Make Flexible and Durable Guitar Picks
The thickness, shape, and composition of a guitar pick can really affect your sound, so don't just use the normal picks -- you can make picks from just about anything that is flexible, yet durable.
Steps
- Choose the material.
- Metal - You can buy metal picks (ice picks , etc). If you have any kind of sheet metal lying around, you can use this. Metal gives a sharp, bright tone that isn't very well suited to acoustic guitars, but sounds good with electric.
- Leather - If you don't have a bass guitar, this can be a true life saver. Cut a pick shape from a real leather belt, and pick the low strings of an acoustic guitar. Fiddle around a bit after you record it, and there you have it, perfect bass sound. It has a muted, thick tone.
- Plastic - Find any piece of plastic, and cut it into shape. Experiment a bit, because thickness and cut change the sound.
- Credit cards - Any old credit card makes a perfect pick. Simply cut it out and use it normally. Credit cards are the perfect thickness for bass guitars, but you can use them for guitars just as well.
- Trace the shape of a pick on your choice of material.
- Cut out the pick shape. Use an X-Acto knife or sharp scissors.
- File down the corners. Use a rough scrap of sandpaper to sand down the corners to a rounded edge.
- Paint your pick. Cover any personal information that can be used to steal your identity.
Tips
- Use shears for cutting metal.
- Use a razor knife for cutting leather.
- To make to pick a bit easier to grip, put some electrical tape or staples on it.
Warnings
- Metal picks can fray thinner strings, so be careful with them.
Things You'll Need
- Material - metal, leather, or credit card
- Scissors, shears, or razor knife
Related Articles
- Make Flexible and Durable Guitar Picks
- Make Plastic Guitar Picks
- Choose Guitar Picks
- Make a Guitar Channel Switch
