Continuing to Evolve! 3 Guitar Picks That Expand Your Tone-Making Horizons

Hello!
I’m Takuto Fujioka, also known as the guitarist specialist chiropractor.

Guitar picks are an essential companion for guitarists—it’s not an exaggeration to say they’re indispensable.
With so many options available, such as thickness, material, size, and shape, many players are very particular about their choices.
Since the guitar is a stringed instrument, changing the part that touches the strings can significantly alter the tone. Honestly, I never gave much thought to this before, but a single guitar pick can drastically change not only the tone but also the nuances. Just as we carefully choose effects pedals and amps, I think it’s worth considering the role of picks in tone creation.

Today, I’ll introduce three picks that I personally found interesting and think you should try out. I’ll be reviewing them with my own biases, passion, and love, so let’s get started!

1．Something You’ve Never Seen Before: A Pick You Attach to Your Index Finger!

We’re starting off with a unique pick. You’re probably familiar with thumb picks, but have you ever seen a pick that attaches to your index finger? Here it is:

It’s the VPS Series pick from Master 8 Japan.

Master 8 Japan / VPS-L

The series comes in M and L sizes, and I ordered the L size (even L felt tight, so M might be better suited for those with smaller hands).

At first glance, it looks similar to a thumb pick, but its shape is slightly different, so it doesn’t fit on your thumb.
Without the hint that it’s meant for your index finger, you might not even know how to wear it. I also struggled a bit but eventually figured it out.

The correct way to wear it is likely as follows (apologies if I’m wrong):

Make sure the side with the logo faces you, and insert it onto your index finger so that the tip of the pick points outward. This allows it to fit snugly on the pad of your index finger.

When you bend your finger and grip the pick, it falls into a perfect picking position.
With a thickness of about 1 mm, this pick creates a relatively sharp, clear sound due to the material.
This pick’s biggest feature is that you can seamlessly switch between pick playing, fingerpicking, and slap techniques. While wearing the pick, your fingertip remains exposed, so you can fingerpick without having to hide the pick in your palm. Plus, since your thumb is free, you can slap while still holding the pick—something that’s impossible with a thumb pick. This pick is ideal for players who incorporate advanced techniques like arpeggios, tapping, and slapping.

It may require some practice to master, but this pick opens up performance possibilities that you can’t achieve with any other pick. It’s recommended for players looking for new ideas and inspiration. All in all, the idea of wearing a pick on your index finger is an interesting concept that feels fresh.

2．A Stylish, Non-Slip Pick!

The second pick is another from Master 8 Japan: the INFINIX HARD POLISH pick.

Master 8 Japan / INFINIX HARD POLISH TRIANGLE - 0.8mm [IFHPR-TR080]

This pick uses a unique material called INFINIX, which feels hard yet flexible—an unusual texture.

Another standout feature is the non-slip design on both sides. What looks like a stylish pattern is actually a raised surface, providing just the right amount of grip without being too sticky. The design is slightly different on each side: the green pattern is placed slightly higher, while the white pattern is more centered. When I realized that these patterns were perfectly positioned for the thumb and index finger to hold the pick, I was thoroughly impressed. I thought to myself, “The team behind this design must be incredibly thoughtful... and the guys in the team are probably popular.” I aspire to be as thoughtful as this pick design!

One concern, however, is durability. Some reviews mention that it breaks easily. Given the price, it can be disappointing if it snaps too soon. Like the VPS Series, I think the picks from Master 8 Japan are geared toward players who prefer precise picking and clear sound separation. They might not be the best for strumming hard chords but are perfect for those wanting to clearly articulate complex chord voicings.

3．My Top Pick for Expanding Your Tone-Making Options!

Lastly, I’d like to introduce the pick that taught me the potential of tone creation through picks:
The Jim Dunlop Primetone Sculpted Plectra.

Jim Dunlop / Primetone Sculpted Plectra Triangle 1.4mm

Among the picks I’ve introduced, this one is the most expensive, but still a fraction of the cost of a pedal. Considering how much it can improve both your tone and playability, it’s well worth the investment.

The pick is quite thick and made of a hard material, making a high-pitched sound when dropped.
Its thickness also provides excellent grip, but what I want to highlight is the fantastic tone when you pick a note. It truly delivers a ‘prime tone.’
To compare it to an effect pedal, it feels as if you’re applying a compressor or booster, enhancing both the volume and fullness of the sound.
There are two types of materials: ‘Smooth’, which offers a milder tone, and ‘Grip’, which has a sharper, brighter tone. You can switch between them depending on the guitar you’re playing or the genre of music. I use Smooth for electric guitar and Grip for acoustic guitar.
Compared to the Master 8 Japan picks, this one is thicker and sturdier, so while it’s harder to express nuances, each note carries significant weight, resulting in a confident, powerful sound. It’s versatile for any playing style, from chords to arpeggios.
You’ll have to try it yourself to fully understand its appeal, so I’ll leave it at that. I prefer to recommend things subtly. But this is my personal No. 1 pick.

What do you think?
Sound House offers a wide selection of guitar picks, so the next time you place an order, why not throw in a pick you wouldn’t usually choose? You might stumble upon something that surprises you!
See you soon!

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