Guitar picks play an important role not just in the overall playability but also in tone shaping. For every guitar, there is always a suitable pick.
Although you can practically use any pick on any type of guitar, it will just be a matter of time before you get to discover that this could be technically disastrous. Guitar picks come in different shapes and thicknesses.
For example, very thick guitar picks tend not to sound so awesome on electric guitars (a few players might argue against this). For most players, picks with medium and light thicknesses are always the best for electric guitars.
This makes a lot of sense because lighter picks do not only sound brighter, but they also help with speed and playing fast passages.
Choosing which pick to use for your electric guitar could be a case of personal preference, thirst, and opinions over the standard practice.
There are also electric guitar players who would favor thicker, softer, and shorter guitar picks because they love the warm, dark, and mellow sound it gives them. Also, genres and playing styles could be contributing factors when choosing a particular pick.
At the end of the day, the best electric guitar pick is the pick that gives you the flexibility, tone, and ergonomics you require for your electric guitar playing.
There are no umbrella characteristics to group these kinds of picks. This is because every guitar player is different.
Putting different factors into consideration, we will present to you some amazing choices you can choose from when shopping for an electric guitar pick. Regardless of your style or level of play, you will find this very beneficial.
Table of Contents
Electric Guitar Picks; What Makes Them Different From Acoustic and Bass Picks?
From basic metal picks to the common plastic picks, many different kinds of guitar picks are on the market.
To locate the pick that best fits your playing style, you must experiment with many varieties, each with perks and downsides. To achieve the finest sound, some guitarists even use multiple picks of various types.
Electric guitar picks, or plectrums, are small, flat bits of material used to pluck or strum an electric guitar’s strings.
They are often made of different materials, such as metal and celluloid, and are available in various shapes, thicknesses, and sizes.
A few significant variations between electric and acoustic guitar picks should be noted. To begin with, compared to acoustic guitar picks, electric guitar picks are often thinner and smaller.
This is so that electric guitars, which require a lighter touch than acoustic guitars, can have thinner strings. Moreover, electric guitar picks are frequently more flexible, facilitating playing more quickly.
Electric guitar picks have a stronger tone than acoustic guitar picks, and this is because electric guitars feature pickups that magnify the strings’ vibrations.
Conversely, the sound of an acoustic guitar is projected by the guitar’s body. Electric guitar picks are the way to go if you want a quicker, brighter sound. Acoustic guitar picks are the best option for a warmer, mellow tone.
Bass musicians typically use thicker picks, and the thickness enhances the overall tone of the string and the control of the bass playing. The typical pick thickness for bassists is 1.17 mm, compared to 0.89 mm for guitarists.
Remember that bass strings are thicker than electric guitar strings. While playing fast, playing lead guitar with a thin pick can be more challenging than playing with a thick or medium pick.
Again, we may suggest a medium pick as a suitable compromise for the electric guitar.
5 Best Electric Guitar Picks for Beginners
- Dragon’s Heart Guitar Picks
- Dunlop Nylon Standard Plectrum
- Fender Medium Celluloid Picks
- Jim Dunlop Nylon Picks
- Rick Rock
5 Best Electric Guitar Picks for Intermediate Players
- Vincent Van Gogh Guitar Picks
- Fender Heavy Celluloid Picks
- V-Picks Tradition Lite
- ChickenPicks Badazz III
- Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks
5 Best Electric Guitar Picks for Pros
- Gravity Picks Classic Series
- BlueChip Picks TD Series
- V-Picks Screamer
- StoneWorks Picks
- Wegenpicks Gypsy Jazz
Review of 5 Best Electric Guitar Picks for Beginners
Dragon’s Heart Guitar Picks
- Guaranteed 1000 Hours of Play
- Fastest Pick out of our Premium Selection of Dragon’s Heart Guitar Picks
- Best Pick for Speed Shredding and Jazz Guitarists
- Made with Polyamide-Imide and a 12% Graphite fill
The Dragon’s Heart pick is built of aero-grade polyamide-imide or filled varieties that use carbon fibre, glass fibre, and graphite and can last between 1000 and 1500 hours of play.
These 3-edged guitar picks with a signature design are the best for speed, comfort, and durability. Playing these picks, you obtain outstanding attack, consistency, and speed between the three edges.
Remember that the sharpest edge is best for quick solos and forceful riffing, while the round edge is best for harmonics. Users can change the edges on the fly to change the tone, volume, and attack and experiment with different dynamics.
They add appropriate strength and strategy to the mix to improve right-hand control.
Dunlop Nylon Standard Plectrum
- Gray 73 Gauge pack of 12
- Item Package Dimension: 2.4409448794L x 2.0472440924W x 0.4724409444H inches
- Item Package Weight – 0.0220462262 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity – 12
Electric guitar players often choose the Dunlop Nylon Standard Plectrum for multiple reasons.
First, the nylon material makes a consistent tone and a smooth attack, which is great for playing clean or lightly overdriven guitar parts.
Second, the pick’s teardrop shape and pointed tip make it easy to pick precisely and play quickly, making it a good choice for intricate lead lines and fast alternate picking.
Lastly, because picks come in different thicknesses, players can choose the right one for their playing style and the kind of music they are playing.
Thicker picks are harder to bend and make a darker, heavier sound, and thinner picks are more flexible and make a brighter sound.
Overall, the Dunlop Nylon Standard Plectrum is a pick that electric guitar players of all styles and beginner levels can use confidently.
Fender Medium Celluloid Picks
- Experience the classic feel of Fender no matter what guitar or bass you play. Fender picks provide comfort and high-performance flexibility for every performer, with a variety of sizes, shapes and thicknesses to suit the playing styles and preferences of every guitarist.
- Celluloid is a premier pick material and the cornerstone of the Fender pick collection for decades. Celluloid picks give the traditional feel and a warm, round musical tone. The traditional 351 shape, our most popular pick design, is a perfect accessory for players of versatile styles and techniques., Celuloide premium
- Prático pacote com 12
- Feito nos EUA, Prodotto da Fender negli Stati Uniti
The nitrocellulose substance, generated from wood pulp, makes celluloid guitar picks. The perfect material for guitar picks is celluloid because it is strong and breaking-resistant.
Celluloid picks come in various hues and densities, letting players select the one that best suits their playing preferences. The thickness of a Fender medium guitar pick is 1.14 millimeters.
Fender utilizes terms like thin, medium, heavy, and extremely heavy to define thickness, but other brands could provide an exact millimeter measurement.
This one is one of the pick materials currently most commonly used worldwide. It’s a fantastic option for creating personalized printed guitar picks because of its printing capabilities.
Unlike the nylon and metal-made picks, the Fender Medium Celluloid Picks are a perfect choice for beginners because of their classic feel.
Another reason for its perfect choice is its affordability compared to other types. So, a beginner can buy as many as they require for practice.
The picks are also made of celluloid, a durable material that does not break easily and is long-lasting.
Also, the picks are versatile; hence, a player can experiment with different techniques without switching picks since their thickness is suitable for most playing styles.
Jim Dunlop Nylon Picks
Jim Dunlop, a well-known producer of guitar picks, also produces nylon picks for electric guitars. Because of their durability and versatility, these picks are popular among guitarists, especially beginners.
One advantage of nylon picks is that they provide a warmer tone than metal or glass picks. Also, nylon picks have some flex, which may reduce hand fatigue during long playing sessions.
The electric guitar Jim Dunlop nylon picks come in various thicknesses ranging from.38mm to 1.14mm. The thickness you choose will be determined primarily by your playing style and personal preferences.
Thicker picks are better for strumming and producing a darker tone, while thinner picks are better for heavier playing and producing a brighter tone.
Nylon picks are generally good for beginners because they provide an easier grip than other pick materials, which can be slippery for first-time players.
Jim Dunlop Nylon picks are excellent for electric guitar beginners because they are easy to use, have a good grip, and produce a warm tone.
Rick Rock RGP1-8
- Better Sounding Tones
- Longer Pick Durability
- Reduced Pick Noise
- Full color graphics embedded inside the pick and will not fade or wear off
The Rick Rock RGP1-8 are fancy, comfortable guitar picks with a regular 351 shape, 2.8mm thick, with an embedded interior design. You will be very satisfied with them as a whole.
Another aspect with which you will be very pleased is the performance. The pick’s structures are nicely rounded, designed to output good tones and ensure you won’t have to deal with pick noise. Furthermore, we have good news if you enjoy heavy picking and strumming.
Those who have already purchased the picks claim that they had no difficulty doing so and that most of them claim that these picks remained durable and of high quality even after many hours of practice. So you get three benefits: quality, fashionable picks, and durability.
Review of 5 Best Electric Guitar Picks for Intermediate Players
Vincent Van Gogh Guitar Picks
- 12 guitar picks a click-clack tin box and leather pick holder keeps everything organized.
- Fully equipped set for guitarist and musicians, great present for birthday, christmas, stocking stuffer, new year, black friday, valentine’s day gift for guitarist & holidays!
- Style meets durability: 0.71mm standard medium thickness and made out of premium quality celluloid will offer you the easy grip you need while providing sweet mellow sound as you work your magic!
- Fantastic gift: aside of playing your guitar, this set is great for personalized jewelry craft: earrings, necklace, chains. it is suitable for any gift: birthday, holiday or christmas
Vincent Van Gogh guitar picks are a unique item that fans of the artist and collectors might like.
They work well with acoustic, electric, and bass guitars. They feel natural and sound full and warm.
However, the picks are mainly used by intermediate electric guitar players and might not be the best choice for people who are just starting or are already good at playing the guitar.
Also, because they are unique, Vincent Van Gogh’s guitar picks may cost more than other picks of the same quality, which may not be good for beginners who often lose or misplace picks.
Fender Heavy Celluloid Picks
- Comfortable and familiar feel provided by the traditional 351 shape
- Celluloid picks give the traditional feel, with a smooth striking surface and a warm, round musical tone
- Medium gauge picks are ideal for the player looking for a warmer tone of a heavy pick, but the flexibility of a thin pick.
- Fender picks provide comfort and high-performance flexibility for every performer
Electric guitar players who want a thicker and more durable pick often choose Fender Heavy Celluloid Picks.
Fender Heavy Celluloid Picks is made in the USA. It has a traditional 351 pick shape, and the traditional 351 shape is ideal for players with various styles and techniques.
The Fender Heavy Celluloid Picks have a thickness of 1.5 mm and even more, which makes them easy to hold and precise to pick.
They also come in different colors and designs so players can show off their style.
It should be noted that harder picks tend to slip out of hand more frequently, whereas softer picks can be held onto more easily, hence suitable for intermediate and also players.
On the downside, the celluloid picks can wear down over time, especially if you use them often and hard. This can cause a loss of tone and sharpness, so it’s best to replace your picks often to ensure they work at their best.
Overall, Fender Heavy Celluloid Picks are a great choice for electric guitar players who want a reliable and durable pick to handle how they play.
V-Picks Tradition Lite
- 1.5mm
- Fuller tone
- Grippable
V-Picks creates the V-Picks Tradition Lite guitar pick. V-Picks is a company that makes high-quality, hand-made guitar picks, and the Tradition Lite is a thinner, lighter version of their popular V-Picks Tradition pick.
It’s for people who like thinner picks and want to play more comfortably. The V-Picks Tradition Lite is made of a special material called “acrylic” by V-Picks.
This material is similar to nylon or tortex, but its surface is smoother, and its tone is clearer and brighter.
The Tradition Lite comes in different thicknesses, from 1.0mm to 2.75mm, and has a classic teardrop shape.
The bevelled edges of the Tradition Lite are one of its best features, and they make it easier to move across the strings and make the sound smoother.
It’s also easy to hold, and the logo on one side is slightly raised, so it doesn’t slip. The V-Picks Tradition Lite is a great option for guitarists who want a thinner, lighter pick without giving up tone or quality.
ChickenPicks Badazz III
- The SOUND is much more SOLID because these picks have more MASS. Not those plinky thin-, annoying- and unwanted clacky overtones, but a more pronounced loud-, clear- and BRIGHT tone with lots of BOTTOM-END.
- Your guitar never sounded so full and you never played fast and picked accurately that easy.
- The thickness of the body, coupled with the texture of these picks make it very easy to hold while at the same time, avoiding the need to grip too firmly.
- The thermosetting plastic is very rigid (not bending at all), eliminating any pick drag thereby allowing YOU to control YOUR sound.
The Badazz III is another thick, precision-edged pick that breezes speedy jazz lines. It has a slightly more triangular profile than ChickenPicks’ more traditional 351 Shredder model.
Because these picks have more weight, the sound produced is much more solid. Because of this, the electric guitar has a fuller sound, making you play so accurately and fast compared to other picks.
The thickness of the body, combined with the texture of these picks, make them very easy to hold while avoiding the need to grip too tightly.
The thermosetting plastic is extremely rigid and does not bend, eliminating pick drag and allowing players to control their sound.
The material also aids in preventing chipped edges and ensures months, if not years, of uninterrupted playability.
ChickenPicks guitar picks are adaptable to pinch harmonics, which have always been challenging to create thanks to the material and bevelled edges.
The bevelled edges allow the pick to glide effortlessly on and off the strings, making it easier to play than a conventional thick- or heavy pick.
For those fully converted to thick picks, the Badazz III has two thicknesses: a 2mm pick and a 2.5mm pick.
Ernie Ball Prodigy Picks
- Matte black Delrin finish
- Sharp point for precise articulation
- Beveled edge for speed and control
- Non-slip grip
The Delrin material on Ernie Ball Prodigy picks makes them more secure and less likely to slip.
The machined beveled edge and sharp point make playing easier with less drag, more articulation, and better control. This pack has one of each of the 1.5mm Prodigy shapes.
If you want to try something different from the usual guitar picks, give these a try. Even though a pack of 6 Prodigy picks costs less than the average set-of hand-made picks we discuss here, they are much better valued for money.
The prodigy’s by Ernie Ball sounds good. They sound like any other Delrin pick, which we all know, So they are not trying to be the best when it comes to sound.
The Prodigy range’s all-around bevelled edges are the best thing about it, and the edges are very sharp, making it easy to play.
It also makes it easier for guitarists to pick out the notes and get a better grip on the strings and pick. Quite a few people have said that they don’t like how these feel.
Review of 5 Best Electric Guitar Picks for Professional Players
Gravity Picks Classic Series
Gravity Guitar Picks Classic if you play guitar or bass and want a pick that lasts longer, plays faster and sounds better than nylon.
The Gravity Picks Classic Series is shaped like a traditional Fender 351 teardrop and gives your playing a surprising amount of life.
The grip end of the classic shape is wider so that it is easier to hold and won’t slip out of your hand. Compared to regular plastic picks, Acrylic Picks are louder and brighter than regular picks.
A guitarist can choose from 1,000 different options to find the best one. Acrylic material is used to make the pick, and the polished acrylic picks are louder and brighter than regular picks and move easily over the strings. The Gravity Picks Classic Series standard size is 1.5 mm thick.
The material and shape of guitar picks make them perform well, be light, last a long time, and be easy to hold. You can play faster and louder with our unique material and bevelled design.
BlueChip Picks TD Series
A blue-chip guitar pick is a good choice if you are a serious musician who wants a pick that will last.
The TD Series comes in various shapes and thicknesses, so players can choose the one that best suits their playing style and sound preferences.
Some of the TD types include:
- TAD 40 has a thickness of 0.4mm
- TAD 50 has a thickness of 0.5mm
- TAD 60 comes with a thickness of 0.6mm
- TP 40, an upgrade from the TAD picks and has a thickness of 0.4mm
- TP 50 has a thickness of 0.5mm
- TP 60 has a thickness of 0.6mm
- CT 55- has a thickness of 0.55mm and is made from a composite material, different from the rest TD picks.
BlueChip Picks are strong, with a high-quality thermoplastic material that can make a clear, bright sound with great note definition.
BlueChip Picks work well with any guitar or mandolin in any style of music because they are so easy to play.
BlueChip Picks are known for being strong and resistant to wear and tear, making them a good investment for guitar players who want something that will last for a long time.
V-Picks Screamer
A blue-chip guitar pick is a good choice if you are a serious musician who wants a pick that will last.
The TD Series comes in various shapes and thicknesses, so players can choose the one that best suits their playing style and sound preferences.
Some of the TD types include:
- TAD 40 has a thickness of 0.4mm
- TAD 50 has a thickness of 0.5mm
- TAD 60 comes with a thickness of 0.6mm
- TP 40, an upgrade from the TAD picks and has a thickness of 0.4mm
- TP 50 has a thickness of 0.5mm
- TP 60 has a thickness of 0.6mm
- CT 55- has a thickness of 0.55mm and is made from a composite material, different from the rest TD picks.
BlueChip Picks are strong, with a high-quality thermoplastic material that can make a clear, bright sound with great note definition.
BlueChip Picks work well with any guitar or mandolin in any style of music because they are so easy to play.
BlueChip Picks are known for being strong and resistant to wear and tear, making them a good investment for guitar players who want something that will last for a long time.
StoneWorks Picks
Stone guitar picks are a great way to give your guitar playing a unique and stylish touch.
Stone picks last long and make a smooth, consistent sound that works well with any music. Stone picks are a great way to change how you play the guitar and make it your own.
One of the best things about StoneWorks Picks is that they sound different from other picks.
The natural material of the picks makes them sound warmer and fuller than picks made of plastic or metal, giving your playing depth and personality and making you stand out from other guitarists.
StoneWorks Picks not only sound good, but they are also strong and can take a lot of playing for a long time. They are better for the environment than plastic picks because they are made of natural, long-lasting materials.
Lastly, StoneWorks Picks can be personalized with your design or logo, making them a great choice for guitar players who want to play uniquely.
Wegenpicks Gypsy Jazz
Wegenpicks Gypsy Jazz is a brand of handcrafted guitar picks for playing Gypsy jazz style guitar.
The picks are made in the Netherlands and are named after the company’s founder, Michel Wegen.
Strings and Beyond have the right picks for the unique Gypsy Jazz guitarist. These picks are some of the best in the world for this style of guitar playing.
Even though the material sounds a lot like a tortoise, it lasts much longer. This pick is made for right-handed players, no matter how big or small their hands are
It has a curved, beveled tip and is long. Both sides have grooves to help you hold on, but the grooves on the thumb side are concave, which makes them more comfortable.
Guitar Pick Thickness and Materials; How Does it Affect Sound?
Pick Thickness
When it comes to how your guitar tone sounds, the thickness of your pick is a crucial factor. Picks that are thicker tend to be stiffer than thin picks, which causes them to absorb less energy, therefore getting a thicker sound when striking the string.
However, this thick sound has a price. The pick will feel less flexible the thicker it is. Because of this, strumming chords may be more difficult.
Hence, while fat lead lines sound fantastic with thick picks, playing rhythmic passages will be more difficult.
Pick Materials
The tone of a pick will also depend on its material. Today, plastic is the most popular material used to make picks, but you can also find picks made of metal, wood, and even felt!
Since plastic and metal picks tend to be tougher and vibrate the strings more than other materials, they typically generate a louder, resonant tone. Moreover, metallic picks can make a metallic sound that might complement your style.
The softness of picks made of materials like wood varies depending on the type of wood used.
Rubber, leather, or even felt can create other soft picks. Lead guitarists and soloists often avoid softer picks since they generate a softer tone.
Pick Weight
The weight of the pick is one of several variables that affect guitar tone. Lighter picks provide a brighter, thinner tone, while heavier picks typically give a warmer, thicker sound.
The pick’s thickness also influences the sound, with thinner picks giving a brighter, sharper tone and larger picks a warmer, rounder one.
Which Guitar Pick is Best for Me?
Many styles of guitar music will depend on the kind of guitar pick you to use. Choosing a guitar pick and style that fits your instrument and playing style is important.
Generally speaking, you might want to use a thicker pick for an electric guitar than an acoustic one.
Thin picks might be more challenging to play lead guitar with than thick or medium picks, especially when playing quickly. But if you plan on playing rhythm guitar, then a light pick would be ideal.
Nevertheless, we may suggest a medium pick as a good midpoint for the electric guitar if you need help figuring out where to start.
Let’s now examine the ideal material for guitar picks. Various materials, including metal and plastic, can be used to make guitar picks.
As mentioned earlier, most commercial guitar picks are often plastic. Players are typically advised to use these as well.
Which among the materials is best for your guitar pick? In all honesty, there isn’t just one best option for material; it will depend on your preferences.
We suggest you get a couple of different kinds and experiment to determine which one feels and plays the best to your preference.
Conclusion
Choosing the best option for you should be an adventurous and enjoyable procedure. Many guitarists use the standard sizes and always keep them the same.
But as you start experimenting with different styles, materials, and sizes, you might be shocked at what you can create. You should now have access to all the knowledge necessary to maximize your playing.
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