Standard (351)
The classic teardrop shape. Three usable tips, a wide body for a secure grip, and enough surface area to feel stable during rhythm work. Versatile across genres—the "default" pick shape for a reason.
Guitar Picks by Shape
Shape affects speed, grip angle, and how the pick "releases" off the string. Here's what to expect from each.
Jazz III
Small, pointed, and precise. The compact body forces a tighter grip closer to the tip, which many players find faster for alternate picking and legato runs. Favored by shredders, jazz players, and anyone who values articulation over strumming comfort.
Flow
Beveled edges and an elongated tip designed for smooth string release. Less "catch" on the strings means faster runs with less resistance. A modern shape popular with progressive and technical players.
Teardrop
A rounder, more symmetrical take on the standard shape. The wider body offers a comfortable grip while the rounded tip delivers a warm, smooth tone. Great for jazz, blues, and acoustic strumming where you want less edge and more warmth.
Triangle
Three equal sides, three usable tips. When one tip wears down, rotate to a fresh edge. The larger surface area provides excellent grip stability, and the defined corners deliver a bright, articulate attack. Popular for strumming and bass playing.
How Pick Shape Affects Your Playing
Standard picks (also called 351 shape) have been around for decades because they work. The wide body sits comfortably between thumb and finger, and the rounded tip produces a warm, full attack. If you strum chords as often as you pick single notes, Standard is a safe bet.
Jazz III picks shrink the body and sharpen the tip. This forces you to choke up on the pick, which shortens the distance between your fingers and the string. The result? Faster attack, more precision, and a tighter feel. Many lead guitarists swear by Jazz IIIs for economy picking and sweep arpeggios. The trade-off is that strumming feels cramped.
Flow picks take a different approach: beveled edges reduce drag as the pick glides across the string. Instead of "catching" and releasing, the pick flows through. This makes fast alternate picking feel effortless—but some players miss the tactile feedback of a sharper edge.
Teardrop picks offer a warmer, rounder tone than traditional standards. The symmetrical shape and wider body make them comfortable to hold, while the rounded tip glides smoothly across strings. Acoustic players and jazz guitarists often favor teardrops for their mellow attack.
Triangle picks give you three usable tips in one pick—rotate when one wears down. The large surface area provides an excellent grip, and the pointed corners deliver a bright, articulate tone. Popular with bassists and strummers who want durability and defined attack.
Shape is personal. A Jazz III that feels perfect for one guitarist might feel too small for another. If you're experimenting, try one shape at a time for a full practice session before judging—your muscle memory needs time to adapt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Standard (351) shape is ideal for beginners. It's versatile, comfortable to hold, and works well for both strumming and picking. The familiar teardrop design has been the default for decades because it simply works across all styles.
Jazz III picks are smaller and more pointed than Standard picks. The compact size forces a tighter grip closer to the tip, which many players find faster for alternate picking. Standard picks have a larger body that's more comfortable for strumming and provides more surface area to grip.
Yes, Flow picks are specifically designed for smooth, fast playing. The beveled edges and elongated tip reduce string resistance, allowing the pick to glide across strings with less effort. They're popular with progressive and technical players.
A teardrop pick has a rounder, more symmetrical shape than the standard 351 design. The wider body provides a comfortable grip while the rounded tip delivers a warmer, smoother tone. It's popular for jazz, blues, and acoustic playing.
Triangle picks offer three equal usable tips, so when one wears down you can rotate to a fresh edge. The larger surface area provides excellent grip stability, and the defined corners deliver a bright, articulate attack. They're especially popular among bass players and strummers.