Best Guitar Picks: 2023 Reviews

Guitar picks are an essential tool for any guitarist - unless you're Mark Knopfler. Guitar picks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses and materials, each with its own unique characteristics that can affect the sound you produce. Finding the best guitar pick for your playing style is often a matter of trial and error, but we're here to help.

When it comes to guitar picks, the most critical factor to consider is the material. Picks can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, nylon, celluloid, metal, and even stone. Each material has its own unique sound and feel, so it's essential to choose one that complements your playing style.

Another factor to consider when choosing a guitar pick is the thickness. Thinner picks are excellent for strumming and producing a brighter tone, while thicker picks are better suited for lead playing and producing a warmer, more rounded sound.

After researching and testing over 30 guitar picks, we've identified the best guitar pick for most players.

Best Guitar Picks

With so many options of guitar picks available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one that suits your playing style and preferences. That's why we've compiled a list of the best guitar picks that are widely available. We've researched and tested various picks to bring you a comprehensive roundup that will help you find the perfect pick for your needs. So, without further ado, let's dive into our top picks - get it?

Overall Winner: Fender 351 Picks

There's something about Fender picks that we simply can't get enough of. In fact, our favorite pick of all is the Fender Medium as it's perfect for both acoustic guitars and electric guitars, for strumming and for soloing. However, if you're looking for a versatile set of guitar picks that can handle any playing style, then the Fender Premium Picks Sampler - 24 Pack is our top choice.

The Fender celluloid have been our choice for best guitar picks for a while now, and we're impressed with their quality and versatility. The celluloid material provides a comfortable grip and produces a warm, round tone that's perfect for a wide range of music genres. The classic shape of Fender picks is often called 351 and is perfect whether playing rhythm or lead guitar.

The variety pack includes Thin, Medium, and Heavy Gauges, so you can experiment with different thicknesses to find the perfect match for your playing style. Plus, the picks come in a variety of styles and colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.

One downside we've found with the Fender picks, especially in Medium or Thin varieties, is that they can warp a bit over time.

Overall, if you're looking for a versatile set of guitar picks that can handle any playing style, then the Fender Premium Picks Sampler - 24 Pack is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to keep them in a safe place, as they're easily lost!

Pros:

1. Durability: Fender 351 picks are typically made from high-quality materials, such as celluloid or various plastics, which makes them durable and long-lasting.
2. Versatility: The standard shape and thickness of the Fender 351 pick make it suitable for various playing styles and genres, from strumming to picking.
3. Comfort: Many players find the Fender 351 pick comfortable to hold due to its standard shape and smooth edges.
4. Availability: Fender 351 picks are widely available in music stores and online retailers, making them easy to purchase.
5. Affordable: These picks are relatively inexpensive, so players can easily stock up on them without breaking the bank.

Cons:

1. Lack of Grip: Some players might find that the smooth surface of the Fender 351 pick doesn't provide as much grip as picks with textured or grippy surfaces.
2. Rigidity: Depending on personal preference, some guitarists may prefer thick guitar picks which even the Heavy gauge can't achieve.
3. Wear: All picks will wear down but due to the nature of the Fender 351 being a thinner pick they are not the most durable and, as mentioned before, some of ours have even warped wear after a month or so of playing.

Runner Up: Jim Dunlop Tortex Guitar Picks

The Jim Dunlop Tortex guitar picks often win the award for best guitar picks and they're a a top choice among guitarists worldwide, and there are several compelling reasons why they might be considered the best picks on the market. The Tortex comes in a variety of shapes and thicknesses so you can get a range of tones from a quiet and warm tone perfect for rhythm and acoustic guitar players to a thicker gauge that will provide a loud bright tone perfect for solos. The Dunlop Tortex Standard has a very similar shape to the Fender 351; however Jim Dunlop also creates both a Flow and a Triangle shape pick. Both of the latter styles have a sharp point that some players prefer for more articulation in their playing.

The Dunlop Flow Tortex has a smaller shape with a sharper tip. It also has a texture to it that provides a grippier feel than most celluloid picks.

Crazy people use the bigger triangle pick size - but if crazy is your thing then go for it!

At the end of the day, your favorite guitar pick is a very subjective choice based on the type of music you like as well as your playing style. However, the Dunlop Tortex takes that subjective decision for best guitar pick even further as it sports such a different feel than most picks and players tend to either love them or hate them.  

Pros:

1. Durability: One of the standout features of the Tortex picks is their exceptional durability. Crafted from high-quality materials, they withstand extensive playing without showing signs of wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to traditional picks.
2. Grip and Control: The Tortex picks feature a textured surface, providing an excellent grip between the guitarist's fingers and the pick. This enhanced control allows for more precise picking and strumming, resulting in a cleaner and more consistent sound.
3. Versatility: These picks come in various thicknesses (measured in millimeters) and shapes (standard, jazz, and others), catering to the diverse preferences of guitarists across different genres and playing styles. This versatility allows players to find the perfect pick that suits their individual needs.
4. Tone Enhancement: The Tortex material strikes a delicate balance between flexibility and stiffness, which contributes to producing a bright, articulate tone with sufficient warmth. This characteristic is especially advantageous for electric guitarists seeking improved clarity and punch in their sound.
5. Budget-Friendly: Despite their high-quality construction, Tortex picks are reasonably priced, making them an affordable choice for both beginners and experienced musicians.

Cons:

1. Personal Preference: Like all guitar picks, the Tortex may not suit everyone's playing style or personal preferences. Some guitarists might prefer the feel and tone of picks made from different materials, such as celluloid or nylon.
2. Texture Sensitivity: While many players appreciate the textured surface for enhanced grip, some guitarists might find it less comfortable compared to smoother picks. Personal comfort is crucial during extended playing sessions.
3. Thickness Options: While the Tortex line offers a good range of thicknesses, some musicians may desire even more variability in this aspect to fine-tune their playing experience further.
4. Acoustic Players' Preference: While Tortex picks perform admirably for electric guitarists, some acoustic players may prefer picks with different materials or thicknesses to achieve the specific tone they seek.

Let's sum it up - The Jim Dunlop Tortex guitar picks have earned their reputation as one of the best choices for guitarists due to their durability, grip, versatility, and tonal qualities. However, the ultimate suitability of these picks will depend on individual preferences and playing styles. Guitarists looking for reliable and budget-friendly picks with excellent performance across various genres should undoubtedly consider giving the Tortex picks a try.

JIM DUNLOP Acoustic Pick Variety Pack

If you're looking to refine your unplugged sound, the JIM DUNLOP Acoustic Pick Variety Pack is a great place to start. We highly recommend this pack for anyone who wants to experiment with different materials and gauges to find the perfect pick for their acoustic guitar.

Pros

• The selection of picks perfectly complements the tone and playability of acoustic instruments.
• The variety of materials and gauges allows you to find the perfect pick for your sound and playing style.
• Made in the USA.

Cons

• Some picks in the pack may not suit your playing style or preferences.
• The pack may not include enough of your preferred pick type.
• The picks may wear down quickly with heavy use.

We found that the JIM DUNLOP Acoustic Pick Variety Pack offers a great selection of picks that are perfect for acoustic guitars. The pack features a variety of materials and gauges, including Nylon and Ultex, to help you find the perfect pick for your sound and playing style. We appreciated the range of options in the pack, which allowed us to experiment with different picks and find the perfect one for our playing needs.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all picks in the pack may suit your playing style or preferences. However, with 12 picks in the pack, we found that there were plenty of options to choose from. We also appreciated that the picks were made in the USA, which added to the overall quality of the product.

One potential downside is that the picks may wear down quickly with heavy use. However, we found that with regular use, the picks held up well and provided consistent tone and playability. Overall, we highly recommend the JIM DUNLOP Acoustic Pick Variety Pack for anyone looking to experiment with different picks and refine their unplugged sound.

JIM DUNLOP Max Grip Jazz III Carbon Fiber Guitar Picks

If you're looking for a guitar pick that can help you increase your speed and articulation, then the JIM DUNLOP Max Grip Jazz III Carbon Fiber Guitar Picks might be the one for you. With its non-slip grip molded into the entire gripping surface, you'll have incredible control while playing. The tip features the same sharp and beveled shape for quick string release, making it an essential tool for any guitarist.

Pros

• The non-slip grip allows for incredible control while playing.
• The sharp and beveled tip provides quick string release.
• The carbon fiber material ensures fantastic quality.

Cons

• The grip might be too much for some users, making it difficult to adjust while holding it.
• The size might be too small for some players who prefer larger picks.
• The picks wear out a bit quicker than some others.

We've been using the JIM DUNLOP Max Grip Jazz III Carbon Fiber Guitar Picks for a while now, and we can confidently say that they're one of the best picks out there. The non-slip grip is a game-changer, especially if you tend to sweat a lot while playing. The sharp and beveled tip makes it easy to play fast and accurately, and the carbon fiber material ensures that the picks will last a long time.

One thing to note is that the grip might be too much for some users, especially if you're used to playing with picks that have a smoother surface. It might take some time to adjust to the grip, but once you do, you'll notice a significant improvement in your playing. Also, the size might be too small for some players who prefer larger picks. However, if you're used to playing with Jazz III picks, then you won't have any issues with the size.

Overall, we highly recommend the JIM DUNLOP Max Grip Jazz III Carbon Fiber Guitar Picks. They're a fantastic choice for any guitarist looking to improve their playing and take it to the next level.

D'Addario Accessories Celluloid Guitar Picks

If you are looking for a guitar pick that provides a natural feel and warm, fat tone, then D'Addario Accessories Celluloid Guitar Picks are a great choice.

Pros

• Medium gauge (70mm) works well for both strumming and articulate picking
• Premium quality celluloid provides natural feel and warm, fat tone
• Standard shape for comfortable playing

Cons

• Some players may prefer thicker or thinner picks
• Picks may wear down quickly with heavy use
• Assorted colors may not be to everyone's taste

We have used D'Addario Accessories Celluloid Guitar Picks and found them to be a reliable and consistent choice for both acoustic and electric guitar playing. The medium gauge provides a good balance between strumming and picking, and the natural feel of the celluloid material allows for comfortable playing over long periods.

One potential downside is that some players may prefer thicker or thinner picks, but this is a matter of personal preference. Additionally, heavy use may wear down the picks more quickly than other materials, but this is to be expected with any pick. Finally, the assorted colors may not be to everyone's taste, but this is a minor quibble.

Overall, we would recommend D'Addario Accessories Celluloid Guitar Picks to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile pick that provides a warm, natural tone. With 10 picks per package, they also make a great gift for guitar players of all levels.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best guitar pick, there are a few factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will go over the most important features to look at when selecting a guitar pick.

Material

The material of a guitar pick can greatly affect its sound and durability. The most common materials for guitar picks are plastic, nylon, and celluloid. Each material has its own unique properties that can impact the tone and feel of the pick. We recommend trying out picks made from different materials to find the one that suits your playing style and preferences.

Thickness

The thickness of a guitar pick can also affect the sound and feel of the pick. Thicker picks tend to produce a brighter sound and are easier to grip, while thinner picks produce a softer sound and are more flexible. The thickness of the pick should be chosen based on your playing style and the type of music you play.

Shape

The shape of a guitar pick can impact the way it feels in your hand and the sound it produces. There are a variety of shapes available, including standard, teardrop, and jazz. Each shape has its own unique properties that can affect your playing experience. We recommend trying out different shapes to find the one that feels the most comfortable and produces the sound you are looking for.

Texture

The texture of a guitar pick can also impact your playing experience. Some picks have a smooth surface, while others have a textured surface for better grip. Textured picks can be especially helpful for players with sweaty hands or for those who play for extended periods of time.

In summary, when choosing a guitar pick, consider the material, thickness, shape, and texture. Experiment with different picks to find the one that feels the most comfortable and produces the sound you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy a guitar pick?

Guitar picks are available at any music store such as Guitar Center or Sam Ash. You can also find great guitar pick deals on Amazon for both Fender and Jim Dunlop and get free shipping options there too.

What are the best guitar picks for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend starting with a medium gauge pick with a slightly larger size similar to the Fender 351. Smaller picks and picks with a sharp tip are less versatile and require a bit more muscle memory of how far apart strings are that can only come with experience. Medium picks can withstand a heavier strum which is natural when you're still learning where as beginners might tear thin gauge picks. There really isn't a big difference in quality or price when it comes to picks suitable for abeginner guitarsit and a professional guitarist.

What is the best guitar pick thickness for playing electric guitar?

When playing electric guitar, we suggest using a medium to heavy gauge pick, around 0.81mm to 1.14mm. This thickness allows for a stronger attack and better control over the strings. However, it's important to experiment with different thicknesses to find what works best for your playing style.

Which material makes the best guitar pick?

The best material for a guitar pick depends on personal preference. Some popular materials include nylon, celluloid, and Delrin. Nylon picks are durable and produce a bright sound, while celluloid picks are flexible and produce a warm tone. Delrin picks are known for their durability and ability to produce a balanced sound.

What are the best guitar picks for warm tone?

If you're looking for a warm tone, we suggest trying out picks made from materials such as tortoiseshell or bone. These materials produce a rich, warm tone that is well-suited for playing acoustic guitar.

What are the best guitar picks for metal?

When playing metal, we recommend using a heavy gauge pick, around 1.14mm to 2.0mm. Picks made from materials such as Ultex or Tortex are also popular among metal guitarists due to their durability and ability to produce a bright, aggressive sound.

What is the most commonly used guitar pick among professional guitarists?

The most commonly used guitar pick among professional guitarists is the Dunlop Tortex pick. This pick is known for its durability, versatility, and ability to produce a balanced sound. However, it's important to note that the best pick for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.

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