With various materials, shapes, and thicknesses available, selecting the right pick can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the different types of picks to find the perfect one for your acoustic guitar.

When I started, I thought picks didn’t matter, so “pick” any one from the shelf and go! That may be great for a beginner just trying to learn, but as you grow as a musician, you will start to hear a big difference in the material, shape, and thickness. 

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Material matters!

The material of a pick affects its flexibility, grip, and tone. Here are some common materials:

• Celluloid: Celluloid is a classic choice, known for its smooth texture and bright sound. It offers a balanced tone and is available in various thicknesses and colors.
• Nylon: Nylon picks are flexible and durable, providing a warm tone. They often have a textured grip, making them ideal for fast strumming and picking.
• Tortex (Delrin): Tortex picks are famous for their durability and grip. They produce a balanced tone and are often used by rock and pop musicians.
• Ultex: Ultex picks are known for their strength and bright tone. They are less flexible but highly durable, making them an excellent choice for aggressive playing styles.
• Metal: Metal picks produce a bright, sharp sound and are incredibly durable. However, they can be harsh on strings and are typically used for specific effects rather than general playing.

There’s no wrong pick material here! Each song is different and provides a different feel, and just a simple pick change can make all the difference.

I use nylon picks because I don’t just play chords, but I enjoy flexibility in my picking style. 

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Shape and Size

Picks come in various shapes and sizes, each offering a different playing experience:

• Standard: The most common shape, standard picks are versatile and suitable for all playing styles.
• Teardrop: Smaller and more pointed than standard picks, teardrop picks are great for precise picking and lead playing.
• Jazz: Jazz picks are small and thick, providing excellent control and a warm tone ideal for jazz and blues.
• Triangle: With three playing edges, triangle picks are more prominent and easier to hold, making them great for beginners and players with larger hands.
• Sharkfin: These picks have a unique shape with multiple edges, allowing for different textures and sounds depending on which edge is used.

I used jazz picks for the longest time when playing electric guitar because they were small, offered less range of motion, and allowed me to play faster. Since I don’t need to play fast all the time, especially on acoustic, Nylon was my next choice.

There is no right shape or size. Everyone’s hands are a little different, so take some time and experiment to see which shape best fits you.

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Thickness

The thickness of a pick affects its flexibility and the tone it produces:

• Thin (0.40-0.60 mm): Thin picks are flexible, producing a light tone. They are ideal for strumming and playing rhythm guitar.
• Medium (0.60-0.80 mm): Medium picks balance flexibility and rigidity, providing a versatile tone suitable for strumming and picking.
• Heavy (0.80-1.20 mm): Heavy picks are less flexible and produce a warm, full tone. They are great for lead playing and intricate picking.
• Extra Heavy (1.20 mm and above): Extra heavy picks are the least flexible and produce a full, powerful tone. They are preferred by players who need precision and control for fast, intricate playing.

Thickness makes all the difference in the world regarding what sounds you’ll get out of the guitar.

This can change from song to song and even from guitar to guitar. Because each acoustic guitar is different, from the wood to the strings, each sound you get is bound to be different.

I use a Medium, .73mm thick pick simply because of the flexibility and how it feels in my hand. Try each kind of thickness out and see what you like. 

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Specialty Picks

• Thumb Picks: These wrap around the thumb, allowing fingerpicking and strumming without holding the pick traditionally.
• Fingerpicks: These picks are worn on the fingertips and are used for fingerstyle playing. They provide a sharper attack and more volume.
• Felt Picks: Made of felt, these picks produce a soft, muted tone and are often used for ukuleles but can be used for a unique acoustic guitar sound.

These are just fun! You probably won’t find yourself using these too often unless you need to or want to try something new, but don’t be afraid to go crazy occasionally with specialty picks. Who knows, you may end up finding something you really enjoy! 

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Finding Your Perfect Pick

Choosing the right pick involves some experimentation. Here are a few tips to find the one that suits you best:

1. Try different materials to find your preferred tone and grip.
2. Experiment with shapes and sizes to find your ideal comfort and control.
3. Keep different thicknesses on hand to discover how they affect your playing style and tone.
4. Consider your playing style whether strumming, picking, or a mix of both, and choose a pick that complements your style.

Grab a guitar pick variety pack and explore the wonderful world of guitar picks!