Guitar picks are sold at music stores, online retailers, and general merchandise shops, with prices ranging from a few cents to several dollars depending on material and brand
You can find guitar picks almost anywhere that sells musical instruments or accessories. The most common places are dedicated music retailers like Guitar Center and Sweetwater, which stock dozens of brands and styles in one location. General online marketplaces like Amazon carry picks from budget to premium brands, often with fast shipping. Specialty retailers focused only on picks—like Pickboy or V-Picks' direct websites—let you order in bulk or experiment with unusual materials. Even drugstores, big-box retailers, and convenience stores near you may have a small selection of basic picks near the checkout or in their music section.
The choice between where to buy depends on what you need right now versus what you want to try. If you need a pick today, a local music store or drugstore is fastest. If you want to compare many options or buy in bulk at a lower per-pick cost, online ordering makes sense. If you play regularly and have a favorite brand, buying directly from the maker's website sometimes offers better prices or exclusive colors.
Key Takeaways
- Music stores like Guitar Center and Sweetwater stock the widest selection of brands, thicknesses, and materials in one place.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer lower prices per pick when you buy in bulk, though shipping takes several days.
- Drugstores and general retailers carry basic picks for when ready purchase if you need one today.
- Buying directly from pick manufacturers' websites sometimes costs less per pick and gives you access to limited-edition colors or materials.
- Specialty pick retailers let you order sample packs to test different thicknesses and materials before committing to a full pack.
Music Stores and Guitar Retailers
Guitar Center and Sweetwater are the largest chains in the United States and stock picks from major brands like Dunlop, Fender, Ernie Ball, and Tortex. Both have physical locations where you can walk in and buy a single pick or a pack, and both ship online orders. Guitar Center has over 150 locations nationwide, so you may have one nearby. Sweetwater operates only online but offers free shipping on most orders and a 55-day return window, which is longer than most retailers.
Smaller independent music stores in your area often carry picks too, though their selection is usually smaller than the chains. The advantage is that staff can recommend picks based on your playing style and guitar type, and you support a local business. Call ahead to confirm they have the brand or thickness you want, since independent stores may not restock as quickly as chains.
Online Marketplaces and Bulk Retailers
Amazon and eBay both sell picks from individual sellers and from major brands directly. Prices are often lower than music stores, especially when you buy in bulk—a pack of 100 picks might cost $10 to $15 instead of $20 to $30 at a retail location. Shipping usually takes three to seven business days, so this route works if you can plan ahead. Read the seller reviews carefully, since some third-party sellers on these platforms have inconsistent quality or slow shipping.
Bulk pick retailers like Pickboy and Herco sell directly to customers and offer sample packs if you want to try different thicknesses or materials before buying 50 or 100 at once. These sites are useful if you lose picks frequently or play in a band where multiple people need them. Bulk orders often include a discount per pick compared to buying single packs.
Direct from Pick Manufacturers
Many pick makers sell directly through their own websites, including Dunlop, Fender, V-Picks, and Gravity. Buying directly sometimes costs less per pick than going through a retailer, and you get access to colors or materials that may not be in stock at music stores. Some makers offer subscription services where picks arrive monthly, which is useful if you lose them regularly or want to try new designs.
Manufacturer websites also let you order sample packs—small collections of different thicknesses or materials—so you can test what works for your playing before buying a full pack of 12. This is especially helpful if you are new to guitar and not sure whether you prefer thin, medium, or thick picks.
Drugstores and General Retailers
Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Target all carry basic guitar picks, usually near the music or checkout sections. These are almost always standard Fender or Dunlop picks in common thicknesses. The selection is small, and the price per pick is higher than buying online in bulk, but you can walk out with a pick in minutes if you need one today. This is the right choice if your pick broke during practice and you have a gig or lesson coming up.
Convenience stores and gas stations sometimes stock picks too, though the selection is even more limited and the price is the highest of any retail option. Use these only in an emergency.
Comparing Price, Speed, and Selection
| Retailer Type | Selection | Price Per Pick | Speed to Purchase | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music store (Guitar Center, Sweetwater) | Largest | Medium | Online: 3–7 days; in-store: same day | Trying before you buy; when ready need |
| Online marketplace (Amazon, eBay) | Very large | Low (bulk) | 3–7 days | Bulk orders; comparing prices |
| Manufacturer website | Medium to large | Low to medium | 3–7 days | Sample packs; exclusive colors |
| Drugstore or general retailer | Small | High | Same day | Emergency replacement |
What to Know Before You Buy
Pick thickness is measured in millimeters and ranges from 0.46 mm (very thin) to 1.5 mm (very thick). Beginners often start with medium picks around 0.73 mm because they are easier to control. Thinner picks bend more and produce a softer sound; thicker picks are stiffer and louder. If you do not know your preference yet, buy a sample pack with several thicknesses so you can test them.
Material matters too. Celluloid (the standard plastic) is cheap and warm-sounding. Nylon is smoother and lasts longer. Tortex (a plastic blend) is durable and bright. Metal picks produce a sharp, aggressive tone. Most beginners stick with celluloid or nylon until they develop a preference. If you order online, check the product description to confirm the thickness and material match what you want—sellers sometimes list them incorrectly.
If you lose picks often, buy in bulk online or subscribe to a manufacturer's pick service. A single pack of 12 picks costs $3 to $8, but buying 100 at once online costs $0.10 to $0.15 per pick. Over time, bulk buying saves money and means you always have a spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a single guitar pick, or do I have to buy a pack?
Music stores like Guitar Center usually sell individual picks for $0.50 to $1.00 each, so you can buy just one if you need it right away. Online retailers and manufacturers almost always sell packs of 12 or more. If you need one pick today, a local music store or drugstore is your fastest option.
What is the cheapest way to buy guitar picks?
Buying in bulk online from Amazon, eBay, or directly from manufacturers costs the least per pick—often $0.10 to $0.15 each when you order 50 or 100. Music stores and drugstores cost more per pick but let you buy smaller quantities. If you play regularly and lose picks, bulk online buying saves money over time.
Do expensive picks sound better than cheap ones?
Material and thickness affect tone more than price. A $0.15 Tortex pick and a $1.00 metal pick sound very different because of what they are made from, not because one costs more. Expensive picks often last longer or come in unusual materials, but a standard celluloid pick from any brand sounds fine for most players. Start with a cheap sample pack to find what you like.
Where can I try different picks before buying a whole pack?
Music stores let you hold and feel picks before buying, though you usually cannot play them. Manufacturer websites and specialty retailers like Pickboy sell sample packs with five to ten different thicknesses or materials for $5 to $10, so you can test them at home before committing to a full pack of 12.
Is it better to buy picks online or at a store?
Online is cheaper per pick if you buy in bulk and can wait three to seven days. A store is better if you need a pick today or want to feel different options in your hand before buying. If you have a favorite brand and thickness, online bulk buying saves the most money over time.