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10 Best Guitar Picks 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

JIM DUNLOP FBA_418P.60 Tortex Standard (418P060)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,145
Material
Thickness
Shape

Most important from
24848 reviews

Material
They withstand the rigors of frequent use and even accidental laundry cycles without damage, proving their long-lasting quality.
Thickness
The thin 0.60mm thickness enables fast, fluid strumming and picking, ideal for rhythm and lighter lead work.
Shape
Their classic shape and comfortable feel make them a dependable go-to for both beginners and seasoned musicians.
Grip
The picks deliver exceptional durability and a grip so reliable it feels like a natural extension of your fingers, even during sweaty sessions.

The JIM DUNLOP Tortex Standard picks (model 418P060) are made from Delrin, a durable plastic known for its reliable grip and long-lasting performance. These picks come in a thin 0.60mm thickness, making them ideal for players who prefer a lighter touch and faster strumming or picking. The shape is the classic standard, which is comfortable to hold and well-suited for a variety of playing styles, from rhythm to light lead work. Being orange in color, they're easy to spot on stage or in your gear bag.

The Delrin material gives these picks a slightly textured surface that helps prevent slipping, even if your fingers get a bit sweaty. The thinner 0.60mm picks might feel a bit flimsy or less precise for those who like more control or heavier attack, such as players who do aggressive lead guitar or heavy strumming. Also, if you prefer a different shape or thicker pick, these might not be the best fit.

Their popularity and high customer ratings show they're a favorite among many guitarists, especially beginners and intermediate players looking for dependable, versatile picks that don't break the bank.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,145
Material
Thickness
Shape

Most important from
24848 reviews

Material
They withstand the rigors of frequent use and even accidental laundry cycles without damage, proving their long-lasting quality.
Thickness
The thin 0.60mm thickness enables fast, fluid strumming and picking, ideal for rhythm and lighter lead work.
Shape
Their classic shape and comfortable feel make them a dependable go-to for both beginners and seasoned musicians.
Grip
The picks deliver exceptional durability and a grip so reliable it feels like a natural extension of your fingers, even during sweaty sessions.
#2

JIM DUNLOP StandardDunlop 50mm Red Guitar Pick Tortex Standard 12 Pack (418P050)

Rating
10.0
Material
Shape
Grip

Most important from
24849 reviews

Material
The material’s porous texture grips like rock climbing chalk without drying out the skin, preventing slips in all playing conditions.
Shape
Their size and shape feel natural and comfortable, fitting well in most hands for both electric and acoustic guitars.
Grip
The matte surface provides exceptional grip, maintaining control even during fast or aggressive playing.

The Jim Dunlop Tortex Standard picks are a popular choice for guitar players looking for a reliable, versatile pick. Made of Tortex material, these picks are known for their bright and snappy attack, which adds a crisp edge to your playing. At 0.50 mm thickness, they strike a good balance between flexibility and firmness, making them suitable for a wide range of playing styles—from strumming chords to picking individual notes. The standard shape features a narrow yet rounded tip, offering a tonal balance that is both expressive and full, helping you get a variety of sounds from your guitar.

One of their standout features is the matte surface grip, designed to keep the pick firmly in your hand even during fast or aggressive playing, which is great for maintaining control without slipping. Durability is another strong point; these picks hold up well over time, making them a solid investment if you play regularly. Their size (about 50 mm) fits comfortably in most hands, allowing easy handling for both beginners and experienced players.

They perform well across many genres, though players seeking a much thicker or thinner pick for very specialized tones might look elsewhere. For most guitarists, especially those wanting a dependable pick trusted by top musicians for decades, the Dunlop Tortex Standard is a smart, well-rounded choice.

Rating
10.0
Material
Shape
Grip

Most important from
24849 reviews

Material
The material’s porous texture grips like rock climbing chalk without drying out the skin, preventing slips in all playing conditions.
Shape
Their size and shape feel natural and comfortable, fitting well in most hands for both electric and acoustic guitars.
Grip
The matte surface provides exceptional grip, maintaining control even during fast or aggressive playing.
#3

JIM DUNLOP Dunlop Tortex Standard 12 Pack (418P.88)

Rating
9.9
Material
Thickness
Shape

Most important from
24849 reviews

Material
Their thickness and material contribute to a bright, snappy tone that works well across electric and acoustic guitars.
Thickness
Their thickness and material contribute to a bright, snappy tone that works well across electric and acoustic guitars.
Shape
The picks smooth out edges as they wear, enhancing comfort and playability over time.
Grip
The picks offer a perfect balance of stiffness and grip, delivering immediate improvements in speed and accuracy.

The JIM DUNLOP Dunlop Tortex Standard 12 Pack features picks made from Tortex, a durable material known for lasting through heavy use. At 0.88mm thickness, these picks are on the thicker side, offering a bright and snappy attack that’s great for clear, articulate playing. The standard shape with a narrow yet rounded tip strikes a nice balance between full sound and precise control, making them versatile for many styles. Their matte surface improves grip, so you can comfortably play fast or hard without worrying about slipping.

Made in the USA and trusted by famous musicians worldwide, these picks are a solid choice for players who want reliability and a classic feel. One thing to note is that the thickness might feel a bit stiff for beginners or those who prefer very thin picks for softer strumming. Also, the standard size is typical, but if you want something smaller or larger, other options would be better.

These picks are well suited for guitarists looking for durability, good grip, and a bright tone in a standard-sized pick.

Rating
9.9
Material
Thickness
Shape

Most important from
24849 reviews

Material
Their thickness and material contribute to a bright, snappy tone that works well across electric and acoustic guitars.
Thickness
Their thickness and material contribute to a bright, snappy tone that works well across electric and acoustic guitars.
Shape
The picks smooth out edges as they wear, enhancing comfort and playability over time.
Grip
The picks offer a perfect balance of stiffness and grip, delivering immediate improvements in speed and accuracy.

Buying Guide for the Best Guitar Picks

Choosing the right guitar pick can significantly impact your playing experience and sound. Guitar picks, also known as plectrums, come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and thicknesses. Each of these factors can influence your playing style, comfort, and the tone produced by your guitar. Understanding these key specifications will help you select the best pick for your needs.
MaterialThe material of a guitar pick affects its durability, flexibility, and the sound it produces. Common materials include plastic, nylon, celluloid, and metal. Plastic picks are versatile and durable, making them a popular choice for many players. Nylon picks are flexible and provide a warmer tone, suitable for strumming. Celluloid picks offer a classic feel and bright tone but can wear out quickly. Metal picks are very durable and produce a bright, sharp sound, ideal for heavy playing styles. Choose a material that complements your playing style and the sound you want to achieve.
ThicknessThe thickness of a guitar pick, measured in millimeters, affects its flexibility and the sound it produces. Thin picks (0.38-0.73 mm) are flexible and produce a lighter, brighter sound, making them ideal for strumming and rhythm playing. Medium picks (0.73-0.88 mm) offer a balance between flexibility and stiffness, suitable for both strumming and lead playing. Thick picks (0.88-1.5 mm and above) are stiff and produce a fuller, more powerful sound, preferred by lead guitarists and those who play fast, intricate passages. Consider your playing style and the type of music you play when choosing the thickness of your pick.
ShapeGuitar picks come in various shapes, each offering different levels of control and comfort. Standard picks have a teardrop shape and are versatile for most playing styles. Jazz picks are smaller and have a pointed tip, providing precision and speed for lead playing. Triangle picks are larger and offer a better grip, suitable for players who need more control. Finger picks are worn on the fingers and are used for fingerstyle playing. Choose a shape that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing technique.
GripThe grip of a guitar pick refers to how easily it can be held without slipping. Some picks have textured surfaces or holes to improve grip, which can be especially helpful during long playing sessions or for players with sweaty hands. Picks with a good grip can provide better control and reduce the likelihood of dropping the pick while playing. If you find that picks often slip from your fingers, consider trying ones with enhanced grip features.
SizeThe size of a guitar pick can affect your playing comfort and control. Smaller picks can offer more precision and are often preferred by lead guitarists for fast, intricate playing. Larger picks provide a better grip and are easier to hold, making them suitable for rhythm playing and beginners. The right size for you will depend on your hand size and playing style. Experiment with different sizes to find the one that feels most comfortable and provides the best control for your playing.

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