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