Some pieces of guitar gear are bought because they’re practical. Others… just because they’re too weird to ignore. This Fender pick falls firmly into the second category. You can grab one here on Amazon if you’re interested.
If you’ve ever seen those oversized novelty-style picks and wondered, “Could I actually play with that?” this post is for you. Let’s talk about what this thing is, why it looks so cool, and why it’ll probably never make it into my regular playing rotation.
Overview / First Impressions
This is, without question, the weirdest pick I’ve ever owned.
- It’s huge compared to a standard guitar pick.
- The corners are massive and exaggerated, almost like it was designed more as a prop than a tool.
- It’s part of a Fender series of picks that actually look awesome visually.
The moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it—not because I needed it, but because I wanted to see what it felt like in the hand and whether there was any realistic use for it.
Spoiler: I still haven’t used it even once in an actual playing situation.
Build Quality & Design
From a design standpoint, Fender nailed the aesthetics:
- Bold, eye-catching look – It’s the kind of pick that stands out in a collection.
- Oversized form factor – Much larger than a regular pick, with big, pronounced corners.
- Solid construction – It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. Physically, it’s well made.
The problem isn’t build quality. It’s the sheer size and shape. Those big corners and overall dimensions make it feel awkward and unwieldy for normal guitar playing.
Features & Functions (In Theory)
In theory, a pick like this might offer:
- Extra grip area – More surface to hold onto, especially if you struggle with smaller picks.
- Different attack angles – The large corners could give you multiple striking surfaces.
- Novelty factor – It’s a conversation starter. If you pulled this out at a rehearsal, someone would comment.
But in practice, for standard guitar techniques—alternate picking, strumming, hybrid picking, fast lead work—this thing just feels like overkill.
How It Sounds / Use Cases (Realistically)
I’ll be honest: I haven’t truly “played” with this pick in a meaningful way. I’ve held it, I’ve tried a few quick strums, and every time I just think:
- It’s too big to be precise.
- It feels clumsy for detailed picking.
- It doesn’t make me want to keep playing with it.
Could someone out there find a use for it?
Possibly:
- Beginners with very large hands might initially find the size less intimidating than a tiny jazz pick.
- Bass players who like really thick, stiff picks might experiment with something oversized for aggressive attack.
- Studio or live gimmick – You might use it for a specific visual or comedic effect on stage or in a video.
But for typical guitar work—rock, blues, metal, funk rhythm, acoustic strumming—I can’t see this becoming anyone’s main pick.
Limitations / Things to Know
If you’re thinking about grabbing one of these giant Fender picks, here are the key realities:
- Not practical for everyday use
The size makes fast, accurate picking more difficult. - Awkward for nuanced dynamics
Subtle control is harder when the pick itself is oversized. - Feels more like a novelty item
It’s fun to own, fun to look at, but not something you’ll likely rely on for serious practice or gigs. - Transitioning from normal picks feels strange
If you’re used to standard or smaller picks (like Jazz III-style), this will feel like a toy in comparison.
Final Thoughts
This Fender pick is one of those pieces of gear you buy out of curiosity, not necessity.
- Visually: It looks awesome.
- Practically: It’s kind of silly for real-world guitar playing.
- Personally: I don’t see myself ever truly using it, beyond showing it to other guitar players and having a laugh.
If you love collecting quirky guitar gear or want something eye-catching to throw on your desk or in your studio, it’s a fun pickup. But if you’re looking for a serious upgrade to your playing, your time (and money) is better spent on a well-designed, normal-sized pick that suits your style.
Resources for Improving Your Playing
If you’re more interested in actually getting better at guitar than collecting weird picks, here are two useful resources mentioned:
Fretboard Memorization Cheat Sheet – TravelingGuitarist.com
A practical guide to learning:
- All the major and minor triads in every key
- How to map them across the neck using the “mapping” approach
- How triads form the foundation of harmony and chord construction
This is great if you want to improvise more confidently in multiple keys and truly understand the fretboard.
Guitar Forum – forum.travelingguitarist.com
A place to:
- Talk guitar and music with other players
- Ask questions
- Share ideas and experiences
If you’re serious about improving, focusing on triads, fretboard knowledge, and musical foundations will do far more for your playing than any oversized novelty pick ever will.