At Coleman's Music in Melbourne CBD and online, our guitar obsessed team pride ourselves on offering the best guitar picks for every guitarists needs - lazy acoustic strumming thin picks, to heavy gauge guitar picks for djent on an 20-string guitar, guitar picks are as versatile and different as the guitarist themselves.
If you are new to Djent, this video might help.
Back to Guitar Picks 😎
Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical journey, using the right guitar pick (or experimenting with them), can enhance your playing experience there's no doubt.
Okay, let's jump in and explore guitar picks, and how they are "designed" to work.
Hot Tip: If you are simply looking to buy guitar picks, check out our massive guitar pick range here, we have all kinds of guitar picks!
Famous Guitarists and Their Preferred Guitar Picks
By referencing some famous guitarists, their playing styles and sound preferences, it's easier to get an idea of your own preferences.
One thing we would like to point out, is that like guitars, there are NO RULES. For example, Kirk Cobain who is arguably one of the heaviest "popular music" guitarists used a relatively light pick at only .6mm. Whereas Brain May from Queen used a sixpences (like a 10c coin) instead of guitar picks.
Let's face it, you don't even need a guitar pick - ask Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
With that in mind, let's look at three timeless guitarists and their guitar pick choices:
Eric Clapton of Cream
Eric Clapton, known for his unique blues and rock guitar timing (i.e. slow), favours Fender medium gauge picks. These picks provide a balanced tone and allow for strong strumming while maintaining precision. Clapton is a good example of a guitarist who played a lot of chords too, so
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd
David Gilmour, the iconic guitarist of Pink Floyd, is known for his melodic solos and atmospheric soundscapes. He relies on Dunlop Jazz III picks, which have a sharp point and a textured surface, enabling precise playing and improved grip. Loads of guitarists love these pics, including Joe Bonamassa.
Eddie Van Halen
The late Eddie Van Halen, one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, used custom-made picks with his name on them. You can find his picks here! and the non Eddie branded ones here. These picks were designed to his specifications, and what makes these guitar picks unique, is that they Dunlop Max-Grip - so if you're into shredding and tapping, and even djenting, then the extra grip will go a long way.
Choosing the Right Guitar Pick for Your Playing Style
When it comes to finding the best guitar pick for your playing style (or trying something new), choosing the right guitar picks can greatly enhance your sound. It's kind of like acoustic guitar strings and electric guitar strings - different gauges can make a huge difference. And it's fun to experiment!!
Here are the most common type of guitar picks available today.
Types of Guitar Picks
-
Standard Guitar Picks: These are the most common picks, offering a versatile option for a wide range of playing styles. If you would like to try a range of standard guitar picks, the simply grab a DUNLOP Light/Medium Guitar Pick Variety Pack or DUNLOP Medium/Heavy Guitar Pick Variety Pack or both, these variety packs are awesome and last years until you eventually lose them all behind the couch.
-
Jazz III Guitar Picks: Known for their sharp point and smaller size, Jazz III picks are popular among lead guitarists looking for precision and speed. Dunlop have done it again, and if you wanted to try the Jazz III picks, this $6.95 variety pack gives you an awesome range of Jazz III picks so you can focus in on the type you love most!
-
Triangle Guitar Picks: The triangle is the strongest shape in the universe, fact! Triangle picks are actually super cool and a lot of guitarists who come into Coleman's to buy these. We absolutely recommend trying a triangle pick in either light, medium or heavy - or one of each. The cool thing with picks, is that they are cheap to play around with and have some fun.
-
Pointed Guitar Picks: If rounded picks offer a warmer tone and are well-suited for strumming chords and playing rhythm guitar, then pointed picks are for attack and shredden. We love these more pointy picks from Jim Root, who knows a thing or two about playing a guitar. Warning: these picks are heavy gauge - they were after all, used on most Slipknot albums!
- Flow Picks: Flow picks have a unique, small shape that provides a more comfortable grip and allows for greater control during playing. These flow picks are just awesome for lead playing and are kind of in the Stubby pick family if you remember those. Oh, and because Dunlop are just awesome - they have made a DUNLOP FLOW Pick Variety Player Pack so you can try all different gauges and types, brilliant!
These are just a few examples, be sure to check out our entire guitar pick range here. with loads of options for acoustic guitar and bass players too, and even the old thumb pick who fingerpicking and country guitar wizards use.
Finding the Best Guitar Pick for Your Sound
The great thing with guitar picks, is that they are soooo cheap.
You could literally try every popular pick for under $50!
However it is good to understand a few things, like Gauge, which refers to the thickness of the pick, with heavier picks producing a stronger sound and lighter picks (lighter gauge) offering more flexibility.
Experimenting with different gauges can help you find the right balance for your playing style, and open up new worlds in feel and tone.
Material is another thing to consider. Picks can be made of various materials, including plastic, nylon, metal, and even organic materials like wood or bone. Each material produces a different tone and feel, so it's worth trying out different options to find what suits you best.
Here's a quick summary:
| Type of Pick | Gauge | Material | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Picks | Varies | Plastic, Nylon | Versatile |
| Jazz III Picks | Varies | Plastic | Precise |
| Pointed Picks | Varies | Plastic, Metal | Aggressive |
| Rounded Picks | Varies | Plastic, Nylon | Warm |
| Flared Picks | Varies | Plastic | Controlled |
Top Guitar Pick Brands in Australia
In Australia, and indeed around the world, the most popular guitar pick brands is by far DUNLOP. That's because it's one of there main business areas and they invest a lot into making all kinds of guitar picks for different guitar players and genres - with loads of artist models like James Hetfield, EVH, Misha, Jim Root, Eric Johnson, Kirk Hammet (check those out!), Yngwie Malmsteem and loads more!!
Conclusion
At Coleman's Music Store, we know the importance of finding the perfect guitar pick for your playing style. That's why we offer a wide selection of high-quality guitar picks from top brands like DUNLOP, JIM DUNLOP, and FENDER - perfect any style of music, and even making your own style!
Just click here to check out our full range, or feel free to give us a buzz if you don't know where to start. Our team are all highly experienced guitarists and can help point you in the right direction!
You can reach us on (03) 9654 5115 or contact us through our live website chat down the bottom right corner 😊
FAQ
What are the top guitar pick brands available in Australia?
At Coleman's Music Store, we offer high-quality guitar picks from top brands like DUNLOP, JIM DUNLOP, and FENDER. These are the top brand in Australia, and indeed the entire world.
Can I purchase guitar picks online?
Yes, you can conveniently browse and purchase guitar picks from our online store.
Which guitar picks do famous guitarists prefer?
Eric Clapton uses Fender medium gauge picks, Jimi Hendrix used Fender heavy gauge picks, David Gilmour uses Dunlop Jazz III picks, and Eddie Van Halen uses custom-made picks with his name on them, just to name a few artists - because of course, almost every acoustic and electric guitar player uses some kind of pick!
Which type of guitar pick is best for rock players?
Rock players often opt for heavier gauge picks.
What guitar pick is recommended for acoustic players?
Acoustic players generally choose lighter gauge picks for a more delicate touch.
What are the top guitar pick models available in Australia?
In Australia, some of the top guitar pick brands include DUNLOP, JIM DUNLOP, and FENDER.
What are the different shapes and styles of guitar picks to consider?
There are various shapes and styles to consider, including standard or classic picks, jazz III picks, pointed picks, rounded and triangle picks, and all kinds of other picks.
How can I choose the right guitar pick for my playing style?
It's important to try out different shapes, styles, and materials to find the one that suits your playing style and comfort. Remeber there are no rules when it comes to guitar picks 😎
What impact does the choice of guitar pick have on my sound?
The choice of guitar pick can have a significant impact on your sound, comfort, and playing style. Again try the Dunlop variety packs, they are an awesome way to try out all kinds of picks and are super cost effective!
Where do I buy Guitar Picks in Melbourne CBD or online from Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide or anywhere else in Australia!
At Coleman’s Music of course! If you're looking to buy guitar picks, even on a tight budget, simply buy online today or get in touch with the friendly Coleman's Music team and our stores in Melbourne CBD, with fast online shipping all over Australia, or give us a call on (03) 9654 5115 with any questions, we’re always happy to help!
