What Can You Use as a Guitar Pick?
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A guitar pick is what you use: a small flat celluloid plectrum, held between thumb and forefinger to strike the strings. Picks come in thin, medium and heavy gauges, and the gauge changes how the pick flexes across the strings. The packs below cover all three gauges, so you can compare them and keep the one that fits.
Start with a real guitar pick
A guitar pick is a small flat plectrum made to strike the strings, and the packs here are celluloid picks. A pick holds a steady edge against the strings, so start with one of the packs below and change the gauge, not the shape, when you want a different feel.
Match the gauge to the playing
Thin picks flex more: the Fender sampler includes Thin at .46mm, the ROTOPATA pack includes Thin at .5mm and the DUGYGA pack includes Thin at 0.46mm. Medium picks sit in the middle: .71mm in the Fender sampler, .75mm in the ROTOPATA pack and 0.71mm in the DUGYGA pack. Heavy picks flex least: .97mm in the Fender sampler, 1.0mm in the ROTOPATA pack and 0.96mm in the DUGYGA pack. Thin suits light strumming and acoustic rhythm, Medium suits all-around playing, and Heavy suits precise lead work and articulate picking.
Keep spares in an organizer box
Picks are small and easy to lose, so a pack with an organizer box keeps the spares in one place. The ROTOPATA 15 pack and the DUGYGA 21 pack both come with a clear plastic organizer box for storing the picks. The DUGYGA pack holds 21 picks, 7 in each thickness, and the ROTOPATA pack holds 15 picks. The Fender sampler holds 12 picks across Thin, Medium and Heavy, and the Fender 351 medley holds 12 picks in 12 colors.
Celluloid is the material here
All four packs here are celluloid picks. The Fender sampler uses premium celluloid with a smooth string release and reduced pick noise, and the DUGYGA pack uses high quality celluloid. The ROTOPATA and DUGYGA packs use assorted colors, so you can tell the thicknesses apart at a glance.
What you need
Fender Premium Picks Sampler
A 12-pack sampler with Thin .46mm, Medium .71mm and Heavy .97mm celluloid picks in the 351 shape, so you can compare the gauges and find your fit.
- Picks in pack: 12
- Thickness: Heavy
- Material: Celluloid
ROTOPATA 15 Pack Guitar Picks Variety Pack
A 15-pack of celluloid picks in Thin .5mm, Medium .75mm and Heavy 1.0mm, with a clear organizer box and colors that mark each thickness.
- Picks in pack: 15
- Thickness: 0.5Mm
- Material: Celluloid
DUGYGA 21 Pack Guitar Picks with Organizer Storage
A 21-pack of celluloid picks, 7 in each of Thin 0.46mm, Medium 0.71mm and Heavy 0.96mm, with a clear organizer box for storage.
- Picks in pack: 21, the most here
- Thickness: 0.46Mm
- Material: Celluloid
Fender Guitar Picks 351 Shape
A 12-pack of medium celluloid picks in the 351 shape, one in each of 12 colors, with a 1-year limited warranty.
- 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 is the 351 pick shape?
Both Fender packs here use it: the Premium Picks Sampler and the 351 Shape medley.
Can I use the same pick for acoustic and electric guitar?
Yes. The ROTOPATA pack suits acoustic or electric guitar, bass and ukulele, and the DUGYGA pack suits acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass and ukulele. The Fender sampler covers guitar, and the Fender 351 medley covers guitar.
How do I know which gauge fits my playing?
Compare the gauges in a sampler pack: Thin at .46mm, Medium at .71mm and Heavy at .97mm in the Fender sampler. Thin suits light strumming and acoustic rhythm, Medium suits all-around playing, and Heavy suits precise lead work and articulate picking.
Do I need an organizer box for picks?
No, but it keeps small picks in one place. The ROTOPATA 15 pack and the DUGYGA 21 pack both come with a clear plastic organizer box for storing picks.
Ranked guitar picks lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.