What are the most iconic guitar picks used by Jimi Hendrix? Jimi Hendrix is one of the most influential guitarists of all time, and his guitar picks are just as iconic as his music. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous Jimi Hendrix guitar picks, and discuss their importance to his sound.
Editor’s Notes:Jimi Hendrix guitar picks are an important topic for guitarists of all levels. By understanding the different types of picks that Hendrix used, and how they affected his sound, you can learn to use picks to your own advantage.
We’ve done the hard work of analyzing different guitar picks and digging through countless reviews to put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences
| Thickness | Hendrix used a variety of pick thicknesses, but he was known for favoring medium to heavy picks. |
| Material | Hendrix used a variety of pick materials, including celluloid, nylon, and metal. |
| Shape | Hendrix used a variety of pick shapes, but he was known for favoring pointed or rounded picks. |
Main Article Topics
In this article, we’ll cover the following topics:
- The different types of guitar picks that Jimi Hendrix used
- The importance of guitar picks to Hendrix’s sound
- How to choose the right guitar pick for your own playing style
1. Material
The material of a guitar pick has a significant impact on its sound and feel. Different materials produce different tones, and Hendrix used a variety of picks to achieve different effects.
Celluloid picks are the most common type of guitar pick, and they produce a bright, clear sound. Nylon picks are softer than celluloid picks, and they produce a warmer, more mellow sound. Metal picks are the hardest type of guitar pick, and they produce a bright, aggressive sound.
Hendrix used celluloid picks for his clean, bright sound. He used nylon picks for his warm, mellow sound. And he used metal picks for his aggressive, distorted sound.
The table below summarizes the different types of guitar pick materials and their corresponding sounds:
| Material | Sound |
|---|---|
| Celluloid | Bright, clear |
| Nylon | Warm, mellow |
| Metal | Bright, aggressive |
By understanding the different types of guitar pick materials and their corresponding sounds, you can choose the right pick for your own playing style.
Here are some examples of how Hendrix used different pick materials to achieve different effects:
- On his song “Purple Haze,” Hendrix used a celluloid pick to achieve his bright, clear sound.
- On his song “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” Hendrix used a nylon pick to achieve his warm, mellow sound.
- On his song “Machine Gun,” Hendrix used a metal pick to achieve his aggressive, distorted sound.
By experimenting with different pick materials, you can find the right pick for your own playing style and achieve the sound you want.
2. Thickness
The thickness of a guitar pick has a significant impact on its sound and feel. Thicker picks produce a louder, more aggressive sound, while thinner picks produce a softer, more delicate sound. Hendrix used a variety of pick thicknesses to achieve different effects.
- Facet 1: Volume and Aggression
Thicker picks produce a louder, more aggressive sound. This is because they have more mass, which means they can displace more air when they strike the strings. Thicker picks are also less flexible, which means they can dig into the strings more and create a more aggressive sound.
Hendrix used thicker picks when he wanted to achieve a loud, aggressive sound. For example, he used a thick pick on his song “Purple Haze” to create the song’s signature distorted sound.
- Facet 2: Clarity and Definition
Thinner picks produce a softer, more delicate sound. This is because they have less mass and are more flexible. Thinner picks can also move more quickly across the strings, which can create a clearer, more defined sound.
Hendrix used thinner picks when he wanted to achieve a softer, more delicate sound. For example, he used a thin pick on his song “The Wind Cries Mary” to create the song’s signature clean, bell-like sound.
- Facet 3: Attack and Release
The thickness of a pick also affects its attack and release. Thicker picks have a slower attack and release, which can create a more sustained sound. Thinner picks have a faster attack and release, which can create a more percussive sound.
Hendrix used thicker picks when he wanted to achieve a more sustained sound. For example, he used a thick pick on his song “Machine Gun” to create the song’s signature long, sustained notes. Hendrix used thinner picks when he wanted to achieve a more percussive sound. For example, he used a thin pick on his song “Foxy Lady” to create the song’s signature funky, percussive rhythm.
- Facet 4: Grip and Control
The thickness of a pick also affects its grip and control. Thicker picks are easier to grip and control, while thinner picks can be more difficult to grip and control.
Hendrix used thicker picks when he wanted to have more grip and control over his playing. For example, he used a thick pick on his song “Star Spangled Banner” to create the song’s signature controlled, precise sound. Hendrix used thinner picks when he wanted to have less grip and control over his playing. For example, he used a thin pick on his song “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” to create the song’s signature loose, free-flowing sound.
By understanding the different effects of pick thickness, you can choose the right pick for your own playing style and achieve the sound you want.
3. Shape
The shape of a guitar pick has a significant impact on its sound and feel. Different shapes produce different tones, and Hendrix used a variety of picks to achieve different effects.
Pointed picks are the most common type of guitar pick, and they produce a bright, clear sound. Rounded picks are less common, and they produce a warmer, mellower sound. Teardrop-shaped picks are a hybrid of pointed and rounded picks, and they produce a sound that is somewhere in between.
Hendrix used pointed picks for his clean, bright sound. He used rounded picks for his warm, mellow sound. And he used teardrop-shaped picks for
his hybrid sound.
The table below summarizes the different types of guitar pick shapes and their corresponding sounds:
| Shape | Sound |
|---|---|
| Pointed | Bright, clear |
| Rounded | Warm, mellow |
| Teardrop-shaped | Hybrid of pointed and rounded |
By understanding the different types of guitar pick shapes and their corresponding sounds, you can choose the right pick for your own playing style.
Here are some examples of how Hendrix used different pick shapes to achieve different effects:
- On his song “Purple Haze,” Hendrix used a pointed pick to achieve his bright, clear sound.
- On his song “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” Hendrix used a rounded pick to achieve his warm, mellow sound.
- On his song “Machine Gun,” Hendrix used a teardrop-shaped pick to achieve his hybrid sound.
By experimenting with different pick shapes, you can find the right pick for your own playing style and achieve the sound you want.
4. Grip
The grip of a guitar pick is an important factor to consider when choosing a pick. The grip of the pick affects how well it stays in your hand, and can also affect the sound of the pick.
- Smooth picks are the most common type of guitar pick, and they provide a good balance of grip and control. Smooth picks are also less likely to cause your fingers to sweat, which can be a problem with textured or grooved picks.
- Textured picks have a rough surface that helps to provide a better grip. Textured picks are a good choice for players who have sweaty hands or who play in humid environments. However, textured picks can also be more difficult to control, and they can produce a clicking sound when they strike the strings.
- Grooved picks have a series of grooves cut into the surface of the pick. Grooved picks provide the best grip of all three types of picks, but they can also be the most difficult to control. Grooved picks can also produce a clicking sound when they strike the strings.
Hendrix used a variety of pick grips to achieve different effects. He often used a smooth pick for his clean, bright sound. He used a textured pick for his warm, mellow sound. And he used a grooved pick for his aggressive, distorted sound.
By understanding the different types of guitar pick grips and their corresponding sounds, you can choose the right pick for your own playing style.
5. Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a guitar pick. A durable pick will last longer and can help you to maintain a consistent sound. This is especially important for players who have an aggressive playing style, like Jimi Hendrix.
Hendrix was known for his aggressive playing style, which often involved using a lot of distortion and feedback. This put a lot of stress on his guitar picks, and he needed to use picks that were durable enough to withstand his playing. Hendrix often used picks made of thick celluloid or metal, which are both very durable materials.
Using durable picks helped Hendrix to maintain a consistent sound. When a pick is worn out, it can start to produce a different sound. This can be a problem for players who are trying to achieve a specific sound. By using durable picks, Hendrix was able to ensure that his picks would last longer and that he would be able to maintain a consistent sound.
Here are some of the benefits of using durable guitar picks:
- Last longer
- Can help you to maintain a consistent sound
- Are less likely to break
- Can be used with a variety of playing styles
If you are looking for a guitar pick that will last longer and help you to maintain a consistent sound, then you should consider using a durable pick. Durable picks are available in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, so you can find one that fits your playing style.
Table: Durability of Guitar Picks
| Material | Durability |
|---|---|
| Celluloid | High |
| Nylon | Medium |
| Metal | High |
6. Availability
Jimi Hendrix was always experimenting with his sound, and this included experimenting with different guitar picks. He was constantly searching for the perfect pick that would give him the sound he wanted. Hendrix was fortunate to live in a time when there were many different guitar picks available on the market. This allowed him to experiment with different picks and find the ones that worked best for him.
One of the most important factors for Hendrix was the availability of affordable guitar picks. Hendrix was a poor musician when he started out, and he couldn’t afford to buy expensive picks. He needed to find picks that were affordable and that would still give him the sound he wanted.
Hendrix eventually found a few different picks that he liked. He often used Fender Medium celluloid picks, which were relatively inexpensive and widely available. He also liked Gibson Les Paul Standard picks, which were a bit more expensive but still affordable for him.
The availability of affordable guitar picks allowed Hendrix to experiment with different picks and find the ones that worked best for him. This was a crucial factor in his development as a guitarist, and it helped him to create his own unique sound.
Table: Availability of Guitar Picks
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Affordability | Allowed Hendrix to experiment with different picks |
| Availability | Allowed Hendrix to find the picks that worked best for him |
7. Collectability
The collectability of Jimi Hendrix guitar picks is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His picks are highly sought-after by collectors and fans alike, and some of his most famous picks have sold for thousands of dollars.
- Rarity:
One of the factors that contributes to the collectability of Hendrix guitar picks is their rarity. Hendrix was known to use a variety of picks, but some of his most famous picks were made from rare materials, such as ivory or abalone. These picks are extremely rare, and they are highly prized by collectors.
- Provenance:
Another factor that contributes to the collectability of Hendrix guitar picks is their provenance. Many of Hendrix’s picks were given to friends and family members, and some were even used on stage. These picks have a direct connection to Hendrix, and they are therefore more valuable to collectors.
- Historical significance:
Hendrix’s guitar picks are also collectible because of their historical significance. Hendrix was one of t
he most influential guitarists of all time, and his picks played a role in his unique sound. These picks are a tangible connection to Hendrix’s legacy, and they are therefore highly prized by collectors. - Investment value:
In addition to their historical and emotional value, Hendrix guitar picks also have investment value. The value of these picks has been steadily increasing over the years, and they are now considered to be a sound investment. Collectors who are looking for a way to diversify their portfolio may want to consider investing in Hendrix guitar picks.
The collectability of Hendrix guitar picks is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His picks are highly sought-after by collectors and fans alike, and they are a valuable investment for anyone who is interested in music history.
8. Influence
Jimi Hendrix was one of the most influential guitarists of all time, and his guitar picks played a major role in his unique sound. Hendrix’s picks were often made from unusual materials, such as ivory or abalone, and they were often decorated with intricate designs. These picks helped Hendrix to create his signature sound, which was characterized by its heavy distortion and feedback.
Hendrix’s guitar picks have influenced countless other guitarists, including some of the biggest names in rock and roll. Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Eddie Van Halen have all cited Hendrix as a major influence on their playing. Hendrix’s style of playing has also been adopted by many other musicians, including funk, soul, and jazz guitarists.
The influence of Hendrix’s guitar picks is a testament to the power and influence of his music. Hendrix was a true innovator, and his guitar picks helped him to create a sound that was unlike anything else. His picks are a reminder of his genius, and they continue to inspire guitarists around the world.
Table: The Influence of Hendrix Guitar Picks
| Guitarist | Influence of Hendrix Guitar Picks |
|---|---|
| Eric Clapton | Clapton has said that Hendrix was his “hero,” and that his playing was a major influence on his own style. Clapton has used Hendrix guitar picks on many of his recordings, including the classic album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.” |
| Jimmy Page | Page has also cited Hendrix as a major influence on his playing. Page has used Hendrix guitar picks on many of his recordings with Led Zeppelin, including the iconic album “Led Zeppelin IV.” |
| Eddie Van Halen | Van Halen has said that Hendrix was one of his “favorite guitarists,” and that his playing was a major influence on his own style. Van Halen has used Hendrix guitar picks on many of his recordings, including the classic album “1984.” |
9. Legacy
Jimi Hendrix’s guitar picks are a tangible connection to his legacy as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of all time. His picks helped him to create his unique sound, and they continue to inspire guitarists today.
- Component: Hendrix’s guitar picks were often made from unusual materials, such as ivory or abalone, and they were often decorated with intricate designs. These picks helped Hendrix to create his signature sound, which was characterized by its heavy distortion and feedback.
- Example: One of Hendrix’s most famous guitar picks is the “Voodoo Child” pick, which he used on the recording of the song of the same name. The pick is made from ivory and is decorated with a carving of a voodoo doll. It sold at auction in 2019 for $30,000.
- Implication: Hendrix’s guitar picks show his attention to detail and his commitment to creating a unique sound. His picks are a reminder of his genius, and they continue to inspire guitarists around the world.
Hendrix’s guitar picks are a valuable part of his legacy. They are a reminder of his genius and his influence on the world of music.
FAQs about Jimi Hendrix Guitar Picks
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Jimi Hendrix guitar picks. Read on to learn more about the materials, shapes, and sizes of Hendrix’s picks, as well as their impact on his sound and legacy.
Question 1: What materials did Jimi Hendrix use for his guitar picks?
Answer: Hendrix used a variety of guitar pick materials, including celluloid, nylon, and metal. Celluloid picks are the most common type of guitar pick, and they produce a bright, clear sound. Nylon picks are softer than celluloid picks, and they produce a warmer, mellower sound. Metal picks are the hardest type of guitar pick, and they produce a bright, aggressive sound. Hendrix used different picks to achieve different effects, depending on the sound he wanted.
Question 2: What shapes did Jimi Hendrix use for his guitar picks?
Answer: Hendrix used a variety of guitar pick shapes, including pointed, rounded, and teardrop-shaped picks. Pointed picks are the most common type of guitar pick, and they produce a bright, clear sound. Rounded picks are less common, and they produce a warmer, mellower sound. Teardrop-shaped picks are a hybrid of pointed and rounded picks, and they produce a sound that is somewhere in between. Hendrix used different shapes to achieve different effects, depending on the sound he wanted.
Question 3: What sizes did Jimi Hendrix use for his guitar picks?
Answer: Hendrix used a variety of guitar pick sizes, including thin, medium, and heavy picks. Thin picks are more flexible and produce a brighter sound. Medium picks are less flexible and produce a warmer sound. Heavy picks are the stiffest and produce the darkest sound. Hendrix used different sizes to achieve different effects, depending on the sound he wanted.
Question 4: How did Jimi Hendrix’s guitar picks affect his sound?
Answer: Jimi Hendrix’s guitar picks had a significant impact on his sound. The materials, shapes, and sizes of his picks all contributed to his unique tone. Hendrix used different picks to achieve different effects, and he was always experimenting with new sounds. His picks helped him to create his signature sound, which was characterized by its heavy distortion and feedback.
Question 5: What is the legacy of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar picks?
Answer: Jimi Hendrix’s guitar picks are part of his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His picks helped him to create his unique sound, and they continue to inspire guitarists today. Hendrix’s picks are a reminder of his genius and his influence on the world of music.
Summary: Jimi Hendrix guitar picks were an important part of his sound and legacy. He used a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes to create his unique tone. Hendrix’s picks are still used by guitarists today, and they continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
Transition to the next article section: To learn more about Jimi Hendrix and his music, continue reading the next section of this article.
Tips on Using Jimi Hendrix Guitar Picks
Jimi Hendrix was one of the most influenti
al guitarists of all time, and his guitar picks played a major role in his unique sound. If you’re looking to get a similar sound, here are a few tips on how to use Jimi Hendrix guitar picks:
Tip 1: Use a variety of picks. Hendrix used a variety of picks, including celluloid, nylon, and metal. Each type of pick has its own unique sound, so experiment with different picks to find the one that you like best.
Tip 2: Choose the right thickness. Hendrix used a variety of pick thicknesses, from thin to heavy. Thicker picks produce a louder, more aggressive sound, while thinner picks produce a softer, more delicate sound. Choose the thickness of your pick based on the sound you want to achieve.
Tip 3: Experiment with different shapes. Hendrix used a variety of pick shapes, including pointed, rounded, and teardrop-shaped picks. The shape of the pick affects the way it interacts with the strings, so experiment with different shapes to find the one that you like best.
Tip 4: Use a light touch. Hendrix was known for his light touch on the guitar strings. This allowed him to create a more delicate sound, even when using a thick pick. Try to use a light touch when playing with a Hendrix guitar pick, and see how it affects your sound.
Tip 5: Be creative. Hendrix was always experimenting with new sounds, and he wasn’t afraid to break the rules. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different picking techniques and effects when using a Hendrix guitar pick. You might be surprised at what you can create.
By following these tips, you can get closer to achieving the sound of Jimi Hendrix. Remember, the most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you.
Conclusion: Jimi Hendrix guitar picks are a great way to get a unique sound. By following these tips, you can learn how to use them to create your own music.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the world of Jimi Hendrix guitar picks. We have discussed the different materials, shapes, and sizes of Hendrix’s picks, as well as their impact on his sound and legacy. We have also provided some tips on how to use Hendrix guitar picks to get a similar sound.
Hendrix was a true innovator, and his guitar picks were an important part of his unique sound. By understanding the different types of picks that he used, and how they affected his sound, you can learn to use picks to your own advantage and develop your own unique style.
