The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Pickups: Types, Tones, and Artists

Guitar pickups are one of the most crucial components that influence the tone, sound, and overall character of an electric guitar. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, knowing the different types of pickups can help you tailor your sound to fit your musical style. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various types of guitar pickups, their tonal characteristics, suitable genres, and notable brands, models, and artists who have utilised them.

1. Single-Coil Pickups: Bright and Crisp Sounds

Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, crisp sound and clarity. They consist of a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. These pickups are often associated with genres like rock, pop, and country. Famous for their distinct tone, single-coils can produce sharp highs and a resonant twang.

Tone & Genres:
Single-coil pickups deliver a bright, articulate tone with a pronounced high-end and snap. This makes them ideal for genres such as pop, surf rock, country, and blues, where clarity and definition are key. Their clean, crisp sound shines through in bright chord progressions and intricate melodies.

Electronics and Installation:
Single-coil pickups typically require simple wiring, consisting of a hot output wire and a ground wire. Installation usually involves unscrewing the existing pickups, unsoldering the wires, and soldering the new pickups in their place. It’s advisable to check if you are using shielded wire to reduce noise, thus optimising performance.

Performance Considerations:
– In live settings, they produce bright, clear tones that cut through the mix but can be susceptible to interference from stage lighting and electrical devices.
– In the studio, they excel at capturing clean tones and intricate details, providing a crisp and defined audio quality.

• Pros:
  • Bright and clear sound
  • Excellent for crisp, clean tones
• Cons:
  • Prone to electromagnetic interference (hum)
  • Lacking in bass response compared to humbuckers

Popular Brands & Models:
– Fender Stratocaster
– Gibson Les Paul Junior (P-90)

Artists & Songs:
– Jimi Hendrix – “Purple Haze”
– Lucy Dacus – “Historian”

2. Humbucker Pickups: Rich and Full-Toned Output

Humbucker pickups consist of two coils wired together in a way that cancels out the hum associated with single-coils. This design results in a fuller, warmer sound with increased output, making them a popular choice for rock, metal, and jazz musicians.

Tone & Genres:
Humbuckers produce a thick, creamy, and powerful tone, providing a robust mid-range and smooth high end. They excel in heavy genres like hard rock and metal, where sustained notes and fat distortion are desired.

Electronics and Installation:
Humbucker pickups usually come with four wires (two for each coil). Installation is similar to single-coils, but the added complexity of the coil-splitting feature may require referring to additional wiring diagrams. Using a multimeter can help ensure that everything is connected correctly.

Performance Considerations:
– On stage, they provide strong, powerful sound that can handle distortion without losing clarity.
– In the studio, the warmth and depth capture smooth, rounded tones ideal for rhythm and lead parts.

• Pros:
  • Rich, thick tone with greater output
  • Reduced noise and hum
• Cons:
  • Generally heavier and bulkier
  • Can sound too warm for some styles

Popular Brands & Models:
– Gibson Les Paul Standard
– Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz

Artists & Songs:
– Slash (Guns N’ Roses) – “Sweet Child O’ Mine”
– Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) – “Whole Lotta Love”

3. P90 Pickups: Versatile and Punchy Tone

P90 pickups are a type of single-coil pickup that offers a unique sound profile. They are wider than standard single-coils and are known for their thick, punchy tone.

Tone & Genres:
With a gritty, focused sound, P90s produce a bright and snappy tone. They thrive in blues, classic rock, punk, and indie music.

Electronics and Installation:
P90 installations typically require two wires and may require routing due to their larger size. If you want to achieve a cleaner sound, consider adding a capacitor for a more modern wiring configuration.

Performance Considerations:
– When performing live, P90s provide an aggressive, cutting tone that excels in high-gain settings.
– In the studio, they achieve a rich, dynamic sound that captures the nuances of playing and expressive leads.

• Pros:
  • Distinctive sound that combines features of single-coils and humbuckers
  • Versatile for many musical styles
• Cons:
  • Still prone to some noise issues
  • Not as widely available as other pickups

Popular Brands & Models:
– Gibson Les Paul Special
– Fender’s Coronado

Artists & Songs:
– David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) – “Another Brick in the Wall”
– Jack White (The White Stripes) – “Seven Nation Army”

4. Active Pickups: High Output and Clarity

Active pickups use an onboard preamp that requires a battery to operate. These pickups offer higher output levels and fewer noise issues.

Tone & Genres:
Active pickups provide a clean, powerful sound with dynamic response, making them ideal for modern rock, metal, and progressive genres.

Electronics and Installation:
Installation involves not just wiring the pickups but also the integration of a battery compartment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely for wiring correctly.

Performance Considerations:
– In live settings, they deliver stable output and clarity through high-gain amplifiers.
– In the studio, they capture detailed sound textures that lend themselves well to tonal shaping and manipulation.

• Pros:
  • High output and low noise
  • Consistent tone quality at higher volumes
• Cons:
  • Requires battery maintenance
  • Different tonal characteristics compared to passive pickups

Popular Brands & Models:
– EMG 81 and 85
– Seymour Duncan Blackouts

Artists & Songs:
– Kirk Hammett (Metallica) – “Enter Sandman”
– Zakk Wylde – “Black Label Society’s” “Sonic Brew”

5. Piezo Pickups: Natural Acoustic Tones

Piezo pickups pick up vibrations directly from the strings and the body, providing a more authentic acoustic tone.

Tone & Genres:
Piezo pickups produce a bright, natural sound ideal for genres like folk, acoustic rock, and jazz.

Electronics and Installation:
Installing piezo pickups may involve modifications to acoustic guitars or specialised bridges. Wiring typically involves soldering to a preamp or external mixer.

Performance Considerations:
– Piezo pickups shine in live settings, providing an authentic acoustic sound that resonates well.
– In the studio, they offer clarity and are an excellent choice for acoustic-focused projects.

• Pros:
  • Excellent for acoustic sound reproduction
  • Versatile for blending electric and acoustic tones
• Cons:
  • Often require specialised equipment to amplify
  • Can sometimes sound less “electric” than desired

Popular Brands & Models:
– Fishman Powerbridge
– LR Baggs Anthem

Artists & Songs:
– Andy McKee – “Rylynn”
– Ritchie Blackmore

6. Lipstick Pickups: Jangly Retro Vibes

Lipstick pickups are unique, with a bright and jangly tone that’s often associated with surf rock and retro styles.

Tone & Genres:
These pickups offer a chimey sound, shining in clean settings. They are perfect for surf rock, pop, and rockabilly.

Electronics and Installation:
Lipstick pickups are encased in a lipstick tube, and while they are easy to install, they require standard wiring similar to single-coil pickups. Some players prefer to modify their guitars to accommodate them for improved tonal quality.

Performance Considerations:
– In live performances, lipstick pickups provide a sharp, bright sound that is particularly suited for clean and rhythmic playing.
– In the studio, their unique character shines in mix settings, particularly where jangly tones are desired.

• Pros:
  • Bright, clear sound that excels in brightening up clean tones
  • Great for surf, rock, and pop music
• Cons:
  • Limited output compared to humbuckers
  • May not suit everyone’s tonal preferences

Popular Brands & Models:
– Fender Duo-Sonic
– Gibson Les Paul Junior (with lipstick mod)

Artists & Songs:
– The Ventures – “Walk, Don’t Run”
– Dick Dale

7. MIDI Pickups: Digital Soundscapes

MIDI pickups offer an advanced way to interface your guitar with digital music systems, converting string vibrations into MIDI data.

Tone & Genres:
MIDI pickups allow for a virtually limitless range of sounds, enabling exploration in genres like electronic, progressive rock, and experimental music.

Electronics and Installation:
Installation of MIDI pickups can be more complex, often requiring specific routing and soldering to interface with synthesizers or digital audio workstations. It’s important to ensure everything is calibrated correctly to avoid latency issues during live performance.

Performance Considerations:
– On stage, MIDI pickups allow guitarists to easily switch between guitar sounds and synth layers, providing a unique live experience.
– In the studio, they open a broad range of possibilities for sound creation, allowing manipulation of traditional guitar sounds with digital effects and instruments.

• Pros:
  • Versatility in creating a wide range of sounds
  • Ability to control MIDI instruments and software directly from the guitar
• Cons:
  • Installation can be complex
  • Requires additional equipment to fully utilise MIDI capabilities

Popular Brands & Models:
– Fishman TriplePlay
– Roland GK-3

Artists & Songs:
– Johnny Marr
– Steve Vai – “Tender Surrender”

Choosing the Right Pickup

When selecting a pickup, consider the genre of music you play, your desired tone, and how much noise interference you’re willing to tolerate. Experimenting with different pickup configurations and combinations can provide unique tonal variations and expand your sound palette.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Signature Sound

Understanding the different types of guitar pickups is essential for any guitarist looking to refine their signature sound. Whether you prefer the bright clarity of single-coils, the warmth of humbuckers, the unique character of P90s or piezo pickups, the jangly tone of lipstick pickups, or the versatility of MIDI pickups, there’s a pickup out there to match your style and enhance your musical expression.

If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing your thoughts in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your favourite pickups and how they’ve shaped your musical journey. Don’t forget to spread the word by sharing this article with fellow musicians, and be sure to subscribe for more insightful content. You can also follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest trends and discussions in the world of music. Your engagement helps us create even more valuable content!

Matt Gwinnutt

My name is Matt Gwinnutt and I am a music instructor based in Louth, Lincolnshire in the UK. I teach guitar and music theory. I am currently studying for a BA(Hons) degree in music and RGT diploma in teaching music!