Guitar Picks Thickness Guide: Thin, Medium, Heavy, and Jazz — What's Right for You?

A pick is a simple thing. But experienced guitarists are extremely particular about their picks — because a different pick is effectively a different instrument.

Pick Thickness and How It's Measured

Picks are measured in millimeters. Categories are roughly: - Thin: 0.40-0.60mm - Medium: 0.70-0.85mm - Heavy: 0.88-1.2mm - Extra Heavy/Jazz: 1.2mm+

Thin Picks (0.40-0.60mm)

Sound: Bright, snappy. The pick flexes against the string. Best for: Strumming. Acoustic rhythm players. Beginners. Trade-off: Harder to control for single-note leads. Less consistent attack.

Medium Picks (0.70-0.85mm)

Sound: Balanced. Works for rhythm and lead. Best for: Most worship guitarists. Versatile for strumming and picking. Trade-off: Neither extreme gives a slight compromise on each end.

Heavy Picks (0.88-1.2mm)

Sound: Full, warm, controlled. Less attack flex. Best for: Lead guitarists, fingerstyle players, aggressive rhythm. Trade-off: Strumming requires more precision — less forgiving.

Jazz Picks (1.2mm+)

Sound: Very controlled, precise. Minimal flex. Best for: Jazz, classical-influenced, complex chord melody. Trade-off: Almost no strumming use.

Material Matters Too

Nylon (smooth), celluloid (vintage tone), Tortex (grip), Ultex (bright and hard). PGL's included textured pick is designed for grip — especially useful for players who lose picks during energetic worship sets.

Coming Soon: PGL Picks

PGL picks are coming. Our Pro Concierge can take your preferences and notify you when they launch.