Which Guitar Plectrum Should You Choose? Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve just picked up your first guitar, you’ve probably already discovered that the accessory aisle is a rabbit hole. Strings, straps, tuners — and then a whole wall of little plastic triangles in what seems like every thickness, colour, and shape imaginable. Which plectrum (or “pick”) do you even grab?

The good news: it’s simpler than it looks. Here’s everything a beginner needs to know about choosing the right plectrum for acoustic or electric guitar.

First Things First: Do You Even Need a Plectrum?

For classical guitar, the short answer is: no. Classical technique is built entirely around fingerpicking with the nails of your right hand. A plectrum would actually work against you here — it changes your tone, your technique, and the way you approach the instrument. If you’re learning classical, skip the picks section and focus on growing those fingernails.

For acoustic and electric guitar, though, a plectrum is one of your most important tools. Whether you’re strumming chords, picking individual notes, or shredding solos, the pick in your hand directly affects your tone, your speed, and how the guitar feels to play.

Understanding Pick Thickness

Thickness is the single most important variable when choosing a plectrum. It’s usually measured in millimetres and most picks are colour-coded so you can grab the right one quickly once you know what you’re looking for.

Thin picks (0.40mm–0.60mm)

Thin picks are flexible. When you strum with them, they bend against the strings, which creates a bright, jangly sound with a satisfying “swish.” They’re very forgiving — great for strumming open chords and rhythm playing.

The trade-off is control. Thin picks can feel a bit unpredictable when you try to pick individual notes, and they tend to wear down quickly. They’re a solid starting point for acoustic guitarists who mainly strum.

Best for: Acoustic strumming, beginners finding their feet, folk and pop styles.

Medium picks (0.60mm–0.80mm)

Medium picks offer the best of both worlds. They have enough flex for comfortable strumming but enough rigidity for decent note control. Most beginners land here eventually, and many players never leave.

If you’re unsure where to start, a medium pick is almost always the right call.

Best for: Beginners on acoustic or electric, all-round rhythm and lead playing, rock and pop.

Heavy picks (0.88mm and above)

Heavy and extra-heavy picks are stiff. There’s very little flex, which means more of your picking energy goes directly into the string. The result is a fuller, rounder tone with more volume and sustain. They’re especially popular among electric guitarists who play lead, because the stiffness gives you more precision and speed.

The downside? Strumming with a thick pick is less forgiving. Hit a chord at a bad angle and you’ll know about it. They reward players who have developed cleaner technique.

Best for: Electric lead playing, heavier genres (rock, metal), players focused on speed and articulation.

Pick Shape: Standard vs. Jazz III

Most beginners start with a standard teardrop shape — wide at the top, pointed at the tip. It’s comfortable to hold and versatile enough for almost any style.

The Jazz III shape is smaller and more pointed. It sounds counterintuitive, but many fast lead players swear by it. The smaller surface area means less pick gets in the way between you and the string, which translates to tighter control and faster alternate picking. It does take some getting used to if you’ve been playing with a standard pick, but once you try it you might never go back.

Pick Material: Why Tortex Stands Out

Picks are made from all kinds of materials — nylon, celluloid, acrylic, ultem, and more. Each has its own feel and tone. One material worth knowing about is Tortex, developed by Dunlop as a synthetic alternative to genuine tortoiseshell (which is now, quite rightly, banned).

Tortex has a slightly matte, textured surface that grips your fingers even when your hands get sweaty mid-practice. It produces a bright, articulate tone and holds its shape well over time. It’s the go-to material for a huge range of players across genres, from country to metal.

What GuitarBuddy Recommends for Beginners

At GuitarBuddy we keep our picks selection focused — we only stock what we’d actually recommend to a student or friend. Right now we carry a range of Dunlop Tortex Jazz III picks in four thicknesses, all sold individually so you can try different gauges without committing to a whole pack.

Here’s how each one maps to different playing styles:

Dunlop Tortex Jazz III .50mm – Red
The thinnest option. Great for acoustic strumming and players who want a bright, lively tone. Plenty of flex, very beginner-friendly.

Dunlop Tortex Jazz III .73mm – Yellow
A firm medium. Comfortable for strumming but with enough rigidity to start exploring lead lines. A great all-rounder for both acoustic and electric.

Dunlop Tortex Jazz III .88mm – Green
Moving into heavier territory. Excellent for electric guitar, rock rhythm playing, and players developing their picking technique.

Dunlop Tortex Jazz III 1.14mm – Purple
The stiffest of the four. Favoured by lead guitarists and players who want maximum precision and attack. If you’re into heavier music or working on your speed, start here.

You can browse all four picks in the GuitarBuddy Guitar Picks shop.

A Practical Tip: Try a Few

The honest truth is that the best plectrum is the one that feels right in your hand. Because we sell picks individually, you can grab two or three different thicknesses for just a few euros and spend a practice session with each one. Notice how the tone changes. Notice how your strumming feels. Notice if you’re fighting the pick or working with it.

Most players settle on a go-to thickness relatively quickly — and then spend the rest of their life keeping a small stash of backups, because picks have a mysterious tendency to disappear.

Quick Reference: Pick Thickness at a Glance

Have questions about picks, strings, or anything else guitar-related? Get in touch — GuitarBuddy is based in Zandvoort and serves players across Haarlem and Amsterdam.

GuitarBuddy offers guitar setup, repair, and accessories for players of all levels in the Netherlands. Learn more about our services.