Guitar Picks Plectrums
Guitar Picks and Plectrums for Sale At Low Cost
No matter your taste and style in guitar picks, you will find all your favorites and save big at Strings and Beyond. Find hundreds of picks for sale in a variety of materials, shapes and thicknesses to satisfy even the pickiest of players.
Pick Up Your Sound
We have picks and plectrums from all the leading brands. Wondering what a guitar plectrum is? A plectrum is just a fancy name for a flat tool used to play a stringed instrument — otherwise known as a guitar pick. Whatever you call them, they’re the point of connection between you and your instrument, and selecting the right pick is important whether you play guitar, bass, banjo or ukulele.
How to Choose a Guitar Pick
Among other things, the best guitar pick depends on your playing style and string type. Rhythm acoustic guitarists generally use picks that are larger and made of softer materials. Conversely, lead electric guitarists often prefer a smaller, harder pick so they can shred faster and with more control. Using the same pick on a nylon string will also sound a lot different than on a steel or brass string.
Ultimately, it’s up to each player to decide what’s best for them. Some people even like to keep several pick types on hand. With our discounted prices and free U.S. shipping on orders over $35, you can afford to try out as many as you like.
Shape the Way You Play
Browse picks from more than 20 elite guitar and accessory manufacturers. We have the widely-used Jim Dunlop Tortex picks in different colors and their Nylon Max Grip, Gator Grip, Jazztone and Big Stubby among others. Wegen picks are available in their Gypsy Jazz, Bluegrass, Mandolin and Triangular styles.
Find traditional nylon guitar picks and a variety of other materials in our inventory. You can select from Fender Classic Celluloid, Dava Jazz Grips and John Pearse wooden picks. We also carry special plectrums like the Dunlop gauged nickel silver finger pick and the Herco flat thumb pick.
Our picks come in every possible shape, including standard, teardrop, triangle, triple-sided and shark fin. We have many special collectors' guitar picks such as Dunlop's Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley collections, both of which feature different designs and a sliding tin enclosure. We also carry an Elvis Presley collectible series as well as Planet Waves, Woodstock, Beatles, Simpsons and Clayton Tenacious D picks in our inventory.
Our inventory runs the gamut from guitar picks with grip to fingerpicking acoustic guitar picks to electric picks. If you don't see exactly what you want, you can always design your own and fully personalize your playing experience. Contact us if you need any assistance with our custom-designed guitar picks. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you.
Guitar Pick FAQs
What are guitar picks called?
Guitar picks are commonly referred to as plectrums. They are small, flat tools used to pluck or strum guitar strings, typically made from plastic, nylon, celluloid, or other materials. The thickness and shape of a pick can greatly affect tone and playability.
What does a guitar pick do?
A guitar pick helps players achieve a brighter, more articulate sound compared to fingerpicking. It allows for faster picking, more precise articulation, and consistent tone across the strings. Many guitarists use picks to enhance their speed and control, especially in rock, metal, and lead guitar playing.
What are guitar picks made of?
Guitar picks are made from various materials, each affecting tone and feel. Celluloid picks have a vintage feel with a bright tone, while nylon picks offer flexibility and warmth. Acrylic and Delrin picks are durable and provide a smooth attack. Metal picks are sharp-sounding and long-lasting, whereas wooden picks produce a warmer, more organic tone. The best material depends on the player's style and tone preference.
What type of guitar pick should I use?
The best pick depends on playing style and genre. Thin picks (0.38-0.60mm) are great for strumming and acoustic playing, while medium picks (0.60-0.80mm) offer versatility. Thick picks (0.80mm+) provide more control and are preferred for lead guitar and heavy playing styles.
How to hold a guitar pick?
Hold the large end of the pick flat between your thumb and the top side of your index finger. The index finger should be pointing at the pick's tip, and you should hold it firmly but not tightly. For speed, hold the pick at a slight angle so it "glides" over the strings without getting caught. Keeping your picking hand relaxed and avoiding excessive thumb flexing can also help improve speed.
What is double-picking on guitar?
This is when you alternate down and up strokes on the same string or chord, letting you play a note more times in quick succession. The technique is also called alternate picking and tremolo picking.
What is hybrid picking on guitar?
Hybrid picking is when you play with a guitar pick and use your remaining fingers to pluck strings. This lets you be more precise about what notes you're playing and easily make big jumps between strings.
How to strum a guitar without a pick?
The most effective option is to place your thumb and index finger together and strum like you're holding a pick. With this method, you play the down strokes with your index fingernail and the upstrokes with your thumbnail.
Do you need a guitar pick for electric guitar?
Using a pick is not required, but it is highly recommended for playing fast, aggressive styles like rock and metal, where speed and precision are important. Fingerpicking produces a warmer, softer tone, making it ideal for jazz, ballads, and blues. For beginners, a pick can make strumming and picking easier while reducing finger discomfort from steel strings. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferred playing style and tone.
Do professional guitarists use picks?
Many professional guitarists use picks, particularly in genres like rock, blues, and metal, where speed and precision are essential. However, some guitarists, like Mark Knopfler and Jeff Beck, prefer fingerpicking for its warmth and expressive tone. Whether picks or fingers are better depends on the player's style and the tone they want to achieve-picks offer more attack and brightness, while fingerpicking provides greater dynamic control.
Guitar Picks and Plectrums for Sale At Low Cost
No matter your taste and style in guitar picks, you will find all your favorites and save big at Strings and Beyond. Find hundreds of picks for sale in a variety of materials, shapes and thicknesses to satisfy even the pickiest of players.
Pick Up Your Sound
We have picks and plectrums from all the leading brands. Wondering what a guitar plectrum is? A plectrum is just a fancy name for a flat tool used to play a stringed instrument — otherwise known as a guitar pick. Whatever you call them, they’re the point of connection between you and your instrument, and selecting the right pick is important whether you play guitar, bass, banjo or ukulele.
How to Choose a Guitar Pick
Among other things, the best guitar pick depends on your playing style and string type. Rhythm acoustic guitarists generally use picks that are larger and made of softer materials. Conversely, lead electric guitarists often prefer a smaller, harder pick so they can shred faster and with more control. Using the same pick on a nylon string will also sound a lot different than on a steel or brass string.
Ultimately, it’s up to each player to decide what’s best for them. Some people even like to keep several pick types on hand. With our discounted prices and free U.S. shipping on orders over $35, you can afford to try out as many as you like.
Shape the Way You Play
Browse picks from more than 20 elite guitar and accessory manufacturers. We have the widely-used Jim Dunlop Tortex picks in different colors and their Nylon Max Grip, Gator Grip, Jazztone and Big Stubby among others. Wegen picks are available in their Gypsy Jazz, Bluegrass, Mandolin and Triangular styles.
Find traditional nylon guitar picks and a variety of other materials in our inventory. You can select from Fender Classic Celluloid, Dava Jazz Grips and John Pearse wooden picks. We also carry special plectrums like the Dunlop gauged nickel silver finger pick and the Herco flat thumb pick.
Our picks come in every possible shape, including standard, teardrop, triangle, triple-sided and shark fin. We have many special collectors' guitar picks such as Dunlop's Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley collections, both of which feature different designs and a sliding tin enclosure. We also carry an Elvis Presley collectible series as well as Planet Waves, Woodstock, Beatles, Simpsons and Clayton Tenacious D picks in our inventory.
Our inventory runs the gamut from guitar picks with grip to fingerpicking acoustic guitar picks to electric picks. If you don't see exactly what you want, you can always design your own and fully personalize your playing experience. Contact us if you need any assistance with our custom-designed guitar picks. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you.
Guitar Pick FAQs
What are guitar picks called?
Guitar picks are commonly referred to as plectrums. They are small, flat tools used to pluck or strum guitar strings, typically made from plastic, nylon, celluloid, or other materials. The thickness and shape of a pick can greatly affect tone and playability.
What does a guitar pick do?
A guitar pick helps players achieve a brighter, more articulate sound compared to fingerpicking. It allows for faster picking, more precise articulation, and consistent tone across the strings. Many guitarists use picks to enhance their speed and control, especially in rock, metal, and lead guitar playing.
What are guitar picks made of?
Guitar picks are made from various materials, each affecting tone and feel. Celluloid picks have a vintage feel with a bright tone, while nylon picks offer flexibility and warmth. Acrylic and Delrin picks are durable and provide a smooth attack. Metal picks are sharp-sounding and long-lasting, whereas wooden picks produce a warmer, more organic tone. The best material depends on the player's style and tone preference.
What type of guitar pick should I use?
The best pick depends on playing style and genre. Thin picks (0.38-0.60mm) are great for strumming and acoustic playing, while medium picks (0.60-0.80mm) offer versatility. Thick picks (0.80mm+) provide more control and are preferred for lead guitar and heavy playing styles.
How to hold a guitar pick?
Hold the large end of the pick flat between your thumb and the top side of your index finger. The index finger should be pointing at the pick's tip, and you should hold it firmly but not tightly. For speed, hold the pick at a slight angle so it "glides" over the strings without getting caught. Keeping your picking hand relaxed and avoiding excessive thumb flexing can also help improve speed.
What is double-picking on guitar?
This is when you alternate down and up strokes on the same string or chord, letting you play a note more times in quick succession. The technique is also called alternate picking and tremolo picking.
What is hybrid picking on guitar?
Hybrid picking is when you play with a guitar pick and use your remaining fingers to pluck strings. This lets you be more precise about what notes you're playing and easily make big jumps between strings.
How to strum a guitar without a pick?
The most effective option is to place your thumb and index finger together and strum like you're holding a pick. With this method, you play the down strokes with your index fingernail and the upstrokes with your thumbnail.
Do you need a guitar pick for electric guitar?
Using a pick is not required, but it is highly recommended for playing fast, aggressive styles like rock and metal, where speed and precision are important. Fingerpicking produces a warmer, softer tone, making it ideal for jazz, ballads, and blues. For beginners, a pick can make strumming and picking easier while reducing finger discomfort from steel strings. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferred playing style and tone.
Do professional guitarists use picks?
Many professional guitarists use picks, particularly in genres like rock, blues, and metal, where speed and precision are essential. However, some guitarists, like Mark Knopfler and Jeff Beck, prefer fingerpicking for its warmth and expressive tone. Whether picks or fingers are better depends on the player's style and the tone they want to achieve-picks offer more attack and brightness, while fingerpicking provides greater dynamic control.