Plectrum Size Explained
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Plectrum size means the thickness of the pick in millimetres and the shape of the pick in your hand. Thickness runs from thin picks near 0.46mm to heavy picks near 1.0mm, and each gauge suits a different kind of playing. The Fender picks here use the 351 shape, a wider body with a rounded tip.
What the thickness numbers mean
Thickness is stamped in millimetres on the pick or listed in the pack. Thin picks sit near 0.46mm, medium picks sit near 0.71mm, and heavy picks sit near .97mm or 1.0mm. A thinner pick bends more under the string, while a heavier pick bends less, so the number tells you how much give the pick has before you buy.
Thin picks for strumming
Thin picks suit light strumming and acoustic rhythm, per the Fender sampler listing. The sampler includes a thin pick at 0.46mm, the ROTOPATA pack includes one at 0.5mm, and the DUGYGA pack includes one at 0.46mm. A thin pick suits rhythm work, and the sampler lets you compare it with the medium and heavy gauges in the same pack.
Medium picks for all-around playing
Medium picks suit versatile all-around playing, per the Fender sampler listing. The sampler includes a medium pick at 0.71mm, the ROTOPATA pack includes one at 0.75mm, and the DUGYGA pack includes one at 0.71mm. The Fender 351 pack is medium thickness throughout, with 12 picks in the pack. A medium gauge sits between the thin and heavy picks, so it covers strumming and lead work in one pack.
Heavy picks for lead work
Heavy picks suit precise lead work and articulate picking, per the Fender sampler listing. The sampler includes a heavy pick at .97mm, the ROTOPATA pack includes one at 1.0mm, and the DUGYGA pack includes one at 0.96mm. A heavy pick gives a firm bass response and a precise attack, so it suits players who pick lead lines and want less bend in the pick.
How to compare gauges in one pack
A sampler pack holds thin, medium and heavy picks, so you can hold each gauge and see which thickness fits your hand and your playing. The Fender sampler holds 12 picks across thin, medium and heavy gauges, the ROTOPATA pack holds 15 picks with an organizer box, and the DUGYGA pack holds 21 picks with an organizer box. Try each gauge on the same guitar and keep the one that fits your playing.
What you need
Fender Premium Picks Sampler
A 12-pack sampler with thin, medium and heavy celluloid picks at .46mm, .71mm and .97mm, in the Fender 351 shape.
- Picks in pack: 12
- Thickness: Heavy
- Material: Celluloid
ROTOPATA 15 Pack Guitar Picks Variety Pack
A 15-pack of celluloid picks in thin, medium and heavy gauges at 0.5mm, 0.75mm and 1.0mm, with a clear organizer box.
- Picks in pack: 15
- Thickness: 0.5Mm
- Material: Celluloid
DUGYGA 21 Pack Guitar Picks with Organizer Storage
A 21-pack of celluloid picks in thin, medium and heavy gauges at 0.46mm, 0.71mm and 0.96mm, with a clear organizer box.
- Picks in pack: 21, the most here
- Thickness: 0.46Mm
- Material: Celluloid
Fender Guitar Picks 351 Shape
A 12-pack of medium thickness celluloid picks in the Fender 351 shape, one pick in each of 12 colors.
- Picks in pack: 12
- Material: Celluloid
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Picks, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What thickness is a medium guitar pick?
Medium picks in the packs here sit at 0.71mm or 0.75mm. The Fender sampler and the DUGYGA pack list medium at 0.71mm, and the ROTOPATA pack lists medium at 0.75mm.
What is the Fender 351 pick shape?
The 351 is a Fender pick design with a wider body and a rounded tip. The Fender sampler and the Fender 351 pack use the 351 shape.
Do I need different picks for acoustic and electric guitar?
The ROTOPATA and DUGYGA packs suit acoustic and electric guitar, bass and ukulele. Pick the gauge that fits your playing, and use a sampler pack to compare thin, medium and heavy gauges.
Ranked guitar picks lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.