How to Choose a Guitar Pick Thickness | What Thickness Should a Beginner Try First?
Are you picking your guitar pick thickness by whim?
Are you wondering, "Which pick thickness should I actually choose?" Guitar shops have racks filled with everything from thin to thick picks, and it’s especially confusing for beginners. In reality, pick thickness is a crucial element that significantly impacts your tone and playing feel.
We at 708works are a workshop in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, that makes handmade guitar straps and accessories, and through our daily work with guitars, we often receive questions about choosing picks. In this article, we’ll explain how to choose the right pick thickness from a craftsman’s perspective.
Pick thickness is broadly categorized into three types
Pick thickness is indicated in millimeters (mm) and can be roughly classified into three types. Let’s look at the characteristics of each.
Thin: Around 0.5mm
These have a lot of flexibility and produce a light, "crisp" sound when they strike the strings. They are perfect for strumming chords. Since they can pluck the strings without much force, they are easy for beginners who aren't used to picking yet. On the other hand, because they have so much flex, the definition of individual notes (leads) tends to get blurred.
Medium: Around 0.7–0.8mm
This is the most versatile thickness; if you're unsure, we recommend starting here. They handle both strumming and lead playing well and suit both acoustic and electric guitars. If you're struggling to decide on your "first pick," you can't go wrong starting with a medium thickness.
At 708works, we also offer an original pick with a thickness (0.75mm) that is easy to play for both guitar and bass. Its teardrop shape makes it easy to handle, truly making it the perfect "first pick."
👉 2 Guitar Picks Set | 708works ver.
Heavy: 1.0mm and above
The appeal of heavy picks is that they have almost no flex and firmly grip the strings. They are suited for lead playing, solos, fast picking, and bass. While they produce a powerful, clear sound, they can feel stiff for chord strumming, so choose based on your genre and playing style.
The secret is to work backward from your "playing style"
There is no "correct answer" for pick thickness. One idea is to work backward from the kind of playing you want to do.
- Sing-alongs/Chord-focused → Thin to Medium
- Want all-around versatility → Medium
- Solos/Fast picking/Bass → Heavy
Even so, the fastest way is to actually try playing with a few different ones. Even at 0.8mm, the playing feel changes depending on the material and shape, so the "journey to find your pick" until you discover your favorite one is also part of the fun of guitar.
Carry your favorite picks before they go missing
Even after you finally find a pick with the right thickness, picks have a habit of disappearing, don't they? Many of you have probably panicked before a gig wondering, "Wait, where did it go?"
For those people, we recommend a genuine leather pick holder so you can carry your favorite picks with peace of mind. Attach it to your guitar case or keychain, and you'll always be prepared. It uses the same leather as our 708works guitar straps, so you can enjoy using it for a long time.
👉 Guitar Pick Holder | Carry it for emergencies
For those who want to carry many picks at once, check out our Guitar Pick Case Triangle ver., which can hold over 30 picks.
Start with a medium thickness and give it a try
There's no need to overthink choosing a pick thickness. If you're unsure, start with a medium (0.7–0.8mm) and then make fine adjustments, such as "I want it a bit lighter" or "I want to hit the strings more firmly." Your hands and ears will surely tell you which one feels right.
Find the perfect thickness and enjoy playing your guitar even more. We hope your musical time becomes even more enjoyable.
