Best Guitar Picks for Beginners
Guide to choosing guitar picks. Learn about thickness, materials, and the best picks for beginners learning guitar.
Quick Answer:
Start with medium thickness picks (.60-.80mm) like Fender Medium Celluloid or Dunlop Tortex .73mm. They're versatile for both strumming and picking. Buy a variety pack to experiment - picks are cheap and personal preference varies. Thinner picks are easier for strumming, thicker for precision picking.
Guitar picks (plectrums) are cheap but important accessories. The right pick makes playing easier and more comfortable. The wrong pick can cause frustration. Since picks cost less than $1 each, experimenting is easy and encouraged.
In This Guide:
Pick Thickness Guide
Thin (.40-.60mm): Flexible, forgiving strumming, less volume. Medium (.60-.80mm): Versatile, good for both strumming and picking. Heavy (.80-1.0mm): Precise, more control, louder, better for leads. Extra Heavy (1.0mm+): Maximum control, jazz and metal styles. Beginners should start with medium.
Pick Materials Explained
Celluloid: Traditional feel, warm tone, wears quickly. Nylon: Flexible, grippy texture, durable. Delrin/Tortex: Bright tone, excellent durability, popular choice. Ultem: Bright and snappy, very durable. For beginners, nylon or Tortex picks offer good grip and durability.
Pick Shapes and Sizes
Standard (351): Classic teardrop shape, most common. Jazz: Smaller, pointed tip for precision. Triangle: Large, three usable points. Thumb picks: For fingerpicking styles. Standard shape is recommended for beginners - it's versatile and universally available.
How to Hold a Guitar Pick
Hold between thumb and index finger. Only 3-5mm of pick should extend beyond fingers. Grip firmly but not tensely. Angle slightly so pick glides across strings. Relax your wrist. Proper technique matters more than pick choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness pick should a beginner use?
Start with medium (.60-.80mm). This thickness is versatile for both strumming and single-note playing. After a month, experiment with thin and heavy picks to find your preference.
Do I need a pick to play guitar?
Not always! Fingerpicking doesn't use a pick. However, most beginners benefit from learning with a pick first, then adding fingerpicking later. Classical guitar is typically played without picks.
Why do I keep dropping my pick?
Common issue! Try picks with textured grip surfaces. Also check that you're not holding too loosely or too tightly. Practice picking motion slowly to develop control. Keeping spare picks nearby helps too.
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