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Guitar picks don’t often stick around very long. Usually, it’s because they get lost, or they get worn down and become hard to use. That being said, if you’re careful with them, you can get some pretty serious life out of them.
Guitar picks last different lengths of time for many types of players. For the average guitarist, a pick should be expected to last between a couple of weeks and a month.
There’s a lot to know about how long guitar plectrums last and what you can do to increase their longevity. In this Killer Rig article, we will help you get more life from your picks!
Guitar Picks Wear Out
As mentioned earlier, a guitar pick can last for varying lengths of time. It’s less about how many months or weeks you use it for, and how often you actually work it.
For an average guitarist who plays for an hour or so every day, a pick will last for between a few weeks and a month.
After that, it will start to break down. Eventually, it will become less comfortable and less effective to use as they begin to wear.
You will know your guitar pick has worn out when it has:
- Grooves
- Rounded tips
- Frayed edges and loose material
- Cracks
- Stress marks
However, guitar plectrums can also break. This can happen after a lot of use and tear, or just occur fairly randomly after a weird or awkward strum. If your guitar picks breaks, snaps, or cracks, you’ll most likely not be able to use it comfortably anymore.
Are Some Picks more Durable Than Others?
Some picks are definitely more durable than others. Just like any other type of music equipment, it’s not all created equal. Because of this, there are some picks that will wear down and break far faster than others.
That being said, more durability doesn’t always mean better picks. Some guitarists prefer the sound or feel that comes with playing with a thinner pick.
Different plectrums can also be useful for a variety of styles and techniques. You should focus on how it feels and sounds more than how durable it is when making a selection.
That being said, getting a durable pick can be a nice bonus, as you don’t have to go back and buy more quite as often.
What Factors Affect Pick Durability?
So what kinds of picks are the most durable? Well, there are a number of different factors that can impact how long it’s going to last.
Thickness
This is one of the main factors that decide how long a plectrum will last after repeated playing. The thicker it is, the less likely it is to wear down quickly.
It will also be harder to break outright, meaning that they will last longer on average. Thick picks are a fantastic choice for those who want them to last a long time.
Material
Picks aren’t all made of the same materials. That being said, what your plectrum is made of makes a big difference when it comes to how long it’s going to last.
As you might assume, harder types wear down slower. Almost all picks are made from some kind of plastic, but those that are harder will be far more durable.
Play Style
One of the major factors that can affect how long your guitar pick will last is how you play. If you’re doing standard strumming and picking, it will last longer.
Certain techniques, such as fast picking, and tremolo will make it wear down faster. That’s not to say you shouldn’t do these techniques. Just be aware that they’ll damage your plectrums a little more.
When Should You Replace a Guitar Pick?
So when should you replace your guitar pick? Well, the tell-tale sign is that the edges are becoming more rounded. If the edges are becoming rounded, you could lose some of what makes your tone what it is.
However, picks with rounded edges aren’t useless. They can be used for mellower tones, so it can be pretty good to keep them.
If you’re using more intense picking techniques. Check for cracks and chips in the edges of your plectrum. These are certainly a sign your pick needs replacing.
