If you’re a guitarist, you know how important it is to have the right tools for the job. One of the most essential tools for any guitarist is the guitar pick. A good guitar pick can make all the difference in your playing, from the tone and attack of your notes to your overall comfort and control.
Some of the best guitar picks on the market include Dunlop Tortex, Fender 351 Shape Classic Picks, Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks, D’Addario Planet Waves, Jim Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks, Clayton Ultem Standard Picks, Gravity Picks Classic Standard, Gibson Brite Wire Picks, V-Picks, and Chicken Picks.
With so many different types of guitar picks on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this buyer’s guide to help you navigate the world of guitar picks for beginners and find the best guitar pick for your playing style and preferences.
Here’s a list of the best guitar picks:
- Dunlop Tortex Guitar Picks
- Fender 351 Shape Classic Guitar Picks
- Ernie Ball Prodigy Guitar Picks
- D’Addario Planet Waves Guitar Picks
- Jim Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks
- Clayton Ultem Standard Guitar Picks
- Gravity Picks Classic Standard Guitar Picks
- Gibson Brite Wire Guitar Picks
- V-Picks
- Chicken Guitar Picks
In this guide, we’ll cover the different materials, shapes, and thicknesses of guitar picks, as well as the pros and cons of each type. We’ll also provide some tips for choosing the right pick for your playing style and level of experience. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best guitar pick for your needs and take your playing to the next level.
Best Guitar Picks
- Dunlop Tortex Guitar Picks
- Fender 351 Shape Classic Guitar Picks
- Ernie Ball Prodigy Guitar Picks
- D’Addario Planet Waves Guitar Picks
- Jim Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Picks
- Clayton Ultem Standard Guitar Picks
- Gravity Picks Classic Standard Guitar Picks
- Gibson Brite Wire Guitar Picks
- V-Picks
- Chicken Guitar Picks
1. Dunlop Tortex
- Description: Dunlop Tortex picks are made from durable materials that resist wear and tear, and they are available in a variety of thicknesses and shapes to suit different playing styles.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from 0.50mm to 1.14mm, and in standard, jazz, and teardrop shapes.
- Pros: Durable and long-lasting, available in a variety of thicknesses and shapes, provide a good grip for precision playing.
- Cons: Some players may find them too stiff or inflexible.
- Link: Dunlop Tortex picks on Amazon
2. Fender 351 Shape Classic Picks
- Description: Fender 351 Shape Classic Picks are a classic and widely used pick for guitarists of all levels, made from high-quality celluloid materials that produce a warm and balanced tone.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from thin to extra heavy, and in a standard shape.
- Pros: High-quality materials that produce a warm and balanced tone, widely available and affordable, good for all styles of music.
- Cons: Some players may find them too flimsy or flexible.
- Link: Fender 351 Shape Classic Picks on Amazon
3. Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks
- Description: Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks are made from a unique material that provides a comfortable grip and a bright and articulate tone, with a slightly pointed tip for precision playing.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from 1.5mm to 2.0mm, and in a standard shape.
- Pros: Unique material that provides a comfortable grip and a bright and articulate tone, slightly pointed tip for precision playing.
- Cons: Some players may find them too thick or heavy.
- Link: Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks on Amazon
4. D’Addario Planet Waves
- Description: D’Addario Planet Waves picks are made from high-quality materials that produce a warm and natural tone, with a unique grip pattern that provides added control and precision.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from thin to heavy, and in standard, teardrop, and jazz shapes.
- Pros: High-quality materials that produce a warm and natural tone, unique grip pattern for added control and precision.
- Cons: Some players may find them too slippery or hard to hold.
- Link: D’Addario Planet Waves picks on Amazon
5. Jim Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks
- Description: Jim Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks are a classic and widely used pick for guitarists of all levels, made from durable nylon materials that provide a bright and articulate tone.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from thin to heavy, and in a standard shape.
- Pros: Durable and long-lasting, provide a bright and articulate tone, widely available and affordable.
- Cons: Some players may find them too slippery or hard to hold.
- Link: Jim Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks on Amazon
6. Clayton Ultem Standard Picks
- Description: Clayton Ultem Standard Picks are made from a unique material that provides a warm and balanced tone, with a comfortable and non-slip grip.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from thin to heavy, and in a standard shape.
- Pros: Unique material that provides a warm and balanced tone, comfortable and non-slip grip.
- Cons: Some players may find them too thick or heavy.
- Link: Clayton Ultem Standard Picks on Amazon
7. Gravity Picks Classic Standard
- Description: Gravity Picks Classic Standard picks are made from a unique acrylic material that provides a bright and articulate tone, with a beveled edge for precision playing.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from thin to extra heavy, and in a standard shape.
- Pros: Unique material that provides a bright and articulate tone, beveled edge for precision playing, available in a variety of thicknesses.
- Cons: Some players may find them too expensive compared to other picks.
- Link: Gravity Picks Classic Standard on Amazon
8. Gibson Brite Wire Picks
- Description: Gibson Brite Wire Picks are made from a unique metal alloy that provides a bright and clear tone, with a comfortable grip and precision tip.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from thin to heavy, and in a standard shape.
- Pros: Unique metal alloy that provides a bright and clear tone, comfortable grip and precision tip.
- Cons: Some players may find them too stiff or inflexible.
- Link: Gibson Brite Wire Picks on Amazon
9. V-Picks
- Description: V-Picks are made from a unique acrylic material that provides a warm and natural tone, with a beveled edge for precision playing and a comfortable grip.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from thin to extra heavy, and in a variety of shapes.
- Pros: Unique acrylic material that provides a warm and natural tone, beveled edge for precision playing, comfortable grip, and available in a variety of shapes.
- Cons: Some players may find them too expensive compared to other picks.
- Link: V-Picks on Amazon
10. Chicken Picks
- Description: Chicken Picks are made from a unique polyamide material that provides a bright and articulate tone, with a beveled edge for precision playing and a comfortable grip.
- Specifications: Available in thicknesses ranging from thin to extra heavy, and in a variety of shapes.
- Pros: Unique polyamide material that provides a bright and articulate tone, beveled edge for precision playing, comfortable grip, and available in a variety of shapes.
- Cons: Some players may find them too thick or heavy.
- Link: Chicken Picks on Amazon
Guitar Pick Materials
Plastic
Plastic picks are the most common and affordable type of pick. They are lightweight, easy to use, and come in a variety of colors and shapes. They provide a bright and snappy tone, making them ideal for playing rhythm guitar.
Nylon
Nylon picks are similar to plastic picks in terms of affordability and availability. However, they have a warmer and more mellow tone. They are also more durable than plastic picks, making them a great option for heavy strumming.
Celluloid
Celluloid picks are a classic choice for guitarists, as they have been around for over a century. They provide a warm and balanced tone and have a good grip. They are available in a wide range of thicknesses and shapes and are suitable for all styles of music.
Metal
Metal picks are the least common type of pick and are made from materials such as brass, steel, and copper. They provide a bright and clear tone and are great for playing lead guitar. They are also the most durable type of pick, making them ideal for heavy use.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Material
When choosing a pick material, consider the tone you want to achieve, the playing style you have, and the durability you need.
Plastic and nylon picks are ideal for beginners or those who prefer a bright and snappy tone. Celluloid picks are a classic choice that provides a warm and balanced tone.
Metal picks are ideal for those who want a bright and clear tone and need a durable pick.
Additionally, consider the thickness and shape of the pick, as this can affect your playing style and comfort level. Ultimately, it’s important to try out different types of picks to find the one that works best for you.
Guitar Pick Shapes
Standard
Standard picks are the most common and recognizable shape. They are shaped like an isosceles triangle with a rounded tip and are suitable for all playing styles. They are easy to hold and provide a balanced tone.
Teardrop
Teardrop picks have a rounded tip and a pointed end. They are ideal for strumming and provide a warm and mellow tone. They are also great for playing fingerstyle guitar.
Jazz
Jazz picks are smaller and thicker than standard picks. They are triangular in shape with a sharp tip and are suitable for playing lead guitar. They provide a bright and articulate tone and are ideal for playing fast and precise lines.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shape
When choosing a pick shape, consider your playing style, the tone you want to achieve, and your comfort level. Standard picks are a good choice for beginners or those who play a variety of styles.
Teardrop picks are ideal for those who play acoustic guitar and want a warm and mellow tone.
Jazz picks are great for those who play electric guitar and want a bright and articulate tone. Additionally, consider the thickness and material of the pick, as this can affect your playing style and tone.
Guitar Pick Thicknesses
Thin Guitar Picks
Thin picks are usually between 0.38mm and 0.60mm thick. They are flexible and produce a bright and snappy tone. They are ideal for playing rhythm guitar and strumming chords, and they are great for beginners who are just starting to play guitar.
Medium Guitar Picks
Medium picks are usually between 0.71mm and 0.84mm thick. They are versatile and suitable for a variety of playing styles. They provide a balanced tone and are ideal for both strumming and lead guitar playing.
Heavy Guitar Picks
Heavy picks are usually between 0.96mm and 1.5mm thick. They are thick and rigid, providing a strong attack and producing a warm and mellow tone. They are ideal for playing lead guitar and are great for shredding and playing fast and precise lines.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Thickness
When choosing a pick thickness, consider your playing style, the type of guitar you have, and the tone you want to achieve.
Thin picks are ideal for beginners or those who play rhythm guitar and want a bright and snappy tone.
Medium picks are versatile and suitable for a variety of playing styles.
Heavy picks are great for playing lead guitar and producing a warm and mellow tone.
Additionally, consider the material and shape of the pick, as this can affect your playing style and comfort level. Ultimately, it’s important to try out different thicknesses to find the one that works best for you.
Choosing the Right Guitar Pick for Your Playing Style
Tips for Choosing the Right Guitar Pick
- Consider your playing style and the type of music you play.
- Experiment with different shapes, thicknesses, and materials.
- Choose a pick that feels comfortable in your hand.
- Try out different picks with different guitars and amplifiers to find the best tone.
Examples of Different Playing Styles and the Types of Picks that Work Well for Each Style
- Strumming: For strumming, a thin or medium pick made of plastic or nylon works well. These picks provide a bright and snappy tone and are easy to control when strumming chords.
- Fingerpicking: For fingerpicking, a teardrop pick made of nylon or celluloid works well. These picks provide a warm and mellow tone and are easy to control when picking individual notes.
- Lead Guitar: For lead guitar playing, a heavy pick made of metal or acrylic works well. These picks provide a strong attack and produce a warm and mellow tone that is ideal for playing fast and precise lines.
- Jazz: For jazz playing, a small and thick pick made of nylon or acrylic works well. These picks provide a bright and articulate tone and are ideal for playing fast and precise lines.
Remember, the right pick for you depends on your playing style, the type of music you play, and your personal preference. Don’t be afraid to try out different picks to find the one that works best for you.
Best Guitar Picks: Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right guitar pick is essential for achieving the tone and playing style that you desire. There are many different types of picks available, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. When choosing a pick, consider the material, shape, and thickness, as well as your playing style and the type of music you play.
Some of the best guitar picks on the market include Dunlop Tortex, Fender 351 Shape Classic Picks, Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks, D’Addario Planet Waves, Jim Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks, Clayton Ultem Standard Picks, Gravity Picks Classic Standard, Gibson Brite Wire Picks, V-Picks, and Chicken Picks.
Remember, the best pick for you is the one that feels comfortable in your hand and produces the tone and playing style that you desire. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different picks until you find the one that works best for you.
Best Guitar Picks: FAQs
What are guitar picks made from?
Guitar picks can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, nylon, celluloid, metal, and even stone or glass. Each material produces a different tone and has its own unique feel and durability.
Plastic and nylon picks are the most common and affordable types of picks, and they are also the most durable. Celluloid picks are a classic choice that provides a warm and balanced tone. Metal picks are the least common type of pick, but they are the most durable and provide a bright and clear tone.
Do guitar picks wear out?
Over time, picks can become worn down and lose their shape, affecting their tone and performance. However, the rate at which picks wear out depends on the material, thickness, and frequency of use. Thinner picks tend to wear out faster than thicker picks, and softer materials like plastic and nylon tend to wear out faster than harder materials like metal or stone.
To prolong the life of your guitar picks, it’s important to store them properly and rotate them regularly. Additionally, try experimenting with different types of picks to find the one that works best for your playing style and tone preferences.
Which guitar pick is best?
There is no one “best” guitar pick, as the best pick for you depends on your playing style and personal preference. It’s important to try out different types of picks to find the one that feels comfortable in your hand and produces the tone and playing style that you desire.
What pick did Kurt Cobain use?
Kurt Cobain was known for using a variety of picks, including Fender Medium picks and Tortex Standard picks. He also occasionally used coins or other improvised materials as picks.
What is the best material for guitar picks?
The best material for guitar picks depends on your playing style and the tone you want to achieve. Plastic and nylon picks are the most common and affordable types of picks, while celluloid picks are a classic choice that provides a warm and balanced tone. Metal picks are the most durable and provide a bright and clear tone.
What picks are best for guitar solos?
For guitar solos, a thick pick made of metal or acrylic works well. These picks provide a strong attack and produce a warm and mellow tone that is ideal for playing fast and precise lines.
What pick did Jimi Hendrix use?
Jimi Hendrix used a variety of picks throughout his career, including Fender Medium picks and Tortoiseshell picks.
Are thicker picks better?
Thicker picks are not necessarily better, as the best pick for you depends on your playing style and personal preference. Thicker picks are generally better for playing lead guitar and producing a warm and mellow tone.
Should I get hard or thin guitar picks?
Whether to get a hard or thin guitar pick depends on your playing style and the tone you want to achieve. Thin picks are ideal for beginners or those who play rhythm guitar and want a bright and snappy tone. Hard picks are great for playing lead guitar and producing a warm and mellow tone.
What pick does John Mayer use?
John Mayer uses Gravity Picks, which are made of acrylic and come in a variety of shapes and thicknesses.
Should I get a thin or thick pick for acoustic?
Whether to get a thin or thick pick for acoustic guitar depends on your playing style and the tone you want to achieve. Thin picks are ideal for strumming and producing a bright and snappy tone. Thick picks are great for fingerpicking and producing a warm and mellow tone.
What pick did Eric Clapton use?
Eric Clapton has used a variety of picks throughout his career, including Fender Medium picks and Dunlop Tortex picks.
What kind of pick did Eric Clapton use?
Eric Clapton has used a variety of picks, including Fender Medium picks and Dunlop Tortex picks. He also occasionally uses his fingers to play guitar.
What pick did Stevie Ray Vaughan use?
Stevie Ray Vaughan used a variety of picks throughout his career, including Fender Heavy picks and Jim Dunlop Nylon picks.
Why did Eddie Van Halen use thin picks?
Eddie Van Halen used thin picks because he believed they allowed him to play faster and with more precision. He also felt that they produced a brighter and more articulate tone.
What size pick is best for rock?
The best size pick for rock depends on your playing style and the tone you want to achieve. Medium or heavy picks are generally better for playing rock music, as they produce a warm and mellow tone that is ideal for playing power chords and lead guitar.
Which guitar pick thickness is best?
The best pick thickness for you depends on your playing style and the tone you want to achieve. Thin picks are ideal for beginners or those who play rhythm guitar and want a bright and snappy tone. Medium picks are versatile and suitable for a variety of playing styles and are ideal for both strumming and lead guitar playing. Heavy picks are great for playing lead guitar and producing a warm and mellow tone.
What guitar pick did John Lennon use?
John Lennon was known for using a variety of picks, including Fender Medium picks and Tortex Standard picks.
What pick does Bruce Springsteen use?
Bruce Springsteen uses a variety of picks, including Fender Medium picks and Jim Dunlop Nylon picks.
What pick did David Gilmour use?
David Gilmour of Pink Floyd used a variety of picks throughout his career, including Jim Dunlop Nylon Standard picks and custom-made picks.
How thick guitar pick is best for beginners?
The best thickness of guitar pick for beginners is generally a thin or medium pick, which is easier to control and provides a bright and snappy tone.
What is the best guitar pick thickness for rock?
The best pick thickness for playing rock music depends on your playing style and the tone you want to achieve. Medium or heavy picks are generally better for playing rock music, as they produce a warm and mellow tone that is ideal for playing power chords and lead guitar.
What gauge is best for acoustic?
The best gauge for an acoustic guitar pick depends on your playing style and the tone you want to achieve. Thin picks are ideal for strumming and producing a bright and snappy tone. Thick picks are great for fingerpicking and producing a warm and mellow tone.
What guitar pick did Eddie Van Halen use?
Eddie Van Halen used a variety of picks throughout his career, including Dunlop Tortex picks and custom-made picks.
What pick did Paul McCartney use?
Paul McCartney of The Beatles used a variety of picks throughout his career, including Fender Medium picks and Tortex Standard picks.
What guitar pick did Elvis use?
Elvis Presley used a variety of picks throughout his career, including Tortex Standard picks and custom-made picks.
What gauge guitar pick is most popular?
The most popular gauge for guitar picks is medium, which is versatile and suitable for a variety of playing styles.
What thickness pick does Metallica use?
Metallica uses a variety of picks, including custom-made picks that are often medium to heavy in thickness.
Do thick picks break strings?
Thick picks are not more likely to break strings than thin picks. However, playing with too much force can put extra strain on your strings and increase the likelihood of breakage.
Are thicker picks better for metal?
Thicker picks are often better for playing metal, as they produce a warm and mellow tone that is ideal for playing power chords and lead guitar.
What shape pick is best for flatpicking?
A teardrop-shaped pick made of nylon or celluloid is best for flatpicking, as it provides a warm and mellow tone and is easy to control when picking individual notes.
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