Playing the guitar can be a fun hobby. There are so many accessories that you can use that it may overwhelm you with how to store any of them, especially if it’s an accessory that you use quite often like a guitar pick.
Guitar picks are pretty small in size in comparison with other guitar accessories so you might find yourself losing picks quite easily. Luckily, storing your guitar picks is really quite simple and inexpensive.
In this article, we explain the best way to store your guitar picks, and what you can use in a pinch if you can’t find your pick.
We also recommend some convenient ways to have extra picks handy while you’re in the middle of a jam session, just in case your guitar pick goes flying out of your grasp.
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Is It Okay to Store a Guitar Pick in Guitar Strings?
Many guitar players who play on a regular basis may tend to store their guitar pick in between the strings on their guitar. But is this okay to do?
Luckily, the answer is yes. This should be just fine since the strings on most guitars are made out of metal, and picks are usually made from bone, plastic, and nylon materials.
Some picks are even made from glass, wood, and metal. Simply put, guitar picks are pretty durable, depending on the thickness.
However, storing a guitar pick within the strings of your guitar is not recommended as a long-term solution. Doing so could bend or warp the guitar pick, making it much harder to use.
Where to Keep Guitar Picks While Playing
While you’re playing your guitar, it’s easier to keep spare picks closer to you with the use of a pick holder. Pick holders come in a variety of types.
One type of pick holder attaches directly to your guitar. This might be the most convenient one of them all.
There are also other pick holders that attach to a microphone stand. This is perfect for when you are performing on stage, especially if you do any type of vocals.
Some pick holders are even made as part of a keychain, making it convenient to put on a necklace and hold around your neck for easy access while you’re playing.
Regardless of the type of pick holder you choose, the picks should be able to slide out quickly and smoothly at a moment’s notice without them being too loose in the holder.
Last update on 2024-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Storage Container For Guitar Picks
When it comes to more long-term storage of picks, you’re really only limited by your creativity. Pretty much any small to medium size container will work for long-term pick storage.
For example, I use a small fishing tackle divider that’s divided into 3 separate compartments. I store my picks with like sizes, such as light, medium, and heavy thicknesses.
I’ve also decorated my pick container with stickers from some of my favorite bands and guitar companies.
You can also buy a container that has been specially made for storing guitar picks on a long-term basis.
Some of these containers even have an area to store other smaller guitar accessories. This makes it even handier to keep all your smaller guitar gear together so you don’t lose it.
- Guitar Pick Case: Designed for Fender, ChromaCast, D'Addario, JIM DUNLOP, Bolopick, UNLP MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, Haneye, and CC CAIHONG picks (0.46mm, 0.71mm, 0.96mm).
- Large Capacity: With dimensions of 5.5 inches x 4.5 inches x 2 inches, this storage case can hold more than 50 picks. It offers enough space for all your picks, strings, and capo, keeping your guitar accessories well-organized and protected.
- Durable Guitar Picks Holder: Crafted from hard leather, this holder provides excellent waterproof and shock resistance. Its soft inner foam cut ensures a snug, stable fit for your picks, offering effective protection against scratches and dust.
- Easy to Use: Its smooth, strong zipper allows for easy opening and closing, and convenient access to the case. The mesh pocket can store additional small guitar accessories.
- Compact & Portable Carrying Picks Case: Complete with a durable hand strap, this case is super convenient for traveling. It's the perfect gift for friends and family.
Last update on 2024-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Do I Do If I Lost My Guitar Pick?
Have you ever been jamming on your guitar and all of a sudden your pick goes flying out of your fingers and lands somewhere in the abyss?
Well, hopefully, you have other picks close by so that you can continue with your jam session.
If you don’t have any other picks that you can grab, the good news is that there are some creative ways that you can utilize things around your home as a guitar pick so that you can continue playing.
The most convenient and fastest alternative to using an actual guitar pick would be a coin, preferably about the size of a nickel.
If you don’t keep any cash laying around, the list below might give you some ideas of other things you can use as a guitar pick. Keep in mind that you will likely have to cut these items down to size.
- An old credit or debit card
- Old Tupperware or other plastic lids
- A CD (compact disc)
- Strong cardboard
- The colored tag (bread clip) on a fresh loaf of bread
- Woodchips
The list could go on and on, really. It’s really up to the imagination with what you could use as a makeshift guitar pick. Though, it might be a great idea to stock up on guitar picks so you don’t have this issue.
Guitar picks are generally cheap and come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and colors. Make sure to keep some at home and in your gig bag or guitar case so you always have a pick handy.
How Long Do Guitar Picks Last?
The answer to how long your guitar picks should last will be dependent upon how often you play your guitar and how hard you are on the picks themselves.
If you play guitar on a regular basis, then your picks should last for a few weeks at a minimum. That is, of course, if you don’t lose the pick first.
If you play guitar heavily on a day-to-day basis, then your picks might not last as long, especially if you do any heavy strumming.
Since picks are normally inexpensive, it’s a good idea to buy an assortment of picks just to have around. This way you’ll never have to use a cut-up credit card as a surrogate guitar pick.
