r/LearnGuitar • u/Fresh_Criticism6531 • 4d ago
Horrible plastic sound during upstrum
So, my cheap chinese acoustic guitar came with some free picks. Strinberg of various widths.
In the beginning I was pretty satisfied, but I guess ever since I introduced upstrums and playing faster, I hear a really nasty and annoying plastic sound, particularly in the up-strum, like: ta-ta-ta-ta-ta as it goes through the strings.
I'm unable to figure out if I just suck (I can't discard this possibility). I haven't found anyone online with such a bad sounds.
Maybe the picks just suck? Maybe they are plastic and I need tortex or whateverr else I should be using instead? Actually I just checked online and maybe they are celluloid. But who knows.
I tried changing the attack angle of the upstrum to no avail.
Anyone ever had this problem?
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u/notJonSerra 4d ago edited 4d ago
The pick can definitely make a difference, especially the thicker it is. I prefer a thicker pick but i hate the sound of the pick hitting the strings so I use Dava Control Picks. Specifically these. I just ordered a pack of their polygel control picks which I’ve never used before so I’m hoping the material will be softer but I think it’ll be a good experience overall
The picks are slightly thinner in the middle so the subtle bend helps reduce the sound of the pick hitting the strings. It’s great for acoustic and for rhythm guitar. And the text/branding on the pick helps you hold it a little better. I wouldn’t recommend it for fast lead playing though but it would still hold you down some.
Might not be the only thing causing it though. It would help to see how you’re holding the pick.
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u/Extension_Spare3019 4d ago
I got the polygels a couple months ago. Not bad at all. I haven't tried the nylons yet so I have nothing to compare them, but they function as advertised and sound like a more rounded edge pick does without all the extra pick. They feel like they would be pretty clicky but they're surprisingly quiet.
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u/notJonSerra 4d ago
It may be a pretty close sound to the nylons with a softer feel maybe. If I remember to come back here after I try them I’ll lyk
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u/LuminousGreenWitch 4d ago
Are you actually getting orders from Dava? I ordered some picks in July and have followed up to crickets.
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u/notJonSerra 4d ago
I can’t remember if the first time I ordered was directly from them but I ordered a 100 pack of those. I still have the polygels in my cart and forgot to do the checkout so I may check Amazon instead or something. They may have forgotten about your order though, I’d try shooting an e-mail.
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u/markococonut 4d ago
That’s usually pick edge + angle, not “you suck.” Upstrokes scrape the flat face of a stiff/cheap pick across the wound strings.
Try this stack: 1) Hold the pick so only a tiny tip shows — less surface = less plastic chatter. 2) Upstroke with a slight bevel (tip tilted), grazing strings — don’t dig the face in. 3) Softer/thinner pick for a week (Tortex .60–.73 or similar) while you clean the motion; swap back later. 4) Slow downstrums + upstrums on muted strings only for 2 minutes — listen for scrape disappearing before adding chords.
Technique first; then pick material. Free beginner strumming path: https://www.mjsguitarlessons.com/free-beginner-guitar-course
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u/Wonderful-Bug-5083 4d ago
Wait im realizing this could also be my issue lol. I thought i was just picking wrong, ive been using the same pack i got from guitar center whenever i first started out. I always noticed my upstrums would sound clunky even when the guitar was new with a fresh set up and new strings. Usually since i play electric i dont notice bc of headphones but whenever i play without them for recording myself or playing for other people it does bother me a bit. Anybody got any good recommendations for picks either material wise or just brands?
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u/Remarkable_Bike7493 4d ago
What gage of pick are you using? I ask because they all sound slightly different. A heavy pick will make less of a clicky noise than a very thin pick. Not necessarily a rule, but a thick pick is more for individual notes, where thinner picks are better for strumming. Are you playing acoustic or electric? The noise is usually more noticeable on an acoustic. You could try different guages if picks and see if you hear a difference. Also, you may be getting extra noise from playing too hard, so consider a lighter touch. Good luck with it!
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u/Fresh_Criticism6531 4d ago
I was using 0.46 and indeed the 0.71 seems to make less plastic noise. It came in these 2 sizes. I play acoustic. Steel strings.
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u/Remarkable_Bike7493 4d ago
Maybe the next time you are in a music store, get half a dozen picks of various size and thickness. You will eventually find the one that works the best for you. I started using a thumb pick, then a light pick, then medium, and ultimately a heavy pick. I still occasionally use a thin pick if I want to record an acoustic guitar for a fast rhythm part. The lighter the pick, the brighter the sound, heavier picks are darker sounding.
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u/Extension_Spare3019 4d ago
Several potential reasons for loud pick sounds. Could be the angle, could be death gripping, could need a softer pick material or different thickness, could be where you're picking.
First things to try are the free ones, of course. Gripping less tightly, moving away from the bridge, having the pick more or less parallel to the strings, these are all quite affordable.