About The Picks

There are a number of variables for any pick, each of which can affect the general feel and playing experience.

The standard options for PhatPhish picks are listed below, and you can find various combinations of these on stock picks in the shop.

If you're interested in ordering something with a specific set of features, or even a custom pick which has something about it which isn't covered by these standard features, then please get in touch.

General

All picks are made by hand, either from Kirinite (a type of acrylic) or from a combination of acrylic and wood veneer, and available in a range of colours, patterns and other options.

There is no “right” pick size, shape or style – it’s all very subjective and even a slight difference can have a significant effect on personal preference. Picks are grouped into basic categories according to size, but within these there are a number of variations in style to cater for personal taste.

Picks come in a variety of thicknesses. They may be thicker than what you’re used to finding on general sale at your local music shop, but thicker picks offer better control and picking dynamics. Also, people have reported that they find that something heavier can actually help prevent stress & strain in the picking hand.

Please note that all picks are made and finished by hand, so there may be some slight variances in sizes, etc. from pick-to-pick.

(In some of the descriptions I refer to models from other pick manufacturers, such as 351, Jazz 3 XL, Big Stubby – these references are purely as a general point of reference for comparison, and are not intended to suggest that the picks in question are direct copies).

Basic Shape/Size

The overall “plan view” of the pick.

Classic

In terms of shape and size, this is fairly close to a 351 style pick (the mainstream sort of pick that you find in the counter-top display in your local guitar store). Very much a general purpose pick.

Standard

Slightly smaller than a mainstream/351 style pick – if you get on well with something like a Jazz 3 XL or Big Stubby, then you should feel at home with this. Great for strumming, but also lends itself well to more focused picking

Ludus

A little smaller overall than the Standard, this pick has a shape reminiscent of a shield. This is intended to work well for focused, controlled picking using the main tip but you could also experiment with using the one of the upper corners, which offer a wider picking tip.

Buzzard

A fairly large (1.25 inch) triangular shape, as used for custom picks developed for Pat Buzzard

Tip Shape

The shape of the pick tip that comes into contact with the strings

Sharp

The pick finishes with a pronounced point for precise contact with the strings. Great for precise picking, and especially useful for use with guitar synths where clean pick contact helps to avoid ghost notes.

Semi-sharp

A pronounced tip for clean contact with the strings, but not as pronounced as the Sharp tip.

Rounded

A softer, more rounded pick tip, similar to that found on a mainstream/351 style pick.

Tip Edge

How the two sides of the pick join at the tip.

Hard Tip Edge

A distinct edge between the two sides of the pick, coming together at a fairly hard angle

Medium Tip Edge

A distinct edge between the two sides, but a little more rounded over than the Hard Tip Edge

Smooth Tip Edge

A much smoother transition between the two sides of the pick, with a distinctly rounded edge compared to the more angular feel of the Hard and Medium Tip edges

Edge Profile

The transition from the main surface of the pick to the edge.

Hard bevel edge

The edge of the pick falls away from the surface with a fairly distinct and hard-edged angle.

Soft bevel edge

A distinct bevel, but with a more rounded transition between the pick surface and the edge.

Rounded bevel edge

A much softer transition from the surface to the edge, with a rounded shape reminiscent of a sucked sweet.

Edge Finish

The finish on the playing edge of the pick.

Polished

A high-gloss finish for the smoothest possible interaction between the playing edge of the pick and the strings.

Unpolished

The edge is sanded relatively smooth but with no final polish, making for a slightly rougher playing edge.

Grip Pattern

Although the Kirinite (a type of acrylic) material used for these picks has a gloss finish, it’s actually quite easy to grip so doesn’t particularly need anything added to aid grip. However, there are a few options to add something to give extra grip.

None

The pick surface is left ‘as is’ and polished to show off the material pattern rather than adding a grip pattern.

Unfinished

The grip area of the pick surface is left unpolished, providing a rougher surface.

Small holes

A number of small holes drilled through the pick to aid grip.

Medium hole

A single medium-size hole cut into the pick to aid grip.

Through grip

A large hole cut through the pick to allow finger and thumb to grip through the pick.