Guitar picks are sold at music stores, general retailers, and online marketplaces, with prices ranging from a few cents to several dollars per pick depending on material and brand
The easiest place to find guitar picks is a dedicated music store — Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and local independent shops stock dozens of brands and materials in their physical locations and online. General retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon also carry picks, though selection is narrower and you may pay more per pick. If you need picks the same day, a music store within driving distance is your fastest option. If you are willing to wait for shipping, online retailers often have lower per-pick costs, especially when you buy in bulk.
Where you shop depends on what you prioritize: speed, selection, price, or the ability to feel the pick in your hand before buying. Each route has real trade-offs, and the right choice depends on your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores like Guitar Center and Sweetwater let you handle picks before buying and stock 20+ brands, but charge more per pick than bulk online orders.
- General retailers like Walmart and Target carry basic picks for when ready pickup, but selection is limited to a handful of common brands and thicknesses.
- Amazon and other online marketplaces offer the lowest per-pick cost when you buy in bulk, but require planning ahead because shipping takes several days.
- Local independent music shops often have knowledgeable staff who can recommend picks based on your playing style and guitar type.
- Buying picks in bulk (50 to 100 at a time) costs significantly less per pick than buying single picks or small packs.
Music stores with in-store and online shopping
Guitar Center is the largest music retailer in the United States and stocks picks in nearly every location. You can browse their website to see what is in stock at your nearest store, then pick it up the same day or order online for home delivery. They carry Fender, Dunlop, Tortex, Clayton, and house-brand picks in a range of thicknesses. Prices are higher than bulk online options but lower than single-pick purchases at general retailers.
Sweetwater is an online-first retailer based in Indiana that also operates a physical showroom. They stock hundreds of pick styles and brands and ship quickly — many orders arrive within two business days. Their website includes detailed descriptions of each pick's material, thickness, and sound character, which is useful if you are trying a new brand. Sweetwater does not charge sales tax outside Indiana, which can offset their slightly higher per-pick prices.
Local independent music shops vary widely in selection and price. Some stock 50+ pick varieties; others carry only a handful. Call ahead to confirm they have what you want, or ask the staff for recommendations based on your playing style. Independent shops often have lower overhead than Guitar Center and may offer competitive pricing on bulk orders.
General retailers for same-day pickup
Walmart and Target both carry guitar picks in their music sections, either in-store or for same-day pickup through their apps. Selection is limited — typically Fender, Dunlop, or a house brand in a few common thicknesses — but prices are reasonable for small quantities. If you broke your only pick and need a replacement today, these are your fastest options in most areas.
Walmart's online ordering system lets you check stock at nearby stores and reserve picks for pickup within hours. Target's app shows in-store availability and offers same-day delivery in some areas. Neither retailer stocks specialty picks like metal or glass, and their selection of thickness options is narrower than a music store.
Online marketplaces for bulk buying
Amazon is the largest online option and offers bulk packs of 50, 100, or more picks at the lowest per-pick cost. A 100-pack of standard Fender or Dunlop picks typically costs $10 to $20, or 10 to 20 cents per pick — far cheaper than buying single picks or small packs. Shipping is usually free with Prime membership, and delivery takes two to three business days.
eBay also sells bulk pick packs, often from sellers who specialize in music gear. Prices are comparable to Amazon, though shipping times vary by seller. Read seller reviews before ordering, as some bulk packs contain lower-quality or damaged picks.
Buying in bulk makes sense if you play regularly or lose picks often. A 100-pack lasts most players several months to a year, and the per-pick cost is so low that buying in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying small packs repeatedly.
Specialty retailers for uncommon materials
If you want picks made from metal, glass, stone, or other unusual materials, general retailers and even some music stores will not stock them. Etsy has many independent makers who sell handmade picks in custom materials, though prices are higher ($1 to $5 per pick) and shipping is slower. Reverb.com, a marketplace for musical instruments and gear, stocks specialty picks from boutique brands alongside mainstream options.
These retailers are worth exploring if you have tried standard picks and want to experiment with different sounds or feel. Specialty picks often have a distinct tone or grip compared to standard celluloid, but they are also more fragile and more expensive to replace.
Factors that affect where to buy
Price per pick varies dramatically by where you shop. A single pick at Walmart costs 50 cents to $1. A 100-pack on Amazon costs 10 to 20 cents per pick. If you buy picks regularly, bulk online orders save money over time. If you buy rarely or need picks when ready, a music store or general retailer is worth the higher per-pick cost.
Selection is widest at dedicated music retailers. Guitar Center and Sweetwater stock dozens of brands and materials; Walmart and Target stock three to five. If you know exactly what you want, any retailer works. If you want to compare options or try a new brand, a music store is more useful.
Handling before purchase matters if you are sensitive to pick thickness or material. Music stores let you hold picks before buying. Online retailers do not, though detailed product descriptions and customer reviews can help. If you have never used a particular thickness or material, buying a small pack from a music store first is cheaper than ordering a 100-pack online and discovering you dislike them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy guitar picks at a grocery store?
Some grocery stores with music sections carry basic picks, but it is rare. Call ahead to confirm before making a trip. If your local grocery store does not stock them, Walmart, Target, or a music store are more reliable options.
What is the cheapest way to buy guitar picks?
Buying a 100-pack or larger on Amazon or eBay is the cheapest per-pick option, usually 10 to 20 cents each. Bulk packs from music stores cost slightly more but are still far cheaper than small packs or single picks.
Do I need to go to a music store or can I order online?
You can order online if you already know what thickness and material you want. If you are new to guitar or trying a new pick type, visiting a music store to handle options first saves money and frustration. Many players do both: try picks at a store, then buy bulk online once they find what they like.
Are expensive picks worth the money?
Expensive picks (metal, stone, or boutique brands) produce different tones and feel different in your hand, but whether they are worth the cost depends on your ear and preference. Standard celluloid picks work well for most players. Trying specialty picks is a personal choice, not a necessity.
How many picks should I buy at once?
If you play regularly, a 50 to 100-pack lasts several months to a year. Buying in bulk is cheaper per pick and means you always have spares. If you play rarely, a smaller pack or single picks from a music store may be more practical.