What are the best guitar picks for strumming?

Instruments Guitar and Bass
1

Seeking Recommendations for Guitar Picks

Hey fellow guitarists,

I’m on the hunt for the best guitar picks for strumming. I’ve been playing for a while now, mostly acoustic, and I feel like the right pick could really enhance my playing experience.

I’ve tried a few different types, but I’m curious to hear what others are using and loving. Here are a few things I’m particularly looking for:

  • Thickness: I’ve experimented with both thin and medium picks, but I feel like there might be a sweet spot that I haven’t found yet.
  • Material: I know there are picks made from different materials like nylon, celluloid, and others. Do certain materials create a better sound while strumming?
  • Grip: Some picks just slip out of my fingers while I’m playing. Are there any picks that offer a better grip to help with this?

What I’ve Tried

So far, I’ve used:

  • Dunlop Tortex: These felt okay, but I’m not sure they were suited for strumming.
  • Fender Celluloid: They have a nice feel, but I don’t think they give me the best sound.

Questions for You

  • What brands do you recommend?
  • Are there specific picks that work better for certain styles of strumming?
  • Any personal favorites you think I should try out?

I appreciate any suggestions you might have! Looking forward to hearing what works for you.

Keep strumming! :guitar:

2

I’ve been using plastic picks for years. They offer great flexibility and grip while strumming. The sound is bright and clear, which works well for pop and rock music.

3

That’s great to hear! I’ve noticed that wood picks have a warmer tone compared to plastic. They might be worth trying if you’re exploring different sounds.

4

I prefer metal picks. They give a snappy sound and massive volume. Just be careful with your strings—they can wear them down faster!

4 Likes
5

Totally! I actually find the feel of wood picks more comfortable for longer playing sessions.

6

I’ve tried different materials, and honestly, it really depends on your guitar type. Nylon picks are great for acoustic guitars, while harder materials suit electric guitars well.

7 Likes
7

Indeed! But I’ve heard some people find them too harsh for strumming. It’s all about personal preference, I guess.

8

Support for wood picks! They add a unique character to your sound that’s hard to replicate with synthetic materials.

9

That’s a solid point! Some picks may just not be suitable for certain guitars. Have you found any favorites for specific styles?

10

I’m curious if anyone has tried biodegradable picks? I’ve heard they feel similar to plastic but are more eco-friendly.

11

I’ve seen those! They sound interesting, but how do they compare in terms of sound and durability?

6 Likes
12

Metal picks feel like using a medieval weapon! Quite fun, but can be tricky on a soft acoustic. I’d vote for plastic for daily strumming.

13

Haha, true! But I guess each pick has its time and place. What about hybrid picks for versatility?

14

When it comes to strumming, I find that thicker picks (1.0mm and above) give me more control and a fuller sound. They tend to produce a more defined attack when strumming chords. Has anyone else felt the same?

15

I agree! I usually go for around 0.88mm myself, strikes a nice balance between flexibility and control while strumming.

16

I’ve tried various picks, and I keep coming back to the Dunlop Jazz III. It’s small and thick, great for both strumming and fingerpicking! Anyone else a fan of this style?

17

I’ve seen those around! How do they feel for strumming chords? I’ve always used standard-sized picks.

18

I prefer wider picks, like 1.5mm. They help me maintain a solid grip and allow for more power in my strumming. What do you all think about the size of the pick influencing grip?

19

Totally! I feel wider picks help in clarity too, especially when strumming across all the strings.

20

I used to think thickness was everything, but I’ve found that pick shape really matters too! Try different shapes to see which suits your strumming style best.