Guitar picks are the unsung heroes of guitar-playing, but have you ever stopped to ponder the mistery of their lifespan? Sure, it may not be the most pressing question on your mind, and understanding the longevity of your trusty picks can help you make smarter decisions about your gear and budget.
So, sit back, grab a pick, and let’s dive into the factors that determine how long these little plastic wonders will stick around.
Trust me, whether you’re a newbie or a rockstar, you won’t want to miss this article!
What Is The Lifespan Of Guitar Picks?
On average, a pick can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few monts, specifically mentioning, they can last from two weeks to two months.
However, the lifespan of a guitar pick can vary greatly depending on its material, thickness, and the player’s playing style.
What Affects The Lifespan Of Guitar Picks?
Have you noticed those situations where the guitar pick keeps slipping, that’s a sign that the guitar pick is old and worn. As slightly mentioned above, there are different things that can affect the lifespan of guitar picks, and those factors include:
Material
First things first, let’s talk about the material of the pick. Picks made from plastic materials like celluloid or nylon tend to have longer lifespans than those made from metal or other materials.
The plastic picks are like the turtles of the pick world, slow and steady wins the race. On the other hand, metal picks are like the hares, fast and flashy but prone to burnout.
Thickness
Next up, thickness. Thicker picks tend to last longer, like a sturdy oak trree, while thinner picks wear out faster, like a delicate flower. So, if you want your pick to stick around for a while, go for the oak tree and not the flower.
Playing Style
Now, let’s talk about playing style. If you’re a gentle strummer who plays mostly with your fingers, your pick will likely last longer than if you’re a heavy-handed shredder. Strumming with a heavy hand is like trying to dig a hole with a spoon, it’s not going to end well for the pick.
Frequency Of Use
Frequency of use is another factor, the more you play, the more you’ll have to replace your pick. So, if you’re a professional guitar player, you may have to replace your pick more often than your weekend warrior friend. Have you used a coin as a guitar pick? Well, I’ve been there and done that.
Storage
Proper storage is also important, if you leave your pick in a place where it can easily get damaged, like a pocket full of keys and coins, it will wear down faster. So, keep your pick in a safe place, like a pick holder or a designated pick pocket.
Price
Lastly, the quality and the price of the pick plays a role in its lifespan. Cheaper picks may wear out faster than higher-quality ones, so it’s important to invest in a good pick. After all, you get what you pay for.
In conclusion, understanding the factors that affect the lifespan of guitar picks can help you make informed decisions about your equipment and budget.
So, choose the right material, thickness, playing style, store them properly and invest in a good qualitty pick, and you’ll be on your way to getting the most out of your picks.
Things To Do: Making Guitar Picks Last Longer
After mentioning the factors that can affect the lifespan of a guitar pick, it is really important to know the ways how you can make them last longer, and to be honest, there are some considerable tips to help your guitar picks last longer such as:
Store them properley: Keep your guitar picks in a safe place where they won’t get lost or damaged. A pick holder or a small container can be a good option and if you’re feeling fancy, you can even get a special guitar pick case to keep them in.
After all, you wouldn’t want your picks to end up in the same place as your missing socks!
Avoid droppin them: Dropping your pick can cause it to chip or break, so be careful when handling them and if you do happen to drop one, make sure to shout out “pick down!” so your bandmates know to watch out for it on stage.
Use a different pick for different genres: Certain types of music put more wear and tear on picks than others. So if you’re playing some heavy metal, you might want to use a thikker pick to withstand the intense strumming. But can you play the electric guitar without a pick? It’s something to keep in mind when you have a worn pick that won’t do the job as it should.
Don’t use worn out picks: If the edges of the pick are worn down or frayed, it’s time to replace it. Because playing with a worn-out pick is like trying to drive a car with bald tires – it’s just not safe.
Clean them regularly: Wipe down your picks after each use to remove dirt and grime that can cause wear and tear. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even get some special pick cleaning solution to keep them in tip-top shape.
Use different picking techniques: Some picking techniques put more stress on the pick than others, so try to vary your playing style to distribute wear evenly and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try out some alternate picking styles like hybrid picking or fingerpicking.
Try different materials: Different materials have different durability, some materials like Tortex, Ultem, Delrin, etc have high durability than the standard celluloid picks. It’s like trying different types of bread – you might like the classic white bread, but you might also find that you love the durability of a whole wheat pick!
By following these tips, your guitar picks will be sure to last longer and keep you rockin’ and rollin’ for many gigs to come!
Final Thoughts
So, guitar picks aren’t the most durable things you will have in your hands as they last only a few months, but still, if you notice wisely the factors that affect it, you can notice that it all depends on the user.
Anyways, if you follow the tips that can make them last longer, I am sure that you will be more than satisfied!