Can You Use A Pick With Nylon Strings? Pros, Cons, and Best Picks

Guitarists wrestling with this question often hear conflicting advice. The simple answer: yes, you absolutely can use a pick with nylon strings, though it changes the sound, accelerates string wear, and defies classical tradition. The real question isn’t whether you can, but whether you should—and that depends entirely on your musical goals.

Understanding Nylon Strings and Their Design Philosophy

Nylon strings were engineered for fingerstyle playing, not plectrum attacks. Classical guitars featuring these strings possess shorter scale lengths and lower string tension compared to their steel-string cousins. This fundamental design creates a warm, mellow resonance that responds best to the soft flesh of fingertips.

The softest and least durable material among guitar string options, nylon wears faster than steel, nickel, brass, or bronze. While steel strings can endure roughly 100 playing hours or three months, nylon strings typically begin losing their structural integrity after 80 playing hours or two months.

The Anatomy of Classical Guitar Strings

The treble strings bear the brunt of pick-related damage. Their monofilament construction offers no protective layer, unlike the wound bass strings that feature silver or bronze wrapping around a nylon core.

What Happens When Pick Meets Nylon

Sound Transformation

Using a pick fundamentally alters the tonal character that nylon strings were designed to produce. The attack becomes sharper, brighter, and more percussive—moving away from the soft, rounded intimacy that fingerstyle technique delivers.

Classical guitarists and purists argue this defeats the instrument’s purpose. Yet jazz musicians, flamenco players, and experimental artists deliberately chase this altered voice.

Accelerated String Deterioration

Picks provoke additional friction on the string surface. This mechanical stress compounds the natural wear that occurs during playing. The result? Nylon strings played with picks need replacement sooner than those treated to fingerstyle technique.

Immediate damage isn’t the concern—strings won’t snap mid-song from a few pick strokes. Rather, the cumulative effect shortens overall string lifespan, particularly on those vulnerable treble strings.

The Pickguard Problem

Most classical guitars lack pickguards since they weren’t designed for plectrum use. Vigorous picking will gradually scratch and scuff the guitar’s finish around the soundhole. This cosmetic damage carries no sonic penalty but diminishes the instrument’s visual appeal over time.

Choosing the Right Pick for Nylon Strings

Not all picks assault nylon strings with equal aggression. Material composition, thickness, and shape dramatically influence both sound quality and string preservation.

Material Matters

Soft plastic plectrums work best with nylon strings. Preferred materials include:

• Nylon picks (the ironic choice that matches string softness)
• Delrin
• Celluloid
• Rubber variants

Avoid harder materials like metal or stone picks, which accelerate string deterioration and produce harsh, unmusical tones.

Thickness Selection Guide

Thin to medium picks (0.46mm to 0.73mm) produce the smoothest attack on nylon strings. These gauges complement the strings’ warm characteristics without overwhelming their natural resonance. Heavy picks above 1.0mm deliver greater control for intricate solos but risk sounding harsh.

Shape and Design Features

Rounded or beveled edges reduce drag as the pick glides across strings. Sharp, angular picks create more resistance and produce unwanted string noise during passages. The Dunlop Nylon Standard (0.73mm) remains the industry benchmark, favored for its versatility across playing styles.

Technique Adjustments for Pick-and-Nylon Success

Transitioning from steel to nylon strings—or from fingers to pick—demands deliberate technique modifications.

Grip and Pressure

Hold the pick with a firm but relaxed grip. Excessive tension translates into aggressive string attacks that dull the nylon’s natural resonance. Let only a small portion of the pick protrude from your fingers, maximizing precision while minimizing the striking surface.

Angle of Attack

The pick’s angle relative to the string governs tonal outcome. A flatter angle produces smoother, mellower sounds, while a steeper angle emphasizes brightness and attack. Experimentation reveals the sweet spot where pick technique honors rather than fights the nylon’s inherent warmth.

Use the beveled edge rather than the flat face when making contact. This reduces friction and produces cleaner articulation.

Motion Mechanics

For strumming:

• Employ wrist-driven motion instead of arm-driven swings
• Avoid heavy downstrokes that overpower the strings’ delicate voice
• Let the pick flow through the strings rather than muscling through them

For single-note picking:

• Practice alternate picking (down-up strokes) to build speed and consistency
• Focus on clean, precise contact to eliminate buzzing or muted notes
• Adjust pick thickness based on musical context—thinner for lyrical passages, thicker for pronounced articulation

When Pick Playing Makes Musical Sense

Classical guitar purists insist that fingerstyle technique defines the instrument. Legendary classical guitarist advice emphasizes fingers as the authentic approach to nylon strings. However, musical context sometimes demands the pick’s unique capabilities.

Genres That Welcome Picks on Nylon

• Jazz guitar: The pick’s attack suits bebop lines and chord melody approaches
• Flamenco: Certain rasgueado patterns and fast scales benefit from plectrum precision
• Folk and Latin styles: Where nylon strings serve non-classical purposes
• Experimental and fusion music: Artists crafting personal sonic signatures

Speed Advantages

Playing lots of notes fast becomes easier with a pick. While accomplished flamenco guitarists achieve blazing speeds fingerstyle, that mastery requires years of dedicated practice. A pick offers a shortcut for rapid single-note runs and alternate-picked scales.

When Fingers Remain Superior

Fingerstyle technique grants unmatched advantages for:

• Dynamic control: Subtle volume variations impossible with a uniform pick attack
• Simultaneous independent lines: Playing bass, harmony, and melody together
• Traditional classical repertoire: Music specifically composed for fingerstyle execution
• Arpeggios and complex patterns: The thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers operate independently

The warmer, softer, more intimate sound that defines nylon-string guitar emerges most fully through fingerstyle playing. Classical pieces lose their intended character when subjected to the pick’s sharper attack.

Addressing Common Concerns and Myths

“Will a Pick Instantly Damage My Nylon Strings?”

No. Immediate catastrophic damage doesn’t occur from picking nylon strings. Strings won’t snap during normal playing. The damage accumulates gradually through accelerated wear rather than sudden failure.

“Do I Need Special Nylon-String Picks?”

Not necessarily, though nylon picks offer ideal material compatibility. The key factors—softness, appropriate thickness, smooth edges—matter more than exotic specialty products. A standard Dunlop Nylon Standard or similar medium-gauge soft plastic pick performs excellently.

“Will My Guitar Be Ruined Without a Pickguard?”

The finish will show cosmetic wear over time, but the guitar’s structural integrity and sound quality remain unaffected. Think of these marks as honest wear from active playing rather than destructive damage. Many musicians embrace such patina as evidence of their instrument’s working life.

Maintaining String Longevity While Using Picks

Even when using picks on nylon strings, smart practices extend string life.

Replace strings proactively: Monitor for loss of intonation, dull tone, or visible fraying—particularly on treble strings. Don’t wait for strings to break.

Rotate playing techniques: Alternate between pick and fingerstyle playing to distribute wear patterns across different string sections.

Choose appropriate pick hardness: Start with thinner, softer picks and only graduate to heavier gauges if your musical demands genuinely require them.

Maintain proper humidity: Nylon strings lose tuning stability in humid environments more readily than steel. Store your guitar in controlled conditions to preserve string integrity.

Clean hands before playing: Oils and dirt accelerate string deterioration regardless of technique.

The Verdict: Permission Granted, With Awareness

You’re not committing a musical crime by using a pick on nylon strings. The technique works, produces usable sounds, and serves legitimate artistic purposes. However, understand the tradeoffs: faster string replacement, altered tonal character, and potential finish wear.

For classical repertoire and traditional playing, fingers remain the authentic choice. For jazz, experimental music, or hybrid styles, the pick becomes a valid tool. Your musical goals should dictate technique, not arbitrary rules.

Many accomplished players master both approaches, selecting the right tool for each musical moment. That versatility expands creative possibilities rather than limiting them.

Key Takeaways

• You can use picks with nylon strings, but expect faster wear and altered tone compared to fingerstyle technique
• Soft plastic picks between 0.46mm and 0.73mm work best, producing smoother attacks that complement nylon’s warmth
• Classical and traditional music sounds most authentic with fingerstyle, while jazz, flamenco, and experimental genres accommodate pick playing
• Cosmetic finish damage will occur on guitars lacking pickguards, though this doesn’t affect sound quality
• Learning both techniques maximizes versatility and lets musical context determine your approach

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you use a guitar pick on classical nylon strings without breaking them?

Yes, using a pick won’t cause immediate string breakage on nylon-string guitars. However, picks do accelerate wear through increased friction, meaning strings will need replacement sooner than with fingerstyle playing. Choose soft plastic picks and lighter gauges to minimize this effect.

What thickness pick is best for nylon string guitars?

Thin to medium picks ranging from 0.46mm to 0.88mm work best with nylon strings. The 0.73mm gauge represents the ideal starting point, offering versatility for both strumming and picking. Thinner picks produce softer attacks that complement nylon’s warm character, while heavier picks above 1.0mm risk harsh, overly bright tones.

Why don’t classical guitarists use picks?

Classical guitar technique evolved around fingerstyle playing, which produces the warm, intimate tone and dynamic control that define the genre. Picks create a sharper, brighter attack that alters the intended sound of classical compositions. Additionally, fingers allow simultaneous independent melodic lines impossible with a single plectrum.

Will a pick scratch my nylon-string guitar’s finish?

Yes, regular pick use will gradually scratch and scuff the guitar’s finish near the soundhole, since most classical guitars lack protective pickguards. This cosmetic wear doesn’t impact sound quality or structural integrity, but it does affect the instrument’s visual appearance over time. Many players accept this as natural playing wear.

How long do nylon strings last when using a pick versus fingers?

Nylon strings typically last about 80 playing hours or two months under normal conditions. Pick playing reduces this lifespan due to increased friction and mechanical stress on the strings. The exact reduction depends on pick hardness, playing intensity, and technique, but expect to replace strings 15-30% more frequently when using picks regularly.

Can you play jazz guitar on nylon strings with a pick?

Absolutely. Many jazz guitarists use picks on nylon-string guitars to achieve specific tonal qualities. The combination delivers warmth from the nylon with the articulation and speed of pick technique. Medium-thickness nylon or Delrin picks (0.73mm to 0.88mm) work well for jazz chord comping and bebop lines on classical guitars.

What’s the difference between playing nylon strings with a pick versus steel strings?

Nylon strings have lower tension and softer material than steel, requiring lighter touch and softer picks. Steel strings tolerate aggressive picking and heavier plectrums, while nylon demands gentler technique with thinner, softer picks to avoid harsh tones. The tonal character also differs—nylon produces warmer, mellower sounds even with a pick, whereas steel delivers brighter, more percussive attacks.