The guitar is one of the most iconic instruments in the world. These days, it’s not hard to find a playable guitar, but it can be challenging to find a decent pick. This can be frustrating if you’re looking for a good one and don’t know where to start. You would never want your instrument to break when you’re playing either. Do wood guitar picks work? This is a question many people wonder about. Here, we will discuss how to make a wooden Guitar pick.
Making a wooden guitar pick:
1. Find a Wood Blank
First, you will need a block of wood. It is recommended to use a piece of hardwood, like rosewood or mahogany. You can also use maple or cherry, but we will be using the woodblock for this example. Cut it into pieces with the length you want your pick to be. For instance, if you’re going to make your pick 4 inches long, cut it into two pieces so that each piece is 2 inches long. It’s essential to make sure that the two pieces are from the same tree because they will be used as such. This will ensure that they’re the same size. After that, you can cut off the bark on the woodblock.
2. Draw the Pick’s Shape
After you have your woodblock, you can start drawing the pick’s shape on the wood. You can use a pencil, pen, or a knife to draw the shape that you want on your pick. With this, you will be able to see the outline of your pick in case you make any mistakes. The shape you choose will depend on the type of music you’re going to play as well. For instance, if you’re playing country or rock, you will have to draw a “C” on your pick. If you’re playing jazz or blues, it’s best to use a “G” for your pick. The shape must be accurate because this is what determines the tone of your guitar, and if it’s not accurate, then there’s no point in making it at all. This is why it is essential to draw your shape on the wood to know exactly how your pick will look.
3. Sand the Wood Block
After you have your pick’s shape drawn on the wood, it is time to sand it. This will ensure that the wood is smooth and free of imperfections. You can use sandpaper to do this. The thing about sanding is that you have to be careful not to damage the wood because this can affect the sound quality of your pick and make them sound rough. This is why you need to use a sharp blade, and not a blunt one, or else it might damage some of the grain in your wood. Make sure that you’re only sanding on one side of the block because if you’re going to sand both sides, your pick will be uneven in size when finished, which can affect its tone.
4. Cut the Pick’s Shape
After you’re done sanding, it is time to cut the shape of your pick. If you’re using a knife, make sure that the blade is sharp, and then start cutting the block of wood into smaller pieces. If you’re using a saw, make sure that it’s sharp, and then begin cutting the block into smaller pieces so that you can make your pick. This will ensure that there are no imperfections in your pick and make it as accurate as possible. You can also use a jigsaw or a coping saw if you don’t have a knife or if you want to cut your wood into different sizes. When cutting your wood, you keep in mind the shape you want to make and not the shape of your pick.
5. Lightly Finish the Edges
After you have your pick cut, it is time to sand the edges lightly. This will ensure that the edges are smooth and free of imperfections. You can use sandpaper for this or a fine file. If you’re using sandpaper, make sure that it’s fine enough so that there’s no damage done to the wood and ensure that there are no rough edges left behind. If you’re using a file, make sure that it’s sharp, and then start filing the edges of your pick until they’re smooth. This helps make the pick’s edge more smooth, and it doesn’t have any rough edges left.
6. Bevel the Pick
After you have your pick sanded, it is time to bevel the edges. This will ensure that you have a sharp angle on the edges of your pick and that they’re smooth because this will help make your pick sound better. It also ensures that there are no rough edges left because this can affect the tone of your pick. The thing about beveling is that you need to use a high-quality piece of wood, so it’s easier for you to achieve the angle you want. You can use a jigsaw if you don’t have any other way to do so or if you’re going to make multiple picks at once. Make sure that when beveling, you keep in mind the shape of your pick and the angle you want on your pick.
7. Clean Up the Edges
After you have your beveled pick, it is time to clean up the edges. This helps to make sure that there are no imperfections in the pick and also helps to ensure that it’s smooth. You can use a rinseless cleaner if you don’t want to use water or if you want to make multiple picks at once. You can also use a piece of sandpaper for this as well. Make sure that when rinsing, you keep in mind the direction of your pick and ensure that there are no rough edges left behind because this can affect the sound of your pick.
Using Your New Wooden guitar pick
If you want some more info or another perspective, here’s a video walking your through making a wooding guitar pick:
You need to be knowledgeable on how to make a wooden guitar pick to have a successful and good-sounding guitar. It’s a great feeling when you’re able to make your picks and also feels rewarding because it shows that you’re capable of doing so. You can start by making one pick first and then gradually making more as you get better at it. Make sure that you follow the steps above to have a successful pick-making process and understand how do wood guitar picks work.
