Plectrum

What it means

A plectrum is a small piece used to pluck strings. Common are forms of plastic, horn, wood, or metal, in various thicknesses and sizes; historically, cut quills were also used. Alongside the plectrum held in the hand there are fingerpicks, which are put on the fingertips. In the harpsichord a fixed plectrum takes on the same task mechanically: it sits on the tongue of the jack and plucks the string when the key is pressed.

Musical use

The attack with a plectrum sounds brighter, harder, and more even than that with the fingertip; it projects better in loud surroundings and suits fast monophonic runs and rhythmically sharp accompaniment. On the mandolin it is the precondition for the tremolo, with which long notes are represented. Compared with finger playing it loses in polyphony and variety of colour, because only one point of attack is available. Many instruments know both techniques side by side, and the choice is a stylistic decision, not a question of better or worse.

Performance practice

Hold the plectrum between thumb and index finger with little tip protruding and a loose grip; too much protrusion produces a soft, imprecise attack, too tight a grip a hard sound and a tense hand. Practise alternate stroke — down and up alternating — before thinking about speed. The thickness of the material changes the sound markedly: thin picks sound soft and clicking, thick ones forceful and direct. Try out several and decide deliberately. The point of attack between bridge and soundhole controls the colour. Keep spares ready, because plectrums are easily lost.

Bear in mind that the angle of attack strongly changes the sound: held flat, the plectrum produces a soft tone; angled, a harder one with a distinct attack noise. Practise both deliberately and choose according to the piece. For alternate stroke in fast passages, a short path is decisive; keep the plectrum close to the strings. On the harpsichord the corresponding holds for the quills: their shape and hardness determine the sound, and their care belongs to the maintenance of the instrument. Check before playing whether a quill is broken.