How to Choose Guitar Picks
Shape, thickness, material, and grip — what actually matters
Why Your Pick Matters
The guitar pick is the first point of contact between you and your strings. It directly shapes your attack, tone, and how comfortable you feel playing. A pick that suits your playing style can make fast runs cleaner, strumming smoother, and tone warmer or brighter — no pedal required.
This guide breaks down the four main factors: shape, thickness, material, and grip texture. There are no universally "best" picks — only picks that match how you play.
Shape
Pick shape affects how much of the tip contacts the string, which changes the attack and how easily you can move between strings.
Standard (351)
The most common shape, named after the Fender 351 mould. It has a wide, rounded body and a pointed tip. Good for strumming and general playing. Most beginners start here.
- Best for: Strumming, rhythm, all-round playing
- Examples: Fender Classic 351, Dunlop Tortex Standard
Jazz III
A smaller, more pointed pick with a sharper tip. The reduced surface area gives you more precision and speed. Favoured by lead players, metal guitarists, and jazz musicians.
- Best for: Lead lines, fast alternate picking, precision
- Examples: Dunlop Jazz III, Dunlop Jazz III XL (slightly larger)
Teardrop (358)
Similar to the standard but slightly narrower. Offers a middle ground between the standard's strumming comfort and the Jazz III's precision.
- Best for: Players who want a bit more control than a standard
- Examples: Dunlop Tortex Flow, D'Andrea 358
Triangle
Larger than a standard with three usable tips. Lasts three times as long since you can rotate it when one tip wears down. The wider body can feel more secure in your hand.
- Best for: Strumming, bass players, players who drop picks frequently
- Examples: Dunlop Triangle, Fender 346
Tip: If you're not sure which shape to start with, try a standard 351 and a Jazz III — they represent opposite ends of the spectrum, and most players prefer one or the other.
Thickness
Thickness (or gauge) is measured in millimetres and has the single biggest effect on tone and feel.
How thickness affects your playing
Thin picks (under 0.65 mm) produce a bright, sparkly sound ideal for acoustic strumming. The flex creates a natural "brush" across the strings. However, they lack the control needed for fast single-note lines.
Medium picks (0.65 – 0.85 mm) are the most versatile. They offer enough flex for comfortable strumming while still providing decent control for lead playing. A 0.73 mm pick is a very common choice.
Heavy picks (0.85 – 1.20 mm) give you a warmer tone with a stronger fundamental note. They're preferred by lead players, jazz guitarists, and anyone who wants more control and articulation.
Extra heavy picks (over 1.20 mm) are used by players who want maximum control and a dark, thick tone. Common in jazz and progressive rock.
Tip: The most popular thickness across all genres is 0.73 mm (Fender Medium) and 0.88 mm (Dunlop Tortex green). If you're experimenting, start in this range.
Material
The material affects tone, durability, grip feel, and how the pick releases from the string.
Nylon
Smooth, flexible, and warm-sounding. Nylon picks tend to produce a softer attack. Often available with textured grips since the material itself can be slippery.
- Tone: Warm, mellow
- Durability: Moderate — wears down over time
- Examples: Dunlop Nylon Standard, Herco Flex 50
Celluloid
The original pick material, designed to mimic tortoiseshell. Celluloid produces a bright, snappy tone and has a traditional feel. It wears down faster than modern materials.
- Tone: Bright, classic, snappy
- Durability: Low to moderate — wears and chips relatively quickly
- Examples: Fender Classic Celluloid, D'Andrea Pro Plec
Delrin (Acetal)
A smooth, hard plastic with a bright attack and excellent durability. Dunlop's Tortex picks are made from Delrin and are among the most popular picks in the world.
- Tone: Bright, articulate, consistent
- Durability: Very high — long-lasting
- Examples: Dunlop Tortex, Dunlop Delrin 500
Ultex
A proprietary Dunlop material that mimics the tonal qualities of real tortoiseshell. Ultex has a glassy, high-clarity tone with excellent string release.
- Tone: Bright, glassy, articulate with strong harmonic content
- Durability: Very high
- Examples: Dunlop Ultex Sharp, Dunlop Ultex Jazz III
Ultem (PEI)
Similar to Ultex but slightly brighter. Used in many boutique picks. Produces strong pick harmonics and fast string release.
- Tone: Very bright, snappy, clear
- Durability: High
- Examples: Gravity Picks (many models use Ultem), Dunlop Primetone
Other materials
- Wood — warm, organic tone with low durability
- Metal — very bright and aggressive, used for extreme attack
- Stone / agate — smooth, warm tone with unique feel
- Bone / horn — traditional materials, warm with good articulation
- Carbon fibre — stiff, bright, and extremely durable
Tip: If you want the most popular, road-tested option, start with Tortex (Delrin). The coloured gauges make it easy to find your preferred thickness, and they last a long time.
Grip and Texture
How the pick feels between your fingers matters more than most players realise — especially during long sessions or sweaty gigs.
Smooth / polished
No added texture. Relies on the natural friction of the material. Celluloid and Delrin picks are typically smooth.
Matte / powdery
A matte or chalky surface (like Tortex) that improves grip when dry. Some players find these less effective when hands get sweaty.
Raised grip zones
Moulded bumps, dots, or ridges in the grip area. These provide consistent grip regardless of moisture.
- Examples: Dunlop Max-Grip, Dava picks
Textured surface
A roughened or sandblasted surface across the entire pick face.
- Examples: Dunlop Gator Grip, Ernie Ball Everlast
Tip: If you perform live and your hands tend to sweat, look for picks with raised grip or textured surfaces. Matte finishes can lose grip when wet.
Quick Reference by Playing Style
What to Try First
If you're just getting started or want to narrow things down:
- Dunlop Tortex Standard 0.88 mm (green) — the world's most popular pick. Good for electric guitar across genres.
- Dunlop Jazz III (red or black) — the go-to for lead playing and precision.
- Fender Classic Medium 0.73 mm — a classic all-rounder, great for acoustic and electric strumming.
Buy a variety pack if you can. Picks are cheap, and the only way to truly know what works for you is to play with different options.