A single-coil pickup is a type of electric guitar pickup that uses a single coil of wire wrapped around a set of magnets to capture the vibrations of the guitar strings. This design is known for its bright, clear, and detailed sound, with pronounced high frequencies and a sharp attack. Single-coil pickups are often favored in genres like blues, country, and rock for their crisp and articulate tone. However, they can be prone to picking up electromagnetic interference, which can lead to unwanted hum or noise. Despite this, their distinctive sound quality and straightforward design have made them a popular choice for many guitarists.