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→Material/Durability
== Material/Durability ==
Picks are made from a variety of materials. Most are plastic, but there are variants of the actual plastic used which contribute to their feel and durability. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_pick#Materials Wikipedia - Guitar Picks] for more info. Pick material will affect tone, feel, and durability.
Durability matters because those edges and tip shape you like will change as you use the pick. Eventually the pick edges may develop notches, which you have to file out to get a smooth pick stroke especially on the thinner strings. The tip may lose its point and turn into a big nub. Then your tone can get a bit dull.
For most occasions, this isn't such a big deal. Just throw the pick away and start on a fresh one. But depending on your playing style and how you set up your instrument, this may occur way too often. Plus it involves more overhead - you'd have to make sure you always have a cache of picks ready for a practice session or gig. Also, economics can come into play - you don't want to be burning through picks if they're expensive.
=== Metal ===
Some picks are made of metal. These are rigid - they have no "give" to them, similar to a rather thick plastic pick. They have a much brighter tone to them than a plastic pick. Try using a coin to pick the strings to get an idea of the tone.
The main thing here is the tone, but other considerations are also how they affect the strings causing them to wear more easily and concerns about scratching your guitar's finish.
=== Nylon ===
Nylon is a popular choice for picks - it is a very smooth material, allowing a very natural picking stroke, where the string gracefully slides off the pick edge and tip. The problem I've found is that they wear very fast. And in the case of thinner picks, while initially flexible eventually they can actually crack and break.
=== Tortex/Delrin ===
Tortex is a material made by [http://www.jimdunlop.com/products/guitar-picks Dunlop] designed to replicate tortoise shell (see below). It is actually (I believe) Delrin, a particular kind of plastic. It promotes low friction and high durability.
I have tried quite a few Tortex picks and never really liked them particularly. They felt a little chaulky and felt like they slipped in my hand a little.
=== Ultex/Ultem ===
This is what the JP Jazz III picks are made from. It is a very hard plastic, but they seem to be easier to mold than the Tortex/Delrin ones. I've noticed Ultex picks have a wider variety of surfaces (for grip) and can be rounded across the whole body, whereas the Tortex are generally completely flat with no surfacing.
It is not indestructible - I find they wear faster than I'd like to be honest. However, they definitely last longer than the nylon ones, have a good grip, come in the size/shape I like, and are relatively cheap.
=== Acrylic ===
I believe [http://v-picks.com V-Picks] is the biggest manufacturer of these kind of picks. I haven't tried them myself, but they claim to be smoother and more durable than the types above. Plus they can be made clear or other unique designs. They aren't terribly expensive compared to the options below, but do cost more than your usual plastic picks. Definitely worth checking out.
=== Tortoise Shell ===
[http://www.redbeartrading.com/ Red Bear] actually produces picks that they claim is the same material as tortoise shell, but without harming any animals in the process (actual tortoise shell harvesting is illegal). I haven't tried one of these - they are a bit price prohibitive, being around $30 per pick. Many players swear by them. I can only assume they are similar to the gemstone option below - fairly indestructable and very smooth.
=== Gemstone ===
I have an original Star Pick, which is made of some rare-Earth gemstone. It is ultra smooth and durable. The problem is that I only have one and am not sure if it could ever be replaced. If you are able to find one of these, I definitely recommend them. Just be sure to check reviews and make sure you are getting something actually made of real gemstone and that the durability and smoothness is up to snuff. They will not be cheap.
== Grip ==
== Special Picks ==