Single-coil pickups are a type of electric guitar pickup that use a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. They are known for their bright, clear sound and are commonly found in guitars like the Fender Stratocaster and Fender Telecaster. These pickups are sensitive to higher frequencies, making them popular for genres like rock, blues, and country. However, single-coil pickups can be prone to electromagnetic interference, which can cause unwanted noise or hum. This characteristic often leads players to choose humbucker pickups for a thicker sound and reduced noise, especially in high-gain settings.