Last Updated on August 20, 2023 by Justin
For both novice and experienced banjo players, the quest for the perfect banjo pick can be an arduous one. With a plethora of options in terms of materials, shapes, and sizes, making a choice can be daunting. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the intricacies of banjo picks, and their evolution as well as review some of the best picks in the market for banjo players.
The Importance of Banjo Picks
A banjo pick is not just a simple accessory, but a crucial part of a player’s arsenal. It’s the interface between the player and the instrument, and significantly impacts the tone, volume, and clarity of the banjo. More than just being about sound, a good pick should also be comfortable to use, thereby encouraging good playing habits and reducing the risk of fatigue or injury.
Different Types of Banjo Picks
Banjo players typically use a combination of fingerpicks and thumb picks. These picks allow players to achieve the bright, crisp sound associated with the banjo, while facilitating the intricate picking patterns common in many banjo styles.
Fingerpicks: Fingerpicks are designed to be worn on the fingertips and are used to pluck the strings. They’re usually made from metal, plastic, or a combination of the two, and are available in various sizes to accommodate different finger sizes.
Thumb Picks: Thumb picks are worn on the thumb and are often used to play the drone string on a 5-string banjo. Like fingerpicks, they can be made from various materials and come in different sizes.
Hybrid Flatpicks: These are a regular picks mixed with a thumb pick. Thus, making a hybrid of the two. These are great for guitar but are often overlooked by banjo players. Examples of these include the Fred Kelly Bumblebee picks as well as the Black Mountain picks.
The Evolution of Banjo Picks
Historically, banjo players would use their bare fingers or quills to pluck the strings. As music evolved, there was a need for more volume and a brighter tone. This led to the development of metal and plastic fingerpicks. Nowadays, there are a plethora of options available, designed to cater to the needs of different styles of playing, from traditional bluegrass to modern folk and beyond.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Banjo Pick
When choosing a banjo pick, several factors should be considered:
Comfort: As you’ll be wearing these picks for extended periods, comfort is paramount. Picks that are too tight can constrict your fingers and cause discomfort, while picks that are too loose can fly off during playing.
Sound: Different materials will produce different tones. Metal picks, such as nickel-silver or brass, tend to provide a bright, crisp sound, while plastic picks often produce a warmer tone.
Durability: If you play often, you’ll want picks that are durable and won’t wear out quickly. Metal picks are generally more durable than plastic ones.
Size: Picks come in different sizes to fit different fingers. It’s important to find a size that fits you well.
Style of Music: The type of music you play can also influence your pick choice. If you’re playing hard-driving bluegrass, you may want a heavier pick that can produce a lot of volume. If you’re playing a more delicate, fingerstyle piece, a lighter pick may be more suitable.
Best Banjo Picks
Now that we’ve covered the basics of banjo picks, let’s look at some of the best picks available on the market today.
- National NP2 Brass Finger Picks: These are some of the most popular fingerpicks among banjo players. Made from brass, they provide a bright, clear tone and are known for their comfort and durability.
- Dunlop 33P.018 Nickel Silver Finger & Thumb Picks: Dunlop is a reputable brand in the world of musical accessories. These nickel silver picks offer a balance of brightness and warmth, and come in a pack with both finger and thumb picks.
- ProPik Finger-Tone Finger Picks: These picks feature a unique design with a split wrap, allowing for a more personalized fit. They’re made from stainless steel, offering a bright, loud tone that’s perfect for bluegrass.
- Fred Kelly Picks D7FF-M Delrin Freedom Finger Pick Medium Guitar Pick: Made from high-quality Delrin, these picks offer a warm tone with good volume. Their ergonomic design makes them comfortable to wear.
- Golden Gate GP-7 Pearl Thumb Picks: These picks offer a vintage look with their pearl design. They’re made from high-quality celluloid, which offers a warm, rich tone.
- Jim Dunlop 14FD Flat Thumbpick: This pick is made from high-quality plastic and features a comfortable, flat shape. It provides a warm, smooth tone.
Banjo Go or No Go?
The perfect banjo pick can significantly enhance your playing experience and sound. Given the wide range of picks available, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. However, by considering factors such as comfort, sound, durability, size, and the style of music you play, you can find the perfect picks to complement your banjo playing style. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just beginning your journey, the picks reviewed in this guide offer a great starting point to find your perfect fit.
Hey, fellow guitar mate! I’m Justin, I have been a professional guitarist since 2012. I have traveled the world playing on different stages alongside some of the best indie bands, at some of the biggest music festivals in the world. As a result, I’ve played lots of different guitar gear. Instead of keeping that knowledge to myself, I have set up this site to share my honest reviews of various guitar gear. But most notably, my love for guitar picks.