Striking the perfect chord isn't just about skill—it's also about the right tools. In the world of guitar, few accessories rival the importance of the humble guitar pick. Tiny yet mighty, the right pick can transform your playing.
That's why we've tuned up our expertise to bring you "Best Guitar Picks: Top 5 Choices for Every Guitarist," a streamlined guide to the finest plectrums on the market.
Whether you're a fingerstyle aficionado or a power-chord pro, join us as we unveil our top selections that cater to every style and preference. Let’s dive into the world of picks and find the one that resonates with your musical soul.
Included in this guide:
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |
| 4.8 | Check Price |
Runner-up | Jim Dunlop 449P.73 Max-Grip Guitar Pick
| 4.8 | Check Price |
Top Pick |
| 4.8 | Check Price |
Top Pick | D’Addario DuraGrip Guitar Picks
| 4.6 | Check Price |
Lowest Price | Ernie Ball Everlast Guitar Picks
| 4.7 | Check Price |
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We start our top picks with Fender Premium Guitar Picks. When you buy a 12-pack of these, you get a range of gauges. This gives you the freedom to use your picks any way you please to suit your playing style and the instrument you’re using. Yes, you read that right! You can use these picks with mandolins and bass guitars too. Do you want to know the best part? These picks are made of celluloid, which makes them strike your chords smoothly and creates a rich tone. This isn’t to mention the array of available colors to match your personality.
For all of you who like to play the guitar at high speeds, get ready to be amazed when you get a pack of Jim Dunlop 449P.73 picks! The carbon fiber-reinforced nylon they use gives them the perfect blend of durability and flexibility. You won’t feel the slightest rigidity as you strum away. You also won’t have to worry about breaking the pick while you jam at blazing speeds. Do you know what’s even better? Jim Dunlop’s MaxGrip technology will have you in full control of the pick with virtually zero slippage.
If you’ve ever googled the type of picks your favorite professional guitarist uses, chances are that Dunlop Tortex popped up at some point. The pros prefer these picks for a reason. For starters, they’re made of Delrin with a matte finish. This design gives them excellent grip, a better sound, and just enough durability. Sure, Dunlop Tortex picks will wear down slightly over time, but that’s a good thing. They last a long time while also not being so strong that they wear out your strings.
D’Addario is a titan among guitar accessory manufacturers, and this really shows in their DuraGrip guitar picks. Thanks to their stamped grid surface, these picks are true to their name and won’t fly out of your hands even when you get sweaty. Guess what? This enhanced grip doesn’t compromise on sound whether you’re using these picks on an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar. To put the icing on the cake, D’Addario DuraGrip picks are built to last with their Duralin material.
We round out our top picks with the Ernie Ball Everlast. These guitar picks are made of Delrin, a sturdy, non-slip material that’s grippy and comfortable at the same time. Guitarists who’ve used these picks have nothing but praise for their responsiveness to their strings, acoustic or electric. The premier selling point of Ernie Ball Everlast picks is their versatility though. Their rounded edge allows you to alternate between it and the tip to get the perfect tone. If you’re still finding your sound, this flexibility will come in handy.
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Strummers prefer nylon picks because of how flexible they are. Nylon picks’ flexibility and durability allow you to really get into your jams without worrying about the pick falling apart.
The best guitar pick thickness for you depends on your playing style. If you want louder volume and enhanced grip, get yourself a thick pick. Thin picks, on the other hand, are the ideal choice for acoustic guitarists.
The priciest guitar pick ever belonged to none other than Kurt Cobain. It was an orange Dunlop Tortex 0.60 mm pick that fetched a whopping $14,678 in a 2023 auction.
Most guitarists lean toward medium gauge picks. Their thickness is between 0.60 mm and 0.80 mm.
While most elite guitarists use picks to stroke those chords and give us timeless tunes, others rely solely on their fingertips. Some notable examples include Wes Montgomery and Steve Hackett.
There’s no shortage of options when choosing a guitar pick. For those in search of a solid overall option, Fender Premium Guitar Picks are the way to go. Jim Dunlop 449P.73 Guitar Picks are the next best thing if you like jamming at high speeds and want to maintain grip and precision. For those wanting a budget-friendly option, go for Ernie Ball Everlast Guitar Picks.
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