Guitar picks are sold at music stores, general retailers, and online marketplaces, with prices ranging from under a dollar per pick to several dollars depending on material and brand

The easiest place to find guitar picks is a brick-and-mortar music store in your area. Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and local independent music shops stock picks in bulk packs and individual varieties. You walk in, browse the pick display (usually near the register or in the accessories aisle), and leave with them the same day. Prices at physical stores tend to be higher than online, but you avoid shipping costs and can feel the picks before buying.

If you do not have a music store nearby, general retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy carry basic picks in their music sections. These are usually standard celluloid picks in common gauges—thin, medium, and heavy. Selection is limited compared to specialty shops, but availability is reliable and prices are competitive.

Key Takeaways

  • Music stores and general retailers like Target and Walmart stock picks in-store, letting you buy them when ready without shipping delays.
  • Online retailers including Amazon, Sweetwater, and Musician's Friend offer far wider selection, including specialty materials like nylon, metal, and stone.
  • Bulk packs cost less per pick than buying individual picks, so ordering a variety pack online is economical if you lose picks frequently.
  • Specialty picks made from unusual materials cost more but may suit specific playing styles or tonal preferences better than standard celluloid.

Online retailers with the widest selection

Amazon stocks thousands of pick varieties from dozens of brands. Search for "guitar picks" and filter by gauge, material, and price. Shipping is fast if you have Prime membership, and you can read reviews from other players. The downside is that Amazon's selection changes constantly, so a specific pick you liked may not be in stock next time.

Sweetwater and Musician's Friend are music-focused online retailers that specialize in instruments and accessories. Both have detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and staff recommendations. Sweetwater offers free shipping on most orders and has a no-questions-return policy. Musician's Friend often runs sales and clearance sections where picks are discounted.

Reverb.com is a marketplace for new and used music gear. Many sellers list picks in bulk lots, and you can sometimes find discontinued or rare picks here. Shipping times vary by seller, so check before ordering if you need picks quickly.

Specialty retailers for uncommon materials

If you want picks beyond standard celluloid, specialty retailers focus on niche materials. Dunlop, Fender, and Jim Dunlop sell directly from their websites and offer their full range of materials—tortoiseshell, nylon, metal, stone, and composite blends. These sites often have sales on older stock and bundle deals.

Etsy hosts independent makers who craft custom picks from wood, resin, stone, and other materials. Prices are higher than mass-produced picks, but you can order custom shapes, thicknesses, and designs. Lead time is usually one to two weeks since picks are made to order.

Buying in bulk to save money

Picks are cheap individually but add up if you buy one at a time. A single pick costs 50 cents to two dollars at retail, but bulk packs of 12 to 100 picks drop the per-pick cost to 10 to 50 cents. Online retailers almost always offer better bulk pricing than in-store purchases.

If you are new to playing and unsure which gauge or material you prefer, start with a variety pack. These include thin, medium, and heavy picks in one package, letting you test different thicknesses without committing to a full bulk order. Variety packs cost slightly more per pick but save money compared to buying three separate packs.

What to know before you order

Pick gauge matters more than brand. Thin picks (under 0.60 mm) bend easily and suit strumming and rhythm playing. Medium picks (0.60 to 0.85 mm) are the standard for most players. Heavy picks (over 0.85 mm) are stiff and suit lead playing and fast picking. If you have never played before, medium is the safest starting point.

Material affects tone and durability. Celluloid is the standard—cheap, warm-sounding, and wears down over time. Nylon is smoother and lasts longer. Metal and stone picks are durable but sound bright and harsh on most strings. Tortoiseshell (now usually synthetic) is expensive but prized for warmth and grip. Start with celluloid or nylon unless you have a specific reason to try something else.

Shipping time varies widely. In-store pickup is when ready. Amazon Prime usually ships within two days. Specialty retailers like Sweetwater take three to five business days. Etsy and custom makers take one to three weeks. If you need picks for a gig or lesson this week, buy in-store or use Amazon Prime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a coin or credit card instead of a pick?

Yes, but it is not ideal. Coins and cards are thicker and stiffer than picks, so they sound harsh and can damage strings. They also slip easily and are uncomfortable to hold. A pick costs less than a dollar and is designed for the job—it is worth buying one rather than improvising.

Do expensive picks sound better than cheap ones?

Material and gauge matter more than price. A five-dollar tortoiseshell pick and a 50-cent celluloid pick of the same thickness will sound similar if you play the same way. Expensive picks often last longer or feel better in your hand, but tone comes from your technique and instrument, not the pick brand.

How many picks should I buy at once?

Picks are small and straightforward to lose, so buying 12 to 25 at a time is practical. If you play daily, you might lose one every few weeks. A bulk pack lasts months and costs less per pick than buying singles. Keep a few in your gig bag, one in your pocket, and store the rest at home.

What is the difference between a teardrop and a triangle pick?

Shape is mostly personal preference. Teardrop picks have a rounded point and are versatile for strumming and picking. Triangle picks have a sharp point and suit fast, precise lead playing. Both work for any style—try both shapes if you can and use whichever feels comfortable in your hand.

Are there picks made for left-handed players?

No. Picks work the same way regardless of which hand you use. A left-handed player holds a standard pick in their left hand instead of their right. Shape and gauge matter, but handedness does not.