Thin (0.1mm - 0.60mm)
Maximum flex. Light strumming feel with a softer attack and plenty of "give." Great for acoustic rhythm, folk, and players who prefer a lighter touch. The trade-off: less control on fast single-note runs.
Guitar Picks by Thickness
Thickness changes everything: flex, attack, and the "feel" under your fingers. Here's how to choose.
Medium (0.71mm - 1.0mm)
The all-rounder. Enough flex to strum comfortably, enough stiffness for lead lines and clear note articulation. A safe starting point if you're unsure—0.88mm or 1.0mm covers most styles.
Thick (1.14mm - 1.5mm)
Minimal flex for precise attack and maximum control. Favored by rock, metal, and jazz players who need articulation on fast passages. You'll feel every note "connect" more directly with the string.
Extra Thick (2.0mm+)
Zero flex. Pure mass against the string for an ultra-defined, percussive attack. Popular with jazz and shred players. Not for everyone—but if you want total control, start here.
How to Choose Guitar Pick Thickness
Thinner picks (under 0.6mm) flex when they hit the string, which softens your attack and adds a "swoosh" to strummed chords. They're forgiving on aggressive strumming and produce a chimey, jangly acoustic sound. However, thin picks lack the rigidity needed for fast alternate picking—they can feel sloppy on single-note lines.
Medium picks (0.73mm to 1.0mm) balance flex and control. They're versatile enough for rhythm and lead, making them the default choice for most electric guitarists. If you're unsure, start around 0.88mm to 1.0mm—it's a safe, all‑round range across most brands and styles.
Thick and extra-thick picks (1.14mm and above) have almost no give. Every pick stroke transfers directly to the string, which means cleaner articulation, stronger attack, and more volume. The downside? Strumming can feel stiff and unforgiving. These are precision tools—ideal for jazz comping, metal riffs, and shred solos where every note needs to cut through.
If you're starting out, try a few thicknesses and pay attention to how each one feels when you strum a chord versus when you pick a single note. Your technique and genre will naturally guide you toward the right gauge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your playing style. Thin picks (under 0.6mm) are best for strumming acoustic chords. Medium picks (0.73-1.0mm) are versatile all-rounders for most electric playing. Thick picks (1.14mm+) give you precision and control for lead work and fast picking.
Medium thickness picks (around 0.73-0.88mm) are typically best for beginners because they offer a balance of flexibility for strumming and stiffness for single notes. Start in the middle and experiment from there.
It varies by genre and preference. Many rock guitarists use medium picks (0.88-1.0mm). Jazz and metal players often prefer thick picks (1.14mm+) for precision. Acoustic strummers may use thin picks (0.5-0.73mm) for a warmer tone.