Getting a guitar pick stuck inside your guitar can be a frustrating experience, but it’s a common problem that many guitarists face at some point. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to retrieve a pick from inside your guitar safely and without causing any damage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get a pick out of a guitar.
Method 1: Shake It Out
- Turn the Guitar Upside Down: The first and simplest method is to turn your guitar upside down, ensuring that the soundhole (for acoustic guitars) or pickup cavities (for electric guitars) is facing downward.
- Gently Shake the Guitar: While holding the guitar upside down, gently shake it back and forth. The pick may slide out due to gravity and the movement. Be patient and give it a few shakes.
- Use Gravity to Your Advantage: If the pick doesn’t come out immediately, try tilting the guitar at different angles while shaking it. This change in position can help dislodge the pick.
Method 2: Use a Magnet
- Get a Magnet: A small, strong magnet can be a helpful tool in retrieving a pick from inside the guitar. You can use a refrigerator magnet, a magnetic pick-up tool, or even a guitar pickup magnet.
- Attach the Magnet to a String or Stick: If the magnet is not attached to a string or stick, secure it using tape or a rubber band. This will allow you to control the magnet’s movement inside the guitar.
- Insert the Magnet: Carefully insert the magnet into the soundhole or pickup cavity, ensuring it is close to the stuck pick.
- Maneuver the Magnet: Move the magnet around gently and slowly to attract the pick. Be patient and take your time, as you don’t want to scratch the guitar’s interior.
- Retrieve the Pick: Once you feel the magnet has attracted the pick, slowly pull it out of the guitar. Ensure that the pick is securely attached to the magnet before removing it.
Method 3: Use a Straw or Tube
- Get a Straw or Tube: Find a flexible straw or tube that is long enough to reach the stuck pick inside the guitar.
- Insert the Straw or Tube: Carefully insert the straw or tube into the soundhole or pickup cavity, positioning it near the pick.
- Apply Suction: Create suction by closing one end of the straw or tube with your finger and then release it while keeping the other end inside the guitar. This can help pull the pick toward the opening.
- Retrieve the Pick: If the pick moves closer to the opening, use a pair of tweezers or pliers to carefully grasp and remove it from the straw or tube.
Method 4: Seek Professional Help
If the above methods don’t work or if you are uncomfortable attempting to retrieve the pick yourself, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. A skilled guitar technician or luthier can safely disassemble the guitar to access the stuck pick without causing any harm to the instrument.
Preventing Future Incidents
To prevent picks from getting stuck inside your guitar in the future, consider the following precautions:
- Use a Pick Holder: Attach a pick holder to your guitar’s body or headstock to keep picks within easy reach during playing.
- Be Mindful of Pick Placement: Pay attention to how and where you hold your pick while playing to minimize the risk of it falling into the guitar.
- Inspect Your Guitar Regularly: Periodically check the interior of your guitar to ensure no foreign objects or picks have become lodged inside.
Conclusion
Getting a pick stuck inside your guitar is a common mishap, but with patience and the right techniques, you can safely retrieve it without causing damage. Whether you choose to use gravity, a magnet, a straw, or seek professional help, the key is to proceed carefully and methodically. Remember to take preventive measures to minimize the chances of this happening again in the future, ensuring that your guitar continues to bring you joy and music.
