The guitar pick guard is the part of the guitar that people don’t often think about, but you’ll definitely know if it’s not there. That’s because the pick guard is the part of the guitar that protects the guitar’s body from being gouged by the constant up-and-down motion of the guitar pick. If you’ve ever played a guitar without a pick guard, you know how easily the guitar’s body can get gouged.
A guitar pick guard not only protects the body from wear and tear, it also can also change the aesthetic of the instrument by covering up a less-than-perfect finish. If you’re looking to swap out your current pick guard or upgrade to something nicer, you’re in the right place.
Read on for our list of the best electric guitar pick guards.
Our Editor’s Best Electric Guitar Pick Guards Reviews
- SAPHUE 3MM Screws Electric Guitar Bass Pickguard Screws Fit for most Fender guitar or bass, Phillips ovalhead screws to fit countersunk pickguards and cover plates
- Screw Head Diameter: 1/8 inch( 3mm)
- Screw Length: 1/2 inch(12mm)，the standard for Fender
- Color: Black; Material: Alloy Steel
- Package Including: 50 xBlack Pickguard screws.
- Pickguard: 11 mounting screw holes, SSS pickup rountine. 3ply White Pearl/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.2mm)thickness.
- Backplate: 6 Holes. 3ply White Pearl/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.3MM)thickness.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation.
- Fits Fender US/Mexico Made Standard Stratocaster Modern Style.If you use it for other Strat style guitar, you may need a modification for line up.
- With aluminum shielding foil on the back, Double layers protect filmed on the top.
- [Great Sound]:2 small dual coil pickups+one dual pickup to enhance the sound quality of the performance
- [Multi switch design]:Single cut Switch,On/Off Switch and total 5way Design,Make the performance more diverse
- 【Standard size】Applicable to most ST guitars on the market, (still need to check before purchase to avoid mistakes,)
- 【Pickup Sound】modern tone, full, powerful sound and hum bucker, great for playing rock and funk, make your guitar more versatile.
- 【Note】There are many styles of ST guitars on the market. The fixing holes on the panel may not be completely overlapped. Just lock them directly on the panel, which will not affect the use. If you mind, please consider carefully.
- Package Included: 60pcs x Guitar Pickguard Screws(20pcs per each color Black Silver and Golden )
- These screws fit for ST SQ guitar pickguards and guitar back plates
- Phillips ovalhead screws to fit for most guitar or bass pickguards and cover plates.
- Replaced chrome screws on control plate，cover 90% of replacement screw needs,great to keep on hand.
- ✔ | WIDE COMPATIBILITY | - The screws fit for most guitars or basses; Compatible with countersunk pickguards and cover plates.
- ✔ | PRODUCT DIMENSION | - Total length about 12mm; thread diameter about 3mm.
- ✔ | HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL | - The screws are made of high quality metal.
- ✔ | PRODUCT COLOR | - Black and silver are available.
- ✔ | PACKAGE INCLUDED | - 50 pcs screws.
- Compatible with strat style guitars (can also work on 11 holes Mexico strats).
- Made to current 11 holes, please refer to the size picture before buying this item.
- 3-Ply electric guitar pickguard, SSS single coil configuration.
- 100% new, high quality and testing is fine, the electric guitar pickguard 100% like the picture shown.
- With aluminum shielding foil on the back, The front of the new guitar pickguard is covered with a protective film.
- Fits Fender USA/Mexican Made Standard Stratocaster Modern Style. If you use it for other Strat style guitar, you may need a modification for line up
- 11 mounting screws holes, HH (2 humbuckers) pickup routine
- 4Ply plastic material, 2.0-2.2mm (0.08-0.09 inch) thickness
- Double layers protective film on the top, please remove it after you install
- Package Included: 1Pc Strat Pickguard
- Design Your Dream Guitar 🌈: Ideal for any guitar or bass, our DIY pickguard material sheet in Colored Shell inspires you to craft or repair with personal flair.
- Dazzling Black Pearl Finish ✨: Transform your instrument with the pickguard blank 3 ply Black Pearl color, adding a unique, iridescent touch to your music.
- Generously Sized for Multiple Designs 📏: Measuring approximately 11.6 x 17 inches, our guitar pick guard sheet is flexible enough for 2 Strat/Tele pickguards or 1 P bass, offering ample creative space.
- Scratch Protection for Peace of Mind 🛡️: With a pearl pickguard material protective film overlay, maintain the pristine condition of your project from start to finish.
- Tailor-Made for Precision and Creativity 🔧: Whether for Strat, Tele, Jazz bass, or P bass, this material provides the perfect blend of accuracy and artistic freedom.
- Fits Fender US/Mexico Made Standard Stratocaster Modern Style.If you use it for other Strat style guitar, you may need a modification for line up.
- Pickguard: 11 Holes, HSS sytle. 4ply Pearl Purple/White/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.2MM)thickness
- Backplate: 6 Holes.4ply Pearl Purple/White/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.2MM)thickness.
- Back foiled. Double layers protect filmed on the top
- Package included: 1 x Pickguard;1 x Backplate
- Fit for most Fender guitar or bass, Phillips ovalhead screws to fit countersunk pickguards and cover plates
- Head Diameter: 1/8 inch( 3mm)
- Screw Length: 1/2 inch(12mm)，the standard for Fender
- Color: Black; Material: Metal
- Package Including: 50 Pcs Pickguard Screws
Best Electric Guitar Pick Guards Buying Guide
Before choosing the best electric guitar pick guard you should consider following options:
1. Color: Pickguards come in a variety of colors. While you might think that color is not a factor you should consider it is.
If you are trying to match the look of an existing amp or guitar then color is something you should take into consideration.
If you are trying to give your guitar a new look or a look you have always wanted then color is one of the first things you should consider.
2. Shape: Pickguards also come in a variety of shapes. While they are often referred to as “pickguards” they are also called covers, shields, stickers, and decals.
While most people think of the pickguard as a piece that covers the pickups they also cover the control knobs and switch. This can sometimes alter the look of your guitar if you are trying to maintain the stock look.
You may find that pickguards come in a variety of shapes that are standard or you may find that they come in custom shapes. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then standard pickguards are probably best for you.
If you are trying to create a look you have always wanted then standard pickguards may not be what you are looking for.
3. Thickness: You may not think that the thickness of a pickguard is important, but it is. If you are trying to maintain the stock look of your guitar then you may want to consider the thickness of a pickguard.
Pickguards that are too thin may not cover the pickups properly, which can lead to them being exposed and possibly damaged.
Pickguards that are too thick can cause the knobs and switch to stick out and look odd and can even cause the knobs and switch to break if the pickguard is too thick.
4. Material: Pickguards come in a variety of materials. While they are often referred to as “pickguards” they are also called covers, shields, stickers, and decals.
While most people think of the pickguard as a piece that covers the pickups they also cover the control knobs and switch. This can sometimes alter the look of your guitar if you are trying to maintain the stock look.
You may find that pickguards come in a variety of materials that are standard or you may find that they come in custom materials. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then standard pickguards are probably best for you.
If you are trying to create a look you have always wanted then standard pickguards may not be what you are looking for.
5. Cost: The cost of a pickguard can vary depending on the type of pickguard you are looking for. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then you may find that stock pickguards are less expensive than aftermarket pickguards.
If you are trying to create a look you have always wanted then aftermarket pickguards may be more expensive than stock pickguards.
6. Durability: The durability of a pickguard can vary depending on the type of pickguard you are looking for. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then you may find that stock pickguards are more durable than aftermarket pickguards.
If you are trying to create a look you have always wanted then aftermarket pickguards may be more durable than stock pickguards.
7. Fit: The fit of a pickguard can vary depending on the type of pickguard you are looking for. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then stock pickguards are more likely to have a proper fit.
What else you should know about electric guitar pick guards
1. What is the best electric guitar pick guard material?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. Some guitarists prefer to use plastic pick guards as they are inexpensive and easy to replace if they get damaged. Others prefer to use metal pick guards as they offer more protection to the guitar’s finish and can help to reduce noise when playing.
2. How do I clean my electric guitar pick guard?
The best way to clean your electric guitar pick guard is to use a mild soap and water solution. Gently scrub the pick guard with a soft cloth or sponge, being careful not to scrub too hard and damage the finish. Rinse the pick guard with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
3. How do I remove an electric guitar pick guard?
In order to remove an electric guitar pick guard, you will need to unscrew the screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, the pick guard can be lifted off of the guitar.
4. What is the purpose of an electric guitar pick guard?
The purpose of an electric guitar pick guard is to protect the body of the guitar from being scratched by the pick.
5. Do all electric guitars have pick guards?
Most electric guitars have pick guards, but there are some that don’t.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best electric guitar pick guards. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best electric guitar pick guards will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.