A guitar pick necklace takes about 15 minutes and needs only a pick, cord, and a drill

A guitar pick necklace is a straightforward project: you drill a hole near the top of a pick, thread cord or chain through it, and tie or clasp it closed. The whole job takes less than 20 minutes, costs under $10 in materials, and requires only a drill with a small bit, a pick you already own or can buy for a dollar, and cord or chain from any craft store. You do not need metalworking experience or special tools beyond what most households have.

The pick itself is the hardest part to drill—it is thin and can crack if you rush—but the technique is straightforward: mark where you want the hole, use a small bit (typically 3/32 inch), and let the drill do the work without forcing it. After that, threading and finishing takes minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Drill the hole near the top edge of the pick, about a quarter-inch from the point, using a 3/32-inch drill bit at low to medium speed.
  • A standard guitar pick cracks easily if you force the drill, so clamp it down and let the bit cut without pressure.
  • Cord, chain, or beaded string all work; tie a knot on each side of the hole or use a small clasp to keep the pick from sliding.
  • Finished necklaces work as gifts for musicians or as a way to keep a favorite pick from getting lost.

What you need to gather before you start

You will need a guitar pick (any thickness, though medium or heavy picks are easier to drill than thin ones), a drill with a small bit (3/32 inch is standard, though 1/8 inch works too), cord or chain (paracord, leather cord, beaded string, or jewelry chain all work), and optionally a small clamp or vise to hold the pick steady while you drill. A pencil for marking helps but is not essential.

If you do not own a drill, you can ask to borrow one from a neighbor or friend, or visit a tool library in your area—most cities have at least one. A hand drill works, though a power drill is faster and easier to control. The bit itself costs a dollar or two at any hardware store if you do not already have one.

For cord, a craft store will have dozens of options: paracord in colors, leather strips, beaded string, or thin jewelry chain. Pick something that matches the look you want. A 24-inch to 30-inch length is typical for a necklace that hangs below the collarbone.

How to mark and drill the hole safely

Mark the spot where you want the hole using a pencil. The best place is about a quarter-inch down from the pointed tip of the pick, roughly centered left to right. This keeps the hole away from the thinnest part of the pick and away from the edges where it is most likely to crack.

Clamp the pick in a vise or small clamp so it cannot move while you drill. If you do not have a clamp, you can tape the pick to a piece of scrap wood with painter's tape, then clamp the wood instead. Do not hold the pick in your hand—the drill can catch and spin it, or your hand can slip into the bit.

Insert the 3/32-inch bit into the drill, set the speed to low or medium (not high), and position the bit on your mark. explore gentle, steady pressure—let the drill do the work. If you feel resistance or hear a grinding sound, stop and back out the bit. Forcing it will crack the pick. Once the bit breaks through the back, stop and remove the pick. The hole should be clean and slightly larger than your cord.

Threading the cord and finishing the necklace

Cut your cord to the length you want—24 to 30 inches is typical for a necklace. If you are using chain, you can cut it with wire cutters or ask the craft store to cut it for you. Thread the cord through the hole in the pick so the pick hangs in the middle.

If you are using cord, tie a knot on each side of the pick to keep it from sliding. A straightforward overhand knot works fine. Pull the knot tight against the hole, then tie the two ends of the cord together with a square knot or surgeon's knot to close the necklace. Try it on to make sure the length is right before you tighten the final knot.

If you are using chain, you can tie the cord ends to the chain links, or you can attach a small jewelry clasp to each end of the chain using jump rings (small metal rings sold at craft stores). A clasp makes it easier to put on and take off without pulling the necklace over your head.

Protecting the pick from cracking during drilling

The most common mistake is drilling too fast or with too much pressure. A pick is made of celluloid or plastic, both of which are brittle and will crack if the bit catches or if you force it. Low speed and light pressure are your friends—the bit will cut slowly but cleanly.

If your pick does crack, you have not wasted much—picks are cheap. Start over with a new one and remember to go slower. Some people drill a test hole in a scrap pick first to get the feel for the right speed and pressure, then move to the pick they actually want to use.

If you are worried about cracking, a heavy pick (3.0 mm or thicker) is more forgiving than a thin one. Celluloid picks are slightly more brittle than nylon, so if you have a choice, nylon is a bit easier to drill.

Variations and design ideas

Once you have the basic technique down, you can customize the necklace in many ways. Use a colored cord that matches the pick, add beads to the cord on either side of the pick, or use a chain with a pendant hanging below the pick. Some people drill multiple picks and string them together on the same cord.

You can also paint or decorate the pick before drilling—use acrylic paint, markers, or stickers on the flat side. Let paint dry completely before drilling so the bit does not slip on a wet surface. A personalized pick with a name, date, or design makes a good gift for a musician.

If you want a more polished look, use a jewelry chain and a small clasp instead of cord and knots. The clasp costs a few dollars at a craft store and makes the necklace look more finished and professional.

When to call someone for help

If you do not have access to a drill and cannot borrow one, a local makerspace, tool library, or community center often has drills available for members to use, sometimes for free or a small fee. Staff can show you how to use the drill safely if you have not done it before.

If the pick keeps cracking no matter how slowly you go, the pick itself may be damaged or of very poor quality. Try a different brand or a thicker pick. Some picks are straightforward more brittle than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular nail or pushpin instead of drilling?

A nail or pin will crack the pick almost every time because it does not cut—it forces the material apart. A drill bit cuts cleanly and is much less likely to cause cracking. If you truly cannot access a drill, a very small hand drill (the kind with a crank handle) works and costs $10 to $20.

What size hole do I need?

A 3/32-inch hole is standard and works with most cord and chain. If your cord is thinner, a 1/8-inch hole works too. If your cord is very thick (like paracord), you may need a 5/32-inch bit. The hole should be just large enough for the cord to pass through without forcing it.

How do I keep the pick from spinning on the cord?

Tie a knot on each side of the pick, close to the hole. The knots stop the pick from sliding along the cord. If you are using chain, the pick will not spin because the chain links are stiff.

Can I drill a hole in a pick without a clamp?

It is possible but risky—the pick can spin or slip, and your hand can get caught. If you must drill without a clamp, tape the pick firmly to a piece of scrap wood, then clamp the wood. Never hold the pick in your bare hand while the drill is running.

What if I want to make multiple necklaces?

Drill all the picks first, then assemble the necklaces. Once you have done one, the rest go faster because you know the technique. Buying cord and picks in bulk from a craft store is cheaper than buying them one at a time.