A single coil pickup is a type of electric guitar pickup that uses a single coil of wire to convert string vibrations into electrical signals. This design is known for its bright, clear tone and is commonly found in guitars like the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster. Single coil pickups are sensitive to higher frequencies, making them popular for genres like rock, blues, and country. However, single coil pickups are also more susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can lead to unwanted noise or hum. This characteristic contrasts with humbucker pickups, which use two coils to cancel out noise. Musicians often choose single coil pickups for their distinctive sound and dynamic response.