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 Telecaster. The design allows them to capture a wide range of frequencies, making them popular in various music genres. 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, resulting in a thicker, warmer tone.