Acoustic Guitar Pickguard: Everything You Need to Know

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Written By Gary Daws

Chief Music Officer

Acoustic guitars are a popular instrument choice for many musicians, and their unique sound is often achieved through the use of a pickguard. A pickguard is a thin piece of material that is placed on the front of the guitar to protect it from scratches and damage caused by the use of a pick.

Acoustic guitar pickguards come in a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, and even metal. When choosing a pickguard, it’s important to consider the type of music you’ll be playing, as well as your personal style and preferences. Some pickguards are designed to be more durable than others, while others are more decorative and can add a unique touch to your guitar’s appearance.

One critical factor to consider when choosing an acoustic guitar pickguard is the type of adhesive used to attach it to the guitar. Some adhesives can damage the guitar’s finish over time, while others are designed to be gentle and non-damaging. It’s important to choose an adhesive that is safe for your guitar’s finish to avoid any long-term damage.

We’ve researched and tested several acoustic guitar pickguards to help you find the right one for your needs.

Best Acoustic Guitar Pickguards

If you’re looking to protect your acoustic guitar from scratches and damage, a pickguard is a must-have accessory. Not only does it protect your guitar, but it can also add a touch of style to your instrument. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best acoustic guitar pickguards available. Check out our top picks below.

Eforlike Acoustic Guitar Pickguard Pack of 5

Eforlike Acoustic Guitar Pickguard Pack of 5

If you’re looking for an affordable and stylish way to protect your acoustic guitar, the Eforlike Acoustic Guitar Pickguard Pack of 5 is a great option.

Pros

  • The pack includes five different pickguard designs, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
  • The pickguards are made of PVC plastic with self-adhesive tape on the back, making them easy to install without any additional tools.
  • The pickguards are anti-scratch, providing protection for your guitar’s finish.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the pickguards are a bit thin, which may affect their durability.
  • The pickguards may not fit perfectly on all guitar models, so you may need to do some trimming to get them to fit correctly.
  • The adhesive on the pickguards may not be strong enough to hold up over time, especially if you frequently remove and reapply them.

In my experience, the Eforlike Acoustic Guitar Pickguard Pack of 5 is a great value for the price. The designs are eye-catching and unique, and they provide a good amount of protection for your guitar’s finish. However, I did find that the pickguards were a bit thin, and I had to trim them to get them to fit properly on my guitar. Additionally, the adhesive on the back of the pickguards wasn’t as strong as I would have liked, so I had to be careful not to accidentally knock them off while playing.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and stylish way to protect your acoustic guitar, the Eforlike Acoustic Guitar Pickguard Pack of 5 is definitely worth considering. Just be aware that you may need to do some trimming to get them to fit correctly, and that the adhesive may not be as strong as you would like.

Metallor Acoustic Guitar Pickguard

Metallor Acoustic Guitar Pickguard

If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-install pickguard for your acoustic guitar, the Metallor Acoustic Guitar Pickguard is a great option.

Pros

  • Easy to install with self-adhesive tape on the back
  • Protects your guitar surface from scratches and damage
  • Fits 40″ 41″ size guitars

Cons

  • May not fit all guitar sizes and shapes
  • Color may differ slightly from the picture
  • Thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard may be difficult to remove

This pickguard is made of high-quality celluloid/PVC and comes with a thin protective film on the front surface, which you can peel off after installation. The self-adhesive tape on the back makes it easy to install, and it fits most 40″ 41″ size guitars.

With this pickguard, you can protect your guitar surface from scratches and damage caused by picks and nails. It’s a perfect replacement pickguard for acoustic guitars, and it’s available in various colors to match your guitar’s style.

However, it may not fit all guitar sizes and shapes, so make sure to measure your guitar before purchasing. The color may also differ slightly from the picture due to aberration, and the thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard may be difficult to remove.

Overall, the Metallor Acoustic Guitar Pickguard is a great option for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-install pickguard to protect their guitar.

Rosewood Guitar Protective Pickguard With Acoustic Ebony Arm Rest Parts

Rosewood Guitar Protective Pickguard With Acoustic Ebony Arm Rest Parts

Protect your guitar’s surface from scratches with the Rosewood Guitar Protective Pickguard with Acoustic Ebony Arm Rest Parts. It’s a great replacement pickguard that looks beautiful and is easy to install.

Pros

  • The solid rosewood material with colored plastic or wood veneer inlay pattern makes it a special decoration for your guitar.
  • It comes with tape at the backside, making it easy to stick onto your guitar. The thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard can be peeled off after installation.
  • It’s a high-quality acoustic guitar pickguard that’s perfect for replacement.

Cons

  • The adhesive may be tricky, so make sure to clean the surface well before installation.
  • The wood pickguard is not varnished, which may be a downside for some users.
  • Some users have reported that it won’t stick well.

This guitar pickguard is made of solid rosewood material with beautiful flower patterns and inlaid shells. It’s a perfect replacement pickguard for acoustic guitar that will protect your guitar’s surface from scratches of picks and nails. The pickguard comes with tape at the backside, making it easy to stick onto your guitar. The thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard can be peeled off after installation. The guitar pickguard is a special decoration for your guitar that looks beautiful.

The Rosewood Guitar Protective Pickguard with Acoustic Ebony Arm Rest Parts is a high-quality acoustic guitar pickguard that’s perfect for replacement. The pickguard is easy to install and looks great. However, the adhesive may be tricky, so make sure to clean the surface well before installation. Additionally, the wood pickguard is not varnished, which may be a downside for some users. Some users have reported that it won’t stick well, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Overall, if you’re looking for a replacement pickguard that looks great and is easy to install, the Rosewood Guitar Protective Pickguard with Acoustic Ebony Arm Rest Parts is a great choice.

Vencetmat Acoustic Guitar PickGuard

Vencetmat Acoustic Guitar PickGuard

If you’re looking for a durable and stylish pickguard for your Taylor acoustic guitar, the Vencetmat Acoustic Guitar PickGuard is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • The beveled edges of the pickguard give your guitar a luxurious look.
  • The pickguard is made of high-quality materials that make it flexible and difficult to scratch.
  • The pickguard is easy to install with the 3M adhesive self-stick.

Cons

  • The pickguard is specifically designed for Taylor acoustic guitars, so it may not fit other brands.
  • The pickguard may not be suitable for guitars with rosettes that have a diameter larger than 12.6cm.
  • The pickguard may not be suitable for left-handed guitars.

The Vencetmat Acoustic Guitar PickGuard is a great addition to your Taylor acoustic guitar. The beveled edges of the pickguard give your guitar a luxurious look that will surely impress your audience. The pickguard is made of high-quality materials that make it flexible and difficult to scratch, ensuring that it will last for a long time. Installing the pickguard is also easy with the 3M adhesive self-stick.

However, it’s important to note that the pickguard is specifically designed for Taylor acoustic guitars, so it may not fit other brands. Additionally, the pickguard may not be suitable for guitars with rosettes that have a diameter larger than 12.6cm. Lastly, the pickguard may not be suitable for left-handed guitars.

Overall, if you have a Taylor acoustic guitar and you’re looking for a durable and stylish pickguard, the Vencetmat Acoustic Guitar PickGuard is definitely worth considering.

Healifty Acoustic Guitar Pickguard

Healifty Acoustic Guitar Pickguard

Protect your guitar from scratches and add some style with the Healifty Acoustic Guitar Pickguard.

Pros

  • Self-adhesive design makes it easy to install without any tools
  • Thin protective film on the surface protects the guitar from scratches
  • Water drop shape adds a unique and stylish touch to the guitar

Cons

  • May not fit perfectly on all guitar models
  • Color may not match the guitar perfectly
  • Protective film is difficult to remove after installation

This pickguard is a great option for those looking to protect their guitar from scratches and add some style to it. The self-adhesive design makes it easy to install without any tools, and the thin protective film on the surface protects the guitar from scratches caused by picks and nails. The water drop shape adds a unique and stylish touch to the guitar, making it stand out from other guitars.

However, it’s important to note that the pickguard may not fit perfectly on all guitar models and the color may not match the guitar perfectly. Additionally, the protective film on the surface is difficult to remove after installation, which can be frustrating for some users.

Overall, the Healifty Acoustic Guitar Pickguard is a good investment for those looking to protect their guitar and add some style to it.

Buying Guide

When it comes to purchasing an acoustic guitar pickguard, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

Material

The material of the pickguard will affect both its appearance and durability. Common materials include:

  • Plastic: This is the most common material and is lightweight and affordable.
  • Tortoise shell: This is a more expensive option that offers a classic look.
  • Wood: This is a unique and stylish option that can add a natural touch to your guitar.

Size and Shape

Pickguards come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit different guitars. It’s important to measure your guitar and choose a pickguard that fits properly. Some pickguards are designed to be universal and can fit a range of guitar sizes.

Adhesive

The adhesive used to attach the pickguard to your guitar is also important. Look for a pickguard with a strong adhesive that will hold up over time. Some pickguards come with pre-applied adhesive, while others require you to apply the adhesive yourself.

Design

Pickguards come in a variety of designs, from simple and plain to intricate and decorative. Consider the overall style of your guitar and choose a pickguard that complements it.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best acoustic guitar pickguard for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pickguard?

A pickguard is a protective layer that is attached to the top of an acoustic guitar to protect it from scratches and dents that can be caused by the use of a pick. It is usually made of plastic, but it can also be made of other materials such as wood, metal, or carbon fiber.

How to install a pickguard?

To install a pickguard, you need to first remove the strings from your guitar. Then, clean the surface of your guitar where the pickguard will be attached. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of the pickguard and carefully place it on the guitar. Press it firmly to ensure that it adheres properly. Finally, restring your guitar.

What are the types of pickguards?

There are several types of pickguards available for acoustic guitars. The most common types are the standard style, the teardrop style, and the custom style. The standard style is the most popular and is usually made of plastic. The teardrop style is a more decorative option that is often made of wood or metal. Custom pickguards can be made to fit any guitar and can be made of a variety of materials.

How to remove a pickguard?

To remove a pickguard, you need to first loosen the strings of your guitar. Then, use a hairdryer to heat up the adhesive that is holding the pickguard in place. Once the adhesive is softened, use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently pry the pickguard away from the guitar. Be careful not to damage the finish of your guitar. Clean any remaining adhesive residue with a solvent such as rubbing alcohol.

Do pickguards affect acoustic guitar sound?

Pickguards can have a slight effect on the sound of an acoustic guitar. However, the effect is usually minimal and is only noticeable in high-end guitars. In general, the type of wood used in the guitar’s construction has a much greater impact on the sound than the pickguard.

Which material is best for pickguards?

The best material for a pickguard depends on personal preference. Plastic is the most common material used for pickguards because it is affordable and easy to work with. However, wood, metal, and carbon fiber can also be used for a more unique look. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and style.