Guitar Pickups

Pickups are the most impactful upgrade you can make to any guitar. From Stevie Ray Vaughan's vintage single-coils to Metallica's EMG actives — find the right pickup for your tone.

Pickup Types

Single Coil

Clear, glassy tone with characteristic 60-cycle hum. The Strat and Tele sound.

Artists:Jimi HendrixStevie Ray VaughanJohn MayerMark Knopfler
Examples:Seymour Duncan SSL-1, DiMarzio Area 61, EMG SA

Humbucker

Dual-coil design cancels hum. Warmer, thicker tone with higher output than single coils.

Artists:SlashJimmy PageJames HetfieldJohn Petrucci
Examples:Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59, DiMarzio Evolution, Bare Knuckle Nailbomb

P-90

Single-coil in humbucker housing. Rawer, punchier midrange — the sound of early blues-rock.

Artists:Pete TownshendCarlos SantanaBillie Joe Armstrong
Examples:Seymour Duncan SP90-1, DiMarzio DP213

Active

Battery-powered preamp boosts output and eliminates noise. Standard for metal.

Artists:James HetfieldKirk HammettZakk WyldeDavid Gilmour
Examples:EMG-81, EMG-85, EMG SA

All Pickups

Seymour DuncanSH-1 '59Jimmy Page, Eric ClaptonFaithful PAF replica — the gold standard vintage humbucker.warm · articulateSeymour DuncanSH-4 JBJeff Beck, Tom Morellohot · aggressiveSeymour DuncanSH-6 DistortionKerry Kinghigh-output · scoopedSeymour DuncanSSL-1 Vintage StaggerStevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrixglassy · quackySeymour DuncanSH-18 Whole Lotta HumbuckerJimmy Pagewarm · vintageSeymour DuncanNazgul / Sentient SetMisha Mansoor, Tosin Abasiextended range · tightDiMarzioSuper DistortionRichie Blackmore, Dimebag Darrellaggressive · thickDiMarzioEvolutionSteve Vaihigh-output · tightDiMarzioLiquifire / Crunch LabJohn Petrucciarticulate · tightDiMarzioArea 61Yngwie Malmsteenvintage single coil · hum-cancellingDiMarzioPAF 36th Anniversarywarm · vintageEMGEMG-81James Hetfield, Kirk HammettThe most recorded metal pickup of all time. High output, tight, and noise-free.high-output · tightEMGEMG-85James Hetfield, Kirk Hammettwarm · articulateEMGSADavid Gilmourglassy · quietEMGEMG-57 / 66vintage active · warmBare Knuckle PickupsNailbombJohn Petrucci, Jonny Greenwoodarticulate · high-outputBare Knuckle PickupsMuleAlex Turner, Matt Bellamywarm · vintageBare Knuckle PickupsWarpigMisha Mansoorhigh-gain · scooped

Pickup Manufacturers

Seymour DuncanUSASanta Barbara, California — the world's most recognised aftermarket pickup brand. From PAF replicas …DiMarzioUSANew York pickup pioneer — Larry DiMarzio invented the modern aftermarket pickup market. Used by Stev…EMGUSAScotts Valley, California active pickup pioneer. The EMG-81/85 set defined the sound of metal for 40…Bare Knuckle PickupsUKTorquay, UK premium hand-wound pickup maker. Tim Mills winds every pickup to exacting specs with vin…

Pickup FAQ

What is the difference between single coil and humbucker pickups?

Single coil pickups have one coil and produce a clear, glassy tone with characteristic 60-cycle hum. Humbuckers use two coils wound in opposite directions, cancelling the hum and producing a warmer, thicker sound with higher output.

What pickups did Jimi Hendrix use?

Jimi Hendrix used the original Fender single-coil pickups in his Stratocasters. Modern equivalents include the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage Stagger and the Fender Custom Shop 69 pickups.

Are active pickups better for metal?

Active pickups like the EMG-81 are popular for metal because they have very high output, extremely low noise, and a tight, scooped character that cuts through heavy distortion. However, many metal players also use passive humbuckers from Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio.

Browse Guitars →Build Your Rig →What sounds like me? →