A guitar pickguard is a thin plastic or glass panel which protects the wood finish underneath it from the wear and tear of a pick and the oils in the players fingers. Many manufacturers of guitars provide a pickguard for use by the owner and some players may add their own. Pickguards were invented by Fender and made popular in the 1950s and 60s by the popularity of the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul. How To Choose Guitar Pickguard? Guitar pickguards are often overlooked as accessories, yet they are just as important as the guitar itself when it comes to the final look and feel of the instrument. Here are some tips on how to choose a guitar pickguard. Material Pickguards come in a variety of materials such as plastic, glass, metal, and even wood. The most common materials used are plastic and glass, but wood and metal are also becoming more popular. Plastic is the most common material used for pickguards because it is easy to work with and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Glass pickguards provide a unique look but can be more difficult to install and maintain. Size and Shape Pickguards come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The most common shapes are rectangular and oval, but other shapes such as circles and triangles are also available. The size of the pickguard should be large enough to cover the area where the player’s pick will contact the guitar, but not so large that it blocks the player’s view of the guitar’s electronics. The shape of the pickguard should also be chosen to match the overall look and feel of the guitar. Installation Pickguards are typically installed by either screwing them into the guitar’s body or by using a special adhesive. Screwing the pickguard into the guitar’s body is the most common method of installation and is the easiest to do. This method is also the most secure, as the pickguard is screwed in place and will not move around or shift. Using a special adhesive to install the pickguard is the most difficult method, but it is also the most secure, as the pickguard is permanently attached to the guitar’s body. See more details about pickguard material in AliExpress Video Page.