flat pick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-mediumTechnical, informal
Quick answer
What does “flat pick” mean?
To play a stringed instrument, especially the guitar, using a flat pick (plectrum) held between the thumb and index finger, striking the strings with a downstroke or upstroke.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To play a stringed instrument, especially the guitar, using a flat pick (plectrum) held between the thumb and index finger, striking the strings with a downstroke or upstroke.
The technique of flatpicking; to play fast, precise, single-note lines or melodies on an acoustic guitar, often associated with bluegrass, folk, or country music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more common in American English due to the genres (bluegrass, country) it is associated with. In the UK, a musician might simply say 'pick' or 'play with a plectrum'.
Connotations
In the US, it strongly connotes traditional American acoustic guitar styles (bluegrass, folk). In the UK, it lacks that specific cultural association and is a more generic technical term.
Frequency
Used with moderate frequency within the specific community of acoustic guitarists in the US; low frequency in UK general English.
Grammar
How to Use “flat pick” in a Sentence
[Subject] + flat pick + [Object][Subject] + flat pick + [Adverbial] (e.g., with speed, on the guitar)[Subject] + is flat pickingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flat pick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's learning to flat pick that folk tune on his new guitar.
- Can you flat pick as well as you fingerpick?
American English
- She flat picked the fiddle tune at an incredible speed.
- I prefer to flat pick the melody and strum the chords.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He has a distinctive flat-pick style.
- The flat-pick solo was the highlight of the song.
American English
- He's a fantastic flatpicking guitarist.
- The workshop focused on flatpicking techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in musicology or ethnomusicology papers discussing instrumental techniques.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of conversations about playing guitar.
Technical
Common term in guitar tutorials, music lessons, and discussions among musicians.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flat pick”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flat pick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flat pick”
- Using 'flat pick' as a synonym for any guitar playing.
- Incorrectly hyphenating as 'flat-pick' when used as a verb (though common, 'flat pick' as two words is standard for the verb).
- Confusing it with 'flat-picking' (adj.) as in 'flat-picking guitarist'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Flat picking uses a flat plectrum held in the hand to strike the strings. Fingerpicking uses the fingertips, fingernails, or fingerpicks attached to the fingers to pluck individual strings.
Yes, absolutely. While strongly associated with acoustic styles, the flat picking technique is also used on electric guitar, especially in genres like country, rock, and jazz.
As a noun for the object, it is typically two words: 'flat pick'. When referring to the technique, it can be two words ('flat pick') or hyphenated ('flat-pick'), especially as an adjective ('flat-picking guitarist').
Notable flatpickers include Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Clarence White, Bryan Sutton, and Molly Tuttle in the acoustic/bluegrass world. Many rock and country guitarists also use the technique.
To play a stringed instrument, especially the guitar, using a flat pick (plectrum) held between the thumb and index finger, striking the strings with a downstroke or upstroke.
Flat pick is usually technical, informal in register.
Flat pick: in British English it is pronounced /flæt pɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /flæt pɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flat-pick a storm (to play very fast and vigorously)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A FLAT PICK is FLAT like a pancake, and you PICK the guitar strings with it.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNIQUE IS A TOOL (the specific tool defines the action).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'flat pick'?