Guitar Picks

Which is the best guitar pick for you?

I can't believe we're actually going to try and answer this one. If you've been playing guitar for a while, you've probably tried every pick that's out there and you probably have a good idea of which pick is the right one for you. But if you're relatively new to this whole guitar playing thing, then you probably already think there's not a lot of difference between picks. You may just use whatever's lying around or whatever's cheapest or the ones that come in the prettiest colors, but think about it this way - you prefer a model of guitar you like using. Perhaps you're a Fender or a Yamaha player or whatever. You spend good money on guitars, amps, strings and effects pedals but you'd actually be surprised at how much your choice of a pick will affect your playing sound. So, what are your options and what's the best pick for you? Now the material of a pick makes a huge difference. Here's some of the most common materials that are used to make guitar picks and help you choose what's best for you. Certainly the most common material used for guitar picks is plastic but there are plenty of different kinds of plastic; they're just mixed differently.

Nylon: A material that produces a warm sound and are designed for flexibility, which allows for a smooth, responsive playing experience. Many of these picks feature a textured surface or grip-enhancing design, which helps prevent slipping during play. This is especially useful for fast or aggressive playing styles and makes them ideal for strumming and rhythm playing. These picks can withstand regular use without wearing down quickly and the longevity makes these picks a reliable option for many players.

Tortex / Delin: These picks are known for producing a bright, articulate tone and as the name suggests, these picks are made from a durable plastic material designed to mimic the feel and sound of tortoiseshell picks, which were once popular but are now banned due to conservation efforts. The material has a textured surface that enhances grip, and come in a wide range of thicknesses and shapes, allowing guitarists to choose the pick that best suits their playing style. Tortex picks are highly durable and resistant to wear, ensuring they last longer than many other types of picks and offer that sought after balance of grip, tone, and durability, making them a popular choice among guitarists of all levels.

Ultex: Ultex picks produce a bright, crisp sound and are made from a durable polyetherimide plastic, known for its strength and resistant to wear. This material ensures that the picks maintain their shape and performance over time, providing a consistent playing experience and a solid choice for many guitarists.

Celluloid: Choosing a celluloid pick over others produce a warm, balanced tone. This tonal quality can add a unique character to your music that other materials might not provide while also providing a smooth comfortable feel that many that many players find appealing . They glide easily over the strings, providing a pleasant playing experience. A Celluloid material has been used for guitar picks for decades, giving them a classic, vintage appeal that many players appreciate.

Metal: As you can imagine, metal picks produce a bright, sharp, and articulate tone, which can add a distinct character to your playing. They are particularly popular for genres like rock and metal, where a more aggressive attack is desired and are incredibly durable, lasting much longer than picks made from plastic or other materials. However, it's worth noting that metal picks can be harder on your strings and may require more frequent string changes. They can also produce a louder "clicking" sound when striking the strings, which some players may find undesirable. Brian May, the guitarist for Queen, prefers to use a British sixpence coin as a guitar pick instead of a plastic one. However, he has also said that an American dime can work just as well.

You can also try your luck using other materials such as wood, acrylic, ivory or even platinum! Each type of pick will have its own tonal characteristics so experiment with various types to achieve your distinctive tone.

OUR TOP PICKS

Although material is a crucial element when choosing a pick, thickness plays a significant role in the pick's flexibility and the sound it produces; thinner picks are great for strumming, while thicker picks offer more control for lead playing. Shape and size are also a matter of personal preference and comfort. With standard shapes like the 351 offering a balanced feel, while jazz picks are smaller and more precise. Grip is another important factor, as a textured or matte finish can prevent the pick from slipping during play. Lastly, consider the bevel or edge of the pick, which can influence how smoothly it glides over the strings. By paying attention to these features, you can find a pick that complements your playing style and enhances your overall performance. Below, we've compiled a list of some of our top guitar picks, based on pricing, versatility, and style.

Best Comfort Pick

Dunlop Tortex

One of the most comfortable guitar picks is the Dunlop Tortex. These picks are known for their excellent grip, smooth feel, and budget. We picked this for comfort playing due to their durability and consistent performance that the Tortex material provides. With a bright, clear tone that complements the natural sound of acoustic guitars along with the excellent grip when shredding on an electric making them a versatile choice for guitarists.

Notable Mentions:

Gravity Picks: Gravity are unique due to their handmade craftsmanship and high-quality acrylic material, which provides a bright, articulate tone. They feature custom grip options and beveled edges for enhanced control and precision. Their durability and unique design make them a top choice among many guitarists.

Fender 351 Premium Pick: Made from celluloid, these picks are recognized for their warm tone and comfortable feel. The 351 shape is Fender's most popular pick design, offering a comfortable grip and versatile performance for various playing styles.

Ernie Ball Prodigy: Known for their comfort. They feature a highly durable Delrin material that provides a secure, non-slip surface. The machined beveled edge and sharp points allow for less drag, added articulation, and precise control while playing. Many guitarists appreciate the chalk-like coated surface, which enhances grip and feels great in the hands.

Best Overall Pick

Dunlop Jazz III

There is no "best pick"...except the Dunlop Jazz III. This is our pick as the best overall. Although the Jazz III is smaller than standard picks, its compact size and sharp, pointed tip allow for precise control and accuracy, making it ideal for intricate lead lines and fast solos. Traditionally made from durable nylon, the Jazz III provides a smooth attack on the strings, enhancing fluidity and reducing unwanted clicking sounds. Variants made from materials like Ultex and Tortex offer different tonal characteristics.

The Jazz III is quite thick, ensuring rigidity and quick response times. This thickness helps in achieving clear, articulate notes, especially during fast transitions. The small profile and quick-release molded edge provide a secure grip, allowing players to maintain control even during intense playing sessions. We recommend purchasing a variety pack, and try em out.

Dunlop Kirk Hammett Signature Jazz III Guitar Pick

Notable Mentions:

Fender 351 Shape Wavelength: Infusing a pragmatic twist into the timeless 351 pick, Wavelength celluloid picks sport debossed impressions on both sides. The celluloid material lends a familiar feel and a warm, round musical tone, while patented grip technology ensures unprecedented comfort and hold.

ChickenPicks Badazz III: Made from thermoset plastic, these picks are extremely hard and long-lasting, producing a clear, bright tone with minimal pick noise. The thickness and beveled edges provide an excellent grip, but might take some getting used to for players accustomed to thinner picks. They are also more expensive compared to standard picks.

Dunlop Flow Picks: Thanks to their highly toneful and durable Ultex material, Flow Picks project rich, powerful overtones, and their uniform bevel makes playing a breeze. A low-profile grip provides just the right amount of control without getting in the way.

Best Acoustic Pick

Jim Dunlop Primetone:

Offering bright tones with lots of clarity and articulation, making it a great choice for acoustic players. Primetone picks are great for acoustic guitar due to their hand-burnished edges, which provide a smooth, fast release and enhance the overall playability. The Ultex material used in these picks offers a bright, clear tone that complements the natural sound of acoustic guitars. Additionally, the textured grip ensures a secure hold, preventing the pick from slipping during play. These features make the Primetone picks a popular choice among acoustic guitarists looking for a reliable and high-quality pick.

Notable Mentions:

D'Addario Casein: This guitar pick stands out due to its unique casein material, which is derived from milk protein. This material offers a warm, balanced tone similar to natural tortoise shell picks. It also features a right-handed bevel and a pointed tip, providing a smooth glide along the strings and excellent articulation. The casein material is biodegradable and water-soluble, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Stickpick: Crafted from real wood, these picks exude a natural warmth and character that sets them apart from traditional plastic counterparts. Customers appreciate the plectrums' attractive design and mellow, rich tones and find the picks comfortable to hold and flexible.

Clayton Acetal Polymer: Strength is key to the ultimate performance and the composition of this pick gives you just enough stiffness to give you those killer power chords, but has just enough give so that you're not busting strings left and right. Plus this pick has a matte surface that prevents it from moving or slipping in-between your fingers.

Best Innovative Pick

Black Mountain Asteroid Pick

This pick is a doozy - a three-in-one, multi-material pick. The blue segment is a classic 0.60 mm Nylon tip, providing the perfect feel and balance for strumming and delicate melodic lines. The red segment is a rounded 1.50 mm Acetal tip, delivering fat, dynamic arpeggios, leads, and power chords. The black segment is a pointed 1.50 mm Ultem, a fiery combination built for the ultimate in face-melting pick speed and control. No other pick provides all three options in one package!

Notable Mentions:

Fender 355 Shape Guitar Pick: The Fender 355 Shape Guitar pick is unique due to its large triangular design, which provides three sides for picking. This shape offers a larger surface area for a secure grip and added versatility. Made from celluloid, these picks deliver a traditional feel and a warm, round tone. The 355 shape is particularly favored by players who prefer a larger pick to hold on to, enhancing comfort and control during play.

Black Mountain Handcrafted Tagua Guitar Picks: Handcrafted from Tagua, also known as vegetable ivory, and featuring an embedded cork grip with a non-slip design, these unique guitar picks provide superior control and are built for performance.

Ti-Geek Titanium Guitar Picks: Perfectly engineered for metal enthusiasts, this pick delivers rich and powerful metal tones. Made from high-quality titanium, this guitar pick promises unparalleled durability and a lifetime of use.

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