH PALM MUTE:

This technique is very old. As old as the invention of the electric guitar (1936). Most classical players have been using it for centuries with all kinds of instruments.

Today, palm muting is widely used in heavy metal, thrash, speed, and death metal. It is often found in music that features distortion effects.

Is there any good song to practice palm muting for getting better at it? “Master of Puppets” from Metallica—it’s a masterclass in palm muting and down picking.

BEST PICK FOR PALM MUTE:

I recommend using a thick guitar pick for this. They provide high volume, a broader dynamic range, and more control over single notes (in case you use palm mute arpeggios). In addition, palm muting is a demanding technique that causes a lot of guitar pick wear. As you might know, thick guitar picks are more durable.

My favorite choice for this technique is Rombo Diamond.

5- PICK STRUMMING:

Guitar pick strumming is a way of playing guitar. A strum is a sweeping action where a pick (or finger!) brushes over the guitar strings and generates sounds.

For most guitar players, this is the first technique they learned and the technique that caused most headaches as a beginner.

Learning how to strum correctly takes time and practice. Most beginners lack the necessary muscle memory it takes to play while remaining relaxed or having a good posture.

WHY IS PICK STRUMMING IMPORTANT?

In many ways, understanding this skill is essential for understanding guitar. Great strumming skills mean being a great rhythm guitarist. Therefore, this should be your number one goal as a beginner.

Learning chords is important, but they are just static shapes. The diversity of the hundreds (if not thousands) of strumming patterns available will inject musicality and rhythm into your playing.

A FAMOUS SONG WITH PICK STRUMMING:

“Bad moon rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, is a good place to start. It combines easy chords (D, A, G) with a very simple progression and a very catchy, bluesy melody.

BEST PICK FOR STRUMMING:

My best advice for beginners is to start with a very thin guitar pick. It can help to practice with something below 0.6 that’s nice and bendy. As you improve your skills, you can try with thicker picks, as they will add more bass to your tone.

For all the beginners out there, my best choice would be Rombo Classic.

However, if you are in the very beginning of your guitar journey, please read this article where I explain, why starting with medium guitar picks can be a better choice for you. "Medium Gauge Guitar Picks".

6- DOWNPICKING

Downpicking or down-stroke picking is a very beloved guitar technique in which the player moves the guitar pick only in a downward motion. The tip of the pick does not brush the strings as the hand moves back to the original position for the next down-stroke.

It is one of the most underrated skills on guitar and although performing this technique might seem easy, the required endurance for long passages with fast tempo is very often a problem even for advanced guitarists.

WHY IS DOWNPICKING IMPORTANT?

But first, why would you want to remove the upstrokes (alternate picking) and then increase the necessary effort for the same number of strokes? Why would you torture your wrist muscles in this way?

This technique is widely used in metal and punk guitar and the main reason is that when mastered, downpicking can make the guitar’s sound very powerful and rhythmic.

A FAMOUS SONG WITH DOWNPICKING:

Famous punk guitarist Johnny Ramone used this technique in the mid-70s in combination with fast tempo (180 to 200 bpm). The technique was very innovative at that time and influenced many current guitarists like James Hetfield who has been regarded as “the King of Downpicking”.

Many beginner guitarists start with songs from Ramones because of their simplicity in terms of chords and lack of tempo variations.

BEST PICK FOR DOWNPICKING:

For downpicking, there is a basic rule: the more mass the guitar pick has, the thicker and more aggressive the sound.

Therefore, a thick, large guitar pick with a pointy tip will be the loudest and most rhythmic one.

I recommend Rombo Diamond.

7- HYBRID PICKING

The interesting thing about hybrid picking is the fact that the player uses a plectrum as well as one or more fingers. This can be done alternately or simultaneously.

Typical styles for this technique are rockabilly guitar, country and bluegrass, and more classical passages with acoustic or classical guitar.

Hybrid picking can be very hard if you are a beginner. Before you think of learning this technique, you will have to learn how to play with your fingers and with a guitar pick. This is a requirement you cannot avoid.

WHY IS HYBRID PICKING IMPORTANT:

Three major arguments should convince you to learn hybrid picking:

Tone diversity:

The pick is generally used to play bass notes with a longer duration and very noticeable timbral differences caused by variations in the vibration of the strings. Therefore, your playing will sound more interesting combining pick and fingers.

Timing:

Hybrid picking allows you to pick two to four strings simultaneously. This makes it very different from strumming and gives an approach much more similar to piano techniques.

Flexibility:

Managing this technique, you will be able to change between fingerstyle playing and guitar pick playing within the same song or passage.

A FAMOUS SONG WITH HYBRID PICKING:

Hybrid picking was popularized by guitarists like Steve Howe some decades ago. Most players that learn this technique today start with a more classical approach.

A great song to start with this technique is “Amy” by Tommy Emmanuel. However, the complexity of the chords makes this song only possible to play for intermediate and advanced players.

BEST PICK FOR HYBRID PICKING:

There is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” pick for hybrid picking. You can use the pick you think fits the best for the song you are playing.

Because this technique is widely used by rhythm guitarists, there is a consensus that picks around 1 mm will perform well. However, it is up to you to try and decide which one is best for every passage.

Discover more about guitar pick thickness here.

8- BONUS SKILL – SWEEP PICKING:

For some reason, sweep picking is the trend. Every guitar forum gets new threads with this topic week after week. Perhaps it’s due to the high speed and visually nice arpeggios that make the guitar produce cyclical sound patterns and put us in a status of trance.

This technique describes the action of playing single notes on consecutive strings using the same motion, either all down-strokes or all upstrokes.

Sweep picking has been recognized as a difficult technique. It is more for advanced players and it can take years to master it.

WHY IS SWEEP PICKING IMPORTANT?

Sweep picking is used by guitarists to play arpeggios at high speed. The phrasing sounds produced by this technique sounds typical of other instruments like the piano.

Although sweep picking is a very important technique for building speed and fluency on string instruments, my advice would be to not learn this technique unless you have mastered other techniques that can give you more versatility.

Sure, it is ok to use sweep picking occasionally but that is not what you are going to play most of the time. In my opinion, a lot of bands overuse this technique. Therefore, you should reflect if the time needed to correctly learn sweep picking could be used for other more relevant skills.

A FAMOUS SONG WITH SWEEP PICKING:

Although often regarded as a “modern guitar technique”, pick sweeping has been around since the 50s. The technique was first used and developed by jazz guitarists.

Today, it is commonly used in metal but many students start with the song “Give Me the Night” by George Benson. Practicing sweep picking with clean tones can help you develop a more accurate technique.

BEST PICK FOR SWEEP PICKING:

What qualities are you looking for in a pick to perform sweep picking? Small and easy to handle, good maneuverability and stability, and good string separation. This means: Thick, pointy guitar picks like Jade or Horizon.

However, I have a bonus for you: We have received some E-Mails from professional guitarists using Rombo Prisma for their sweeping techniques, a pick that wasn’t developed for this. However, its sharp tip, combined with a very large, beveled edge, and the total “mass” of the pick (variable thickness), makes this pick a great candidate for bright tonal sweep picking solos.

In our article “How to choose the right guitar pick,” we did a deep analysis on the qualities you should consider when deciding which plectrum to use.

In this article, we will discuss the most important characteristics needed in a guitar pick in order to make the playing experience as comfortable as possible and obtain the best results. These characteristics are not as obvious as others but are essential to getting the most out of this accessory.

1- What is a premium guitar pick?

The Cambridge Dictionary says premium is “used to refer to something that is of higher than usual quality."

Therefore, a premium guitar pick will exceed in qualities like material, shape or texture and will provide a playing experience that’s above average in terms of precision, durability, comfort, tone, or other areas.

Put simply, a premium guitar pick will perform better than regular picks.

1.1 How to achieve premium quality:

Reducing the definition of a guitar pick to its basic intrinsic features, it is easy to understand how to improve certain areas.

For example, it is logical to conclude that better materials will have an impact on the guitar pick’s tone and durability.

Also, with the help of basic ergonomic and design laws, you can create a shape that enhances grip or slides better. The key is to know what you are looking for.

Back in 2018, with the help of a number of professional guitar players, we defined the requirements the Rombo picks had to achieve:

• Excellent tone with minimal pick noise
• Durability
• Comfort and grip
• Great look
• Versatility

With these premises, we started a journey to identify the qualities that would provide an above-average experience in every area.

2- Qualities of a premium guitar pick:

2.1 Micronodules grip texture:

Grippy, non-sticky surfaces are perfect for the guitar pick’s hold area. The best way to achieve this is to create a texture that fits between the grooves of your skin and prevents the guitar pick from slipping or creating an aggressive grip geometry that is uncomfortable for long practice sessions.

When developing the grip texture, our focus was to create a type of grip that allows the player to maintain flexibility and freedom along with a feeling of security and control.

More information on guitar pick grip can be found here.

2.2 High-mirror polished tip:

A guitar pick with a polished tip allows the player to experience more control and less friction. Reduced friction between the plectrum and the strings of the guitar will increase the durability of the pick because it will wear less and reduce its noise.

Noise reduction is a feature especially useful for recording studio tracks.

Furthermore, a polished tip produces more clear individual tones, a requirement for some guitar techniques such as sweep picking.

2.3 Variable thickness:

One of the less common characteristics in guitar picks is variable thickness. It is ideal for the pick to be thick for better control; however, this could significantly reduce its flexibility.

For that reason, plectrums of variable thickness have been created, giving us the best of both worlds.

That is to say, we could have a guitar pick with a solid, thick body that gives us better grip and control. Additionally, it features a thinner tip that provides enough flexibility to achieve greater versatility when developing various guitar techniques.

Remember that an increase in the thickness of only two sheets of paper will substantially reduce the pick’s flexibility!

Read more about the advantages of using a guitar pick with variable thickness here.

2.4 Ergonomic design surfaces:

By following ergonomic models, the surface of the pick can be adapted to feel more comfortable and also look great.

Similarly, we can take advantage of concave or convex surfaces, as they help keep the plectrum’s position oriented and avoid losing control in turning movements.

The shape is also closely connected to the tone of the guitar pick. Just like with the design of a surfboard, you need a specific shape to optimize your energy when catching a wave. The same effect is caused when the guitar pick plucks the strings; different shapes will produce different results.

2.5 High-quality materials:

If your hands are doing an arduous job, then they deserve the best tools, right? Many people spend a lot of money on guitars, amplifiers, strings, and other accessories, but they overlook the guitar pick. This is a big mistake.

The material with which the pick is made can influence the tone, attack, flexibility, durability, and many other aspects. Therefore, without paying attention to it, you can hardly find your personal sound.

Are you curious about the materials used for the Rombo guitar picks? Read a full article on the topic here.

2.6 Unique designs:

The design of everything you own is a way of expressing yourself and defining your personal style.

When it comes to guitar picks, functionality is everything. This is the reason we have spent so much time integrating beautiful geometric patterns that also fulfill the functional requirements for every technique.

3- Conclusion:

In short, guitar picks are personal items that are bound to subjective perceptions. However, some aspects are measurable and can be improved to fulfill requirements that every guitarist needs.

Don’t overestimate this small piece of gear.

Not sure what is the right guitar pick for you? Let us help you here.

Wir alle wissen, wie komplex Plketren sein können. Eigenschaften wie Plektrumdicke, Material, Form und Größe definieren den Charakter eines Plektrums.

Wir möchten dir helfen, eine der schwierigsten Aufgaben zu lösen, mit der jeder Gitarrist konfrontiert ist: wie man das richtige Plektrum auswählt.

1. Was sind Gitarrenpicks?

Das Plektrum ist die Brücke zwischen dir und deinem Instrument, ein versteckter Held in den Händen der meisten Gitarristen und der lauteste Verstärker in deinen Händen. Wenn du eine bessere Definition hast, würden wir uns freuen, sie zu hören!

Ein Plektrum ist ein sehr persönlicher Gegenstand, und die Auswahl des für dich besten Plektrums hängt von einer Reihe von Faktoren ab. Es gibt kein perfektes Plektrum, aber jedes Plektrum dient einem bestimmten Zweck, hat Stärken und Schwächen und funktioniert anders, wenn es mit verschiedenen Techniken oder Instrumenten verwendet wird.

Das richtige Plektrum für dich ist das Plektrum, mit dem du dich mit deinem Spielstil am wohlsten fühlst und das deinen Anforderungen in Bezug auf Klang und Kontrolle entspricht.

Mit dem richtigen Plektrum fühlst du dich wie ein Gitarrenheld. Man muss es nur finden!

2. Warum mit Plektrum spielen?

Plektren haben viele Vorteile gegenüber dem Fingerpicking.

Sie helfen, dein Spiel zu beschleunigen, erzeugen einen lauteren, helleren Klang als Finger und können so geformt werden, dass sie bessere Ergebnisse erzielen, wenn du verschiedene Techniken wie Strumming, Palm Muting, Pinch Harmonics etc. spielst.

Darüber hinaus können bestimmte Arten von Plektren den Ton leicht verändern. Auf diese Weise kannst du mit verschiedenen Tönen experimentieren, bis du den einen gefunden hast, der für dich funktioniert.

3. Machen verschiedene Plektren einen Unterschied?

Es gibt eine einfache und schnelle Möglichkeit, deine Gitarrensound anders zu gestalten: Probiere ein anderes Plektrum aus.

Das Plektrum beeinflusst nicht nur den Ton, sondern auch Lautstärke, Flexibilität und Griffigkeit.

Je nach Plektrum wirst du  unterschiedliche Grade an Kontrolle und Komfort spüren. Jedes Plektrum ist einzigartig und verhält sich abhängig von deiner Spieltechnik, der Art der Gitarre und der Art der Saiten sowie deinem Können anders.

Um das richtige Plektrum auszuwählen, solltest du einige grundlegende Konzepte verstehen.

4. Was es bei der Wahl des richtigen Plektrums zu beachten gilt

Die folgenden sind die wichtigsten Attribute, wenn es um Plektren geht:

• Dicke
• Material
• Form
• Spitzenform
• Größe

Diese Eigenschaften bestimmen zu 80 %, wie sich ein Plektrum anfühlt und verhält, und sind die besten Ausgangspunkte.

4.1 Plektrumdicke:

Die Dicke eines Plektrums wird in Millimetern gemessen und beeinflusst hauptsächlich den Ton und die Flexibilität.

Eine minimale Änderung der Dicke eines Plektrums von nur 0,2 Millimetern (entspricht zwei Blatt Papier) reicht aus, um seine Eigenschaften drastisch zu verändern.

Für die meisten Gitarristen gilt dies als das wichtigste Merkmal bei der Auswahl des richtigen Plektrums, und dies ist die erste Information, die Sie beim Online-Kauf von Plektren auf einer Produktseite finden.

Denke daran, dass diese Eigenschaften allgemein kategorisiert sind und die meisten Eigenschaften von weiteren Aspekten wie Material und Form abhängen.

Dünne Plektren:

Dünne Plektren sind dünner als 0,55 mm. Wie sind wir auf diese Zahl gekommen? Wir haben im März 2021 eine große Umfrage durchgeführt, die du hier findest. 

Ein dünnes Plektrum eignet sich normalerweise gut für Rhythmusgitarren, aber nicht für Leadgitarren, da es beim Spielen einzelner Noten an Kontrolle mangelt. Diese Plektren neigen aufgrund ihrer Flexibilität dazu, beim Zupfen der Saiten zu biegen, wodurch die maximale Lautstärke begrenzt ist. Dies kann ein Vorteil sein, da es wie ein analoger Limiter arbeitet. Diese Plektren sorgen immer für einen flüssigen Sound (auch wenn dein Arm nicht mitgeht).

Die meisten Anfänger verwenden dünne Plektren, weil ihre Fähigkeiten am Anfang auf Strumming beschränkt sind. Wir haben hier jedoch diskutiert, warum mittlere Gitarrenpicks für Anfängergitarrenspieler eigentlich besser sind.

Mittlere Auswahl:

Gitarrenplektren mittlerer Stärke haben eine Dicke zwischen 0,55 und 1 mm.

Dies sind die vielseitigsten Plektren und perfekt für Sologitarristen, die verschiedene Techniken in denselben Songs verwenden (z. B. Strumming, Solo, Palm Mute).

Sie vereinen Komfort, Präzision, Rhythmus und Spielgeschwindigkeit und haben die Vorteile sowohl von dünnen als auch von dicken Plektren.

Dieser Dickenbereich bei Plektren ist der komplexeste von allen und verdient einen separaten Artikel (den du hier finden kannst).

Dicke Plektren:

Dicke Plektren sind über 1 mm. Da es keine Begrenzung der Dicke gibt, verwenden einige Spieler gerne „extra dicke“ Plektren, die über 3 mm dick sind.

Dicke Plektren geben dem Gitarristen mehr Kontrolle über die Lautstärke und den Attack auf die Saiten. Sie sind die Favoriten unter fortgeschrittenen Gitarristen.

Fortgeschrittene Gitarristen wählen diese Dicke, weil sie Präzision für ihr Spiel auf hohem Niveau und ihre Soloparts benötigen. Spielgeschwindigkeit ist garantiert!

Da sie dicker sind, erzeugen diese Plektren weichere, wärmere und dunklere Töne. Eine abgeschrägte Kante kann erstellt werden (mehr dazu weiter unten).

4.2 Materialien für Gitarrenpicks

Plektren können aus allem hergestellt werden: Metall, Holz, Kunststoff und Stoff. In der Vergangenheit wurden einige exotische Materialien wie Knochen oder Schildkrötenpanzer zur Herstellung verwendet.

Die technologische Welle hochspezialisierter Polymere hat eine neue Ära von Materialien mit erstaunlichen Eigenschaften geschaffen. Im Allgemeinen sind die folgenden Haupteigenschaften, die ein gutes Material haben sollte:

• Hohe mechanische Festigkeit und Steifigkeit
• Hervorragende Schlagfestigkeit
• Hervorragende ästhetische Eigenschaften

Neben der Dicke hat auch das Material des Plektrums einen wesentlichen Einfluss auf den Ton, die Flexibilität bzw. Steifigkeit, die Haltbarkeit und die Griffigkeit.

Die gebräuchlichsten Materialien für Plektren sind Nylon, Delrin und Zelluloid. Andere heutzutage zu findende Materialien sind Leder, Gummi oder Filz (insbesondere für Ukulelen).

Bei Rombo haben wir uns entschieden, die Eigenschaften von gewöhnlichem Nylon durch eine Änderung seiner Formel anzupassen. Wir konnten die tonalen Eigenschaften von Nylon beibehalten und seine Haltbarkeit und Griffigkeit verbessern. Wir glauben, dass wir ein hervorragendes Gleichgewicht zwischen Klang, Komfort, ästhetischen Eigenschaften und Haltbarkeit erreicht haben.

Unser Plektrummaterial wird in Italien hergestellt, und wir haben seine Eigenschaften hier besprochen.

4.3 Form des Plektrums

Dies ist die erste Qualität, die du bemerken wirst, wenn du zum ersten Mal ein Plektrum benutzt.

Aufgrund der großen Anzahl von Plektrenherstellern, die heutzutage online sind, gibt es eine praktisch unendliche Anzahl von Plektrumformen. Es gibt jedoch einige klassische Formen, die erwähnt werden müssen. Hier sind die vier häufigsten Formen:

Standard:

Die beliebteste Plektrumform ist die Standardform. Fast jede Marke bietet ein Plektrum in dieser Form und in verschiedenen Größen an.

Sie sind aufgrund ihrer Größe und ihrer Spitze ein guter Ausgangspunkt für Anfänger. Die Spitze ist weder zu rund noch zu scharf. Damit sind sie Allrounder-Pleks, die für nahezu jede Technik eingesetzt werden können.

Nichtsdestotrotz gibt es einige Variationen dieser Form, die eine sehr spitze Spitze beinhalten, und natürlich bekommt das Plektrum, nachdem sie abgenutzt ist, eine abgerundete Spitze. Mehr zum Thema Haltbarkeit kannst du hier nachlesen.

Ein gutes Beispiel für diese Auswahl ist Rombo Origami.

Tropfenform:

Wenn du nach Präzision suchst, ist dies möglicherweise die beste Wahl. Es gibt viele Variationen von Teardrop-Pleks, aber alle haben das gleiche Ziel: dem Spieler zu ermöglichen, nah an die Saiten zukommen, um ein besseres Feedback und eine bessere Kontrolle zu bieten.

Aufgrund ihrer geringen Größe erfordern sie ein gewisses Maß an Kontrolle und können daher nur verwendet werden, wenn der Gitarrist gelernt hat, sie richtig einzusetzen.

Ein gutes Beispiel für diese Auswahl ist Rombo Jade.

Jazz:

Ironischerweise werden jazzförmige Plektren am häufigsten von Spielern verwendet, die Rock und Metal lieben.

Diese Pleks haben im Laufe der Jahre an Popularität gewonnen. Im Gegensatz zu Standard-Plektren, die auf Vielseitigkeit ausgelegt sind, sind Jazz-Plektren darauf ausgelegt, zwei Dinge zu erreichen: Geschwindigkeit und Präzision.

Jazz-Plektren haben typischerweise dickere Stärken mit einer deutlich abgeschrägten Kante und schärferen Spitzen. Es gibt viele verschiedene Größen, von sehr klein (der gängigste Typ) bis hin zu Jazz XL, wie Rombo Diamond.

Dreieck:

Nahezu jedes dreieckige Plektrum ist ein gleichseitiges Dreieck (60°-Spitze und alle Seiten gleich lang). Diese Plektren sind bei Bassisten sehr beliebt und normalerweise größer als die durchschnittlichen Plektren.

Das Praktische an diesem Plektrum ist, dass der Spieler mit allen drei Ecken spielen kann.

Ein gutes Beispiel für ein dreieckiges Plektrum ist Rombo Prisma.

Es gibt auch Plektren, bei denen jede Ecke einen andere Dicke und einen anderen Spitzenradius hat. Wir empfehlen diese Plektren nicht. Du solltest äußere Faktoren vermeiden, die beim Gitarrenspiel zu Fehlern führen können. Unterschiedliche Dicken auf einem Plektrum führen zu Komplikationen.

4.4 Spitzenform des Gitarren-Plektrums

Die Form der Plektrumspitze ist ein Faktor, den Spieler oft übersehen. Die meisten Menschen konzentrieren sich auf die Form und Dicke und denken nicht an die Schärfe der Spitze.

Die Form der Plektrumspitze hat einen großen Einfluss auf den Ton.

Helle Töne werden mit einer spitzen Spitze erzielt, während warme und weniger definierte Töne von Plektren mit abgerundeter Spitze erzeugt werden.

Dies ist der Hauptgrund, warum sich Gitarrentöne ändern können, wenn Plektren sich abnutzen.

Tipp : Eine abgeschrägte Kante, auch Beveled Edge gennant, an der Spitze mit abgerundeten Kanten kann eine gleichmäßigere Saitenreibung fördern, was zu effizienteren Schlägen und Geschwindigkeit führt. Mehr zu diesem Thema weiter unten.

4.5 Gesamtgröße des Plektrums

Die Größe des Plektrums ist der wichtigste Faktor, wenn es um Komfort geht. Da keine zwei Menschen gleich sind, ist dies eine sehr persönliche Entscheidung. Außerdem ist dieser Punkt eng mit der Form des Plektrums verbunden.

Möglicherweise findest du es einfacher mit kleine Plektren zu shredden und schnell zu spielen. Deine Finger sind näher an den Saiten, sodass du besser spürst, was du spielst. Der Nachteil dieser Pleks ist, dass sie leicht fallen gelassen werden können, da ihre Gesamtfläche kleiner ist.

Oder du wirst vielleicht auch feststellen, dass größere Plektren einfacher zu halten sind und sich angenehmer in deiner Hand anfühlen. Sie können einen besseren Halt bieten, da mehr Kontaktfläche mit deinen Fingern vorhanden ist. Aufgrund des größeren Materialvolumens können sie deinem Ton jedoch viel Bass hinzufügen.

Experimentiere mit verschiedenen Größen, um herauszufinden, was für dich am bequemsten ist.

Normalerweise variiert die Größe zwischen 15 und 40 mm in der Höhe.

5. Andere Aspekte, die bei der Auswahl eines Plektrums zu berücksichtigen sind

Dicke, Material, Kopf- und Korpusform sowie Größe machen 80 % eines Plektrums aus.

Die verbleibenden 20 % können das Spielerlebnis jedoch viel komfortabler machen und dir bessere Ergebnisse und ein angenehmeres Erlebnis bieten.

Die folgenden Aspekte sind für Spieler, die das Beste aus diesem Gitarrenzubehör herausholen möchten, unbedingt zu berücksichtigen:

• Grip
• Abgeschrägte Kante (Beveled Edge)
• Variable Dicke
• Polierte Spitze
• Haltbarkeit

5.1 Grip

Die Griffigkeit, die ein Plektrum bietet, wird durch das Material, die Form, die Größe und die Oberflächenbeschaffenheit geschaffen.

Dies ist einer der umstrittensten Aspekte von Plektren, weil es ziemlich subjektiv ist. Während einige Spieler ein komfortables Pick ohne aggressive Texturen wollen, benötigen andere den maximal möglichen Grip, um sich sicher zu fühlen.

Äußere Einflussfaktoren wie verschwitzte Hände wirken sich ebenfalls direkt auf die Griffigkeit aus. (Wenn deine Hände beim Gitarrenspielen schwitzen, kannst du dieses Problem vermeiden, indem du die folgenden einfachen Schritte hier befolgst.)

In unserem Fall haben wir versucht, ein Gleichgewicht zwischen Komfort, Ton, Grip und Haltbarkeit zu finden. Beim Entwerfen unseres Grips haben wir Material und Textur berücksichtigt. Wir haben den Haltebereich unserer Picks mit variabler Dicke und 3D-Geometrien entwickelt.

Wenn du dich eingehender mit diesem Thema befassen möchtest, lies unseren Artikel mit dem Titel „ Griffigkeit von Gitarrenplektren verstehen: Grundlagen“

5.2 Abgeschrägte Kante (Beveled Edge)

Eine abgeschrägte Kante kann erstellt werden, wenn dein Plektrum dick genug ist. Das bedeutet mehr Geschwindigkeit und damit mehr Spaß!

Plektren mit beveled Edge sind die beste Option für Gitarristen, die dicke, spitze Spitzen verwenden möchten, die auch warme, fließende Töne erzeugen.

Plektren mit beveled Edge könne sich am Anfang seltsam anfühlen. Das Plektrum fühlt sich anders an: Es gleitet anders und das Feedback, das du von ihm erhältst, ist anders. Nach einiger Übung wirst du jedoch feststellen, dass einige Techniken tatsächlich viel einfacher sind.

Wir haben einen Artikel mit dem Titel „ The Guitar Pick: Bevel, Tip and Shape“ veröffentlicht, der die Beziehung zwischen diesen Attributen diskutiert.

5.3 Variable Dicke

Die Dicke des Plektrums ist wichtig. Was sind die Vorteile der Verwendung eines Plektrums mit variabler Dicke? Eigentlich sind es ziemlich viele.

Ein Plektrum mit variabler Dicke hat unterschiedliche Dicken für die Spitze und den Körper und wirkt sich auf die folgenden Aspekte aus:

Kontrolle: Ein weniger flexibler, dickerer Körper erhöht die Kontrolle.

Ton: Die zusätzliche Masse des Plektrums erzeugt mehr Basstöne und hat daher mehr Präsenz.

Vielseitigkeit: Da das Plektrum dünner als der Körper ist, können mit der Kontrolle über dicke Plektren adäquatere Techniken für dünnere Plektren verwendet werden.

Grip: Der dickere Haltebereich ermöglicht es den Designern, 3D-Geometrien zu erstellen, die den Grip ohne aggressive Grifftexturen verbessern.

Ein gutes Beispiel für eine solche Auswahl ist Rombo Diamond. Seine Spitze ist 1,35 mm lang, während einige Bereiche seines Körpers bis zu 2,65 mm dick sind. Die geneigten Flächen dienen als Stütze für Ihre Fingerspitzen.

5.4 Texturen auf der Spitze des Plektrums

Das Hinzufügen von Texturen an der Spitze des Plektrums kann Ton und Klang leicht verändern.

Die Oberfläche der Plektrumspitze kann sein:

• rau oder sehr rau mit Textur
• unbehandelt oder glatt
• poliert oder hochglanzpoliert

Wir haben uns entschieden, die hochglanzpolierte Spitze in unsere Plektren zu integrieren, weil sie Vorteile in Bezug auf Geräusch, Ton und Haltbarkeit bietet.

Ein Plektrum mit polierter Spitze verursacht weniger Reibung zwischen den Saiten und dem Plektrum, wodurch das Plektrumgeräusch reduziert wird und das Plektrum länger hält.

5.5 Haltbarkeit des Plektrums

Die Haltbarkeit wird von einer Reihe von Aspekten beeinflusst, wie z. B. Plektrummaterial, Form, Dicke und Stärke deiner Gitarrensaiten.

Langlebige Gitarren-Plektren sind perfekt für Spieler, die aggressive Techniken wie Shredden anwenden. Ich habe von einigen Gitarristen gehört, deren Plektrum nach wenigen Stunden weg ist!

Wenn du ein regelmäßiger Spieler bist, der gängige Plektrumtechniken mit weniger als zwei Stunden Übung pro Tag verwendet, brauchst du dir darüber keine Sorgen zu machen.

Als wir mit der Herstellung von Plektren begannen, war eines unserer Ziele, langlebige Plektren zu entwickeln, und wir haben dies durch die Verwendung einer verbesserten Version von Nylon erreicht.

Ein Punkt, der manchmal vergessen wird, ist, dass sich der Ton deiner Gitarre ändert, wenn sich die Plektren abnutzen. Die Beziehung zwischen Ton, Haltbarkeit und Verschleiß wird hier ausführlich beschrieben.

6. Tipps für Anfänger-Gitarristen

Gitarrenplektren mit mittlerer Stärke (Dicke zwischen 0,55 und 1 mm) sind am besten für Anfänger geeignet, obwohl die Leute dir sagen, dass du dünne Plektren verwenden sollst.

Du stehst am Anfang deiner Reise, daher können sich dein Geschmack, deine Vorlieben oder Gitarrentypen ändern.

Ein mittleres Plektrum gibt dir die Vielseitigkeit, die du am Anfang benötigst, und ermöglicht es dir, leichter zu dünnen oder dicken Plektren zu wechseln.

In unserem Artikel „ Medium Gauge Guitar Picks “ kannst du weitere Details zu diesen Plektren finden und entscheiden, ob sie zu deinem Profil passen.

Eine weitere gute Option ist ein Variety Pack, das unterschiedliche Plektren enthält. Dies ist eine gute Möglichkeit, mehrere Picks zu testen und deine Entwicklung zu verfolgen, während du nach und nach deine Fähigkeiten für jedes einzelne Plektrum verbesserst.

7. Tipps für fortgeschrittene/fortgeschrittene Gitarristen

Durch Ausdauer, Geduld und Disziplin hast du ein Gitarrenniveau erreicht, von dem viele Menschen träumen. Glückwunsch!

Der Gitarrenlernprozess ist eine Reise, und deine Ausrüstungsauswahl wird ihn erheblich beeinflussen. Gitarrenausrüstung macht dich nicht zu einem besseren Gitarristen, aber sie bringt mehr Spaß, mehr Kreativität und mehr Wissen in den Lernprozess.

Wir können es nicht oft genug sagen: Jeder Gitarrist sollte mindestens drei Lieblings-Plektren haben und vor allem wissen, warum.

Als erfahrener Spieler hast du wahrscheinlich viele verschiedene Fähigkeiten, die unterschiedliche Ausrüstung erfordern. Einige Phrasen eines Liedes erfordern beispielsweise warme Einzelnotentöne, während andere Lieder helle Töne und viel Lautstärke erfordern.

Wenn jeder Song unterschiedliche Anforderungen hat, warum immer das gleiche Plektrum verwenden?

8. Brauchen du Beratung?

Wir wissen, wie komplex Plektren sind.

Wenn du immer noch Schwierigkeiten hast, das richtige Plektrum auszuwählen, sende uns eine E-Mail über unser Kontaktformular und beantworte die sieben unten stehenden Fragen, und wir senden dir einen personalisierten Vorschlag. Wir versuchen, jede E-Mail in weniger als 72 Stunden zu beantworten.

- Spielst du E-Gitarre, Akustikgitarre oder Bass?

- Welche Musikrichtung spielst du?

- Bist du Leadgitarrist, Rhythmusgitarrist oder beides?

- Sind Sie Anfänger, Fortgeschrittener oder Fortgeschrittener?

- Wenn Sie ein fortgeschrittener Spieler sind, was sind Ihre Lieblingstechniken?

- Bevorzugen Sie helle oder warme Töne?

- Bevorzugen Sie flexible oder starre Picks?

Wenn du ein praktischer Mensch bist, probiere unterschiedliche Plektren aus und bilde dir selbst ein Urteil. 

9. Letzte Gedanken zur Wahl des richtigen Plektrums

Es gibt tausende verschiedene Plektren und noch mehr Arten von Gitarristen. Die Kombinationsmöglichkeiten sind unendlich, und das macht Musik so schön.

Nicht nur die Harmonietheorie ist wichtig, damit ein Lied wunderbar ist, sondern auch die Art und Weise, wie es gespielt wird und wie es klingt.

Hier ist das Geheimnis: Es gibt kein richtiges Plektrum für dich. Es gibt Hunderte von ihnen, die dein Spiel auf eine Weise verändern könnten, die du dir nicht vorstellen kannst, also entdecke sie!

Ich wünsche dir das Beste auf der endlosen Reise des Experimentierens mit deiner Gitarre.

Medium guitar picks are the most popular choice amongst guitarists and they offer the best of both worlds, right? Well, it is not that easy.

In our last article, “thin vs thick guitar picks”, we discussed both guitar pick thickness ranges in depth. Medium guitar picks deserve a separate analysis.

1- Why does guitar pick thickness matter? 

Guitar pick thickness is usually measured in millimeters and this is an attribute that can change various aspects of a pick like flexibility, tone, volume, pick noise, durability, control over single notes, and more.

The thickness of a guitar pick is for this reason considered one of the 4 fundamental attributes of a guitar pick, along with guitar pick material, shape, and size.

2- Medium guitar pick thickness:

 Medium guitar picks range in thicknesses from 0.55 and 1 mm.

 The following is what a survey performed in March 2021 has shown. Thousands of guitarists were asked to define the following pick thicknesses:

• The maximum thickness of a thin guitar pick
• The minimum thickness of a thick guitar pick

With both limits established, we obtain the thickness definition of medium guitar picks.

The maximum thickness of a thin guitar pick was defined as about 0.55 mm by 2.292 guitarists.

The minimum thickness of a thick guitar pick was defined as 1 mm by 1.308 guitarists.

3- What is a medium guitar pick?

Medium guitar picks are guitar picks with a thickness between 0.55 and 1 mm. These guitar picks are very popular because of their versatility; in some areas, they offer the advantages of both thin and thick guitar picks.

Medium gauge picks have the broadest flexibility range. In this pick thickness interval, the material will play the most important role when it comes to defining the flexibility of a pick.

In other words, thick guitar picks are always stiff and rigid. With thicknesses over 1 mm, even the most flexible pick materials are stiff, and therefore the material has less influence on the flexibility of the pick. This relation creates a broad flexibility range amongst medium guitar picks, which can be very flexible or very stiff, depending on the material used.

The same effect can be applied to tone, durability, and pick noise.

Typically, medium guitar picks are used by lead guitarists who also implement rhythm guitar techniques and look not only for an all-round compromise between single-note melodic phrases and strumming, but also potentially developing a more versatile guitar career that integrates different techniques and mixes both worlds together.

4- Thin, medium and thick guitar picks:

This makes medium gauge guitar picks the most difficult picks to estimate without having tested them, and it is one of the reasons why we created the “guitar pick parameters” included in every product page, like in Rombo Origami.

5- Medium guitar picks are the best picks for beginners:

For most beginner guitar players, medium gauge guitar picks are the best option. You are in a process in which experimenting with sounds and learning new techniques will shape your profile as a guitarist in the future.

You might change your music taste during this process or even change your guitar type. You must stay flexible and versatile to allow your skills to develop in all directions and be a more rounded guitarist.

For this, a medium guitar pick is perfect, since you will be able to try different techniques with a pick that works very well in many different areas. After you have decided the direction of your development as a guitarist, increasing or decreasing the gauge won’t be that difficult.

Therefore, this is statistically the best option to start with if you want to try different guitar learning paths.

However, there are some exceptions: Some beginner guitarists know exactly what kind of player they want to be. They know from the very beginning if their dream is to become a very technical metal player, if they prefer being an expert acoustic guitar rhythm player, or if they will focus on songwriting and not on their guitar skills.

These examples are very rare, but they exist. In this case, you might want to consider starting with a guitar pick that has been designed for the type of skills you want to improve.

If you are a beginner, this might be interesting for you: Guitar pick for beginners

6- Medium guitar picks at Rombo

Rombo Origami guitar pick - 0.75 mm

Flexible but still rigid enough for note control. Right amount of flexibility for a snappy fluid attack that's bright and crisp. The concave surface on the hold area ensures ergonomic and comfortable hold.

Rombo Prisma guitar pick - 0.8 mm (available in September 2021)

A classic shape enhanced by modern surface technology. The geometry on the main body has different height levels for the most comfortable hold and grip.

Rombo Crisp guitar pick - 1 mm (available in September 2021)

Medium thickness combined with geometric concave design surfaces. The result? Unexpected flexibility with great bass tones. Its medium-sharp tip provides extra warm tones.

7- Conclusion on medium guitar picks

Each pick has a specific purpose, and you choose the pick based on the sound you want to achieve as well as other personal preferences like comfort and grip.

Medium picks are not just the picks in the middle of thick and thin guitar picks. They are a perfect approach for those guitarists looking to develop versatility and flexibility in their learning path. 

Due to the high influence the material has on these picks, they are the most difficult picks to estimate before testing them, and every medium guitar pick is unique. Despite this, they are the best choice for most beginner guitarists.

However, if you have a very clear idea of the skills you want to develop in the future, you might be looking for either thin or thick guitar picks, which we discussed here.

Thin guitar picks vs. thick guitar picks. This eternal battle has been a part of every guitarist's conversation for decades. It is time to finally evaluate both alternatives in depth.

The thickness of a guitar pick is generally measured in millimeters, and it is an attribute that influences many physical aspects like tone and flexibility. For most players, this is considered the most important attribute when choosing the right guitar pick. 

However, after doing some online research, nobody seemed to really know how thick a guitar pick needs to be to be considered as a thick or heavy guitar pick. Where is the line?

Therefore, the first thing we did was to create a big online survey on our Instagram guitar community.

1- What are considered Thick Guitar Picks? Thoughts from the Guitar Community

The survey we created was online for 24 hours on an Instagram story and the participants were asked to answer two simple questions.

Personal preferences - thick picks or thin picks?

This question was the first one, and its aim was to see if guitar players prefer thick or thin guitar picks. Here are the results:

It seems that over two thirds of the guitar players prefer guitar picks considered as thick. Honestly, I thought there would be a 50-50 relation and this surprised me a lot.

What do you consider as a thick guitar pick?

This was the second question, and the guitar players could select different thicknesses they considered to be the “least thickness needed for a guitar pick to be considered as thick or heavy”.

The results showed that on average, a pick must be at least about 1.0 mm to be considered as a thick guitar pick.

These results are very interesting, since the information we found during the research claimed that a pick is considered as “thick” or “heavy” if it surpasses 0.8 mm thickness. We did not find any study or survey with more participants than ours.

Of course, we have to consider that we do not have any way to track more specific characteristics of the participants like skill level, music preferences, guitar type, age, and so on.

Average thickness of guitar picks over time

Additional research on this topic showed that during the past decades, the average thickness of the guitar picks has increased substantially. Thin guitar picks are even considered as vintage by many players due to the tone they produce.

This is no surprise, given that most modern guitar techniques and effects that require thick picks (like shredding) were non-existent during the 1950s and 1960s.

2- Why does guitar pick thickness matter?

The thickness of a guitar pick is one of the most influential attributes.

The guitar pick thickness influences:

• The flexibility of the pick
• The tone produced by the pick
• Volume and body of single notes
• The pick noise created by the pick
• The durability of the pick
• The control over the pick
• The feedback you will receive from the pick

A minimal change in the thickness of a guitar pick of only 0.2 millimeters (equal to two common paper sheets) is enough to change the properties of a guitar pick drastically.

3- Thick guitar picks vs. thin guitar picks:

Let's pretend there are no medium guitar picks and create a clear line that divides both thickness ranges, to make the differences between thick picks and thin picks more appreciable.

Thick picks: Summary

Thick guitar picks will provide mellower/darker tones. The common rounded edges that can be manufactured with thicknesses over 1 mm – combined with their rigidity –  increase the bass tones and the volume these guitar picks can provide, while reducing the pick noise the pick produces.

These picks provide more control over single notes and are usually the best option for lead guitarists.

Most advanced guitarists prefer thick picks, because in their guitar journey they develop new guitar techniques that can be performed better using this kind of picks. Thick plectrums provide more control when it comes to single notes and complex guitar pick techniques like pinch harmonics.

One of the biggest advantages of using heavy picks is the durability they provide. Nevertheless, the lifetime of a guitar pick is influenced by many other aspects, as we learnt in the article “Durability of a guitar pick”.

Thin picks: Summary

Thin picks are the best option for guitarists looking for brighter tones, especially using acoustic guitars and some strumming techniques on electric guitar.

The flexibility of these picks limits the maximum volume that can be achieved. This can be  an advantage because it works like an analog limiter. This is especially helpful in a studio session, where the maximum volume achieved must be controlled.

Most beginner guitar players start using thin picks because their guitar skill set at the beginning includes guitar techniques like strumming.

Note control can be difficult with thin guitar picks. However, some players use this attribute for specific guitar techniques, like in surf music, where a super fast tremolo picking is required.

4- Example of a thick guitar pick: Rombo Jade

Rombo Jade is the perfect example of a thick guitar pick. Thanks to its thickness, a very large bevel edge could be implemented to be as sharp as possible, providing the precision needed when using these kinds of picks.

The size is small, a typical attribute of thick guitar picks, and its shape ends with a very pointy guitar pick tip for maximum attack.

5- Example of a thin guitar pick: Rombo Classic

Rombo Classic is the thinnest Rombo guitar pick. In the middle, it is only 0.38 mm.

This guitar pick is extremely flexible and has a medium/large size with a standard 5 mm diameter guitar pick tip.

In spite of its thickness, the dynamic range of the pick is great. This is caused by the material used in our picks.

6- The right guitar pick thickness for you

I am sure you already have an idea of your favorite guitar pick thickness. In case you don’t, it is probably because you are at the beginning of your guitar journey.

Is there a wrong guitar pick thickness to play guitar? Any pick you use to get sound out of your guitar can work, if the sound produced is the sound you are looking for. It is entirely a matter of personal preference.
If you are a beginner guitar player, I recommend you start with something like 0.75 mm, as I described here: "Guitar Picks for Beginners"

However, if you are an intermediate player trying to find a way to discover new guitar tones, I do not have better advice than to tell you to try many different thicknesses and start integrating other important aspects of the guitar pick in your decision, like materials, size, shape, etc...

The good news is, you will probably end up having 3 to 5 favorite guitar picks which you can use for different techniques. So, enjoy the journey and be open to experimenting with different tones and textures with your guitar!

7- Current guitar pick thicknesses at Rombo:

For this chapter I included the new guitar picks, which will be officially released during 2021.

As you can see on the thickness scale, there are still some slots missing (for example something like 0.6 mm), we will be filling them in the future, as we design new guitar picks.

However, we might repeat thicknesses if other aspects change a lot, for example the shape, the sharpness of the tip, the size of the pick, or other grip textures.

8- Variable guitar pick thickness

Another important factor to consider is that some picks do not have constant thickness along its design. But why?

As we did our research back in 2018, we found out that designing guitar picks with variable thickness comes with many advantages.

Let's take Rombo Origami as an example: The guitar pick tip is 0.75, but its hold area is thicker. This simple change makes the pick produce darker and mellower tones without losing much of its flexibility.

In the case of Rombo Diamond, the middle area (where all vertices collide) the thickness goes up to 2.65 mm. We increased this area after experiencing that the relation between the thicknesses along the guitar pick also increases the control over the pick for single notes.

In addition, with more thickness on a given material, you have more possibilities to introduce design elements, like the 3D geometries we use in our picks. These geometries have two positive effects: on one side, they enhance the grip of the pick because of the tilted surfaces, and on the other side, the guitar picks look very cool!

In short, variable thickness will make your picks more versatile and give you extra control.

9- Conclusion

Thick picks vs. thin picks will remain a hot, trendy topic in the guitar community.

However, if you are already an intermediate player with some knowledge about equally important aspects of a guitar pick like shape or material, spread the word to avoid confusion among the newcomers.

We have already discussed the huge variety of different guitar picks you can find online in our article “Guitar picks online” since this can be overwhelming for some beginners.

The best advice I can give you: love both thin and thick picks and try to understand why they are different. Both need to exist in a world where creativity and different tones and styles are needed!

Now it’s your turn, what is your favorite guitar pick thickness?

The grip of a guitar pick is one of the most controversial topics when it comes to guitars.

Different materials or shapes of guitar picks make this topic as interesting as confusing to many guitar players.

Everyone is different and everyone plays differently. However, we (guitarists) have the same goal in this area: have a decent guitar pick grip and play as comfortably as possible.

1. What is Guitar Pick Grip?

Grip is defined as “a firm strong hold”.

Verschwitzte Handflächen oder verschwitzte Hände sind eines der häufigsten Probleme, unter denen Gitarristen leiden.

Das Spielen mit nassen Händen erschwert einige Techniken wie Bendings und Slides können etwas knifflig werden.

Nicht nur wird dein Spiel kann durch Schweiß beeinträchtigt werden, aber auch deine Gitarre: Die im Schweiß enthaltenen Salze fressen die Saiten auf und können sogar den Hals der Gitarre beschädigen.

Wenn du dieses Problem häufig hast, kennst du das Gefühl von vermindertem Halt, unpräzisen Bewegungen und mangelnder Kontrolle beim Gitarre spielen. Das kann zu frustrierenden Momenten führen und im schlimmsten Fall dazu, dass man für immer mit dem Gitarre spielen aufhört.

Trotzdem haben wir zwei gute Nachrichten für dich:

Du bist nicht allein: Schwitzende Hände sind ein Problem, das fast 10 % der Gitarristen betrifft.

Schwitzige Hände hindern dich nicht daran, ein exzellenter Gitarrist zu werden. Es gibt viele Lösungen.

Wir haben unsere Arbeit getan und mit vielen Experten gesprochen, um die Top 10 Möglichkeiten zusammenzufassen, wie man schwitzende Hände beim Gitarre spielen vermeidet.

Tipp 1 – Entspannen und beruhigen:

Der häufigste Grund für das Schwitzen beim Gitarre spielen ist Nervosität. Besonders bei Live-Auftritten oder während Studioaufnahmen.

Zu Hause bist du in einer kontrollierten Umgebung und kannst die Anspannung deines Körpers leichter abbauen, Du kannst dir Zeit nehmen und bei Fehlern wieder von vorne beginnen.

Einige Gitarrenschüler haben berichtet, dass sie nur während des Gitarrenunterrichts oder der Proben schwitzige Hände haben.

Wenn dies bei dir der Fall ist, atme ein paar Mal tief durch und wärme dich auf, bevor du Gitarre spielst. Versuche zu lernen, wie du diese Situation kontrollieren kannst, und verstehen, dass es nur mental ist. Viel Glück damit!

Tipp 2 - Kaltes Wasser und Seife:

In Kombination mit dem ersten Tipp kann das Händewaschen mit kaltem Wasser und Seife vor dem Gitarre spielen sehr gut funktionieren.

Seife entfernt abgestorbene Hautzellen und trägt Öle und Schmutz ab, sodass du deine Gitarre auch vor Schmutz schützt, insbesondere die Gitarrensaiten.

Tipp 3 - Spiele an einem trockenen Ort:

Auch in den wärmsten Monaten kann die Suche nach einem trockenen Ort zum Gitarre spielen viel gegen Schweiß helfen.

Eine Möglichkeit, die Luftfeuchtigkeit zu reduzieren, ist der Einsatz von Klimaanlagen. Andere alternative Möglichkeiten, einen Raum trocken zu halten, sind Pflanzen im Raum, die Feuchtigkeit absorbieren, oder die Verwendung eines Luftentfeuchters.

Tipp 4 - Verwende einen Ventilator:

Die Verwendung eines Ventilators, der auf deine Gitarre zeigt, hilft dabei, deinen Schweiß zu verdunsten und hält deine Hände kühler, sodass sie weniger schwitzen.

Der größte Nachteil dieser Lösung ist die Geräuschentwicklung des Lüfters. Gerade wenn du zu Hause spielst und dich entspannen möchten, kann das Geräusch eines Lüfters auch beim E-Gitarre spielen störend sein.

Tipp 5 - Verwende ein Handtuch zwischen den Songs:

So wie du deine Gitarre zwischen den Liedern stimmst, solltest du auch deine Hände abtrocknen und die Saiten nach jedem Lied und nach dem Spielen abwischen.

Schweiß ist ein Killer für Gitarrensaiten, und manche Leute haben sehr sauren Schweiß, der die Gitarre und die Saiten noch schneller beschädigt.

Bewahre ein Handtuch auf dem Gitarrenkoffer auf, und nach ein paar Sessions wirst du nicht einmal bemerken, dass du deine Hände instinktiv abtrocknest.

Tipp 6 – Babypuder:

Babypuder, auch Talkumpuder genannt, ist ein tolles Hausmittel gegen schwitzende Hände beim Gitarre spielen. Es ist einfach, schnell und effektiv.

Viele große Gitarristen haben diese Methode über Jahrzehnte angewandt und sogar eine kleine Flasche Talkumpuder für jeden Auftritt dabei.

Tipp 7 - Kletterkreide:

Um sicher in deinem Gitarrenspiel zu sein, solltest du auf deine schwitzigen Hände achten und dafür sorgen, dass sie trocken bleiben.

Wenn das Talkumpuder nicht funktioniert hat, solltest du dich nach professioneller Kletterkreide umsehen.

Tipp 8 – Bleib hydriert:

Hydratisiert zu bleiben hilft dir nicht nur dabei, deine Körpertemperatur zu kontrollieren und lässt dich weniger schwitzen, sondern auch gesünder schwitzen. Was meine ich damit?

Wenn dein Körper dehydriert ist, steigt die Natriumkonzentration im Schweiß, welche einen höheren pH-Wert erzeugt.

Saurer Schweiß ist sehr klebrig und unangenehm beim Spielen, er beschädigt deine Gitarre und korrodiert die Saiten noch schneller.

Tipp 9 – Verwende das richtige Finish für das Holz des Gitarrenhalses:

Gitarrenhälse werden aus vielen verschiedenen Holzarten und Holzoberflächen hergestellt. Zum Beispiel lackiertes oder unbehandeltes Holz .

Bring deine Gitarre zu einem Gitarrenbauer und sprich mit ihm über dein Problem. Er wird dir das beste Finish für deinen Hauttyp und deinen Spielstil empfehlen und du erhöhst die Chance, eine praktikable Lösung zu finden.

Tipp 10 – Besuche den Dermatologen:

Die Hände aller schwitzen. Wenn du viele Methoden zur Verringerung des Schweißes beim Gitarrenspielen getestet hast und sie dir die Freude am Spielen nehmen oder deine Technik beeinträchtigen, solltest du einen Dermatologen aufsuchen und prüfen, ob du an Hyperhidrose leidest. Von dieser Erkrankung sind nur 2,8 % der Weltbevölkerung betroffen. 

Dermatologen arbeiten jeden Tag mit vergleichbaren Patienten und wissen, was zu tun ist, damit du wieder unbesorgt Gitarre spielen kannst.

Bonus: Tipp 11 – Wenn deine Spielhand schwitzt, finde ein ein geeignetes Plektrum

 

Manchmal ist der beste Ausgangspunkt ein Variety Pack mit verschiedenen Plektren.

Der richtige Grip, die richtige Form oder das richtige geometrische Muster können hier unserer Erfahrung nach viel helfen.

Letzte Gedanken:

Du bist nicht allein. Sprich mit anderen Gitarristen, teile deine Lösungen mit ihnen und helft einander. Der Lernweg des Gitarristen ist ein Weg voller Hindernisse und schwitzende Hände sind nur eines davon.

Sprich mit deinem Gitarrenlehrer und teile ihm oder ihr dein Problem mit. Wahrscheinlich werden sie auch einige andere Schüler mit dem gleichen Problem gehabt haben.

Bitte teile uns mit, ob du eine noch bessere Methode gefunden hast, um das Schwitzen der Hände beim Gitarrenspielen zu verhindern, damit wir sie in diesen Artikel aufnehmen können. Danke!

Reinventing the Guitar Pick: Rombo 2.0

In our first campaign, we focused on outstanding technology at affordable prices. We are now determined to take this to the next level and have designed our guitar picks as an extension to your hands, using the latest technology, materials, and smart models, with your comfort in mind.

We are now focusing on YOU, and your experience, using a fresh design. 

Rethinking the Idea of a Guitar Pick 

Guitar picks are the bridge between you and your instrument. A hidden hero in the hands of guitarists. A guitar pick is a very personal item and choosing the right one depends on several factors.

Rombo Jade Guitar Pick Set in color Honey Yellow

Back in 2018, ROMBO was born with a mission: Question every aspect of a guitar pick, to redefine what the user really needs. We started our personal search for the perfect balance between tone and ergonomics.

We have learned a lot during the last 3 years, and finally, we are ready to offer new experiences to guitar and bass players around the globe.

Rombo Crisp Guitar Pick Set in color Graphite Black

Try Out Mix Guitar Pick Set

Fresh Approaches

During the creation of these new 4 plectrums, we used the following rules as a guideline:

●  Work very closely with many professional guitarists.

●  Question our own first designs

●  Redefine what a user needs to get the best performance.

● Perform in-depth research, to find the best material improvements.

In addition, we conducted a big survey, (1552 guitarists from 31 countries participated), to define the thicknesses, shape, size, and even the names of the new guitar picks.

After a long product development process, we have reached the point where we are extremely happy with the results!

Rombo Horizon Guitar Pick in color Graphite Black

The constant Search for the perfect Material

We are using a thermoplastic polymer, which belongs to the family of the polyamides. This material is used in aerospace and automobile industries, and has high mechanical strength, excellent impact resistance (guitar strings), and superior aesthetic properties.

We believe we have achieved an excellent balance between sound, comfort, grip, aesthetic properties, and durability.

In addition, we offer all our picks in EcoBlack: A 100% recycled material from pre-consumer fibre waste.

Rombo Guitar Pick Set EcoBlack material

Special Attributes we always wanted for our Guitar Picks

When it comes to guitar picks there are four main attributes: thickness, shape, material, and size. These attributes define 80% percent of a guitar pick.

However, the last 20%, contains improvements, and attention to detail, making the playing experience much more comfortable, giving you better results, and a more enjoyable playing experience.

These aspects are essential, to get the most out of this guitar accessory.

Here are the 6 features we have defined for all of our ROMBO guitar picks:

A mirror polished guitar pick reduces friction between guitar pick and strings. With every impact, the guitar pick will suffer less friction and therefore wear down slower. The pick will glide better, and produces less pick noise.

All of our picks have variable thicknesses: The solid and thick body, gives you a better grip and control. The thinner tip will give you enough flexibility to achieve greater versatility when developing different guitar techniques.

What makes a Guitar Pick durable?

The attributes that define the durability of a guitar pick are as follows:

• Guitar Pick Material
• Guitar Pick Thickness
• Guitar Pick Tip Shape
• Guitar Pick Tip Texture

Harder materials will wear down slower. This is one of the reasons there has been a lot of research in the area of suitable materials for guitar picks.

The goal is to find a wear-resistant material, that keeps the tone characteristics that guitar players want, while still giving a good grip.

Other attributes of the pick that affect the durability, are the Tip Shape, and the Tip Texture. Very pointed guitar tips tend to wear down faster, because there is less material on the tip.

However, this problem can be partially solved with the right guitar pick tip texture. A polished tip on the guitar pick will cause less friction between strings and plectrum.

Surfaces and Textures on Guitar Picks: Finding the Balance

Textures on guitar picks, define not only the important aspects like grip, control, and friction between the strings and guitar pick, but also focus on the equally important details, like comfort, pick noise, and design.

We believe textures on guitar picks are essential for a tool that was designed to be held between your fingers.

The combination of two different surface finishes in the guitar picks, have convinced us, and our testers, of the potential gains a player can achieve:

• A polished tip for clarity, durability and control
   
• A micro-nodules texture in the centre of the guitar pick for the most comfortable holding without compromising grip

Rombo Jade Guitar Pick Set in color Honey Yellow

Rombo Prisma Guitar Pick Set in color Graphite Black

Rombo Horizon Guitar Pick Set in mixed colors

Rombo Crisp Guitar Pick Set in color Honey Yellow

The New Rombo Guitar Picks

ROMBO HORIZON - 1,4 mm

The wide curvature on the body and tip allows you to slide smoothly through the guitar strings. Its curious-shaped raised hill on the body ensures splendid comfortable hold.

ROMBO PRISMA - 0,8 mm

A classic shape enhanced by modern surface technology. The geometry on the main body has different height levels for the most comfortable holding and grip.

ROMBO CRISP - 1 mm

Medium thickness combined with geometric concave design surfaces. The result? unexpected flexibility with great bass tones. Its medium-sharped tip provides extra warm tones.

ROMBO JADE - 2,3 mm

Maximum precision. Perfect for shredding guitar techniques. Its wide bevel edge, combined with a decent body thickness, provides a supreme attack, without compromising bass tones.

Guitar picks can be found in all shapes, colors, and materials. These small items used for specific guitar techniques can offer different tones, dynamic ranges, and ergonomics, and therefore create a totally different playing experience depending on the pick you use.

The aim of this series of articles is to inform you in detail in a way that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. We want you to understand why we do what we do. So relax, hold your tea, and enjoy our first deep analysis on the guitar pick Rombo Diamond.

1 - Guitar pick Rombo Diamond: Overview

With small-sized plectrums, your fingers are closer to the strings and you get more feedback from your guitar playing.

The downside of these picks is that they can be dropped easily. This is the reason we decided to increase the size of Rombo Diamond a little bit and make it small-medium. The first prototype was only 25 mm high.

Furthermore, we decided to increase the width to match the regular size of a thumb.

Guitar pick shape

The shape of a guitar pick is often overlooked. However, in the case of Rombo Diamond, thanks to its form and the pointy guitar pick tip, the attack and the control are substantially increased.

The pointy guitar pick tip, with only 3 mm in diameter, was designed to provide maximum note control.

The angle of the tip is wide enough to let your guitar strings slide longer.

Rombo Diamond has a slight bevel edge, mainly used to increase the guitar playing speed.

With a rounded bevel like this, the attack of the guitar pick gets smoother, a feature that changes the feedback you receive when you use specific techniques.

This is only possible for guitar picks with enough thickness, and it is very popular because of the feeling of easiness it provides while playing guitar.

Guitar pick thickness and guitar pick flexibility

The guitar pick thickness mainly defines how flexible a guitar pick is. However, other aspects like tone and ergonomics are mostly influenced by the thickness of the pick.

Rombo Diamond has guitar pick variable thickness along its body. This means that this guitar pick has different thicknesses for the hold area and for the tip area.

The thickness of the tip is 1,35 mm, providing enough space for the bevel edge mentioned before. This can be considered as a heavy/thick guitar pick.

The thickness of the hold area varies due to the diamond design. At the highest point, right in the middle where all the vertices create the diamond design, it is 2,65 mm thick.

The variable thickness on Rombo Diamond has been implemented primarily for two reasons:

• It increases the feeling of control because the pick is easier to hold

• It increases the bass tones, creating a much thicker tone

Both dimensions create a very rigid guitar pick.

The thickness of a guitar pick is also an essential factor in terms of durability. The shape and bevel combined with the polished tip and its thickness make this pick very durable.

3 - Guitar pick Materials and Surfaces

Guitar pick material

The material of a guitar pick is strictly connected to its flexibility and tone.

Rombo Diamond is offered in the Rombo polymer and the EcoBlack polymer, which offer the same characteristics.

The polymer we use is an improved variation of nylon designed to increase the durability and cause some tone changes. It is manufactured in Italy.

Since we use the same material for all our guitar picks, this part of the analysis will be skipped. We have already created an extended article regarding the materials that can be found here.

Guitar pick design

The Guitar Pick design is obviously inspired by a diamond shaped geometry. Rombo Diamond was meant to be hard, durable and rigid, therefore this design matches its mechanical attributes very well.

The functional surfaces were distributed in a way to enhance the diamond form. The grip area in the middle makes the diamond visible, while the polished areas give the shape and tip more optical clarity.

As we will see in the next chapter, the 3D surfaces were designed as functional surfaces to improve the grip. However, with the first prototypes, we realized that this was a very nice way to explore more design nuances.

Guitar pick grip

For the grip of Rombo Diamond, there are three aspects to consider:

• The material

• The 3D Geometry
• The micro-nodules texture 

The micronodules texture is the texture we developed to create a comfortable grip. Usually, this texture wouldn’t be enough for a good grip and for this reason, we incremented the grip using the right material and 3D surfaces.

The 3D surfaces with the shape of a diamond have different thicknesses and tilted angles that fold the surface in different directions. This increases the grip substantially and avoids the rotation of the pick while playing.

For the people who like to hold the pick on the back side, we created a tunnel to compensate for the thickness reduction this area has.

We consider Rombo Diamond to be a pick with medium grip.

Guitar pick colors

Currently Rombo Diamond is offered in the following colors.

Manufacturing technique

Rombo Diamond is manufactured using an engineering technology called injection molding, in which melted polymers are forced to fill a mold and get a specific shape.

After that, there is a small mark called “the gate” in the back of the pick, which is where the melted material flows through to enter the mould. After the production, this manufacturing mark is treated by hand to make it smaller and less visible.

The borders of the pick have a parting line which is also removed post-production to increase the quality of the borders of the guitar pick.

 

Rombo Diamond is manufactured by automatic processes. However, a post treatment by hand is necessary to achieve the quality Rombo pursues.

4 - Guitar pick sound

Guitar Pick tone

So far, we have defined Rombo Diamond as a very thick, small-medium guitar pick, with a sharp tip. These are the typical characteristics of a pick that produces very bright tones.

However, due to the variable thickness mentioned before, we incremented the dynamic range of the guitar pick, allowing the player to enjoy some bass dark tones as well.

Usually, guitar picks with a very heavy attack can reduce the sustain of your guitar tone. With these small thickness changes we solved this problem.

The polished guitar pick tip, combined with its shape, enhances the bright tones and allows you to play some of the harmonic techniques on an electric guitar more easily. 

The bevel edge can create those beautiful thick and compressed tones that we all like for distortion and overdrive.

Rombo Diamond is a pick that produces bright and clear tones, but with slightly dark shades in the background, which makes the sound richer and more complete.

Guitar Pick Noise

Because of the integrated bevel edge, the material toughness, the shape, the pointy polished tip, and the thickness, we consider Rombo Diamond to be a guitar pick that creates lower pick noise.

5 - Guitar pick techniques

Rombo Diamond was designed for the advanced player who likes speed, volume, attack, and control, but still wants a sophisticated tone and more than just power.

It is mainly intended for electric guitars.

Arpeggios and shred techniques like sweep, alternate, and tremolo picking are good examples of techniques which can be improved using the right guitar picks.

For strumming and palm mute, using Rombo Diamond can give you a much thicker and complete sound creating a bigger atmosphere when playing guitar.

6 - Pricing

Rombo Diamond is currently offered only in guitar pick sets containing four guitar picks in different color combinations and a packaging card with extra information about the pick attributes.

 

This pick is also included in the Variety Pack from Rombo, with other guitar pick models.

7 - Conclusion

Size: Small-Medium

Shape: Pointy tip, sharp attack angle

Thickness: Heavy with variable thickness. Hold area: 2,65 mm - Attack area: 1,35 mm

Materials: Rombo Polymer and EcoBlack

Durability: Very high

Design: Diamond Design with two different surface types.

Grip: Medium, micro-nodules combined with 3D Surfaces

Colors available: Graphite Black, Water Blue, Strawberry Red, Honey Yellow, EcoBlack

Manufacturing technique: Injection moulding and hand processing of the borders.

Tone: Bright, clear tones with a bass nuance on the background caused by the geometry.

Pick noise: Low

Techniques: Mostly electric guitar. Lead guitar techniques and high volume distortion.

Pricing: Guitar Pick Set Rombo Diamond

 

Plektrumgeräusche lassen sich nicht ganz vermeiden. Insbesondere bei der Aufnahme von Akustikgitarren neigen Plektren dazu, viele Klick- und Klackgeräusche und Geräusche zu erzeugen, die dein Spielerlebnis sowie das deiner Zuhörer ruinieren kann.

Beim Gitarre lernen, wirst du einen Punkt erreichen, an dem du dich auf die Übertragung von Emotionen, das wirkungsvolle Spielen und eine bessere dynamische Kontrolle konzentrieren möchtest.

Um Gitarrentechniken zu meistern, musst du jeden Ton, der von der Gitarre erzeugt wird, vollständig kontrollieren: beabsichtigte und unbeabsichtigte.

Ich persönlich denke, dass Plektrumgeräusche ein Teil des Gitarrenspiels sind, und ich genieße sogar einige Vintage-Aufnahmen, bei denen das Plektrumgeräusch fast absichtlich vorhanden zu sein scheint. In den meisten Fällen möchtest du es jedoch beseitigen.

Wir haben alle Tipps und Tricks zusammengefasst, von denen wir glauben, dass sie dir helfen können, die Geräusche beim Spielen mit einem Plektrum zu reduzieren. 

1- Halte das Plektrum mit weniger Spannung

Gitarrenpicks erzeugen beim Zupfen/Anschlagen der Saiten Geräusche. Wenn du dein Plektrum lockerer hältst, hilft das sehr, da deine Finger einen Teil der Energie absorbieren, wenn das Plektrum auf die Saiten trifft.

Wir haben einen Artikel mit dem Titel „Wie man ein Gitarrenplektrum hält“ veröffentlicht, der alles enthält, was du wissen musst, um diesen Trick zu meistern.

Beim Aufnehmen kann es hilfreich sein, dein Instrument im Verhältnis zu den anderen etwas lauter zu machen. Dies ist eine in Studios übliche Methode, die den Gitarristen hilft, sich zu entspannen.

Egal, ob du eine Studio-Session, einen Jam mit deinen Freunden oder einige Solo-Relax-Sessions zu Hause planen, ein bewusstes Aufwärmen vor dem Gitarre spielen ist Pflichtprogramm.

2- Probieren verschiedene Winkel beim Anschlagen aus

Der Winkel des Plektrums im Verhältnis zu den Saiten ist das am meisten diskutierte Element, wenn es um Plektrumgeräusche geht.

Grundsätzlich gilt: Je weniger Plektrum mit den Gitarrensaiten in Kontakt kommt, desto weniger Lärm erzeugt es. Deshalb winkle das Plektrum leicht zu den Saiten an.

Probiere verschiedene Winkel beim Anschlagen und Zupfen aus. Dies erfordert eine bewusste Anpassung deinerseits, aber sobald du es gemeistert hast, kannst du den Anschlag des Picks leichter variieren.

Abhängig vom verwendeten Plektrum, dem Musikstil und den Gitarrentechniken, die du verwendest, und deinem Können, benötigst du einen anderen Anschlagwinkel. Konzentriere dich also 30 Minuten darauf, den besten für dich zu finden, und gewöhne dich daran, diesen zu spielen.

3- Ist deine Schlagkraft passend?

Manchmal spielt man und der Flow setzt ein, man verlässt gedanklich den Raum und betritt „die Zone“, diesen schönen Ort, an dem man besser klingt als sonst.

Wir gehen so sehr in die Musik hinein, dass wir natürlich härter zuschlagen.

Übermäßige Anschlagkraft ist eine der häufigsten Ursachen für Plektrumgeräusche. Darüber hinaus kann es das Sustain abwürgen und dazu führen, dass die von dir gespielten Noten auf viel weniger natürliche Weise ausklingen.

4- Nylon-Gitarrenpicks sind weniger laut

Das Material der Gitarren-Plektren beeinflusst nicht nur den Ton, sondern auch das Geräusch, das das Plektrum erzeugt.

Nylon gilt als eine der am wenigsten lauten Formeln, wenn es um industrielle Materialien geht, die für Gitarrenpicks verwendet werden.

Dies liegt an der Zähigkeit dieser Mischung, die dank ihrer mechanischen Eigenschaften starke Stöße effizient absorbieren kann.

Bei Rombo verwenden wir eine modifizierte Version von Nylon, die für zusätzliche Haltbarkeit sorgt und die Lebensdauer der Plektren verlängert. Dies war notwendig, da Gitarrenpicks aus Nylon sehr schnell verschleißen. Hier erfährst du mehr über die Materialien.

Wenn du dir nicht sicher bist, ob du das richtige Plektrum verwenden, ist ein Variety-Paket eine gute Option, das Gitarrenpicks mit unterschiedlichen Attributen enthält. Dies ist eine gute Möglichkeit, mehrere Picks zu testen und deine Entwicklung zu verfolgen, während du beginnst, deine Fähigkeiten für jedes einzelne Plektrum zu verbessern.

5- Die richtige Dicke des Plektrums

Als Faustregel kann man sagen, dass schwerere Plektren weniger laut sind, was irgendwie widersprüchlich klingt. Aber warum ist das so?

Die Verwendung sehr dünner Plektren in Kombination mit schnellem Spiel, wie Strumming, führt dazu, dass sich die Plektren verbiegen, wenn sie die Gitarrensaiten verlassen, wodurch eine Art Klickgeräusch entsteht. Dies geschieht besonders beim Spielen von Akustikgitarren, da der Korpus der Gitarre als Verstärker für diesen Klang fungiert.

Schwerere Plektren lassen jede Saite ihren eigenen Ton ohne viele Begleitgeräusche erzeugen.

Die variable Dicke, die in allen unseren Gitarrenplektren enthalten ist, verbessert nicht nur die Kontrolle, sondern reduziert auch das Rauschen. Der Körper des Plektrums ist dicker und steifer, während die Spitze dünner und flexibler ist. Mit diesem Merkmal wird die Gesamtflexibilität der Spitze verringert, während ihre ursprüngliche Dicke und ihr ursprüngliches Material beibehalten werden. Das bedeutet mehr Kontrolle und weniger Lärm.

Dicke vs. dünne Plektren. In diesem Artikel besprechen wir alle Aspekte, die einen Unterschied machen.

6- Eine abgeschrägte Kante kann helfen, das Pickgeräusch zu reduzieren

Plektren mit einer abgeschrägten Kante gleiten besser und verursachen weniger Geräusche. In Kombination mit dem bereits erwähnten Anschlagwinkel können sie dir dabei helfen, das Plektrumgeräusch stark zu reduzieren.

Auch die Form und Größe des Plektrums sind wichtig, aber das ist eher eine Frage der Präferenz.

7- Reduziere Plektrumgeräusche mit einem Plektrum mit polierter Spitze

Wir haben häufig darüber gesprochen, welchen Einfluss eine polierte Spitze auf den Ton und die Haltbarkeit eines Gitarrenpickels hat.

Eine polierte Spitze gleitet auch ganz leicht über den Rand der Gitarrensaite. Auf der anderen Seite erzeugen Gitarrenplektren mit einer raueren Textur an der Spitze eine stärkere Höhenwiedergabe, selbst wenn sie am Rand gespielt werden. Dies passiert auch, wenn die Picks beginnen, sich abzunutzen.

Einige puristische Gitarristen bevorzugen jedoch, wie am Anfang des Artikels erwähnt, das Plektrum sogar, um Geräusche zu erzeugen, und haben es extra in ihre Aufnahmen eingebaut.

Bonus: Nimm dich sich selbst auf

Sehr erfahrene Live-Spieler, die nicht viel Studioerfahrung haben, reflektieren manchmal nicht genug über all die kleinen Nuancen ihres Spiels.

Eine gute Übung, um dies zu vermeiden, ist sich selbst aufzunehmen. Es ist erstaunlich, wie viel wir verpassen, wenn wir in die Zone kommen. Du wirst beim Anhören deiner Tracks Plektrengeräusche bemerken und es ist viel einfacher, kritische Bereiche zu identifizieren, als während des Spielens.

Wenn du Akustikgitarre spielst, versuche, das/die Mikrofon(e) an verschiedenen Orten zu platzieren, du wirst feststellen, wie viel Unterschied es in Bezug auf das Plektrumgeräusch machen kann.

Abschluss

Wir können Plektrengeräusche nicht vollständig eliminieren, aber es gibt genug zu tun, um unser Spiel zu verbessern und es erheblich zu reduzieren.

Der beste Weg, Plektrumgeräusche zu reduzieren, besteht darin, sich dessen bewusst zu sein und über dein Spiel nachzudenken, um deine Fähigkeiten zu verbessern und verschiedene Plektren für verschiedene Stile und Gitarrentypen auszuprobieren.

Wenn du eine neue Möglichkeit entdeckst, den Plektrum-Lärm zu reduzieren, lass es uns bitte wissen, damit wir es in den Artikel aufnehmen können!

This article was created because you asked for it. It is meant to be as transparent as possible, so that you can see who the faces behind Rombo are and how we organize this project internally.

We hope you enjoy it!

Rombo Guitar Picks: Short Introduction

Since 2019, Rombo has been researching surface finish and design in order to find the perfect balance between grip, ergonomics, and function in guitar picks and other guitar accessories. Rombo was born thanks to an amazing guitar player community whose aim is to continue this adventure and quest for the perfect guitar accessories.

Who are the faces behind Rombo Guitar Picks?

We are Judith and Carlos, a happily married couple trying to innovate in the world of guitar picks. We live near Stuttgart, Germany.

We both love music, guitars, product development, challenges, and attention to detail, so Rombo was the perfect excuse to mix all these things together and have some amazing adventures.

Our location in Remseck a.N., Germany

Packing and shipping of our guitar picks

From Remseck, near Stuttgart in Germany, we do almost everything.

Here, we receive the packaging and the dots we use to fix the guitar picks to the packaging. We try to be very organized and keep the place very tidy. Tidy places also look better for photographs!

In the shipping station, there is one tray for every guitar pick model. We also include a flyer and a “thank you”-card with every delivery. This way we make the experience more personal, while sharing our journey of packing your guitar picks directly with you!

We have a label printer, which is super useful, and thankfully our web system allows us to automate the printing for every customer and create a label with just one click.

Our post carrier receives the boxes from us with all the information they need to bring our products to you, including weight, countries, and import information for the customs.

We ship every order directly from our location.

The envelopes we use are not very cheap, but they protect the product well, they are made of 100% recycled paper and they are plastic free.

Always learning something new

We have to be very multifaceted to cover all the tasks we do, from idea generation, product development, graphic design, photography, web maintenance, logistics, social media, packaging development, and accounting, to all the stuff a start-up involves.

We believe that doing everything by ourselves gives us a very close perspective from the customer side.

This means, when you ask something on Instagram or Facebook, you receive an e-mail from us, or we answer your comment. It is us behind the screen typing every word and every smiley!

We love walking a lot. We go for a walk for 5 kilometres almost everyday. Almost every idea we applied to Rombo was created while having a walk. We called it our daily inspiration walk.

Rombo is a long journey

Two years ago, at the very beginning of this journey, we could not have imagined how many things we needed to learn!

We have encountered many challenges on the way; for example, I remember it was very difficult to find out how to sell internationally and establish a system that is fast enough for us.

I cannot tell how many books on startups, online marketing, Kickstarter or time management we have read! One of the most useful ones was A Crowdfunder's Strategy Guide: Build a Better Business by Building Community, by Jamey Stegmeier.

A funny anecdote is that Judith and I don’t have our own Instagram profiles. For the first post from Rombo, we had to check out a tutorial on Youtube to try to understand the process. I am glad to say that two years later, we have reached almost 20K followers!

PS: We still don’t have our own accounts, the one for Rombo is enough work! :)

Guitar picks: All about the design process

The most complex part is the design process of a guitar pick.

I like to sketch a lot, so I have lots of old ideas and sketches which I use as an inspiration source. Sometimes, we use questions to challenge the design process, like “Is it possible to create a guitar pick that is flexible and rigid at the same time?” While trying to answer this question, we came up with the idea of “variable thickness”, which has proven to substantially increase ergonomics.

Since we have an engineering & design background, we also do the modeling in 3D and product engineering. Every detail is important here to create high-quality products.

When we think the design is ready, we create some prototypes and send them to the testers. If you follow us on social media you will know some of the testers from our stories.

In total, we have about 30 guitar players that help us during this phase of the project and communicate with us which points they liked or didn’t like. Thanks to their feedback, we are able to improve areas of the guitar picks which we would otherwise not have thought of.

Manufacturing technologies

For the manufacturing of our guitar picks on a large scale, we use a technology called injection molding.

In this process, the melted raw material is injected into a mold with the negative shape of the guitar picks.

It is a very complex process with lots of engineering in it, the material has to be treated in a special way to keep the proper humidity, temperature and pressure, and to avoid external contaminations.

On the left, the injection mould from Rombo Diamond: Our polimer flows through the mould runner (yellow arrows) after it reaches over 270°C degrees and it is pushed forward. 

The red area is the area we use for the grip texture. The blue area is high mirror polished.

On the right: The first ever produced Rombo Origami from 30.11.2018. The first 50 guitar picks we produced were sent to guitar pick testers who gave us feedback about the material, the grip, the tone and the shape.

The raw material we use is produced in Italy. We have worked very closely with our material partner to accomplish every requirement we had, including the 100% recycled material of the EcoBlack sets. If you want to know more about the materials we are using, you can find more information HERE.

Packaging for guitar picks

We believe packaging is a very important aspect of a product. We not only use it to create an atmosphere and emphasize the quality of the product, but also to inform you about the attributes of our guitar picks.

This is the reason we created packaging with lots of printable areas to describe the guitar picks. We include our parameter bars, a short description of the guitar pick, the 6 special attributes of a Rombo guitar pick, and a QR-code with extra information.

We had a total of about 6 different concepts before we decided which one was the most suitable.

Right now, we are creating the packaging layouts for the new models that will launch in 2021. We have received some samples and they look great!

If you want to see the new models, you can click HERE.

Guitar picks and social media:

Rombo product photography:

Carlos takes the pictures for social media. We are not very skilled with the camera, but we have learned a couple of tricks and after thousands of trials, we are able to take decent pictures in our living room.

In our Instagram you can find the best pictures.

Educating the customer

You have probably noticed that our posts on Instagram are mainly informative. Guitar picks are often underrated and most guitar players don’t think much about it.

However, guitar picks are the loudest amplifier you can have in your hands and are the bridge between you and your guitar.

We try to pass the know-how we have obtained directly to you, so you can make conscious decisions about the products you purchase. Aspects like the variations on the tone depending on guitar pick thickness, or why are there so many guitar pick shapes and materials… And this is the reason we created our blog articles.

Our aim is to create a communication process that goes back and forth between us. Some of you have become friends of ours and have won a new perspective of thinking about guitar picks. 

Engagement of the community

“To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.” – François de La Rochefoucauld, essayist.

We believe we have one of the most engaged communities ever! We try to answer every comment and every private message, and we are sure we have an answer rate very close to 100%.

You all have participated in surveys, and you have left amazing comments and reviews. You post stories regularly and we have had very deep conversations with some of you! Thank you!

We also received great support from many amazing blogs like Heavy Repping, Gigs and Guitars, The Gadget Flow, Ultimate-Guitar, Guitar World, and others.

Rombo around the world

Rombo is expanding. We are working with dealers around the world and currently we have sellers in the following countries:

This means, with the help of our dealers we are able to sell in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, almost every country of South America, and South Africa.

Transparent communication with our dealers is a priority with us, and so far 100% of the new sellers stay with us! Together we are developing the brand and taking it to the next step.

The future of rombo:

During our inspiration walks, we talk about Rombo in the next few years. It is very difficult to imagine what the future will bring.

We would like to bring new designs (lots of them!), to increase the amount of recycled material for the manufacturing of the picks, or even be able to create colored recycled guitar picks. We want to talk more to our customers and share our experiences, and from time to time, share some great music and playlists.

We are only two people and every step takes its time. Some of you have written beautiful thank you letters to us or left very good reviews and we want to let you know that we are working hard everyday not to disappoint you :)

You are the best and you have a vote on the future of Rombo!

In May 2020, Judith and I had finished the first 3D sketches of our four new guitar pick models. However, the picks weren’t 100% ready.

The thickness, the size, and even the names of the picks were still undefined.

We decided to take a new approach and involve as many guitarists as possible to help us co-create our new guitar picks. 

What is a signature guitar pick:

Signature guitar picks are common in the guitar pick world.

These picks were developed with the help of some expert and famous guitarists from a specific music field.

From our point of view, this is a very narrow design path that only considers the opinion and guitar playing style of one person.

Our approach: The opposite of a signature pick:

The guitar community has strongly supported Rombopicks since its beginning in 2019.

We did not want to create new guitar picks without asking the people who have been with us since the beginning. You guys and girls are the core of Rombo, and you should decide which products we develop.

The most logical step was to create a big survey to allow users to tell us how they prefer their guitar picks.

We think this is the only way to develop our guitar picks, based on the wants of our users, allowing us to make essential decisions about our company's direction. 

This is only possible by listening to the thoughts of every guitar player. 

In addition, by asking precise questions about guitar picks, we are able to create more awareness of complex issues, like:  Why are guitar picks thick or thin? How they behave when the size changes? Does the flexibility of a guitar pick affect the tone? What about the material?

When the user is aware of the product features, he/she can deliver a useful vote.

Since the beginning, we have been researching all these areas and are sharing them with you. With every article about plectrums we have written, we have contributed to the knowledge you have about your gear so you will be able to decide which gear is the best for you and understand why.

The results of the survey: 

Participants:

1.552 guitar players (including us) have participated in the survey and therefore have took part in the design process of these new guitar picks for 2021.

336 of them left a private message with detailed information.

What is your favorite guitar pick design?

Pick number1: 18,8%
Pick number 2: 14,8%
Pick number 3: 27,8%
Pick number 4: 38,7%

Guitar Pick Number 1:



Name:
Rombo Horizon: 34,5%
Rombo Sense. 33,9%
Rombo Summit: 14,1%
Rombo Mood: 7%
Other names: 10,5%

Average Thickness: 1,378 mm
Average Size: Medium Size with 71% of the votes

Guitar Pick Number 2:

Name:
Rombo Prisma: 76%
Rombo Spin: 7,7%
Rombo Treble: 8,4%
Other names: 7,9%

Average Thickness: 0,831 mm
Average Size: Large Size with 73,5% of the votes

Guitar Pick Number 3:

Name:
Rombo Crisp: 47%
Rombo Split: 22,1%
Rombo Prisma: 16,4%
Other names: 14,5%

Average Thickness: 1,028 mm
Average Size: Medium Size with 59,7% of the votes

Guitar Pick Number 4:

Name:
Rombo Jade: 33%
Rombo Shift: 17,6%
Rombo Slope: 12%
Rombo Summit: 10%
Rombo Dune: 7%
Rombo Cascade: 7%
Rombo Wizzard: 4,9%
Other names: 8,5%

Average Thickness: 2,37 mm
Average Size: Small Size with 56,6% of the votes

Guitar picks: Personal thoughts of 336 guitar players

A total of 336 people left us a private message regarding guitar picks.

We have read all of them carefully and we will use all this information during the development.

Here are the important questions we have received and our comments to them: 

• Will the guitar picks be available in new colors?
  Not at the moment. However, we are thinking about creating some additional colors for special editions in the future.
  
  
• Will they have the same grip structure?
  Yes!  Definitely. Lots of people have sent us e-mails and letters regarding the grip structure. With the micro-nodules, we have the advantage of medium-grip surfaces which add lots of control.
  
  However, a very small number of people want the picks to have more grip. We had to make a decision here, and it was hard.
  
  We won’t forget this topic: In the future, we want to develop a texture with more grip for these players.
  
  
• Why don’t you create different guitar pick thicknesses for each one of the models?
  We want every guitar pick to be unique. As every person has unique preferences, we believe every guitar pick should have its own design.
  
  In the future, we hope to be able to create a bigger quantity of different plectrum designs to cover each possible necessity.
  
  
• What about picks for bass players?
  Most our picks are compatible with bass, as we have confirmed this with some bassists that are using them regularly, especially Rombo Diamond ad Rombo Origami. We explained this HERE.
  
  
• You should create some merch, T-Shirts and other stuff:
  Maybe in the future. Now, we want to focus 100% on the development of the guitar picks. Every minute we spend on the design of a T-Shirt will be taken away from the quality of the picks! ;)
  
  
• Will you offer the EcoBlack range in other colors?
  The EcoBlack material can only be produced in one color at the moment. The recycling process creates a very dark pigmentation. The industry is working hard to find a way to create new recycling processes. We hope we will manufacture all of our picks out of recycled material in the future.

When will be the new picks available?

The new guitar picks will be available in early 2021.
If you want to receive an E-Mail as soon as the picks are availabe, join our mailing list below on the footer.

This is the timeline we created for this project:

The pre-order product launch will be on the platform Kickstarter (like the first generation of Rombo guitar picks we launched in January 2019).

However, the current development of the Covid-19 could postpone the project a couple of months. We want to launch the product when we are able to deliver worldwide.

Why Kickstarter?

Kickstarter campaigns turn dreams and ideas into reality. Rombo is still a small start-up run by two people, and with limited access to resources. Through Kickstarter, we involve the community of guitar players, showing our guitar picks before launching.

This process brings us in contact with the real guitar players and their necessities. It forces us to remain flexible, accept changes, and challenges us to create new designs to fulfill the expectations of our audience.

We love open and critical criticism, and this is the best place to get it, where all comments and thoughts are visible. By sharing your experiences, we can listen to your needs and wishes, and create guitar picks that make a difference.

Guitar picks are one of the most useful accessories for beginners, who have just started to play the guitar or bass.

Having a guitar pick won’t make you a professional guitar player faster, but will enhance the playability of your guitar.

With the right plectrums, you can easily learn new techniques and shape your skills.

The amount of guitar pick brands available on the market today is huge. This can be overwhelming if you are a beginner guitarist, and choosing the right guitar pick can be a tough process if you start in the wrong place.

But first of all: Who is considered a beginner guitar player?

Who is Considered A Beginner Guitar Player?

A beginner guitar player could be someone who just started playing last week, or, someone who has been practicing guitar for 2 months.

It is very difficult to define a line between the beginner and intermediate stages of guitar playing. Especially when you have learned to play the guitar yourself.

In general, to be considered an intermediate player, you should know and master the following areas:

• Change smoothly between fundamental open chords.
• Know power chords and be able to move around then cleanly.
• Know the difference between major and minor basic chord shapes and sounds by hearing.
• Know the note positions on the fretboard for the low E and A strings.
• Having mastered a significant amount of strumming patterns.
• You are able to practice using a metronome, and are aware of your comfort tempo for every technique.
• Have a basic understanding of music theory for musical keys and chords.
• Play through several complete songs smoothly.
• You’ll need to feel familiar with the basic lead techniques of picking, bending, and sliding,...

Why Use Guitar Picks?

Guitar Picks have different advantages when comparing them with fingers.

Guitar picks help increase your playing speed, produce a louder, brighter sound than fingers, and can be shaped to achieve better results when using different techniques like strumming or palm mute.

In general, plectrum techniques are easier to master than classical fingerstyle, or hybrid. It is easier to play fast picked notes.

As a beginner, this is very motivating, since your process of learning will be accelerated.

Guitar Picks - Quick Guide:

At the very beginning of your guitar learning process, your feeling of sound and feedback provided by a guitar pick as not yet developed.

Therefore, you should consider only these two attributes of a guitar pick:

• Guitar Pick Thickness
• Guitar Pick Shape.

Simplifying the “science” of a guitar pick will help you make a fast choice without spending too much time and stress.

After your first couple of months playing guitar, you will develop new skills, which will allow you to introduce more complex factors to your final decision of which pick to buy, guitar pick material, guitar pick size, and other special features.

If you feel secure enough to understand these additional features of a plectrum, go to our guide: How to choose the right guitar pick, which you can find HERE.

For the thickness and the shape, here is where you should begin:

0,75 mm Guitar Picks: The Best Choice for Beginner Guitar Players

Light guitar picks with less than 0,6 mm are considered beginners’ guitar picks.

The reason for this, is that most beginner guitar players first learn strumming techniques, which can usually be played better with thinner plectrums.

However, medium guitar picks with 0,75 mm thickness are the best place to start.

Plectrums with medium thickness are the most versatile in terms of tone, and can be used for rhythm and lead guitar.

If you are having fun with strumming exercises, medium thickness will perform well. If you need to practice some lead guitar techniques, it will work as well.

Depending on the kind of guitarist you want to become, you may consider moving to a higher or lower thickness range afterward.

Rombo Origami is a good example of a medium thickness guitar pick.

Teardrop Shape and Standard  Shape Guitar Picks: The Best Choice for Beginner Guitar Players

Teardrop shape and standard shape guitar picks are simply the most common shapes for plectrums, and globally famous by every single guitar player.

You cannot go wrong if you use one of these shapes for your first guitar pick.

Both picks have enough surface for a solid grip, and the tip has mostly a medium radius, and often even a light bevel edge for smoother playing.

When is it time to change the guitar pick?

I am not talking about wear and tear. For this, we already published the article “Guitar Pick Durability”

What I really mean is, when is it time to question the guitar pick model you are using and use a different thickness or a different material?

Avoid sticking with a single guitar pick model for the rest of your life.

Using different guitar picks will give you the possibility to increase your tonality ranges, develop a more accurate feeling for different guitar techniques, and be more aware of your preferences when it comes to guitar gear.

Therefore, the answer is: always! I cannot recommend enough, the benefit of testing as many different plectrums as possible, and then decide which ones are your favorites.

I used the plural noun “favorites”, because you should find at least 3 of your top guitar picks.

As you develop your skills as a guitarist, you will notice that some guitar pick shapes, or guitar pick thicknesses, are more adequate for specific techniques.

Discover our variety pack HERE

In my case, I like medium picks for strumming, hard ponty guitar picks for practicing scales and loud music, and very rounded guitar picks for the days I just want to relax, use my reverb pedal, and create beautiful clean guitar melodies.

Conclusion: The Right Guitar Pick For Beginners

An important part of learning guitar, is knowing the gear you use: The amplifiers, the pickups, the different guitar strings, the guitar pedals, and also the guitar picks.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of guitar picks out there. It’s just a matter of preference, and you will have to spend some time trying new guitar picks, which can be fun and bring you some nice experiences.

You can start with a standard shaped guitar pick with 0,75 mm thickness. But, if you don’t feel comfortable with just one option, try a variety pack, containing some different guitar picks. Close your eyes, and chose the guitar pick that feels right to you.

Please leave a comment and tell us the thickness of the first guitar pick you had. Thanks!

The guitar pick has been in constant evolution since the 1920s.

Today, 100 years later, we have achieved great accomplishments in the area of durability of this very important piece of guitar gear.

In this article, we will review all the important points that can cause picks to wear out, and summarize all you need to know about guitar pick durability.

We will make some comments on the tone, to help control the changes, which happen after a guitar pick has worn down.

In addition, we will give some advice to keep your picks “healthier“, longer than expected.

New vs. Old (worn down) Guitar Picks: Tone Changes

We all know that using different guitar picks, will also make a difference in your tone, and your playing. Material, shape, thickness and shape of the pick, directly affect the tone and playability.

Most standard plectrums can resist heavy strumming for a long time, without much wear and tear.

The first thing you may notice after using a guitar pick for some weeks, is that the tip is not as pointy as the new guitar pick. You will see it, and you will hear it, because the tone of the pick will change over time, with wear.

The rounded shape of the worn down plectrum, will create warmer tones, and feel darker.  This is totally fine, if this is the tone you are looking for.

It will also affect the way your plectrum plucks the strings:

Just like the guitar strings, the frets, & other components, the guitar picks will wear out over time.

Some players feel a lack of control after the guitar pick has worn down, while others use the rounder picks because of the tone they produce. This especially happens to jazz guitarists, who tend to choose picks that are almost circular, for example: Rombo Waves.

Gaining control when using rounder guitar picks, is an ability you can train yourself to do, and improve.

Why Can’t Picks Last Forever?

Guitar strings are usually made from a mix of steel, nickel, bronze, or brass. In other words: Metals.

Since most players use some kind of plastic material for their guitar picks, (nylon, delrin, …), it’s not surprising that friction between strings and picks will cause the guitar picks to wear down.

You will notice, the thickest guitar strings have a spiral wire wrapped-around, acting like a sanding file on the plectrum.

Guitar Pick Durability: How Long Should a Guitar Pick Last?

The short answer: If you are an average user, your picks should last a few weeks to a month. If you are a professional player, using specific techniques, like heavy picking and strumming, it will probably last just one day, especially if you are a studio musician recording new tracks every day.

The long answer: This answer includes many factors including guitar pick attributes, and external factors, regardless of the guitar pick you are using. We discuss all of them below.

Guitar Pick Attributes That Directly Affect the Durability

The attributes that define the durability of a guitar pick are as follows:

• Guitar Pick Material
• Guitar Pick Thickness
• Guitar Pick Tip Shape
• Guitar Pick Tip Texture

Harder materials will wear down slower. This is one of the reasons there has been a lot of research in the area of suitable materials for guitar picks.

The goal is to find a wear-resistant material, that keeps the tone characteristics that guitar players want, while still giving a good grip.

However, material is not all. The thickness of a guitar pick will enormously affect the wear and tear. Thinner picks will wear down almost immediately when using heavy pick techniques.

Other attributes of the pick that affect the durability, are the Tip Shape, and the Tip Texture. Very pointed guitar tips tend to wear down faster, because there is less material on the tip.

However, this problem can be partially solved with the right guitar pick tip texture. A polished tip on the guitar pick will cause less friction between strings and plectrum. This is one of the most underrated attributes of a guitar pick, and you can find more information HERE.

What Damages the Pick the Most?

Results show, that the best way of altering and degrading the shape of your plectrums is to perform “pick slides”.

This guitar technique will wear away the edges of your plectrum and will make it useless very quickly.

This won’t directly affect the tone or control of the plectrum, but the damaged sides will contain some dents. The plectrum will get stuck either on the up stroke or the down stroke.

External Factors Which Indirectly Affect the Durability

It’s not only the guitar pick quality that is responsible for its‘ damage.  There are three more factors that can play a role on the durability:

• Hours of guitar training
• Guitar strings gauge
• Guitar playing style and used techniques

It is a very simple equation: The more hours you practice, the more your picks will get damaged.

Thicker guitar strings will increase the area of contact with your plectrum, and therefore, wear it down much faster.

Aggressive guitar playing techniques, like fast palm mute, or pick slides, will damage your guitar pick very easily.

How to know if a Pick is Durable?

The best way to find out, is to test it, and make your own judgment.

You can take advice of expert players, who have tested lots of guitar picks. However, if their playing styles differ from yours, this information won’t help much.

Besides, many expert players have not changed their picks for decades, and they might be missing the material improvements of the last decade.

As mentioned, not only is durability a factor to take into account when choosing a guitar pick, but also the tone and the ergonomics (grip, size,...).

How to Know When to Replace Your Pick?

If the edges of your pick are becoming more rounded, you might start to consider purchasing a new one.

However, never throw away your worn-down guitar picks! The rounded edges can be used to create more mellow tones, and you might want these for some of your songs.

One of the most important things about playing the guitar, is to keep your mind open to new tones and styles. This is the reason some guitar picks have rounded tips even when they are new.

In addition, you can store your old guitar picks in a box. I wish I still had my first guitar pick, that I used, when I was learned to play guitar as a child. A guitar pick can be a beautiful piece of your past.

Check Your Pick Condition Regularly

A tip from my side, is to double check every guitar pick before going out on stage, or studio. A visual inspection is fine.

Always keep some unused plectrums aside. Considering plectrums are probably the least expensive gear of your complete guitar rig, constant wear and tear issues is not a thing you should worry about.

Choose your ideal Plectrum

Are you using the right pick? This is a question you should ask yourself every time you play a song.

Some players have their 5-favourites, depending on the style and type of guitar they want to play.

The most important factors when choosing the right plectrum for you hinges on….

• Material
• Shape
• Thickness
• Size
• Playing style
• Your personal preference

We created a guide that will help you find the right plectrum for you.
You can find it HERE.

Thank you!

The support we are getting from the guitar community makes us very happy!
We, (Carlos and Judith), are really doing our best to create the best guitar picks for you.

If you consider supporting a small family start-up, you can share this article and directly have an influence on our online visibility.

These small actions have helped us since January 2019, and we count on your support! :)

Thanks!

You have probably heard this question many times: Should I use a pick or my fingers to play bass? You can find a huge amount of different answers on the Internet and still be confused. 

My philosophy is, to never limit yourself. Both methods are valid and appropriate for the right musical context. 

Picks vs. Fingers: The Eternal Debate

Whether using picks or using your fingers, each technique has its place and, ideally, you need to feel comfortable with either one you choose.

Is there a wrong way to play an instrument? Any method you use to get sound out of your instrument - fingers, pick, nails, palms of your hands, etc - can work, if the sound produced is the sound you are looking for. It is entirely a matter of personal preferences.

Therefore, this is an unimportant debate, if your plan is to be a versatile musician, and be able to understand the rich parts of every bass line, regardless of the method used to play them. 

For me, it is difficult to understand how this debate has been one of the most controversial topics since the advent of modern music creation decades ago.

Why not keep an open mind and become comfortable with both methods? There is room for everything.

Using Fingers to Play Bass

Usually, bass players report having more control when using their fingers, giving them a richer tonal variety, and beefier tone. In Addition, the popular slap technique used by many bassists can be easily implemented, if you don’t hold any pick between your fingers.

A funny positive argument is, that you will never lose your bass pick if you don’t own one.

One of the drawbacks of this method is that it takes a little more work to learn. Nevertheless, if your goal is long-term learning, this should not be a technical obstacle.

Using Picks to Play Bass

The biggest advantage of using a pick for the bass guitar is obvious: Instant speed. You can develop speed more quickly and effortlessly.

If the bass lines you want to learn, belong to certain music styles that are speed intensive, a pick might make sense. You can develop the same speed as with your fingers, but it will take much more time.

In addition, the tone can be easily changed by using a different guitar pick. This allows you to have different tones, and experiment a lot to find the right sounding bass guitar pick.

Every pick - for guitar, bass, or other instruments - has four different main parameters: Shape, material, thickness, and size. Combined together, they result in a very specific range of tone textures, attack soundwaves, and feedback. Therefore, choosing your guitar pick is one of the most difficult tasks.  We have created a guide HERE, that will help you find your tone.

Pick Thickness for Bass Players

Bass players generally use thicker picks. The thickness improves the bass playing control, and the overall tone of the string.

The average pick thickness for bass players is 1.17 mm, while for guitar players is 0.89 mm. Remember, bass strings are much thicker than guitar strings. Therefore, a thinner plectrum will give you much less control in comparison to a thicker plectrum. 

The size of the pick will also have a role in the creation of the tone.

Having said that, there are still many bassists who do prefer to use thinner bass picks, like for example Rombo Classic, or Rombo Origami. 

If you have no idea where to start, take the average value and look for picks with a gauge of about 1.2 mm. This is a good place to get started. From there, you can go up and down and try other picks depending on your preferences. It might be a good idea to look for the bass picks your favorite players use, and try to understand why they do so.

Most Popular Pick Shapes for Bass:

The truth is, most classical shapes tend to have an excellent reception between the bass players. 

The most popular shapes are the classical teadrop pick shape, the rounded teardrop pick shape, and the triangle pick shape.

In addition to shape, there are many other attributes that define a pick. HERE you can read about the 6 most underrated attributes of guitar and bass picks.

Teardrop

Teardrop is the most popular and known type of guitar and bass pick. Semi-sharp point for quick attacks, that maintain a wide range of possibilities, depending on the thickness and material used.

Rounded

Rounded picks provide a more warm sound and smooth attack. These are for the bass players looking for a way to play the bass strings with less force and attack. Sometimes they are totally free when a teardrop pick is completely worn down.

Triangle

A triangle pick is the most practical option because of the tri-sided feature. You can pluck your string with any of the three pointy tips this pick provides. A triange pick is recommended for those players who constantly break the tips of their picks. 

Pick Materials for Bass Players:

When it comes to bass, we apply the same rules as with guitar picks.

After studying the physics of guitar picks, and all the material possibilities we have, we came to the following conclusions. The pick material should:

• feel nice to the touch and be comfortable, yet provide grip
• be able to create clear tones, without compromising the bass tones
• be very versatile: feel flexible when thin, and feel stiff when thick
• be durable
• look nice

You can read all about materials used at Rombo HERE.
You will also find a link with the information about Eco-Black - These picks made out of 100% recycled fibre waste, that we manufacture ourselves.

The durability of Bass Picks:

Because the strings are thicker, and bass players tend to play with more energy, the lifetime of your pick will be substantially reduced.

A way to reduce the wear and tear of picks for bass is:

• Using thicker picks
• Using harder materials
• Using picks with polished tip
• Using triangle picks (3 tips take longer to wear down).

Conclusion: 

Playing bass with a pick is as valid as using your fingers, if this is the tone you are looking for.

Finding a pick you are comfortable with, is a difficult task, but testing lots of them and recording some of your bass lines can help you find a balance between the tone you want, and the feel and feedback you wish from the pick.

In picks, qualities like thickness, material, shape, and size play a pivotal role in tone, feedback, grip, pick noise, sustain, etc... Music is about staying dynamic and monotony kills dynamic. Therefore, the most logical step for you is to explore enough to understand as many aspects of the bass as possible.

This applies to guitar gear in general (including picks, strings, cables, etc...) and your practice habits, style preferences, and your own psychological bias/barriers.

Sometimes the best place to start is testing a Variety Pack

As a guitarist, the best way to start every practice session is by warming up.

In addition, integrating different techniques will immediately improve your skills and will prevent injuries. 

Whether you are planning a studio session, a jam with your friends, or some solo relax sessions at home, a conscious warm-up before playing guitar is mandatory. No matter if you use guitar picks or play with the fingers, there are no excuses.

This 7-step warm-up will help bring your playing to peak level. Developing the habit of warming up your hands and upper body will improve your posture and make your playing look “easy” and relaxed.

1- Don’t Play Guitar with Cold Hands

Cold hands make guitar playing very difficult. 

You will notice this during your first guitar chords. Your fingers and hands won’t be agile enough to play your guitar and you will struggle holding your guitar pick.

Running your hands under warm water is the fastest way to get the temperature your fingers need to improve the blood circulation.

Combine it with the step 2 and get the best results.

2- Massage your Hands before Playing Guitar

When it comes to guitar, our hands are our most precious tools. 

The hand muscles tend to tighten up. In order to loosen them, you can do a hand massage.

Some musicians may hit a plateau or wall in terms of their speed or dexterity, because by not taking care of their hands properly, the muscles of the hand and fingers are tighter and less supple. It seems a no-brainer. 

If you rely on your hands for your income/career, you want to do what it takes to keep them as healthy as possible.

A proper holding of your guitar pick is necessary to avoid pain. Do you know how to hold your guitar pick the right way? Click HERE and learn more.

3 -Shake your Arms, Hands and Body

Every muscle is connected. Your hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders and back should all be performing their best during your practice. 

To get the blood flowing through your body, simply move your arms and legs, shake your arms and back, and then make a fist, opening and closing your hands at least 10 times. 

This exercise will not only prepare your hands, but will also relax your body and help to get the preparation you need before playing your guitar.

4- Use a Ball and squeeze It

A ball is an excellent way to warm up your hands before you practice guitar. 

If you implement this in your routine, you will be able to do every exercise quickly, in just a few days.

This method was mentioned in the article “Play Guitar Faster - Guitar Methods for Speed Playing”, which you can find HERE.

5 - Stretch your Fingers

The last thing to do, before moving on to playing your guitar, is to lightly stretch your fingers. 

Stretching your fingers helps to enhance flexibility. It lengthens tight muscles and prevents injuries.

Playing guitar can cause fatigue to these areas, and stretching helps to keep the muscles loose and limber. It increases flexibility, and your range of motion.

Stretching your fingers before playing guitar will warm up muscle tissues and joints.

6- Play Something that is not emanding for your current Guitar Skills.

Try playing some simple exercises, melodies and/or chord progression. 

Here some ideas you can use for your routine:

• Simple scales, such as the minor pentatonic scale.
• Riffs or songs you already know
• Technical exercises you already master (For both hands).
• Picking patterns – either fingerstyle or with a guitar pick

If you are using a guitar pick, you might have to practice some specific techniques depending on your music style. If you are not sure which guitar pick is the right one for you, check this guide HERE.

Guitar pick variety pack

If your hand is still sore, repeat some of the steps. Especially in the winter months, as the hands can get cold very fast.

7- Take a Minute to concentrate and focus Yourself

Some guitar players keep playing the stuff they already know, and have given up practicing to improve.

Try to be focused on your role, and separate the habit of playing for fun or relaxing, from the habit of playing guitar for improving.

Take a minute, breathe, think about the next 90 minutes, and focus on the guitar.

Now you can avoid Guitar Playing Injuries, and improve your skills:

While playing guitar you are moving your muscles to make a specific, complex series of movements and hand positions.

With cold muscles and no time to adapt to your exercises, your hand tissues can develop micro-tears that lead to injuries or pain.

But that is not all, it is proven that the right warm-up will immediately improve skills like guitar speed, precision, concentration, and resistance.

Bonus Track: Take a Break!

Some guitarists play for hours. 

If you are one of those ambitious musicians, trying to become one of the best 5% of guitar players, you need to take enough breaks and relax the muscles. 

Stand up every 60 minutes and repeat some of the mentioned exercises. The best way to do so is to set an alarm and be disciplined enough to stop your training, when the alarm goes off.

Leave a comment and tell us if this is useful! 
Thanks!

There are many annoying things in life, but there’s nothing more annoying than losing a guitar pick you just had in your hand, and then realize that it has disappeared forever! 

The small size of the plectrums makes them easy to play with, but often difficult to keep.

The key to not losing guitar picks, is to start thinking of them as a vital piece of gear. Like a violinist would never lose their bow, or a drummer would never lose the drum sticks, you should never lose your guitar picks.

There are many methods below, that will prevent your guitar picks from getting lost.

METHODS FOR NOT LOSING YOUR GUITAR PICK

1- Use a container for your guitar picks

Decide on a location for your pick, when not in use, and put it back where it belongs, when you put the guitar away.  

Many players think of the guitar pick as disposable, and don’t place value on them. When you allow your guitar picks to lay around in random locations, it is not a surprise when your guitar picks get lost.

The container can be a glass, your guitar case, your wallet, or a handmade DIY case. Be original and don’t be afraid of using something unique.

2- Lend your guitar picks only to your closest friends:

From time to time, there will be another guitar player who will need to borrow a guitar pick, especially during a tour, or live performance.

Sometimes the borrowed picks find their way back. However, often they walk off with the player and you never see them again.

Start thinking of picks as having the value they deserve and treat them that way. Do not hesitate to ask for your pick to be returned.

3- Use a guitar pick holder:

Like the container, this is an accessory that allows you to keep your guitar picks where they belong, in a known place.

In addition, in a live performance, a guitar pick holder can be used to store your picks during the songs that require fingerpicking, that do not require a pick. 

It is the perfect guitar accessory for the live player who needs quick access to guitar picks anywhere and everywhere on the stage.

There are holders for the guitar neck and for the microphone stand. Some people create their own DIY holders with double-sided tape. This can work for a while, but has some disadvantages: The tape can lose it’s capacity to hold the pick over time, and the glue can damage the guitar surface.

If you are looking for an adhesive-free guitar pick holder click HERE.

4- Check your pockets before you go to bed:

As simple as it sounds. If you have played many years, you are probably storing your guitar picks in your pockets. This is the most common way to lose your guitar picks.

A day after playing guitar, you will use different jeans, with no guitar picks in your pockets...or even worse, you will do laundry with the picks inside your jeans, and your washing machine will eat them! 

WHERE TO LOOK IF I LOST MY GUITAR PICK

If you are very careful, you won’t need the following advice. But just in case this happens, we have some suggestions for you.

These are the best places to look for your guitar picks:

• Look for your guitar picks in the jeans you had yesterday
• Search for your pick inside of your acoustic guitar
• Did you take a break and get water from the fridge? Maybe your guitar pick is in the kitchen.
• Same advice for the toilet!
• Under the carpet. Guitar picks can be kicked by your feet if they lay on the floor.
• Use your memory skills: Have you played with a friend recently? Ask them!
• Under the keyboard or laptop, especially if you are learning guitar online or use your PC for recording guitar.

With this small checklist, you can easily find your guitar pick in a systematic way. But, what happens if this does not work?

I CANNOT FIND MY GUITAR PICK - AND NOW?

If the guitar pick gets lost you can only do one thing: Hope you have some extra guitar picks!

It is important to have some additional unused guitar picks in a secure place. Before that, you have to decide which guitar picks types are essential for you, and at least have a pair of them for this emergency.

We have a guide to choosing the right guitar pick, which you can find HERE.

It can be very annoying to find out you cannot continue playing, because your guitar pick is gone, and having extra picks will save time, which you can use to practice guitar.

Do you know somebody who is always losing their guitar picks?

Please share this advice with them!

In case you are trying to learn the guitar, the first thing you need to know is how to hold a guitar pick the right way.

Guitar pick or plectrum is a small object that you hold in your hands and play the guitar strings. The quality of guitar you are playing depends mainly on the way you are holding its pick.

So, before you officially start learning guitar, you should learn to hold the plectrum in the right manner. 

Mentioned below in this article are some of the tips and tricks which you can use for holding the guitar pick in your hand so that it doesn’t feel awkward and helps you in playing the guitar in the most suitable way. 

Holding A Guitar Pick

The first and the easiest manner of holding a guitar plectrum is that you keep it in between your index finger and your thumb. Hold it in a way that it fits tightly in between your fingers. Now keep the position of your in such a manner that it can easily brush all the strings of your guitar.

As while playing, you will have to move the plectrum all over the strings and in order to be able to play guitar perfectly, the plectrum needs to touch all of the strings easily. 

One thing that you need to keep in mind is that there are a lot of different types of plectrums available in the market and you should choose the one that works best for you. Once you have chosen the perfect pick, try to practice with it as much as possible. 

We created a four-step guide to choosing your guitar pick, which you can find here:

https://rombopicks.com/blogs/insight-rombo/how-to-choose-the-right-guitar-pick

Brush it against the strings of your guitar so that your hands move easily and it produces a sound.

More Methods For Holding A Plectrum

Another technique that you can use to hold a guitar pick in your hand is that you keep it in your dominant hand. This is the hand that you use the most, so it will be easier for you to keep the plectrum in it and play the guitar.

Some people prefer to play the guitar chords with the hand that they don’t use more often i.e non-dominant. So by holding the plectrum in your dominant hand and controlling the chords with no dominant one, you can easily brush the guitar strings and produce music. 

Now place your one hand on the neck of the guitar and hold the plectrum between your index finger and thumb of the dominant hand. Keep in mind that the strings of your guitar are facing away from you. Keep the guitar on your knees, as for a beginner, it is easier to play the guitar while sitting. But in case you want to play standing up, you can use a shoulder strap so that it is easier for you to control.

Keep your hand steady but flexible. Steady because you need to hold the guitar plectrum and flexible because you need to keep brushing it over all of the strings.

A good sound will only be produced if you are moving your hands the right way. Keeping them too rigid will result in an unpleasant sound which no one likes to listen to. But once again, keep in mind that a good sound can only be produced after practice.

During the initial times, you only need to focus on getting your hands used to the guitar. So that it knows where the strings are, which chords to play and where to keep the plectrums. These are the basic skills that everyone needs to learn before officially starting out various tunes on the guitar.

For those more advanced guitarists looking to improve their guitar playing speed, click HERE.

Things To Keep In Mind

Once you are in your comfortable position, rest your hand holding the plectrum on the strings of the guitar. Keep in mind that your hand should cover at least half of the plectrum. Some of the picks are made in a way that they are folded from one side to easily fit your index finger and your thumb on it. 

Here you can find an example: Rombo Origami

Keep the grip of your hand as firm as possible but make sure it is easily movable so that once you start playing, you can brush the strings without making any extra effort. Never loosen your grip on the plectrum because it might fall off your hand while playing.

More Things To Focus

Now if you are a beginner, it is good that you are trying to get as much help as possible because this will help you in becoming a good guitarist within a minimum amount of time. By now, you do know how to carefully hold a plectrum (i.e between your index finger and thumb) now rest it over the strings. 

Keep in mind that it should just lightly brush them so that only placing it there doesn’t produce any sound. The sound of your guitar must only be produced once you are moving the plectrum all over the strings. 

One side of the strings is thin while the other one is thicker, practice on your guitar by gently moving your hand from the thicker side of the string to the thinner one. Although during the initial stages, rhythms produced would be rough but don’t worry about it. As you are only learning to hold the plectrum in the right way. There is a lot of time for learning guitar but prior to that, practicing is the most important thing that you need to do. 

As this is the starting phase, try to practice as much as possible. As practicing will not only make your hand steady but it will also help you in maintaining your physical strength. The more your practice, the better you will be at playing guitar.

All successful guitarists need to play for hours in front of their audience and a person is only able to do that if he has done enough practicing.

So, in case you are taking more time trying to hold the guitar plectrum in the right way, tune the string or adjust the strap, don't worry about it. As all the great guitar players have started from this exact step so just polish your skills and you too will be an amazing guitarist really soon.

Note: There are many annoying things in life, but there’s nothing more annoying than losing a guitar pick you just had in your hand, and then realize that it has disappeared forever! - 4 Tips To Not Lose Your Guitar Picks

The Guitar Picks We Use Impact How We Play

If your hands do an arduous job, then you must give them the right tools, right?

The material with which it is made can influence the definition of tone, attack, and flexibility. Therefore, without paying attention to it, you could hardly find your personal sound.

Are you curious about the materials used for the Rombo guitar picks?

Read a full article about it here:

https://rombopicks.com/blogs/insight-rombo/guitar-pick-materials-at-rombo

As a guitarist, you experience a very steep learning curve during the first months and years of your journey. All you need are an instrument, a guitar pick and a few songs to learn. Happy days.

Then you hit a wall that slows down the learning process.

You want to sound like those guitar idols of yours who inspired you to buy your first guitar. Further still, you want to create your own sound.

But how to take things to the next level?

Increasing your picking speed is a long journey full of ups and downs, obstacles and victories, and moments of personal fulfillment. Speed at guitar is a skill that requires patience and plenty of hard work.

The number of hours of practice is important. However, understanding the “right” way of practicing is the key to upgrading your skills.

If you are struggling to play something at the desired speed, it only means you have not defined a sufficiently effective practice routine.

For those looking to improve their guitar playing speed, the following insights will help get you where you want to be:

1. Use alternate picking and guitar pick rotation

Alternate picking is the most common guitar pick technique.

With the pick between your thumb and index finger and pointed toward the strings, you use strictly alternating down and up strokes.

Use the 45-degree rule from the picture. Simultaneously, rotate your thumb 45 degrees downwards. The guitar pick will glide very well and won't get stuck.

2. Loosen up your whole upper body

Every muscle is connected. Your hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders and back should all be performing their best during your practice.

Playing guitar can cause fatigue to these areas, and stretching helps to keep muscles loose and limber. It increases flexibility and your range of motion. Stretching before playing guitar will warm up muscle tissues and joints.

Playing faster will cause some areas to tense up. Try to be aware of all these areas and recognize where you should stay relaxed.

Finding the right balance between tension and relaxation will help you achieve greater accuracy and speed. It will also improve the way you hold your guitar pick.

Personally, I like to do some exercises with a ball before playing:

I also have some warm-up guitar scales and arpeggios, which I play every day for the first 5–10 minutes, and which include a variety of guitar techniques.

3. Use the wrist’s innate wave motion.

It is not only the motion of the thumb and index finger that will affect the way you play guitar. The muscles around your wrist are structured in a way to naturally promote back-and-forth movements.

Use them to play more efficiently, and to dissipate the fatigue in your fingers. This technique, combined with the 45-degree guitar pick rule, will achieve the fastest results at the beginning.

4 - Synchronize Your Fretting Hand and Picking Motion

Many players focus too much attention on their fretting hand. In order to play at higher speeds, it is essential to make both your hands work with equal efficiency and strength.

To establish the skill level of each hand, play through a passage with the picking hand only, then play the same notes with the fretting hand only. You will probably find that one hand is at least 20% faster than the other.

Now you know which hand is not working efficiently enough. Your goal is to get a deviation of less than 3% between both hands.

5. The right guitar pick:

Here are some reasons for there being such a huge variety of guitar picks available on the market:

• Each pick is designed to work to the optimum for different types of playing
• Each person (and guitar) has different anatomic nuances that will create a preference for certain shapes and materials.
• Certain guitar positions will influence the holding of the pick or the body tension.

Don’t overlook these factors, and don’t be afraid to try a large variety of guitar picks until you have found the right one for every style you play.

For guitar speed exercises, you should start with 1mm as a reference and then decide if this guitar pick thickness is enough. Thin, flexible picks take too much time to relax after hitting a note.

We created a four-step guide to choosing your guitar pick, which you can find here:

https://rombopicks.com/blogs/insight-rombo/how-to-choose-the-right-guitar-pick

6 - Use a metronome to play guitar

Speed is futile when you are playing without accuracy. The ability to play guitar in time at high speed is one of the most difficult skills to achieve.

Try to use a metronome and play fast, but also use slow tempos and increase your accuracy for different guitar techniques. 

Using a metronome is one of the best ways to track your improvements and see your learning progression over time. It will also help you understand which techniques achieve results fastest, and where you should focus most.

After a while, you will learn to play in time without using a metronome because you will assimilate the feeling of playing in time naturally.

7- Always analyze your playing

Study both hands, analyze your position, reflect after each session and find your weaknesses. What doesn’t it work the way it should? Do you know why?

Ask yourself many questions and be critical of yourself. Create a scale and analyze every guitar technique to know where you stand on any particular exercise, and track your progress:

Create a guitar diary with notes and observations. If some techniques, songs or even specific fingers are too weak to speed up, be creative and create an exercise to encourage improvement in these areas.

Use technology to track your guitar learning progress. Record yourself while playing guitar, observe your posture and try to identify areas with too much tension. You can compare these with videos of professional players and find out which areas you should work on. Then, take corrective action if needed.

8- Integrate different guitar techniques

Don’t focus on just one technique at once. This approach will help you to improve isolated techniques, but most songs and solos combine different techniques that work fluently together in a song.

Focusing on only one technique might cause your guitar to sound unnatural and choppy. 

Try to combine different techniques in 20-minute intervals. You also need to specifically practice different techniques together in the same way you will use them in real songs.

The extra advantage of this is that it will also help you produce richer compositions when you reach the point of creating your own songs.

Conclusion:

There is much you can do to speed up your skills on the guitar. Nevertheless, you must remember to be patient and accept that some processes reach a limit and cannot be rushed.

Developing patience is the most important skill for avoiding frustration at guitar. Remember that being a guitarist is a never-ending process. You will always struggle with new techniques and have ups and downs. 

Question everything to find new paths and become a very expressive musician. 

For example: are you using the right material for your guitar pick?
Find out here:

https://rombopicks.com/blogs/insight-rombo/guitar-pick-materials-at-rombo

The guitar pick tip is the pointy bit on the end of your plectrum. The tip and its shape is probably the most important area of a guitar pick.

The pick tip can be rounded or pointy, and if the plectrum is thick enough, a beveled edge can be included to increase the speed and control.

Depending on the shape of the tip, the guitar pick will be suitable for specific techniques.

• Sharper tips are very good for speed and tremolo playing.
  They are better for fast lead lines.
• Rounder tips are usually more adequate for strumming chords. They will produce mellower sounds.

Why a beveled edge matters:

The bevel of the pick impacts the attack. 

The bevel creates a surface for the strings to glide off on, and with the design of the bevel, you can adjust the degree to which the pick grips the strings.

A well-designed bevel is usually preferred by most players due to the following benefits it provides:

• Increased speed
• Improved control
• Better tone

Put simply, it makes playing easier. Additionally, it will impact the attack your plectrum provides.

Tip: Other attributes such as polished guitar tips can also help you improve your guitar playing. Learn more here.

Attack of a guitar pick - Pros and Cons:

The guitar pick tone is strictly related to its attack. Being able to hear the different nuances of a heavy and light attack plectrum is essential for becoming a great guitarist.

Heavy pick attack - Benefits:

Using a heavier pick attack will allow you to change your tone without losing tone clarity and brightness. 

If you dig in with your pick, your tone will distort. You will create a crunchier sound without the need for guitar pedals. This happens because the guitar strings vibrate in a different way when using a heavier pick attack. Nevertheless, the notes will remain well defined.

This is especially important for jazz and blues players, where the clarity of individual notes plays an important role. 

Heavy pick attack - Drawbacks:

Guitar picks with a very heavy attack can reduce the sustain of your guitar tone. Applying too much pressure to the strings can choke your guitar.

Furthermore, the strings will suffer much more because of each impact. This will subsequently reduce the lifetime of your strings.

Finding the balance:

Using heavier gauges of guitar strings (0.12 or more) can be a solution to the aforementioned problem. This allows you to use very heavy pick attacks without compromising sustain and tone. 

Therefore, my personal recommendation is to increase the gauge of the guitar strings for sharp guitar pick usage.

Note: There are many annoying things in life, but there’s nothing more annoying than losing a guitar pick you just had in your hand, and then realize that it has disappeared forever! - 4 Tips To Not Lose Your Guitar Picks

Managing the guitar pick attack: Practical exercise

In order to see the difference in action follow these steps:

1. Crank the amp to the edge of distortion.
2. Exaggerate “gentle” playing (as lightly as possible).
3. Pay attention to the sound and tone.
4. Exaggerate “hard” playing (as heavily as possible).
5. Pay attention to the sound differences.
6. Repeat the exercise for different volume settings.

Finally, reflect on which settings are most appropriate for you. Decide on a point between “very gentle playing” and “very hard playing” that you feel comfortable with.

Knowing this difference will help you define your own tone. Understanding the basics of the attack of a guitar pick can be very useful when creating a versatile guitar playing style.

Mixing both techniques during lead parts is very effective when creating dynamic tones, sequences and highlighting specific parts of your playing. You can change the subjective feel of your playing and develop a sense of tension and emotion.

Tip: You can control the volume amp settings and also the guitar volume/tone settings. It might take longer to finish the exercise, but you will be surprised at how all these parameters work together!

Attack, tone, technique, and flexibility:

We started from the very beginning and went back to the roots, back to the meaning and the definition of a guitar pick. As a result of the study of the physical properties, we defined four parameters to precisely describe a plectrum: attack, flexibility, tone and technique. 

Changing the form, dimensions and material, we can directly influence such parameters. These attributes are strictly interconnected.

Example of a guitar pick with a very high attack:

Rombo Diamond:

Exceptional picking control and accuracy. Favorite amongst advanced guitarists. The hole in the middle provides an extra control and grip rate. Sharp tip for high attack, and a clean bright tone.

As you can see, a very small diameter of only 3mm, combined with low flexibility make the attack of this pick very heavy.

Learn more here.

Example of a guitar pick with soft release (less attack):

Rombo Waves:

Strong dynamic range. Great picking accuracy and rigid body. The round tip allows for a smooth and warm attack and soft release. Its curious shape makes this pick perfect for strumming.

A very rounded tip and less thickness to increase flexibility make this pick perfect for mellow tones and soft release

Learn more here.

Conclusion:

Depending on your needs, you might prefer using sharper or rounder guitar picks.

The best players are able to use the best of both areas and create their own style.

Understanding the relation between guitar pick shape and attack is essential when mastering guitar techniques.

What about the material? 

How can the guitar pick material influence your sound?
Learn more here.

Guitar picks can really be made out of anything. In the past, some exotic materials were used to produce guitar picks.

The technological wave that came with highly specialized polymers created a new era of materials with amazing properties.

How The Material Of A Guitar Pick Influences Your Playing

The material of a guitar pick is strictly connected to its flexibility and tone. It is hard to imagine that such a small piece can have a big impact on playability.

However, you will clearly notice some sound differences when testing a couple of different guitar picks.

Luckily, these small useful gems are the cheapest guitar accessory you can acquire, allowing you to test many guitar pick models.

The Constant Search For The Perfect Tone

When it comes to guitar picks, changing the properties of a material is not an easy task.

Flexible guitar pick materials:

Flexible guitar pick materials can create mellow and warm tones when using specific guitar techniques. However, they can also achieve brighter tones when holding the pick very closely to the pointy tip or “attack area”. This is the reason they have been the go-to choice for guitarists for decades.

Stiff guitar pick materials:

Stiff guitar pick materials can create a snappier, bright tone that can be very delightful, provide more volume and more clarity to your chords and solo notes. These picks are often used for more specific guitar techniques by lead guitarists.

Material Isn't Everything

Thickness, shape and size will play an important role too!

Flexible guitar pick materials can create mellow, warm tones. However, when using plectrum thicknesses over 1 mm, the tone will get darker and heavier. This can be used to create the feeling of having more “bass” in your instrument. The same effect happens with the size. The more material you have, the heavier the sound will be.

We have a guide to find your guitar pick HERE. You will learn how these 4 attributes (material, shape, size, and thickness) are connected.

Finding The Materials For Rombo Guitar Picks:

Every guitarist has different preferences. Throughout our development, we have involved as many professional guitarists as possible, and asked them to define how their perfect material should feel.

We came to the following conclusions. The guitar pick material should:

• feel nice to the touch and be comfortable, yet provide grip
• be able to create clear tones, without compromising the bass tones
• be very versatile: feel flexible when thin and feel stiff when thick
• be durable
• look nice

With these premises, we started our long journey: the search for a suitable material.

After lots of tests, feedback rounds and sending dozens of pick prototypes around the globe to our guitar pick testers, we think we`ve found it!

Guitar Pick Materials At Rombo

We are using a thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the family of the polyamides. This material is used in aerospace and automobile industries and has the following properties:

• High-mechanical strength
• Versatile (rigid or flexible -depending on the treatment and thickness)
• Excellent impact resistance (guitar strings)
• Superior aesthetic properties
• Medium / low friction

The raw material we use is produced in Italy. We have worked very closely with our material partner to accomplish every requirement we had, including the 100% recycled material of the EcoBlack sets.

We believe we have achieved an excellent balance between, sound, comfort, aesthetic properties, and durability.

Combined with well-thought ergonomic designs, different textures, and very good quality control of the process, this material can accomplish all 5 premises we defined above.

Eco-Black Range: 100% Recycled Guitar Picks

We are also experimenting with recycled materials. In our “ECO-Black" range, we offer the same material formula, but use 100% recycled material from pre-consumer waste.

In this product range, the guitar picks are only available in Graphite Black. Currently, this is the only color we can produce when using this compound.

In addition, during compound manufacturing, there are 90% less emissions, 65% energy reduction, and a 61% reduction of total resources.

We will continue our hard work in this area and someday in the future, we will be able to create colored guitar picks out of this material. When this day comes, all of our guitar picks will be 100% recycled.

Read more about the Eco-Black range and the recycled guitar picks in our article "ROMBO Unveils New “Eco-Black Range Guitar Pick Models".

Conclusion:

Finding a material you feel comfortable with is not an easy task, but you will have lots of fun along the way.

We believe material development is fundamental to ensure a future of plenty of functional, good-looking and environmentally friendly materials.

Did you find this information useful?

Share this article with friends to help us with our mission: vote for development, for the implementation of new ideas and for questioning deep-rooted standards to find something better.⁣

Thank you!

The surface of a guitar pick is in direct contact with your fingers. You feel it when you hold your pick, and your guitar strings will touch the surfaces every time you play a chord or a guitar solo.

Textures on guitar picks define not only important things like grip, control, and friction between the strings and guitar pick, but also equally important details like comfort, pick noise, and design.

Why Should The Different Areas Of The Guitar Pick Have Different Texture Types?

The guitar pick consists of two areas: The hold area (body), and the attack area (tip).

Both areas have different requirements. Generally speaking, when combining the proper textures of these two areas, a guitar pick should offer:

• a comfortable surface to hold the pick securely
• a well-designed tip to promote precision

With this simple fact in mind, it seems logical to differentiate these two areas when it comes to choosing the texture of the guitar pick.

Guitar Pick Hold Area:

• the control of the guitar pick
• the grip of the guitar pick
• the comfort of the guitar pick

These three features are strictly connected and every guitar player will have a very subjective opinion of them.

Guitar Picks With Grippy Surface:

Advantages Of Guitar Picks With Grippy Surfaces:

• Control the position of the pick between your fingers: avoid rotation and pick slippage.

• Hold the pick with less tension, which results in a better playing experience and less hand fatigue.

Common Types Of Grippy Guitar Picks:

• Sandpaper grip: Maximum grip, very aggressive texture (uncomfortable for long playing sessions)

• Raised geometries or logos: High grip, aggressive texture (can feel uncomfortable for long playing sessions).

• Micro-nodules texture: Medium/High grip, comfortable texture (the micro-nodules fit between the grooves of your skin). Read more here.

• Grip Holes: Medium Grip

• Homemade guitar pick grip: Some players use tape or make scratches on the pick to create a custom experience.

It is up to you to find a balance between comfort and grip. Some players prefer non-sticky guitar picks, some others need the maximum grip available.

The best thing you can do is try all different textures and decide yourself, considering the playing style you have.

For guitar sessions for over 1 hour, I prefer comfort over the grip. Once you get used to the guitar pick and how it reacts after every impact, you appreciate the comfort more and the playing experience texture and design can give you.

Guitar Pick Attack Area:

• Durability
• Pick Noise

The texture on this guitar pick area is one of the most undiscovered features in the guitar pick world. Read more here.

How can a polished guitar pick improve durability and reduce noise?

Actually, it is very simple: A mirror polished guitar pick will reduce friction between guitar pick and strings. With every impact, the guitar pick will suffer less friction and therefore wear down slower.

With less friction, the pick will cause less pick noise. From my own experience, guitar picks with this attribute make me want to play forever.

In addition, the pick will glide better and provide a better playing experience. However, this is a very subjective point since other types of guitar picks with coarse textures on the tip are very popular amongst some guitarists. Pick noise is sometimes wanted when strumming chords.

Bonus Feature: Unique Designs:

In order to build your own image, you need gear that fits in it. Design is as important as the other aspects when it comes to music gear.

Fortunately, we live in an era where many brands are creating very original designs with the best functionality.

Guitar Pick Grip: What Textures Are We Using At Rombo?

We believe textures on guitar picks are essential for a tool that was designed to be held between your fingers

The combination of two different surface finishes in the guitar picks have convinced us and our testers of the potential gains a player can achieve:

• A polished tip for clarity, durability and control
• A micro-nodules texture in the centre of the guitar pick for the most comfortable holding without compromising grip

Conclusion:

Grippy textures can help you hold the guitar pick more firmly without effort.
Looking for a texture you feel comfortable with is essential to find the balance between grip and comfort.

However, what about thickness, shape, size, and material? Have you thought about these attributes?

Learn more in our article "How to choose the right guitar pick".

For most people, the thickness is one of the most important attributes of a guitar pick.

The thickness of a plectrum defines how dark or bright the tone becomes. It has an enormous impact on the feedback you directly receive from the guitar strings, and the control you have over the pick.

What is a guitar pick with a variable thickness?

It is a plectrum, whose body and tip have different material thicknesses (see the figure below).

They combine both aspects of thin and thick picks: comfort, рrесіѕіоn, rhуthm, and ѕрееd of рlау. You gradually gаіn flexibility іn thе mоvеmеnt оf уоur hаnd to рrоduсе a mоrе fluid gаmе and the desired ѕоundѕ that you imagine are realized.

Avoiding “flat” guitar picks and using guitar picks with variable thickness will offer several advantages for your playing style.

5 advantages of using a guitar pick with variable thickness:

• The solid and thick body of the plectrum gives you a better grip and control.
• By increasing the material thickness, the designers can create deeper and more complex 3D surfaces in this area of the guitar pick.
• A thinner tip will give you enough flexibility to achieve greater versatility when developing different guitar techniques.

• Increased bass when using thinner pick tips: The thicker body will create a darker sound, while you can still enjoy high treble caused by the thin attack area.

• The contrasting vibrations on the different areas of the guitar pick will create a new ergonomic experience.

Conclusion:

Variable thickness is one of the most uncommon features of guitar picks. Using these types of guitar picks for the first time might cause your fingers to have a short adaption phase, during which they will relearn how the physics of these picks behave.

At the end of the process, you will learn how to control a new type of gear and take advantage of the five points mentioned before.

There are many other attributes that can help you take your playing skills to the next level: Discover more in my article, 6 Underrated Features of a Guitar Pick.

In our article “How to choose the right guitar pick”, I summarized the aspects you should care about and consider when deciding which plectrum to use.

In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of a guitar pick we must pay attention to in order to make the playing experience much more comfortable and obtain better results. These aspects are not as obvious as others but are essential to get the most out of this incredible musical instrument.

1- Guitar Picks with Micronodules Grip Structure:

Grippy, non-sticky surfaces are perfect for the hold area on a guitar pick. The best way to achieve this is to create a texture, that fits between the grooves of your skin and prevents the guitar pick from slipping or creating an aggressive grip geometry that hurts the fingers of the guitarist.

2- High Mirror Polished Tip:

A guitar pick with a polished tip allows you to experience better control and less friction. In this way, reduced friction between the plectrum and the strings of the guitar will help increase the durability of the pick because it will wear less and reduce its noise.

3- Variable Thickness:

One of the less common characteristics in guitar picks is variable thickness. It is ideal for the guitar pick to be thick for better control; however, this could significantly reduce its flexibility.

For that reason, plectrums of variable thickness have been created, since this would give us the best of both aspects.

That is to say, we could have a guitar pick with a solid, thick body that gives us better grip. Additionally, it features a thinner tip that provides enough flexibility to achieve greater versatility when developing different guitar techniques.

Read more about the advantages of using a guitar pick with variable thickness in our article "5 advantages of a guitar pick with variable thickness"

4- Ergonomic Design Surfaces:

By following ergonomic models, the surface of the pick can be adapted to be comfortable, provide well-being and does not hurt the guitarist's fingers. It is advisable to look for picks with a 3D surface (those that are not flat) that have geometric patterns that offer a pleasant feeling to the grip. Similarly, we can take advantage of concave or convex surfaces, as they help keep the position of the plectrum oriented and avoid losing control in turning movements.

5- High-quality materials:

If your hands do an arduous job, then you must give them the right tools, right? Many people spend a lot of money on fancy guitars, cables, amplifiers, and other accessories but set aside the pick. This is a big mistake.

The material with which it is made can influence the definition of tone, attack, and flexibility. Therefore, without paying attention to it, you could hardly find your personal sound.

Are you curious about the materials used for the Rombo guitar picks?
Read a full article about it here:
https://rombopicks.com/blogs/insight-rombo/guitar-pick-materials-at-rombo

6- Unique Designs:

If you want to project an image with your own style, you must pay close attention to the design of your implements. To do this, you can try all the shapes and colors of guitar picks available in the market. Just imagine having one with an incredible appearance that is also very functional.

Conclusion:

In short, all aspects are subjective and depend on each person. Nevertheless, knowing such valuable information can expand our possibilities and options to choose the guitar pick that best suits our needs.

Tell us if you think this data can help you during the learning process of playing guitar and let us know if there are any other details about guitar picks that you think we should consider.

PS: Remember, you should share your skills with the world. In the article, “MUSIC AND DIY GENERATION”, I explain how the Internet community of guitarists helped me understand the importance of sharing my work.

Was sind Gitarrenpicks?

Gitarrenplektren sind die Brücke zwischen dir und deinem Instrument. Ein versteckter Held in den Händen von Gitarristen.

Ein Plektrum ist ein sehr persönlicher Gegenstand und die Wahl des besten hängt von mehreren Faktoren ab. Es gibt kein magisches Plektrum, aber jeder wird sich mit einem Plektrummodell anfreunden, den er mag und genießt.

Um das richtige Plektrum auszuwählen, müsst du einige sehr grundlegende Konzepte verstehen.

Welchen Unterschied kann ein Gitarrenplektrum wirklich machen?

Das Plektrum beeinflusst nicht nur Ton und Technik, sondern auch andere Aspekte wie Attack (die Art und Weise, wie dein Plektrum auf die Gitarrensaiten trifft) und Ergonomie (die Kontrolle, die es während der Übergänge zwischen den Saiten bietet).

Das Verständnis einiger Grundregeln ist bei der Auswahl des richtigen Plektrums unerlässlich:

SO WÄHLST DU DAS RICHTIGE PLEKTRUM

1- Form des Plektrums

Die Form der Spitze ist ein Faktor, den die Spieler oft übersehen. Die meisten Menschen werden dazu neigen, sich nie von der Standardform zu entfernen, die wir alle kennen und lieben. Die Form des Plektrums beeinflusst, wie einfach es zu halten ist und wie genau Sie mit Ihrem Picken umgehen können.

Helle Töne werden mit einer spitzen Spitze erzielt, warme und weniger definierte Töne werden von Plektren mit abgerundeter Spitze erzeugt (wie in der Abbildung unten zu sehen).

Extra-Tipp: Zusätzlich kann eine abgeschrägte Kante (beveled edge) an der Spitze mit abgerundeten Kanten dazu beitragen, eine gleichmäßigere Saitenreibung zu erzeugen, was zu effizienteren Schlägen und Geschwindigkeit führt.

2- Dicke des Plektrums

Die Dicke deines Pleks ist der wichtigste Teil davon, wie hell oder wie warm die Gitarre klingt. Wie bei allem haben die verschiedenen Optionen für die Dicke des Plektrums jeweils ihre eigenen Vor- und Nachteile.

Die Dicke eines Plektrums hat auch den größten Einfluss auf die Flexibilität (wie in der Abbildung unten zu sehen).

Die Dicke von Gitarrenplektren wird im Allgemeinen in Millimetern (mm) gemessen und die Bereiche variieren stark je nach Marke und Musikstil:

Dünne Plektren:

Gut für Rhythmusgitarre, aber nicht so toll für Leadgitarre wegen der fehlenden Kontrolle beim Spielen einzelner Noten. Es biegt sich leicht, wenn es mit den Saiten in Kontakt kommt, und ist ideal für Anfänger. Es liefert immer einen Sound, der flüssig erscheint.

Mittlere Auswahl:

Die vielseitigsten Gitarrenplektren und perfekt für Sologitarristen, die verschiedene Techniken in denselben Songs verwenden (Strumming, Solo, Palm Mute usw.…). Sie kombinieren Komfort, Präzision, Rhythmus und Spielgeschwindigkeit.

Dicke Plektren:

Dicke Plektren geben dem Gitarristen mehr Kontrolle über die Lautstärke und den Attack auf die Saiten. Favorit unter fortgeschrittenen Gitarristen. Die Leute entscheiden sich für diese Art von Dicke, weil sie Präzision für ihr Spiel auf hohem Niveau und ihre Soli-Parts benötigen. Garantierte Spielgeschwindigkeit!

Extra-Tipp: Einige Plektren mit variabler Dicke (unterschiedliche Dicken im Haltebereich und Angriffsbereich) können helfen, diese Eigenschaften zu kombinieren, indem sie einen starren Körper und eine dünnere, flexiblere Spitze bieten.

3- Die Gesamtgröße des Plektrums

Die Größe des Picks ist der größte Faktor bei der Betrachtung des Komforts. Dies ist bei jedem individuell, weil niemand gleich ist. Außerdem ist dieser Punkt eng mit der Form des Plektrums verbunden.

Du wirst vielleicht feststellen, dass kleine Plektren leichter fürs Shredding sind und mehr Geschwindigkeit erzeugen. Deine Finger sind näher an den Saiten und du spürst besser, was du spielst. Der Nachteil dieser Picks ist, dass sie leicht fallen gelassen werden können, da sie kleiner sind.

Du könntest auch feststellen, dass größere Picks einfacher zu halten sind und sich komfortabel anfühlen. Experimentiere mit verschiedenen Größen und verwende, was für dich am bequemsten ist.

Normalerweise variiert die Größe zwischen 15 und 40 mm (wie in der Abbildung unten zu sehen).

Einige Gitarristen bevorzugen große Plektren, weil sie durch die Vergrößerung der Kontaktflächen einen besseren Halt bekommen.

4- Materialien und Texturen für Gitarrenpicks

Gitarrenplektren können wirklich aus allem hergestellt werden. In der Vergangenheit wurden einige exotische Materialien zur Herstellung von Gitarrenplektren verwendet.

Die technologische Welle hochspezialisierter Polymere hat eine neue Ära von Materialien mit erstaunlichen Eigenschaften geschaffen. Normalerweise sind dies die Haupteigenschaften, die ein gutes Material haben sollte:

• Hohe mechanische Festigkeit und Steifigkeit
• Hervorragende Schlagfestigkeit
• Hervorragende ästhetische Eigenschaften

Extra-Tipp: Grifftexturen hängen auch vom Material ab. Eine Mikronoppenstruktur auf einem Plektrum kann zusätzlichen Halt bieten, ohne die Finger zu verletzen. Mehr dazu in unserem Artikel „Warum Texturen auf Plektrumoberflächen dein Spielerlebnis verbessern kann“

Zusammenfassung:

Der einzige Weg, um dein Plektrum wirklich zu finden, besteht darin, einige Zeit damit zu verbringen, neue Formen, Materialien und Größen auszuprobieren. Manchmal ändern sich deine Bedürfnisse als Gitarrist mit der Zeit. Die Wahl, die du zu Beginn deiner Karriere getroffen hast, ist möglicherweise nicht die, die du jetzt für dein Spiel benötigst.

Die Entwicklung deiner Fähigkeiten bedeutet auch, sich an neue Umgebungen anzupassen. Es ist bewiesen, dass das Spielen mit neuen Gitarren und neuen Gitarrenpicks helfen kann, deine allgemeinen Fähigkeiten zu entwickeln und dein Gehirn flexibel zu halten, wodurch es zu einem kontinuierlichen Lernen wird. Keine Angst vor Abwechslung.

PS: Hast du darüber nachgedacht, recycelte Materialien zu verwenden? Erfahre mehr in unserem Artikel: „Rombo stellt neue „Eco-Black Range“-Gitarren-Pick-Modelle vor“

Guitar Picks Made Out of 100% Pre-consumer Fibre Waste

Rombo Picks has unveiled a new series of plectrums made out of 100% recycled waste. The material is not only environmentally friendly, but also has high mechanical strength and stiffness, excellent impact resistance and superior aesthetic properties.

Rombo uses this material for its Eco-Black range. In this range, all four guitar pick models are available only in Graphite Black, which is one of the properties of the recycled material. Each pick has been carefully developed for a concrete purpose.

For this reason, the Rombo team has redefined the four attributes of a guitar pick: shape, thickness, material and size.

The Highlights of These Guitar Picks Are:

• Micro-nodule grip structure
• High mirror polished tip
• 3D ergonomic design surface
• Variable thickness
• High-Quality materials
• Unique designs

Since 2019 Rombo has been researching surface finish and design in order to find the perfect balance between grip, ergonomics and function in guitar picks. Rombo was born thanks to an amazing guitar player community whose aim is to continue this adventure and quest for the perfect guitar pick.

We have a full article about the materials used for the manufacturing of the Rombo guitar picks here:
https://rombopicks.com/blogs/insight-rombo/guitar-pick-materials-at-rombo

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When it comes to music there are two eras: Before the Internet and after the Internet. The Internet has changed music forever. In just a few years, the old industry model has changed rapidly.

While the biggest labels had to rethink their structures and question the basics of their business, the DIY generation saw this new world as an opportunity. A chance to create, find new tools, share knowledge and destroy all the borders, permanently.

There were no radio-formulas anymore, there were no limits for defining styles and the best of all; everyone now has access to everything.

Some artists have realized they were the ones controlling their destiny, and that the possibilities were endless.

You would see artists managing different projects simultaneously: This allowed lots of them (us) to take risks and as a result, some of them went viral. YouTube and streaming portals became the new way to listen to music and the musicians could upload their new songs to their own channels: Bands are closer than ever to their fans.

We know more about our icons than ever before. Besides this, the technology has also played an important role here: People who do not have access to professional recording studios can now learn by themselves how to create music with their computers, which are getting cheaper and cheaper. Some companies are specialized in creating audio samples: for example from real studio drums, guitars or synths.

They sell these samples and you can use them to make your tracks sound better. You don’t need thousands of dollars to record your demo, just a laptop and a middle-class microphone you can get second-hand on eBay.

People have gotten very organized and have started to share all this information in music forums, for free.

The underground scene has been growing ever since the Internet got popular. It has never been so strong and this pushes the music-makers to be more creative and diverse.

The DIY generation musicians write their own rules and guidelines. They define the sound of today and will leave their imprint on the next generation.

Why This is Important to us:

We belong to this generation; we grew up with this movement, which set the basics of our personal culture.

Creating Rombo was a great idea in many ways and wasn't a happenstance, but an inevitable consequence of our motivation for creating new things: We have learned by ourselves, or rather; we had to learn by ourselves, and that is such a joy!

We all had our bands or projects and spent hundreds of hours composing new tracks, creating the designs for our own covers, drawing the poster designs for each show and then evaluating every new idea.

It feels really good when someone discovers your project and says, "thank you for creating this!" It feels really good to discover awesome projects on Bandcamp or Kickstarter.

These people believe in DIY, and so do we. These people have fun, and so do we.