The fastest places to find a guitar pick today
Guitar picks are sold at music stores, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces. A music store is your quickest option if you need one within the hour — staff can show you different thicknesses and materials on the spot. If you have time to wait, online retailers often sell picks in bulk at lower per-pick cost, and big-box stores like Target or Walmart stock basic picks in their music sections.
The choice depends on whether you need a pick right now, want to try different styles before buying, or are stocking up for months ahead. Local music stores tend to cost more per pick but let you handle them first. Online bulk orders cost less but take days to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Local music stores have picks in stock and let you feel different thicknesses and materials before you buy.
- Big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy carry basic picks in their music aisles at moderate prices.
- Online retailers like Amazon, Sweetwater, and Musician's Friend sell picks in bulk packs at lower per-pick cost but require shipping time.
- Specialty picks for fingerstyle, metal, or jazz styles are easier to find online or at dedicated music stores than at general retailers.
- Many music stores sell individual picks for $0.50 to $1.50, while bulk packs online run $5 to $15 for 12 to 100 picks.
Local music stores and what to expect
Independent music stores and chains like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and Musician's Friend locations stock picks at the register or in the accessories section. Staff can show you the difference between thin picks (0.46 mm), medium picks (0.73 mm), and thick picks (1.0 mm and up), and explain how material — nylon, celluloid, or metal — affects tone and durability. You pay more per pick, usually $0.75 to $1.50 each, but you walk out with what you need when ready.
Call ahead if you want a specific brand or style. Stores like Fender, Dunlop, and Tortex are common, but if you play fingerstyle and want a thumbpick or a jazz-style teardrop, the store may need to order it. Most music stores also sell picks in small multipacks of 3 to 12 for $3 to $8, which is cheaper per pick than buying singles.
Big-box retailers in your area
Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and similar stores carry basic guitar picks in their music or electronics sections. You will find standard Fender or Dunlop picks in medium thickness, usually in packs of 6 to 12 for $4 to $8. These are reliable for most playing styles and cost less than a single pick at a music store, but the selection is narrow — you get one or two brands and thicknesses, not the range a music store offers.
The advantage is convenience: if you are already shopping there, you can grab picks without a separate trip. The disadvantage is that staff rarely know the difference between pick types and cannot help you choose. Go to a big-box store if you know what you want and just need it fast and cheap.
Online retailers and bulk buying
Amazon, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Thomann ship picks nationwide and often sell them in bulk packs of 24, 50, or 100. A bulk pack of 100 standard picks costs $5 to $12, bringing the per-pick cost down to $0.05 to $0.12 — far cheaper than buying singles or small packs locally. Shipping takes 2 to 7 days depending on the retailer and your location.
Online retailers also stock specialty picks: metal picks for metal and hard rock, thumbpicks for fingerstyle, jazz-style teardrop picks, and picks made from unusual materials like stone or bone. If you play a specific style and want picks designed for it, online is usually your only option outside a large dedicated music store. Read customer reviews to see how picks feel in hand, since you cannot touch them before buying.
Specialty picks and where to find them
If you play fingerstyle acoustic, you may want a thumbpick or fingerpicks instead of a standard flat pick. If you play metal, you might prefer a thick metal pick or a pick with a sharp point. Jazz players often use smaller teardrop-shaped picks. These are rarely stocked at big-box stores and may not be in small local music stores either.
Dedicated online retailers like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and brand websites like Fender and Dunlop carry the full range. Larger music store chains like Guitar Center usually have a wider selection than independent stores. If you are unsure what style suits your playing, a music store staff member can recommend options, but you may need to order specialty picks and wait for delivery.
Comparing cost and convenience
| Where to Buy | Per-Pick Cost | Availability | Selection | Time to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local music store (single) | $0.75–$1.50 | Same day | Wide | Minutes to hours |
| Local music store (multipack) | $0.50–$0.75 | Same day | Wide | Minutes to hours |
| Big-box retailer | $0.50–$0.75 | Same day | Narrow | Minutes to hours |
| Online bulk pack | $0.05–$0.15 | 2–7 days | Very wide | 2–7 days |
What to know before you buy
Pick thickness matters more than most players realize. Thin picks (0.46 mm) bend easily and produce a warm, mellow tone but wear out faster. Medium picks (0.73 mm) are the standard for most styles and balance tone with durability. Thick picks (1.0 mm and up) produce a bright, punchy tone and last longer but can feel stiff if you are used to thinner picks. If you have never tried different thicknesses, buy a variety pack locally so you can feel the difference before committing to bulk.
Material also affects feel and sound. Celluloid picks are warm and traditional. Nylon picks are smooth and durable. Metal picks are bright and aggressive. Tortex (a plastic blend) is durable and consistent. If you are new to playing, a standard medium celluloid or nylon pick from any retailer will work fine. As you develop a preference, specialty picks become worth seeking out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a coin or credit card instead of a guitar pick?
Yes, many players use coins or cards in a pinch, and some prefer them. A coin or card produces a brighter, sharper tone than a standard pick. However, they wear down faster, can damage the strings, and are harder to control. A real pick is inexpensive enough that buying one is worth it if you play regularly.
What thickness pick should I start with?
Medium picks (0.73 mm) are the standard starting point for most styles. They balance tone, durability, and control. If you find medium picks too stiff or too floppy after a few weeks, try a variety pack to find what feels right. Thin picks suit fingerstyle and folk; thick picks suit metal and hard rock.
Do expensive picks sound better than cheap ones?
Not necessarily. A $0.10 Fender pick and a $1.00 specialty pick may sound similar to most ears. The difference is usually durability and feel, not tone. Expensive picks often last longer or suit a specific playing style better. For general playing, a standard pick from any retailer works fine.
How many picks should I buy at once?
If you play daily, a bulk pack of 24 to 50 picks lasts several months because picks are straightforward to lose. If you play casually, a pack of 6 to 12 is enough. Buying in bulk online is cheaper per pick, but only if you will actually use them before they get lost or damaged.
Where can I find picks if my local music store is closed?
Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are open late and stock basic picks. If those are closed, order online from Amazon or Sweetwater for 2-day or next-day delivery if available in your area. In an emergency, a coin works temporarily, but a real pick is worth waiting a day for.