#1
Dunlop Tortex .88mm (Orange)
Medium-thick pick (celluloid alternative) · .88mm thickness, Tortex material (synthetic tortoiseshell alternative), matte finish, standard shape$5–$8 for 12-packBest for: Best all-around medium pick, standard rock and electric guitar, Tortex feel and grip
The Dunlop Tortex (.88mm orange) is the most widely used guitar pick among professional rock players — Tortex is Dunlop's proprietary material that approximates the feel and tone of vintage tortoiseshell (now illegal) with excellent grip from the matte finish. The .88mm thickness is the middle ground: heavy enough for articulate single-note lines and light enough for strumming. Players from Billy Gibbons to James Hetfield have used Tortex picks.
What to check used: Tortex material feels slightly different from nylon and celluloid — it has a drier, grippier texture that players either love or prefer something smoother. Sample packs (multi-gauge sets) allow testing before committing to one thickness.
#2
Dunlop Jazz III
Small jazz-style pick (medium-thick) · 1.38mm, nylon material, small triangle tip, very precise point, Jazz III profile$5–$8 for 6-packBest for: Fast lead playing and shredding, jazz and fusion, precision picking, smaller pick preference
The Dunlop Jazz III is the most common pick among lead guitarists who prioritize speed and precision — its small body and pointed tip allow very controlled, precise picking. Used by Petrucci, Eric Johnson, and countless shred and jazz guitarists. The smaller size reduces the distance the pick travels per stroke, which contributes to faster picking. The 1.38mm thickness provides rigidity for controlled attack.
What to check used: The Jazz III is small and takes adjustment for players accustomed to standard-size picks — some players find the smaller body harder to hold initially. The small size also means less surface area for strumming; it is better suited for lead playing and single-note lines than rhythm strumming.
#3
Fender 351 Medium
Celluloid medium pick (classic teardrop) · Medium thickness celluloid, classic 351 shape, tortoiseshell or shell appearance, traditional tone$4–$7 for 12-packBest for: Traditional tone and feel, acoustic strumming, classic rock rhythm guitar, Fender association
The Fender 351 Medium is the most traditional guitar pick — celluloid material (the original pick material before nylon and Tortex) with the classic 351 teardrop shape. Celluloid produces a warm, slightly brighter tone on acoustic guitars compared to nylon picks. Medium thickness is the most versatile for players who strum acoustic guitar and do light electric playing. The Fender 351 is the standard Fender dealer pick included with guitars.
What to check used: Celluloid is more fragile than nylon or Tortex — celluloid picks can crack or chip at the tip, especially with aggressive picking. Celluloid is also slightly less consistent in thickness across picks in a batch. Players who play hard and frequently will go through celluloid picks faster than nylon alternatives.
#4
Dunlop Nylon .73mm (Thin)
Thin nylon pick · .73mm nylon, flexible, standard shape, very light gauge$4–$6 for 12-packBest for: Acoustic strumming, light chord work, beginners, players who prefer flexible picks
Dunlop Nylon .73mm is the standard thin pick — flexible enough to reduce pick noise on strummed chords while maintaining basic picking control. Thin picks are preferred by many acoustic strummers and beginners because the flexibility forgives imprecise pick angle. Nylon is one of the most durable pick materials. At .73mm, this is the lightest gauge that still has some body and control.
What to check used: Thin picks are difficult to use for precise single-note lead playing — the flexibility causes inconsistent attack and a floppier feel on single notes. Lead guitarists almost universally prefer medium or thick picks. Use thin picks specifically for strumming acoustic guitar; upgrade to medium or heavier for lead work.
#5
Gravity Picks Classic Standard
Boutique acrylic pick · Acrylic material, hand-finished, various thicknesses (.5mm–3mm), US-made boutique quality$4–$8 per pickBest for: Boutique tone and feel, acrylic bright attack, handmade quality, tone-seeker players
Gravity Picks are American-made boutique picks — hand-finished acrylic produces a brighter, articulate attack compared to nylon or Tortex. Professional players who prioritize pick tone often prefer acrylic for its defined, bright articulation on single notes and arpeggios. Available in a wide range of thicknesses from thin strummers to extremely thick jazz-style. Each pick is individually finished by hand. Used by many touring and session guitarists.
What to check used: Gravity Picks are significantly more expensive per pick than mass-produced options ($4-8 vs $0.50). At that price, losing or wearing out picks is more costly. Many players who prefer boutique picks buy in small quantities to test and then stock up on their preferred thickness.
#6
Chicken Picks Badazz III
Thermosetting resin pick (rigid) · Thermosetting resin, 3.5mm extremely rigid, pointy tip, Dutch-made, extremely high hardness$5–$8 per pickBest for: Maximum rigidity for clear attack, advanced players who want zero flex, fast articulate playing
Chicken Picks are extremely rigid thermosetting resin picks made in the Netherlands — the Badazz III is one of the most rigid commercially available picks with virtually zero flex. This level of rigidity produces extremely clear, defined attack with no loss of energy to pick bend. Players who want absolute control and consistent attack find that very rigid picks improve precision. Preferred by some jazz and fingerstyle players who want a plectrum with zero compliance.
What to check used: Extremely rigid picks require exact, consistent pick angle — there is no flex to compensate for slightly imprecise pick angle. They have a learning curve and are not appropriate for strumming (no give = harder attack on chords). These are specialist picks for players who have developed precise picking mechanics.
#7
Winspear Tips Plectrum
Boutique metal pick · Stainless steel, various shapes and thicknesses, extremely durable, metallic tone character$8–$15 per pickBest for: Maximum durability, metallic bright tone (metal and prog), players who break or lose too many picks
Winspear Tips are handmade stainless steel picks — metal picks are essentially permanent (never wear out, never deform) and produce a very bright, metallic tone with very clear attack. Some metal and prog rock players prefer the aggressive brightness of metal picks. Used by players who are frustrated by the short lifespan of conventional picks and want a single investment that lasts indefinitely.
What to check used: Metal picks produce a distinctly different tone from plastic — brighter, more metallic, with a different contact feel. Players who prefer the warmth and compliance of nylon or Tortex will not prefer metal picks. Test before committing to the brightness and rigidity of metal.
