3D-Printed Self-Centering Guitar Pick

A 3D-Printed Self-Centering Guitar Pick: Precision at Top Speeds

Is a self-centering guitar pick even a thing? Turns out, it is! When I first heard about it, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after trying it, I was pleasantly surprised. Today, I want to share my experience with a brand-new kind of pick that could change the way you approach picking technique.

The Background: My Go-To Pick

For years, I’ve been using Jazz III picks. They come in different colors and sizes, but they all share key characteristics: they’re thick, pointy, precise, and compact in the hand. They’re also affordable—you can buy them in bulk, making them a solid choice for most guitarists.

So, when I was contacted by Manuel from PickTwist, a new guitar pick company with an active Kickstarter campaign, I was intrigued but skeptical. He sent me a set of 3D-printed picks that were unlike anything I had ever seen. These picks aren’t just flat, thick, or oddly shaped for the sake of being different. Instead, they feature a carefully designed contour with a very specific purpose.

The Design: More Than Just a Shape

At first glance, the pick’s structure seemed uneven, but after closer inspection, I realized the brilliance behind it. Many guitar students tend to hold their picks with a “pinch” grip, which can significantly hinder proper picking technique. If you’ve ever seen Marty Friedman’s unique picking style, you know that unconventional grips can be challenging for speed and articulation.

This 3D-printed pick is designed to guide your fingers into the ideal picking position. The contoured grip naturally aligns your thumb and index finger, ensuring a stable and efficient hold. If you try to grip it incorrectly, it feels awkward—almost like the pick itself is correcting your technique.

The Performance: Precision and Control

Beyond just the grip, the pick’s contour also determines how much of the tip is exposed beyond your fingers. This means that when held correctly, only a small, optimized portion of the pick sticks out—ideal for shredding and fast articulation.

When I put it to the test, I immediately noticed more edge and clarity in my picking. Even though the version I tried was a prototype, it was already more precise than my Jazz III. That level of precision does come with a tradeoff—if you get used to this pick, switching back to a standard pick may feel awkward. However, since these are plastic picks, I expect the final version to be both affordable and durable.

Variations: Tailored to Your Playing Style

I received three different picks from P-Twist, all sharing the same contoured concept but with varying tip exposure. One of them had significantly more of the tip sticking out, making it better suited for aggressive picking styles. This variation allows for customization depending on your playing needs—whether you prefer minimal pick exposure for precision shredding or a larger surface for broader strokes and pinch harmonics.

Personally, I could see myself using multiple versions depending on the playing situation. For high-speed solos, I’d go for the one with minimal tip exposure. For rhythm playing or clean passages, I might opt for a larger one similar to my 1.5mm Clayton pick.

The Added Bonus: No More Slipping

One common issue guitarists face is pick slippage, especially when hands get sweaty or when attacking the strings aggressively. This contoured design also helps with that—since the pick naturally fits into your grip, it stays in place much better than traditional flat picks.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m really impressed with these picks. They’re not just a gimmick—they solve real picking problems by guiding your grip and preventing slippage. If you struggle with maintaining a consistent grip or want a pick that naturally promotes better technique, this could be a game-changer.

If you’re curious, check out P-Twist’s Kickstarter campaign to learn more. Thanks again to Manuel for sending these over—I’ll definitely be giving them a serious test run!

--Kris