Best
Overall Guitar Pick
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Overall: Made from premium quality celluloid that provides a natural feel and warm, fat tone
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Best Feature: Has a standard shape for comfortable playing
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Comfort Guitar Pick
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Overall: Offers ultimate playing comfort from classic, ergonomic 351 pick shape
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Best Feature: Has a medium thickness, ideal for picking or strumming
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Durable Guitar Pick
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Overall: With a large gripping surface that provides exceptional control
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Best Feature: Durable Tortex design offers a lifetime of performance
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TedScore™: 9/10
Choosing the best guitar picks for beginners can feel like stepping into a sweet shop for the first time—there are so many options, and they all look enticing! From different shapes and sizes to various materials, finding the right pick can significantly enhance your playing style and comfort.
The right guitar pick can smooth strumming and make solos more precise, giving you extra oomph in your playing. I’ll share insights into what makes a pick perfect for a beginner, tackling everything from thickness to grip.
Ready to explore this little but powerful tool that can change your guitar playing? Let’s find the perfect guitar pick for beginners!
The 7 Best Guitar Picks for Beginners
D'Addario Pearl Celluloid Guitar Picks
These picks are made from high-quality celluloid material, which gives them a nice, smooth feel and a warm, round tone. They come in various thicknesses so that you can find the perfect pick for your own guitar-playing style. And, if you like pretty accessories for your guitar, you’ll love the beautiful pearl finish on these picks.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and experienced guitar players
FEATURES: Made from premium quality celluloid that provides a natural feel and warm, fat tone
OTHER INFO: Has a standard shape for comfortable playing
D'Addario Assorted Pearl Celluloid Guitar Picks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Designed for minimal waste and environmental impact
- Durable and can withstand frequent use
- Variety pack includes 8 light (.50mm White pearl), 9 Medium (.70mm red Pearl), and 8 heavy (1.0mm black pearl) picks
- May be slippery and not provide enough grip for some guitarists
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Dunlop Jazz III Nylon Guitar Picks
With its pointy and nimble shape, the Jazz III has a Max Grip version that adds an anti-slip surface for even more stability. While the Jazz III may be smaller than other picks, it provides a better grip and a warm sound. There’s a Jazz III pick for every playing style with options in red, carbon fibre, and tortex.
DESIGNED FOR: lead playing, single note soloing, sweeping, and string skipping
FEATURES: Has a small profile, a quick-release moulded edge, and a sharp tip for control when playing
OTHER INFO: Lets you play with speed and precision
Dunlop Jazz III Nylon Picks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Produces clear notes
- Used by notable lead players across genres
- With available options in red, carbon fibre, and tortex
- May be uncomfortable to use for guitarists with bigger hands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender 351 Shape Premium Checker Picks
These picks are designed for electric, acoustic, mandolin, and bass guitar players. With a traditional 351 shape, they are perfect for players of all styles and techniques. Plus, they come in a cool checkerboard finish. The gauge is heavy, giving a warm, round tone.
DESIGNED FOR: all guitarists
FEATURES: Offers ultimate playing comfort from classic, ergonomic 351 pick shape
OTHER INFO: Has a medium thickness, ideal for picking or strumming
Fender 351 Shape Premium Checker Picks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Provides a full-bodied, musical tone from celluloid construction
- Provides great and natural reach
- Designed with a striking checkerboard pattern
- May not provide enough grip for some guitarists
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Dunlop 0.71mm Del 500 Picks
The low-profile gripping surface, taken from Jim Dunlop’s Primetone range, makes these picks easy to handle. Plus, they offer a warm, organic sound with little slamming. They’re rigid but not inflexible, allowing you to bend them as much as you need for your playing style. These picks also have a slick and stiff playing surface that instantly produces a quality, warm tone.
DESIGNED FOR: all musicians
FEATURES: Made with a reliable ultra-hard plastic
OTHER INFO: Perfect for playing with precision
Dunlop 0.71mm Del 500 Picks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has an affordable Jim Dunlop quality with a legendary heritage
- Comes in a variety of colours, including pink
- Can be too flexible for heavy strumming or aggressive playing
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Gibson Standard Style Picks
With its classic, rounded shape and quality celluloid construction, this pick offers a great grip and dependable reliability. It also works well with any style of music. Plus, its size and format make it compatible with any guitar or bass.
DESIGNED FOR: electric, acoustic and bass guitar
FEATURES: With a stylish black finish with an instantly recognisable Gibson logo
OTHER INFO: Has top-quality celluloid for an authentic tone and feel
Gibson Standard Style Pick, Medium
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Official Gibson accessory - perfect for true Gibson fans
- Provides superb comfort and excellent grip
- May not offer enough flexibility for certain playing styles
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ernie Ball Everlast 0.73mm Guitar Picks
These picks are designed with highly durable Delrin material that provides a secure, non-slip surface for optimal performance. Whether you’re a professional player or starting out, these picks will meet your needs. Plus, with a pack of 12 in vibrant orange, you’ll never run out of picks when needed.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners and professionals
FEATURES: Made from durable Delrin material
OTHER INFO: A high-quality and durable pick
Ernie Ball Everlast 0.73mm Guitar Picks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Responsive and comfortable to use
- Premium guitar pick by Ernie Ball
- Gives you control when playing guitar
- May not provide enough grip for some guitarists
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Dunlop Tortex Triangle 0.73mm Guitar Pick
Made from high-quality Tortex material, this pick features a sharp, pointed tip for precise picking and strumming. The triangle shape provides a comfortable grip and helps to prevent the pick from slipping during use. The 0.73mm thickness strikes a balance between flexibility and control, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
DESIGNED FOR: With a large gripping surface that provides exceptional control
FEATURES: Durable Tortex design offers a lifetime of performance
OTHER INFO: Offers a crisp, bright attack for exceptional clarity in your sound
Dunlop Tortex Triangle 0.73mm Guitar Pick
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Unparalleled quality from Dunlop's best-selling pick range
- Made to enhance performance
- May be too thin or flexible for some users' preferred playing styles.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Pros and Cons of Using Guitar Picks
Using a guitar pick has several advantages and drawbacks, especially for beginners. Here are some of the pros and cons of using it:
Pros of Using Guitar Pick
Using a guitar pick can offer several advantages to guitar players.
Firstly, it allows for greater speed and agility, making it an excellent choice for playing lead lines and solos. This is because a pick enables you to strike the strings with greater precision and speed than you could with your fingers alone.
Additionally, using a pick can help you play more accurately, especially when playing fast or intricate passages.
Another benefit of using a pick is that it can help you achieve a more consistent tone, particularly when playing rhythm guitar. A pick strikes the strings with a consistent force, resulting in a more uniform sound. In contrast, using your fingers can result in variations in tone and volume, which can be challenging to control.
Finally, playing with a pick can help reduce the strain on your fingers, especially when playing for extended periods. This is because you don’t have to grip the strings as hard as you would when playing with your fingers. This can help prevent fatigue and discomfort, allowing you to play for longer without experiencing pain or discomfort.
Cons of Using Guitar Pick
While using a pick can offer several benefits, there are also some drawbacks.
Firstly, it can limit your tonal range, particularly when compared to playing with your fingers.
A pick produces a brighter, more focused sound, whereas playing with your fingers can produce a wider range of tones and timbres.
This can be a disadvantage if you want to achieve a particular sound or style that’s not easily achievable with a pick.
Another disadvantage of using a pick is that it can limit your control over the strings, especially when playing intricate or complex passages.
A pick strikes the strings with a consistent force, whereas using your fingers allows for more subtle variations in tone and volume. This can make it challenging to achieve the desired level of nuance and expression when playing with a pick.
Finally, using a pick can limit your versatility as a guitarist, particularly if you rely on it too heavily. Playing with your fingers allows for a wider range of techniques and styles, such as fingerpicking and slap bass. While a pick can be a useful tool for certain genres and playing styles, developing a range of techniques is essential to remain versatile as a musician.
How To Choose A Guitar Pick
Choosing the right guitar pick can make a significant difference in your playing, affecting tone, speed, and accuracy. Make sure to check the important factors in this short buying guide below:
Material
When choosing a guitar pick, the material it’s made of can drastically affect the sound and feel of your playing.
Picks made from nylon are durable and affordable but can be slippery and lack grip.
There are also celluloid picks available in the market, which are popular for their vintage look and feel, but can wear down quickly.
Tortex picks provide a good grip and durability but can feel stiff.
Picks made from Delrin are similar to tortex picks but have a smoother surface and more flexibility.
Lastly, you can also opt for metal picks, which offer a bright, sharp sound but can be hard on your strings and guitar.
Shape
The shape of your guitar pick can also affect your playing. Standard-shaped picks are the most common, with a pointed tip and rounded edges. Other picks have a teardrop shape, which offers a wider surface area and more control but can be harder to hold.
On the other hand, triangle-shaped picks provide a sharp attack and precise control but can be uncomfortable to hold. Finally, sharkfin-shaped picks offer a unique grip and texture but can be difficult to find and expensive.
Thickness
The thickness of your guitar pick can affect the tone and feel of your playing.
Thin guitar picks offer a bright, snappy sound and more flexibility but can lack control, while thicker picks offer a warm, full sound and more power but can be stiff and difficult to use.
Aside from these two, medium guitar picks are available that provide a good balance between brightness and control and are a common choice for beginner guitar players.
Comfortability
Choosing a guitar pick that feels comfortable in your hand is also important.
Consider your pick’s size.
A larger pick may offer more control but can be harder to hold. Also, picks with a textured surface can offer a better grip and prevent slipping.
A heavier pick may provide more stability but can be tiring to use for extended periods of time.
Ultimately, the best guitar pick for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. You can experiment with different materials, shapes, and thicknesses to find the best one.
Steps on How to Use a Guitar Pick Properly
Using a guitar pick can be tricky for beginners, but with a little practice, you can master it quickly. Here are some simple steps to help you get started playing:
Hold the pick correctly: Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger, with the pointy end facing down towards the strings. Ensure you have a firm grip, but don’t squeeze too hard.
Position your hand: Hold your picking hand over the sound hole on your acoustic guitar or the body if you are playing electric. Don’t rest your hand on the guitar; allow your hand to hover.
Strum the strings: To strum your strings, move the pick from the top to the bottom. Only a small amount of the pointy part of the pick should come into contact with the strings. The motion should be soft and mostly come from your wrist, but your arm will also naturally move.
Practice regularly: The more you practice using a pick, the easier it will become. Try practising for a few minutes daily until you feel comfortable using a pick.
Remember, everyone has their own unique way of holding and using a guitar pick, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
Best Guitar Picks For Beginners
Summary
Choosing the best beginner guitar picks can truly elevate your playing experience. Remember, it’s not just about the pick’s thickness or material but how it feels in your hand.
- Beginners often find that a medium gauge pick, like 0.73mm, balances flexibility and control.
- For strumming, you might prefer a thinner pick, such as 0.46mm. It glides effortlessly across the strings, producing a softer, mellow sound.
- If you’re delving into more technical playing, a thicker pick around 1.0mm might be your best ally. It provides precision and stability, which is great for fast picking.
The best guitar pick for beginners depends on what you like and how you play. Try different shapes, sizes, and materials until you find one that feels good and makes the sound you want.
The good news is that picks are pretty cheap, so testing a few won’t cost too much. With the right pick, you’ll find the perfect one to improve your playing.
Best of luck on your way to becoming a rockstar!
And whatever you do, don’t forget to look at the other accessories you might need here.
Interesting points on pick thickness, but you missed how it impacts playability for genres. Thicker picks might be great for some, but jazz players often prefer thinner, more flexible options for those quick changes.
nah, nah, nah. Ya’ll got it all wrong. Picks are cool n all but nothing beats the warmth and control of just using your fingers, especially for those intricate fingerstyle pieces. Picks provide a sharper tone, sure, but fingerpicking lets you connect with the instrument on a whole ‘nother level. I’d say newcomers should start learning without a pick first to get a real feel of their guitar.
Could anyone elaborate on the distinction between celluloid and nylon picks in terms of sound and durability? I’m on the fence about which direction to go for predominantly acoustic sessions.
Hey Lewis, just wanted to drop in and say thanks for the detailed guide on guitar picks! As someone just starting out, I had no idea how much of a difference the material and thickness could make to my playing. Tried out a couple from your list and already noticing some improvements. Keep up the great work, man!
The Dunlop Jazz III totally changed the game for me. Sharp and precise, just how I like it!
Totally agree with you! When I switched to a thicker pick, my strumming sounded so much better. It’s all about finding what works for you.