Ukulele Picks

Guitar/Ukulele Picks

Plectrum is just the formal name for a guitar pick. In either case, the word refers to any device used to provide the percussive force that causes a stringed instrument to resonate. They have a unique sound that actually varies depending upon what type of plectrum is employed. They also have certain limitations versus finger-picking styles. If one happens to be a beginner, remember that it is entirely possible to use both one's fingers and a plectrum simultaneously to play the instrument and one shouldn't get caught up thinking of themselves as dedicated to one technique or another. But in my opinion, I prefer finger-picking styles.

Plectrums come in different thicknesses. Sometimes this is expressed in millimeters and sometimes more subjectively as hard, medium or soft. The soft plectrum is very flexible and bend a bit when pressed on the string, imparting a gentle, "plucky" sound. The hard plectrum is very rigid and hardly bend at all when brought in contact with the string. They transfer more energy from the stroke to the string and, thus, produce a heavier, more articulated sound. These differences in sound are easily added to or mitigated by skillful use of the right hand, however, and most players simply choose a thickness based on comfort.

The advantages of using a pick, include the fact that it allows for excellent articulation of a note more easily than is possible with the fingers. They also allow for loud volumes to be attained without battering the hands on the strings. Their drawbacks include their limitation to sounding one voice at a time. Unless other fingers are employed, it is only capable of plucking a single string at once or voicing a chord from top to bottom or vice versa. They are very inexpensive and one should endeavor to experiment with different types.

Use your finger nails as a pick!!

A number of performers, however, prefer to use their naked hand. There are distinct advantages to using one's hand. The same articulation and precision that can be achieved with a plectrum is possible, though it requires a great deal of practice. Those softer parts of the hand, the outside of the pinky and the pads of the fingers and thumb, can produce gentle, muffled tones. Of course, the entire hand can be used for the loudest passages, providing more volume than a pick can usually pluck out of the instrument.

For a ukulele or any plucked, stringed instrument player, the nails are one of the most important parts of the hand. In most cases, performers who use a finger-picking style will grow out the nails on their right hands to their preferred length. It's important to note the term "preferred length". There are any number of sources that will try to say what's too long or too short where nail length is concerned. This is entirely up to the performer. Nail length affects how an instrument is played and its sound quality, so there is no choice to be made here that is not aesthetic and individual in nature.

One's nails will increase in strength as they're used. They may split and break at first, but keep them filed and trimmed and they'll rapidly increase in the amount of work they can perform. Remember to keep the entire nail smooth. People tend to have ridges and depressions on the back of their nails. These can be filed down to make the smoothest possible surface. Nails should be trimmed and filed to eliminate bends and hooks.

To avoid splitting and breaking, it is ideal to use methods to help strengthen the nail itself. For instance, vitamin E oil can be applied to the nail. Daily vitamin use is also ideal for good nail growth as well as strengthening them. Vitamin rich lotion is also an ideal way to keep your nails strong and looking healthy.

If for whatever reason you have problems with nail growth and keeping them strong, you have other options to consider including acrylic nails and Lee Press On Nails (Yes, they are still available if you don’t have any leftover from the 80s!). Both can be applied to the nails to provide you your ideal ukulele playing nail length as well as provide you with the strength you need to play effectively.

I strongly recommend you check out my favorite online music store, Musician's Friend . . .

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