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
- 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 screw holes, SSS(3 single coil pickups ) pickup routine
- 3ply Black/White/Black PVC material,0.09 inch thickness
- Back foiled,double layers protect filmed on the top, please remove it after you install
- Package included: 1 x Strat Pickguard
- 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.
- 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 mounting screw holes, SSS pickup rountine. 3ply Red Pearl/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.2mm)thickness
- Backplate: 6 Holes.4ply Red Pearl/White/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.3MM)thickness.
- With aluminum shielding foil on the back, Double layers protect filmed on the top.
- Due to the wide variety of pickguards in the market,please be sure to verify the dimensions carefully before you order the item.
- 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.
- 11 Holes, SSS style
- 3ply Cream/Black/Cream PVC material,0.09 inch thickness.
- Back foiled. Double layers protect filmed on the top.
- Package included: 1 x Pickguard
- 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.
- Application: This electric guitar pickguard is compatible with most Fender Telecaster Tele TL style electric guitars, and is suitable as a replacement for old or new Telecaster pickguards and Tele pickguards.Pickup Type: SS( 2 Single-Coil Pickups)
- High-quality Material: This metal guitar pickguard is made of stainless steel, which has far superior wear resistance compared to plastic pickguards or other metal pickguards, freeing you from worries about scratches and frequent replacements
- Guitar Pickguard Parameters:Overall dimensions: 203.7mm×189.62mm(8"×7-15/32"）,Thickness: 0.8mm(1/32") .For other detailed dimensions, please refer to the size diagram
- Sleek Appearance: Installing this chrome guitar pickguard with engraved floral patterns instantly elevates your guitar's style, making your playing more confident and passionate
- Diversified Options:Color : Chrome Pickguard, Black Pickguard, Gold Pickguard;Material : Stainless Steel Pickguard, Titanium Alloy Pickguard;Pattern : Engraved Pickguard, Printed Pickguard
- Application: This electric guitar pickguard is compatible with most Fender Stratocaster Strat ST style electric guitars
- High-Quality Material: This metal electric guitar pickguards is made of stainless steel, boasting significantly higher wear resistance and service life than plastic pickguards, eliminating the troubles of scratches and frequent replacements
- Pickguard Parameters:Overall dimensions: 285mm（11.22in）×223.5mm（8.80in）,Thickness: 0.8mm,Potentiometer mounting hole diameter: 7.3mm (0.287inch). For other detailed dimensions, please refer to the size diagram
- Cool Appearance:With this gold guitar pickguard featuring light-and-dark interlaced carved patterns, your guitar's style will be instantly upgraded, making your performance more confident and passionate
- Multiple Color Options:OVSAL offers pickguard products in different colors, materials, and processes. Currently, there are three color options for guitar pickguards available: chrome pickguard, black pickguard, and gold pickguard
- Compatibility: Fits USA Fender Performer, Special, Highway, Standard, Professional I, Professional II, Professional Classic, Deluxe, Elite, Ultra, Ultra Luxe & Mexican Fender Standard, Player, Player II, Player II Modified, Player Plus, Contemporary, Modern Player, Deluxe HSS Strat guitars with a standard 11-hole layout. The back is equipped with EM shielding aluminum foil for effective electronic insulation
- Specifications: 1 ply construction. It has a thickness of approximately 2.0mm (5/64"). Mounting screw head diameter: 5.8mm (15/64"); Screw thread diameter: 3mm (1/8"); Screw overall length: 12mm (15/32").
- Protective Film: Covered with two layers of plastic protective film to prevent scratches or damage during shipping and handling. Please peel off the plastic protective film before use.
- Complete Package: Includes 1 plastic pickguard and all countersunk philips oval head mounting screws needed for convenient installation.
- Please Note: Ensure an ideal match by referring to the detailed product specifications in the images section prior to making your purchase. Please note that the screw holes on the guard plate may exhibit a minor deviation from those on your original part, as even Fender and its associated brands have changed hole locations through the years.
- Application: This electric guitar pickguard is compatible with most Fender Telecaster Tele TL style electric guitars, and is suitable as a replacement for old or new Telecaster pickguards and Tele pickguards.Pickup Type: SS( 2 Single-Coil Pickups)
- High-quality Material: This metal guitar pickguard is made of stainless steel, which has far superior wear resistance compared to plastic pickguards or other metal pickguards, freeing you from worries about scratches and frequent replacements
- Guitar Pickguard Parameters:Overall dimensions: 203.7mm×189.62mm(8"×7-15/32"）,Thickness: 0.8mm(1/32") .For other detailed dimensions, please refer to the size diagram
- Sleek Appearance: Installing this gold guitar pickguard with engraved floral patterns instantly elevates your guitar's style, making your playing more confident and passionate
- Diversified Options:Color : Chrome Pickguard, Black Pickguard, Gold Pickguard;Material : Stainless Steel Pickguard, Titanium Alloy Pickguard;Pattern : Engraved Pickguard, Printed Pickguard
- 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.