Guitar Pick Selection Guide｜For Beginners to Advanced Players【Shape, Material, Thickness】

Choose a guitar pick based on "shape, thickness, material, and ease of grip"

If you're unsure about your first pick, we recommend starting with a medium thickness (about 0.6–0.8mm) with an easy-to-hold shape. You can use it for both chord strumming and single-note playing to find out if you prefer a more flexible pick or a slightly harder one for easier playing.

A pick is a tool that directly touches the strings. When the shape, thickness, or material changes, the feel when held, the way it strikes the strings, and the attack of the sound all change. Using products from PICKBOY, which has been making guitar picks since 1967, as an example, we will introduce everything from the order beginners should choose picks to how experienced players narrow down their preferences. Since the sensation also varies depending on the strings, guitar, and playing style, try comparing picks by playing the same phrase if you find one that interests you.

1. Choose ease of holding and ease of striking the strings by shape

First, check the stability when pinched between your fingers and whether the tip easily contacts the strings. Even with the same shape, there are differences in size and the roundness of the tip.

Triangle Shape (Onigiri Shape)

This shape has a wide surface area, making it easy to decide where to hold it with your fingers. Many models use all three corners, making it a good choice for those who play mainly chord strumming or want to first check ease of holding. Search for Triangle Shape

Teardrop Shape

This shape fits comfortably at the fingertips and makes it easy to be aware of the tip position. It is suitable for those who want to try both chord and single-note playing. Search for Teardrop Shape

Jazz Type / Home Plate Shape

If you want to get a sense of distance from the strings with a smaller pick, try Jazz Type. If you want to change how your fingers fit, also compare Home Plate Shape.

2. Choose Flexibility and Control by Thickness

Thin picks tend to feel more flexible, while thick picks tend to allow you to better grasp the movement of the tip with your fingers. Since the perceived hardness also varies depending on the material and shape, don't decide based solely on thickness numbers; judge by the actual playing feel. Below is the product classification for PICKBOY store. The boundary of 1.2mm is included in both Heavy and Extra Heavy categories, so please check the thickness of each product.

• Thin (up to 0.5mm): For those who want to strum with light force. If you feel the flexibility is too much, try a thicker pick.See Thin
• Medium (0.6–0.8mm): A starting point to compare both flexibility and response.See Medium
• Heavy (0.9–1.2mm): For those who want to suppress flexibility and confirm the attack of single notes with their fingertips.See Heavy
• Extra Heavy (1.2mm and above): For those seeking the unique resistance of a thick pick. Preferences may vary with light strokes, so it's recommended to compare by playing.See Extra Heavy

If unsure, use Medium as a baseline; move towards Thin if you want more flexibility, or towards Heavy if you want to move the tip more directly, making it easier to grasp the differences.

3. Compare how the material affects contact with the strings and the feel.

The texture and flexibility vary depending on the material. However, there is no fixed rule like "this material always produces this sound." Changing the material while keeping the same shape and similar thickness makes it easier to judge the differences.

• Celluloid: For those who want to try the classic material first. Also compare the thickness and finish of each product.See Celluloid
• Nylon: For those who want to experience the flexibility and soft contact transmitted to the fingers.See Nylon
• PEI (Ultem): For those who want to compare the firm response and string contact.See PEI (Ultem)
• Carbon: For those who want to add a firmer feel to their options.See Carbon

There are alsowood, metal, and others. When choosing unique materials, first prioritize ease of grip and playability.

4. Confirm a sense of security during performance through grip feel

If the pick slips or your hand feels fatigued from applying too much force, reconsider not only the material but also the shape and surface finish. Models with anti-slip processing, shapes that are easy to hold broadly, or smaller shapes that fit comfortably in the fingers—suitable conditions vary from person to person.

When holding it, avoid extending the tip too much and relax your grip; repeating the same phrase makes it easier to notice the differences. For those who prioritize stability in their hands during live performances, it is recommended to try it in a state close to actual playing.

How should beginners choose? How do experienced players compare?

Beginners: First, change one shape and thickness at a time

Choose whichever is easier to hold between the triangle shape or teardrop shape, and try playing using the Medium pick as a standard. If it catches during strumming, try a slightly thinner one; if single notes lack response, try a slightly thicker one. "Medium × Nylon" is also an option, but prioritize whether it feels comfortable in your hand.

Experienced players: Limit changes to one condition at a time

Using your current pick as a reference, compare by changing only the thickness, shape, or material. Play chords, single notes, and phrases with dynamics on the same guitar, and check for string catch, attack, and how often you need to adjust your grip. Rather than deciding based solely on genre names or professional usage examples, it's more reliable to find differences you can reproduce in your own playing.

Common questions about choosing guitar picks

Should I use different picks for acoustic and electric guitars?

It's not necessary to always change. Choose based on whether you mainly play strumming or single notes, and how much flexibility you want. It's a good idea to try the same pick on both guitars first, then switch if needed.

Are thicker picks more suitable for advanced players?

No. Thickness is not a matter of skill level but is chosen based on the preferred feel and picking style. Even thin picks can produce detailed expression, and beginners can choose thick picks without any problem.

How can I check the difference in sound?

Without changing the guitar or amp settings, play the same phrase with the same strength for comparison. Recording and listening back allows you to notice differences that are hard to detect while playing.

Find the one that suits you at PICKBOY

By comparing shape, thickness, and material one by one, your preferences will gradually become clearer. PICKBOY offers a wide range of guitar picks, from classic materials to unique ones. Try searching for candidates based on the conditions that interest you.

View the lineup of PICKBOY guitar picks

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