20 Best Pick Thickness For Acoustic Guitar (2023 Updated)

I started learning to play guitar a few months ago and had mostly been using Fender medium picks. I wanted to start trying different options after about 500 hours practice. Im glad that I did because like all guitar players eventually you start experimenting with different picks.

In the beginning I was just happy to keep the pick in my fingers and not fly out of my hand but now at almost 600 hours I’m seeing the advantages of trying different types of picks. Its worth trying but in the beginning I don’t think it matters much because you haven’t developed enough skills to be able to see a difference.

But once you get the fundamentals down you can appreciate the difference between the assorted picks this selection offers.

After buying dozen packs of each pick in various sizes to try out as a beginning acoustic guitarist, this is the best (and cheapest) option since it also includes a variety of materials. For now, I’m partial to the orange Tortex.

60 and Nylon. 60 and. 73 as my instructors advise starting out with thinner, more flexible picks. This is about like having a wrench set in your toolbox! When you find the ones most useful, add more of those to each kit.

Finally found this Dunlop variety pack when searching for a pack with tortex flex. 73,. 88 and tortex standard. 73 sizes. Never would have thought it would be named ‘acoustic variety pack’. The tortex flex picks are excellent and overlooked by many.

If you like dunlop nylon and standard tortex, then you’ll probably like the tortex flex; it’s a kind of hybrid of the two and feels like it.

These picks are the ultimate “every scenario” pick. They have the jazz tip for precision picking. They are tortex material for that nice, scratchy tone that everyone enjoys. Aggressive sounding for rock and metal.

The thickness is ideal as an all rounder. ie. it has a tiny bit of give for strumming, but rigid enough for fast picking. 72 pack means it will last you a long, long time. Feels good in the hand, doesn’t slip because of the surface texture of the pick.

What more do you want? Sure, you can get a jazz III for pure speed picking, but then your rhythm playing lacks something, or a regular tortex pick, but then you don’t have the precision tip of the jazz III.

This pick is in my opinion the ultimate all in one pick. Master of none per se, but it can do everything pretty well. I love mine, and I think you should try the TIII. 88mm out as well.

I had been using Dunlop Tortex Standard model prior to trying out the T3 (both in. 60mm). While I can still find use for the Standard pick (e. g. , soft/fluid strumming), I find the T3 facilitates a bit more definition or precision (not quite sure how to put it).

The bit of added sharpness at the tip makes a difference. Anyone accustomed to using the Standard for lead and/or intricacy is likely to experience a benefit in the T3.

Jazz iii picks are by far my favourite picks. This pick, along with the jazz iii nylon (black) make the perfect combo for all my needs. This pick in particular provides a great attack on strings with great precision.

Does not flex at all, meaning every note is articulate and allows you a quick access to your next note (perfect for alternate picking). Since this pick is thicker and tougher than the nylon jazz iii, it adds some treble to your sound – perfect for strats and achieving some cool country tones.

Plus, with this flashy colour you’ll never lose your picks again 😉 Highly recommended.

I have been using Tortex picks since the early 90’s and have never found anything that works nearly as well. Tortex mixes high build quality with just the right amount of snap while feeling really good in your hand.

Before I found Dunlop Tortex picks I went through many produced by big names that just didn’t cut it. At the time I didn’t realize how important a quality pick is to producing a good tone or how much easier it makes playing guitar overall.

I had problems with lack of stiffness, loss of grip, strange shape or thickness and sometimes I was just literally tearing picks in half one after another during shows. Once I tried Tortex picks all of those problems disappeared! The shape is perfect, with both the sharp and rounded edges having their uses.

The feel is great, with a soft mat finish that seems to grip your fingers so I very rarely drop a pick. I have NEVER had one rip, sometimes using a pick until the sharp end is worn to a nub. The material itself has just the right amount of ‘snap’ to it that just seems to liven up my playing.

Even the very thin Tortex picks snap back and hold their shape while other brand picks the same thickness don’t snap back as well, sometimes warp, and can both fold and rip too easily. I am also particularly fond of the color coded thickness system that makes it easy to switch between picks for different instruments and songs by sight alone even on a dark stage.

I highly recommend that a first time user get a sampler of different colors or go to a local shop to test them all before settling on one. I personally fell in love with green as my workhorse pick but will sometimes switch to a blue or purple for metal or when I need a little more stiffness.

For acoustic I use something along the lines of a yellow to give that string slap sound that sounds good for open chording. I can not recommend these enough. They are the perfect blend of everything that you need in a high quality pick and can make playing more enjoyable.

The longer you play, the quicker your style gets, and at some point, the flimsy, thin picks start breaking and wearing quickly. I love the blue hard picks. They’re cheap, so you can buy a pack and literally throw them out onto the floor in your practice space, so there’s always one to pick up within spitting distance.

Good durability. I’ve lost a hundred of these, but never had one break on me. They are pliable, durable, and cost-effective. They don’t make any more noise than you would expect out of a stiff pick, and they have a nice soft, but sandy grip to them.

Highly recommend. Buy them quite often. They make one grade harder I think. green? Play hard and you’ll need these.

I’ve been using Dunlop Tortex 1. 0 mm picks for years with no complaints. I stumbled across the Ultex pics, gave them a try, and so far, I prefer them to the Tortex as far as how they feel and wear. With the Tortex, you get a very durable pick that won’t break; it has this softness, but it does wear quickly and looses it’s edge.

The Ultex, while being pliable as well (seems like it would be difficult to break), it also has this stiffness that doesn’t wear as fast and is better for pic slides, for example. The Ultex feels like a hybrid between plastic pics and Tortex.

I’m happy to have found another great pic to choose from.

The Dunlop Ultex series of picks are some kind of the best guitar picks I’ve ever used. They are super durable and sound great. The guitar picks people use are a seriously underrated and overlooked part of your tone.

After playing with Fender medium and extra heavy standard picks for 15+ years I decided to try something new for a different feel, sound and durability. Now I’m struggling with what thickness and tip shape.

The sharps are awesome because they have this great sounding attack and are super accurate which translates into faster individual string picking. The standards are a great all around pick with more articulation.

The material is awesome. They almost have a glass like sound when you jingle them in your hand and the 1mm-1. 14mm still have a touch of bend. The 1. 40mm up are super stiff. String release is instant with all.

I also like the Jazz III XL in Ultex but keep coming back to the Ultex standard and ultex sharp (which has the same sharp tip shape as the Jazz III). I usually play the same pick for both electric and acoustic and have found the 1mm and 1.

14mm are balanced enough that you can play either and not have any issues. The thicker picks have way too much attack for me on the acoustic.

New product, unopened. Perfect! I bought these after reading a review somewhere about how they last so much longer. The reviewer said he had used these picks for a year and the tip was barely worn. Well, I guess I have a really heavy picking hand, as I have to file down the tip every month or so because I round off the point.

I have cracked the tip off on a few of them. They do feel good against the strings – not like those indestructo picks made of plastic with the ridged grip at the top. And the picks last longer than any other celluloid pick I’ve used in the past 40+ years.

These are my favorite picks – pricey but worth it.

Awesomely Bright Tone/Attack, best picks on the market in me opinion. I have Carpaltunnel in both my hands so the thicker the pick the better. I don’t like the sound of most of the thick picks on the market, but this pick comes to a thin point at the point of contact with the strings and gives a super bright tone.

Nice work boys! Would love to see more VPicks like these!.

I tried the V-PICKS because they were advertised as providing a better grip than most picks. I’ve always had a problem with picks sliding between my fingers. These are 95% better than any other pick I’ve tried.

I will use these for the rest of my life. Not only are they MUCH easier to keep a good grip on they sound good. I prefer the ultra-light thickness at approx. 8mm thick. The light gauge is 1. 5mm and they are great also.

They provide a little mellower sound which is great when you want that. I recommend anyone buy at least two of these picks. One ultra-light and one lite thickness just to see the difference and decide which one you like.

They come in thicker picks also. I hate them but that’s just personal preference. V-PICKS also come in different shapes that I’ve tried. I prefer the standard shape probably because I’ve used that shape all my life.

I have several of these and will probably get more. Most things we use are not 100% perfect. I consider these V-PICKS to be as close (and closer) to perfect than any other picks I’ve ever used. Go ahead and spend the money to get one V-PICK at least to try.

If you don’t you will probably blow that money anyway. lol But with a V-PICK the money will be better spent. Why buy 12 “other” picks if they are lacking in some area? Theseare great. I don’t make a dime if you buy some.

With other picks sliding around in my grip I was consistently having to alter my playing to reposition the pick WHILE PLAYING. This was horrible. These are easier to use and I don’t need to reposition them which means I’d need to miss a strum or two while playing.

First, per the title, V-Picks asking price for a tiny triangular piece of plastic is pretty outrageous, and apparently the V-Picks people are hoping people lose and replace them by making them transparent and difficult to see or find.

(To be fair, some come in colors, but most are clear and easy to lose if dropped. ) Aside from the mystery of selling a $3-$5 plastic guitar pick, I must say they are really nice picks to play with, and it’s difficult to completely describe why.

They do have a certain ‘tackiness’ that makes them easier to hold, and the rounded edges and material used provide a certain positive feel against the strings that I haven’t experienced with cellulose or Tortex picks, especially playing lead and solos.

Probably not a pick for everyone, but worth a try if you’re willing to pay up. Just don’t lose it! I might drill a tiny hole in the edge of mine and add a lanyard to protect my investment.

Bought as a gift, friend absolutely delighted with them – said that they’re beautiful and he’s looking forward to using them.

I tried to find a thin pick that was similar to the discontinued Bedell picks and found this. 46mm to be about the same thickness and feel. I tried other brands’ thin picks (Fender and Dunlop) and did not like the sound they make or their longevity.

Playing aggressive tremolo on the mandolin with thin picks gives a better sound for some songs in my opinion but will break them quickly. The Fender thin picks broke after just 20 or so minutes but these Martin picks do not break so easily and have lasted 10 times longer before having a problem.

It’s a great product. I only gave four stars because the Martin thin picks still make a more clicky sound than the Bedell I used. Thin picks usually make a more pronounced click-buzz sound but I prefer less of that.

I also like to have a grippy texture on my picks so they don’t move around so much in my fingers, which the Martin pick does not have. So with those things in mind I gave this 4 stars.

Excellent pics. Feel like they are extensions of my fingers. These thin pics allow great nuance and quck response big time. . Wouldn’t use anything else. Its like Christmas every day.

I thought this was just a normal string purchase until I took them home, put them on my guitar and all I can say is my life will never be the same. I now have 5 girlfriends because of these strings. Someone gave me a house, just gave it to me because they heard me playing with them.

All my friends moms look at me differently too. I find myself saying eyes up here ladies. a lot. Thanks to these magical strings.

This is the pick you need if you want your strat to sound like an 80s strat. ie; Michael Landau, Dann Huff. this pick can be heard on the countless tracks of the music that came out throughout the 80s.

But it does require that your guitar is properly set up to appreciate and hear what this pick can do. Your strat sounds will have so much more quack and percussive attack. This pick grabs the string just the right way and with it being nylon, gives your guitar strings highs more prescence like an acoustic kind of quality.

You can’t break these picks. They are virtually indestructible and will take you forever to wear one down. Also there are a lot gentler on your strings too. I never break a string when using these picks.

But if you want that classic celluloid tone (ala Eric Clapton) I would recommend the D’Andrea standard 351 shell pick. Both guitar picks together are an unbeatable match.

I don’t recommend this product because I want them all for myself, and I think they stopped making these picks. They are hard to find and I will never switch picks again. I put a punch hole in the center, so they never slip out of my hand.

The sounds that I can pull off with this pick are amazing. Don’t just use it conventionally, flip it around! Use the long sides! The seller is terrific, perfect shipment. Buy, but just don’t buy them ALL!.

Took a bit to get used to. But, for rhythm acoustic guitar, strumming with the ‘nubs side’ of the Fins give a brightness to the sound that I can no longer live without! (I literally start to panic If I see that I only have traditional picks in the gig bag.

But I ALWAYS have a few Fins tucked away somewhere ) I go through 1 pick per 40 minute set. You can actually hear when it’s time to grab a new pick (comparatively I’d say the difference is that of old dead strings to fresh strings with a touch of chorus).

Give them a shot! you may get hooked too ;).

Great picks and good value. Lots of different edges to experiment with.

I’ve been using Dunlop Tortex yellow picks for like 15 years, but a few months ago a fellow guitar instructor gave me a couple of these D’Addriaro green picks that are made out of a composite material called Duralin that i’ve never heard of.

He had this funny look on his face when he gave them to me, now I know why. These are some great picks that actually have improved my tone a little, I did an A/B test with these and the Dunlops and there was no comparison.

The D’Addario flex just the right amount and take much longer to wear down. They feel right. I’m converted for sure, I’d buy them by the hundred if I could, they’re not expensive like Cool Picks (which are great but way too expensive).

I told the guy who turned me on to these picks that they’re awesome and he made a gesture like he’s dropping a rock to the ground and says, “. sounds like porcelain. “.

If you play a jazz style pick, you must try these. I played jazz picks for years before Planet Waves came out with these picks, and I was immediatly converted after trying them. More impressively, I converted my rhythm player to these picks as well; he played 2.

0 mm Gator Grips for years before hand, and tried several other styles of jazz picks that I had previously, but this was the only pick that could sway his opnion. While the features that distinguish one pick from another are subtle, these excel above all others I’ve tried.

The tip has a sharp jazz profile for clean picking and minimal pick noise, and the edges are bevelled so that there is very little drag when doing rapid alternate picking runs, even on heavy gauge strings.

The back of the pick is slightly larger than standard jazz picks, most notably the Tortex jazz picks that I used to use, yet still considerably smaller than a standard flat pick. Also, the texture of the material is preferable to Tortex as well; the playing feel is very similar, but the surface grip is much improved over the afore mentioned Tortex jazz.

I’m not sure which of these features is responsible, but pinch harmonics are much, much better with these picks; the difficulty in creating good sounding pinch harmonics was my main complaint of the Tortex jazz, as I never had problems with any other picks.

Very durable and long wearing, and keep their rigidity even after extended use or hot stage conditions. For me, these picks are invaluable, as I cannot play my best with another pick; compared to similar jazz picks, these are better value than most, but not the least expensive.

Although you may get a few more picks per similarly priced pack of another brand, these are well worth the few cents extra per pick.

Hard wearing picks that are good for hard playing. The hold their shape without the pick edges becoming notched and keep a good tone throughout. More expensive than the run of the mill picks but worth the extra if you can afford it.

The 1. 5mm are nice and rigid, last for ages.

Very hard picks with little give are my favorites. The Gibson XH picks are the ones I use the most as they give me what I need the most. Hard picks, for me, are more precise for solos and single note runs and are easier to get the tip right where it is needed.

When a lighter touch is called for or light strumming, it is a matter of relaxing the grip on the pick and it glides across the stings as delicately as I need. When it comes time to “dig in” with the pick, The Gibson XH is sturdy enough for the task.

When I say “dig in”, I’m particularly tough on picks. So tough that a lot of times if I’m doing heavy strumming or heavy power cords, I rotate the pick and play with one of the more rounded corners. The reason for the spin is because I know that my heavy handed ways will wear the pick, if I wear the rounded corner, the tip is still intact for finesse.

Regardless of how I play it, the Gibson picks wear slower than any other pick in this price range. One more thing about these picks is that they are very slightly larger than your average 351. It might just be mental but when I’m dipping the tip in, that slight bit of extra length seems to make is slightly easier to hit the string.

Whether this is just perception or reality, I’m really not sure but as long as I believe it is easier, it is. Acrylic picks are all this and more but at an obnoxious price point. It isn’t that i couldn’t afford a pricier pick, it’s more that I just don’t want to do it.

There is no reason for picks to cost what the really expensive ones do and for those that prefer that and are happier paying for it, more power to you. As for me, if I drop a pick getting my car keys out, or drop a pick in the dark, or loan a pick (I tell them to keep it) or whatever, it isn’t a big deal if a pick or several picks are missing.

I have been using Gibson Medium Picks when I was given a Gibson Medium when I had my first Guitar lesson in 1964. Now they are still my go to pick. I do use then in a Rubber Sleeve to give me added griping so I can stop dropping which I am sure plagues everyone.

High Recommend, They hard enough to get volume from the strings and soft enough to prevent “Pick Tick” while playing.

Calling these guitar picks the best ever is a bold claim right? I ordered these picks online just because I’ve needed some new ones and after purchasing a Gibson, I thought these picks would be fitting.

I really like the Extra Heavy (XH) picks because they are comfortable and even hold up on a Bass Guitar; Which can’t be said for all picks. The pack of 50 picks and the tin for the price is a great deal, however.

What really sealed the deal for me is that the pick tin SMELLS LIKE FRESH CUT PINE. I opened the tin and was greeted by the pleasant smell of pine. I can’t get over it. Bottom line is the picks are great and it smells wonderful.

I tried one of these picks playing bass guitar and it completely disintegrated after about 2 hours. The pick feels really dry and brittle. Not what I expected at all. Now my bass and floor are covered in tiny rubber specks, like a pencil eraser would leave behind.

Absolute trash. Would not recommend this product.

I’ve played guitar for many years, so I’m very familiar with picking technique. I was hoping to apply a long established skill to the bass, and still get a fingertip sound. These are very intuitive and sound amazing.

I feared that “hard” rubber would be too close to delrin, but it’s not. In fact, the hard is how I pictured the medium or soft. I’ve been using more bass synth, which requires a precision stop to each note for the best processing/ tracking.

These picks allow me to play faster on the bass without sounding harsh, and still get the best results with the bass synth. Very pleased!.

Like most aspects of all guitar products, the Wedgie offers up tone. Like preferences in pedals or amp makes, we all have tones we try to achieve. On guitar, this pick is just a tool I use to get a certain tone.

Great for blues solos and slow melodic stuff, think Samba Pa Ti. It can make a blues solo truly cry with a skilled fret hand. Most of my guitar paying is done with a regular celluloid pick but when I need that controlled muted tone, I know where to get it.

I don’t use them for rhythm guitar. Just wears them out. I also use them constantly when playing bass. I am a guitar player pushed into that bass spot sometimes. My finger picking is not up to snuff on some songs, due to lack of practice and experience.

But I get there with a pick, no problem. But I did not want that sharp pick attack, especially when I get rolling in high gear. These picks are great for speed and tone on the bass. They do wear out though, actually pretty quick in rehersal/gig situations where you are knocking out 3 hours of tunes.

So while they cost a little more and use up faster, I find achieving the tone I want well worth it. Heck, I still buy premium ice cream and that doesn’t do a dang thing for me!.

These machined tone-wood picks are outstanding. I get the kind of tone I want while varying the attack. I love using these for acoustic as well as electric solid and semi-hollow guitars.

It provides a very warm tone on electric bass. Serious alternative to fingers playing. Sound of the pick barely noticeable.

Amazing how these picks affect your tone.. Great product, im smitten.

What differs this pick from the orange one is that this white one seems to be a little wider where the player holds it; this feature gives more confort and security to the musician. Another aspect is that it has a sharper edge; it means that, when touching the strings, the player spends less energy, which makes his/her maximize the movements and feel less tired.

Besides, it seems to be a little lighter than the orange pick. All things considered, it is a very good pick, giving confortability, security and pleasure for the musician. Highly recomended!.

First off, the price is above reasonable, the material used, makes them perfect for stage use as they grip your fingers the more you sweat, which every guitarist knows, is a blessing! I’ve tried every known kind of pick out there, but these are, by far, the most reliable in performance! The Dunlop Co.

has so many varieties to suit literally every pick using musician out there! Affordable prices, with quality products are what makes this product perfect for me, and I highly recommend them to everyone out there not sure which pick will be best for them! Try them, I know you’re going to love them!.

AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!! AWESOME !!!.

Great picks that just have enough flexibility to give you the sound you want. They also have a bit of a rough side to them which I like as it helps to give you a better grip and prevents them from slipping out of your fingers.

Overall, great value for money. 👍.

Good thickness for riffs and chords

Good surface for griping,I wish there were more thicknesses available

After playing for too long to mention, I found these picks in the black heavy gauge. I’ve been using them for a couple of years and instead of wearing them out, I lose them before that. I can use them on both electric and acoustic and get the sounds I demand.

If you want acoustic to play bright and clear you need a harder pick. If you want better control you need a harder pick. If you want to hold on to them with sweaty fingers you need a grip. If you want to strum, you can lighten your hold tension to let the pick “bounce” a little and still not lose your grip.

There are only two picks I found that do this. These and the Dunlop hard same thickness.

Ernie Ball medium nylon picks. Flexible enough for strumming, firm enough for shredding, and in my favourite colour.

these picks are really sturdy and good for players who want to use very heavy picks. Very good.

These picks are fantastic for all genres and styles. With my acoustic they give a bright clarity with strumming, single note passages and arpeggiated chords. My main use for them is on electric guitar in a metal setting.

I get great dynamics, and my favourite things about these picks are how easy tremolo picking is, and how easy pinch harmonics are. Fantastic all around plectrums.

Previously used standard sized but within 10 mins, it just felt right even though the jazz lll black stiffo is only around 3/4 size of standard size. The thickness of ~1. 38mm is great as the material (nylon) is extremely rigid and turning out to be very hard wearing.

Ive found it great for strumming and brilliant for lead single note work as the tip is very pointy. Once you get used to the size, you may find yourself wondering why its taken you so long to convert.

I was previously using Dunlop 500 1. 5mm btw.

I have a history of playing with the usual Fender Medium plastic picks or something like them. I recently though I’d try the smaller jazz pick and bought “Dunlop Max Grip Jazz III Carbon Fiber Guitar Picks – 6 Pack” from Musician’s Friend.

I liked the smaller size but I found the Max Grip was irritating my thumb and the grip is so non-slip that it was difficult to adjust the pick position between thumb and forefinger; with the Fender Medium picks, it was easy to just slide it into place to adjust.

So I thought I’d try these red “Dunlop Nylon Jazz III Guitar Pick”. I like it! It doesn’t irritate, like the Max Grip did. It also produces a softer or more mellow tone than the hard plastic Fender Medium-style pick, and at 1.

38mm it’s stiffer than the “Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Pick,. 88mm” (I have just one of these and it is one of my favorites).