Best Overall
Guitar Pick
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Durable build ensures these picks are tough and long-lasting.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best Comfort
Guitar Pick
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: Design and material prevent slipping while playing.
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best Durable
Guitar Pick
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Extremely durable and sturdy.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Ever played a guitar and thought, “Hmm, something’s off”? It might not be your playing; it could be the small guitar pick you’re holding – yep, the guitar pick shapes.
Before you brush it off as a mere sliver of plastic, hear me out!
When I first started playing guitar as a kid, I thought all guitar picks were identical. But I quickly learned from experienced players that the shape of your pick is just as important as the strings you play.
It’s not just about strumming; the shape of your guitar pick can whisper sweet nothings to your playing style or shout declarations of musical intent. Picks are as unique as the guitarists wielding them.
My pick of choice?
The Classic Teardrop Shape. It is perfect for pick-sliding fun and a rich, full-bodied tone.
Each pick is like a key to a secret garden of tone and playability, where the right one can unlock a symphony. And oh, if you think a pick can’t make you chuckle, wait till you meet the one shaped like a tiny foot!
Now, are you ready to make your perfect choice?
In this article, we’ll explore how different guitar pick shapes can impact your performance, transforming it from hesitant to sensational.
Choosing the Right Pick
Let’s peek at how different pick shapes can influence our guitar playing. It’s quite a game-changer!
Standard Shapes
The Standard 351 pick is quite the icon in the pick world.
Picture the classic heart shape that snugly fits between your thumb and forefinger; that’s the chap. It’s versatile for strumming and picking, making it a top choice for many.
Fender 351 Shape Premium Checker Picks
FEATURES: Quality celluloid classic 351 pick.
- Design and material prevent slipping while playing.
- The design and material help to avoid slipping while playing.
- May wear down relatively quickly with heavy use.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Teardrop Shapes
Teardrop picks are a genuine curiosity, with its pointy end delivering a brighter sound. It has been my go-to choice as it provides a comfortable grip and allows for versatile playing techniques, whether strumming chords or picking individual notes.
Its rounded tip produces a warm and smooth tone that complements folk, pop, and country music styles, making it a reliable and versatile option for my playing needs.
D'Addario Pearl Celluloid Picks
FEATURES: Stylish white pearl design.
-Hand-finished edges and polished surfaces.
- Durable build ensures these picks are tough and long-lasting.
- May be less ideal for intricate playing compared to picks with a sharper tip.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Triangle Picks
Don’t get me started on Triangle picks; they’re like a party for your fingers. Each of the three corners offers a fresh playing edge, making them exceptionally durable.
The triangle picks are a significant advantage because they have three playing tips, which means that even if one tip wears out, I still have two more to use.
Dunlop Tortex Triangle 0.73mm Guitar Picks
FEATURES: Made with Delrin material.
- Extremely durable and sturdy.
- Enhanced grip thanks to wider surface area.
- Many music stores do not sell these picks.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Experience Levels: Beginner to Professional
I thought standard picks were the best way to go when I was starting.
But as I grew into my guitar shoes, exploring a variety of jazz picks, including Jazz I, II, and III, let me develop a unique sound—a bit like adding spices to a stew. These picks are generally smaller and more pointed, excellent for intricate lead or rhythm work.
Jazz I Picks
For my fleet-fingered solos, the Jazz shape is unbeatable; it helps me articulate those fast licks with clarity.
The sharp tip gives me excellent control and definition, bringing out clear and dynamic tones in my jazz and blues performances.
Dunlop 427P2.0 Ultex Jazz Guitar Picks
FEATURES: Impressive rigidity,
with sharper, sculpted tip.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Lightweight
- May take some time to adjust for guitarists accustomed to other pick styles.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Jazz II Picks
As a guitarist, I appreciate the precision and control that Jazz II picks offer, allowing me to play with accuracy and clarity.
The smaller size and pointed tip enable me to execute intricate techniques and passages quickly, making them a favorite choice for my playing style.
Dunlop Jazz II Red 24
- Enhanced control and precision.
- Exceptional tonal quality.
- Guitarists used to other pick styles may need some time to adjust.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Jazz III Picks
If you primarily play lead guitar or seek to play with speed, the Jazz III pick is an excellent option. Its small size enables to give precise and clear playing, especially at aggressive playing styles.
Dunlop John Petrucci Jazz III Picks
FEATURES: -Crafted to John Petrucci’s own specifications.
-Crisp, clean pluck with a polished beveled tip.
- Reduced pick slip thanks to raised grip.
- Some players may find the smaller size of Jazz III guitar picks less comfortable to hold, particularly if they are used to larger picks.
- Slightly more expensive compared to other picks on the market.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Aural Properties and Effects
Let me tell you about the dramatic influence of pick shape on tone and sound quality.
A pick’s shape directs its attack on the strings, influencing whether a note blooms with warmth or slices through with precision.
Tone and Sound Quality
Sharp-tipped picks usually lead to a bright and nifty sonic attack, perfect for articulate lead parts.
If you’re after a more mellow and subdued sound, rounder tips
Are your best mates, caressing the strings rather than striking them.
Material Impact on Tone
Now, the plot thickens, with the material of the pick playing a pivotal role. Let’s get acquainted with a few materials:
Celluloid conjures warm, vintage tones.
Nylon picks are known for their flexibility and durability, shaping a balanced tone.
Delrin gives you a consistent feel and tone. Bright yet not too harsh — a solid middle-of-the-road option.
Tortoiseshell was once the king but mimicked by Ultex picks that offer similar warmth.
Wooden are rare beasts that produce a uniquely organic and warm caress on the strings.
Guitar Pick Shapes
Shaping Your Sound
Navigating the sea of guitar pick options might initially seem like it could be more apparent, but your choice can make or break your sound!
Now, I lean towards teardrop shape picks for their versatility across genres. They just fit snugly, offering a balance of control and freedom.
But who says you have to stop at one?
I recommend giving different shapes a whirl until you find the one that clicks with your playing.
The standard (351) shape is an old pal for us strummers, versatile and comforting, while those sharper tips slice through strings for precision play. Be bold in experimenting with shapes like the Jazz III or the more prominent Triangle.
Here’s a nudge in the right direction – keep a variety of picks handy in your guitar case. It’s thrilling to alternate picking occasionally, and the versatility will serve you well.
Who knows, your next pick might be the key to unlocking a whole new dimension in your playing.
Wait! Before you go…
Explore this comprehensive guide to discover the essential guitar accessories you need.
21 Essential Guitar Accessories
if pick shapes were super heroes, teardrop would be the speedy one, no?
I’ve always found triangle picks a bit cumbersome, so it’s fascinating that others find them preferable. It’s all about feel and how it connects you to your instrument, isn’t it?
Interesting article but I’ve got to say, while Jazz III picks are praised for their precision, shouldn’t overlook how they influence playability for various music genres. Teardrop shapes have their charm especially for faster playing styles. Would love to see a more in-depth comparison on this.
hey Hugh Richardson, do jazz I picks work fine for beginners? got one as a gift and not sure if it suits me.
had the same q, thanks for asking Melody S.
Jazz I picks can be great for precision. Might feel odd at first, but give it a shot. Could help improve your technique!