The Best Finger Picks for Acoustic Guitar
Plastic or metal? Classic style or one of the new modern types? Check out the best finger picks for acoustic guitar in your style.
When it comes to acoustic guitars, there are a variety of different techniques that you can use.
One of the most popular is fingerstyle, which involves plucking the strings with a finger rather than a plectrum. While this method requires a bit more time and effort to master, it can really help to expand your vocabulary as a player.
In addition, fingerstyle can produce a more nuanced and layered sound than plectrum-based playing. However, one downside of fingerstyle is that it can require you to grow your nails to produce the desired tones.
Which, if you don't want to do that, is exactly where fingerpicks come in...
Different Types
The main characteristic of the plastic picks is their well-known just-in-the-middle sound. Not too bright and not too warm. They’re usually cheaper than the other picks. This group contains celluloid, delrin, and nylon fingerpicks.
Celluloid
Celluloid was the first material used for mass production of picks and it’s still being used today. The advantages of celluloid are that it’s cheap and easy to produce in various colors and thicknesses. The downside is that it wears out quickly and is not very durable.
Delrin
Delrin is a type of plastic that is very strong and durable. It’s also easy to produce in various colors and thicknesses. The only downside is that it’s a bit more expensive than celluloid. 1
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic material that is strong and durable like delrin, but it also has a warm tone that is similar to tortoise shell. The only downside to nylon is that it’s even more expensive than delrin.
Metal
Metal finger picks generally last a lot longer than plastic picks, and they feel sturdier. Most are made of copper, brass, steel, or nickel. Metal offers a bright sound, is easily adjustable, and can be significantly more durable than what you get with plastic fingerpicks.
Plastic fingerpicks will get a tone that can work with any song while metal is a bit harsher, and thus may not be appropriate for use with a classical guitar, for example. Since metal fingerpicks are easier to shape than plastic ones, not only is it easier for manufacturers to mold new and innovative designs, but they can also be more comfortable.
But metal fingerpicks can be pricey; so if you’re looking for an affordable option that will still give you a good tone and durability, then plastic fingerpicks may be the way to go.
National NP-2B-4PK
Why it Rocks
In 1930, the world was introduced to a new kind of pick - one that would quickly become the go-to choice for banjo players everywhere. However, National finger picks also have been proven for decades to work beautifully on nylon and steel string acoustic as well, producing a crisp, clear sound.
These picks are made from brass, which makes them more pliable to fit the shape of your finger. They are not as strong as the steel varieties, but in addition to not being as hard on your strings as some other metals, they also produce a slightly more mellow tone.
These picks are also known for being exceptionally comfortable to wear; so comfortable, in fact, that some users report forgetting that they're even wearing them at all. They connect consistently with the strings without players having to constantly readjust them, providing a remarkably comfortable fit, while producing a great tone.
What Else
Brass is one of the best materials for picks, as it is durable and produces a notably clear tone. The picks are long-wearing, 1/4" brass of just the right gauge to easily bend to fit you, making them comfortable to play with. And because they're made of brass, they won't damage your instrument or your hands.
Dunlop 37R .018
Why it Rocks
The Dunlop 37R 018 brass are long-lasting picks with a classic tone are great for resonator, banjo, pedal steel, acoustic, or classical guitar. They're extremely light, but still offer durability and adjustability, all while producing a bright, defined sound.
What Else
The Dunlop 37R 018 brass fingerpicks are made from the highest quality brass and are available in a variety of gauges to suit your needs. These picks are precision-machined to produce a consistent bevel angle and tip shape for enhanced playability. Dunlop's advanced manufacturing process ensures that each pick is precisely the same, so you can count on getting the most out of your performance.
The .018 gauge pick is perfect for those who want a bit more control over their sound without sacrificing tone or feel. These picks come in a tube of 20, so you can always have a backup on hand. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Dunlop's 37R 018 brass fingerpicks are a great choice for any player looking for the perfect balance of precision, playability, and tone, all at a great price point.
Dunlop 9020TP Shell Plastic
Why it Rocks
The Dunlop 9020TP shell plastic finger picks offer a mellow and warmer tone over a super-bright sound, giving the player a warm tonal response and increased control. Dunlop 9020 TP fingerpicks are made of durable nylon and fit snugly. They're also very affordable, so you can stock up without breaking the bank. These are some of the best fingerpicks for beginners, or really for anybody making the switch to plastic fingerpicks from metal or acrylic.
What Else
The 9020TP shell plastic finger picks come as a set of four. The "TP" in the product name stands for thumbpick, and this particular set comes with one large thumbpick and three large fingerpicks.
These plastic fingerpicks can take a beating, and they're available in a sleek shell color with an open design. As for tonal quality, they are not too sharp and twangy, producing a relatively neutral sound, making them ideal for most stringed instruments, including classical guitar, and most genres. So if you're just starting out and looking for a solid, versatile set, the Dunlop 9020TP shell plastic finger picks are definitely worth checking out.
Alaska Pik
Why it Rocks
If you like the more tactile approach of directly contacting the strings with your fingernails, without using an intermediary such as a pick (and without having glue on nail extensions or grow your nails longer), these could be the ones for you. Whatever stringed instrument you play, whether acoustic, harp, ukelele, lap steel, mandolin, banjo, classical guitar, or anything else, it'll be tough to beat the immediate feel that you get from the Alaska Pik fingerpicks.
What Else
Made from acrylic, the unique Alaska Pik design slips over your finger, but then fits under your nail - so you still get the feel of the string, but without the risk of breaking a nail.
Dunlop 34R020
Why it Rocks
The Jim Dunlop 34R020 Nickel Silver Fingerpicks deliver a bright and classic sound on banjo, pedal steel, resonator, acoustic, or classical guitar. These Jim Dunlop fingerpicks provide bright tones and classic sounds that are perfect for any performance.
The soft metal allows for easy molding, so you can create the perfect fit. The improved grip also gives you greater control over the volume of your sound. Whether banjo, pedal steel, resonator, acoustic, or classical guitar, these Jim Dunlops are an excellent choice for any fingerpicking musician who prefers a metal pick.
What Else
Jim Dunlop 34R020 picks are a standard size, and somewhat adjustable. The .020 inch is the thickness of the metal, and has nothing to do with the size. For the most part the thickness is just about what you personally prefer; but it does offer an indication of how easily it may bend or flex. The .020 have a great feel to them, which helps to control the volume. They also have a nice grip aspect, so they won't slip out of your hand. Overall, a great all-around pick.
FAQs
Can you use fingerpicks on acoustic guitar?
It really depends on the style of music you're going for. If you're a purist trying to minimize the intermediary between your hand and the instrument on something like a classical guitar, for example, then fingerpicks can be much better for that purpose than traditional picks.
But if you're trying to get a more mellow, stripped-down tone, then finger and thumb picks might actually end up sounding quite harsh in comparison if you get the wrong type. And regardless of what style you're going for, make sure to get ones that fit comfortably, and that won't slip off.
Is it better to play acoustic guitar with a pick or fingers?
It's really up to what you as the player prefer. Some people find it easier to play with a pick, while others prefer using their fingers or nails. Ultimately, it comes down to what feels most comfortable and natural for the individual.
What thickness pick should I use for acoustic guitar?
It depends on the gauge of the strings on your acoustic. A good general rule is to use a pick that's about the same thickness as the string gauge. So if you have light gauge string, use a light gauge pick. And if you have heavy gauge string, use a heavy gauge pick.
Should I learn fingerstyle or pick first?
Fingerstyle allows you to play both melody and accompaniment at the same time, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your music-making. It also gives you a better understanding of how chords are constructed and can help you learn songs more quickly. For these reasons, many believe that learning fingerstyle first is the way to go.
That said, some people find it easier to start out with picking because it's more basic and straightforward. If that's the case for you, then by all means start with picking and work your way up to fingerstyle later on.
Can you strum with finger picks?
Yes, it is possible to strum with fingerpicks.
You can hold the pick between the thumb and first two fingers (or just the first finger), and use all four digits to pluck the strings (or use only the first three - ring finger, middle finger, index finger - to pluck.
Either way, it takes some practice to get used to strumming with fingerpicks. But once you get used to them, you'll be able to play a lot faster and with more precision than if you were using a regular pick, especially if you also become adept at using thumb picks.
What size finger picks do I need?
It depends on the size of your hands. You can experiment with different sizes to see what feels most comfortable, and remember that most of them can be shaped (to an extent) to fit you properly.
Are butterfly finger picks good?
Yes, butterfly fingerpicks can be good. They help to keep your hand in the correct position and make it easier to play fast passages. However, they can also make it more difficult to play chords accurately, so you need to experiment a bit to see if they work for you.
Do you need a thumb pick for guitar?
No, you don't necessarily need a thumb pick for playing guitar - but it can certainly help. If you're having trouble getting a good grip, then using a pick can make things a lot easier. Plus, it can also help produce a clearer sound.
What is the difference between a pick and a plectrum?
The size and thickness of each type of tool will vary depending on the instrument and the player's preference.
Pick
A pick is a small, thin tool, whereas a plectrum is a larger, thicker instrument used for the same purpose. In general, picks are smaller and sharper than plectrums, which makes them better suited for playing fast passages or intricate melodies.
Plectrum
Plectrums are larger and blunt-edged, which gives them more power for strumming chords or playing rhythm parts.
How do I choose guitar finger picks?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best finger picks for a guitar player will vary depending on what you prefer and how you play. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing finger picks that can help you narrow down your options and find the picks that are right for you.
Material
Fingerpicks can be made from metal, plastic, or other materials. Metal picks tend to provide a sharper sound and more precision, while plastic fingerpicks are usually more comfortable to wear and produce a warmer sound.
Size and Shape
Again, this will come down to personal preference, but it's important to choose a pick that is comfortable to wear and that won't slip while you're playing. You may also want to consider picks with different shapes (such as pointed or rounded).
Manufacturer
There are a lot of cheaply made picks on the market, and these can break easily or cause discomfort when wearing them.
Summary
Experiment with different materials, sizes, and shapes until you find the picks that help you play your best. And don't forget to buy from a reputable source to ensure that you're getting high-quality picks that will last.
Do you have any tips for using finger picks?
Here are 2 good ones to get you started:
Tip #1
Start by practicing with the pick on your index finger only. Once you get comfortable with this, you can move on to using the pick on your middle and ring as well.
Tip #2
Don't grip the pick too tightly - this will make it harder to play accurately.
The Best for You
Final words...
Be sure to experiment with different types and thicknesses to find the best fingerpicks for you, and don't forget to practice regularly, as it can take awhile to master them. Other honorable mentions for best fingerpicks should go to Planet Waves finger picks and Ernie Ball Pickey Pickeys, but these are our choices.
Just to recap:
Best for Comfort: National NP-2B-4PK
Best for the Money: Dunlop 37R .018
Best for Beginners: Dunlop 9020TP Shell Plastic
Best for Fingerstyle: Alaska Pik
Best for Metal Picks: Dunlop 34R020 .020
Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin'.
*FYI, when you make a qualifying purchase through one of our links, we might receive a small commission from Amazon or other retailers, at no additional cost to you, which helps us to fund this site. It's a way to find what you're looking for while supporting us in the process!