Top Finger Picks – Guide & Comparison
The gear and accessories you use when playing a string instrument contribute a lot to your overall performance and comfort, and if your needs call for the best finger picks, this paragraph might be of help. The market offers a rich variety of such products, yet a few models stand out thanks to their features. The first option you might want to consider is the National NP1-8B Thumb & Finger. The pack includes four stainless steel finger picks and two thumb picks that will cover your needs for a long time. What’s more, the picks are ergonomically designed to make sure your comfort is not affected even when you engage in long practice sessions. They can be used for guitars, banjos, and other such instruments. If this product is temporarily out of stock, a reliable alternative is the 15 Stainless Steel Picks & Box.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
Including four stainless steel finger picks and two ABS thumb picks, this set might be of interest if you want a pack of durable and comfortable picks. The items are ergonomically designed to pair your playing sessions with comfort. Given the materials used for their construction, they shouldn’t break anytime soon.
Check out the thumb pick dimensions carefully as it might be a bit large.
Give this pick bundle a try if you need finger and thumb picks that will help you play your guitar for hours on end without losing comfort. The items are also durable and ergonomic.
2nd Best
Built with guitar players in mind, this pick set includes various finger and thumb picks made from different materials. Considering their design, the items can be used not only for guitars but also for banjos. The 15-grid storage box will help you keep them organized and safe during transportation or when not in use.
The picks may run small, so, if you have large hands, they might be tight.
Whether you play the guitar or the banjo, the picks in this set should help you play comfortably. You will get various finger and thumb picks as well as a storage box for convenient transportation.
Also To Consider
If you play several string instruments and you need finger and thumb picks, this set might be cut out for you. You will get such picks as well as a case that will help you transport them comfortably and safely. The celluloid picks can be adjusted to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Plus, the smooth surface will enhance your comfort.
The items in this set might be too tight and thus require adjustment.
Including various finger, thumb, and guitar picks, this set should serve your needs for a long time whether you play the guitar or the banjo. The case included ensures easy storage and transportation.
10 Best Finger Picks (Updated Reviews) in 2020
Given the many products available for sale, finding the best guitar finger picks might not be that easy. They come in plenty and choosing the right one for your needs might take lots of time and browsing. To make it easier for you, we have compiled below a list of finger picks reviews. Check it out before hitting the order button.
- 1. National NP1-8B Thumb & Finger
- 2. 15 Stainless Steel Picks & Box
- 3. SUNLP Thumb & Finger Picks Plectrum
- 4. ULTNICE 15 Picks With Storage Box
- 5. Dunlop 33P.0225 Nickel Silver
- 6. Fred Kelly Picks D7FF-L-3
- 7. Non-square Fingerstyle Pick Set
- 8. Canomo Guitar Accessories Kit
- 9. Fred Kelly Picks P7FF-M-3
- 10. Alaska Adjustable Picks With Box
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. National NP1-8B Thumb & Finger
Built with durable materials that will keep up with various practice sessions and gigs and featuring a comfortable design, these picks are worth taking into account. The product is made by National, a popular and appreciated manufacturer among guitar and string instrument players thanks to the quality of the items offered.
The pack includes four stainless steel finger picks and two ABS thumb picks. Given the material used for their construction, the items can be employed for many playing sessions. What’s more, they were ergonomically designed to make sure that your gigs are paired with comfort.
The large-sized thumb picks are ideal for musicians with larger hands whereas the pick style and design render them appropriate for various instruments including guitars and banjos. However, if you’re looking for medium-sized picks, rest assured that you will find such items from the same manufacturer as the picks are available in various sizes and thicknesses.
Pros
If you often play the guitar, banjo, or some other similar instrument and you need quality and comfortable finger picks, this bundle is an option you might want to pay attention to.
The pack includes two ABS thumb picks and four stainless steel finger picks, which means that it should serve your needs for a long time.
The stainless steel and ABS used to make the picks are appreciated for being durable, so the items shouldn’t break up anytime soon.
The ergonomic design makes it more comfortable for you to play your instrument for hours on end.
Given their style, the picks can be employed for various instruments such as guitars and banjos.
The picks are available in various sizes and the manufacturer even offers an extra thick version to suit different needs and preferences.
Cons
The thumb picks in this pack are available in a large size; therefore, it is best to check out their dimensions carefully before ordering.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($11.79)
2. 15 Stainless Steel Picks & Box
If you’re serious about playing the guitar and you’re on the lookout for a finger pick pack that will serve your needs for a long time, this bundle might be right up your alley as it includes fifteen picks. The items are available in different colors and made with different materials.
You will thus get five celluloid and five stainless steel finger picks as well as five celluloid thumb picks. Considering the way the products were designed, they are a good choice for guitar players. However, you can employ them even for banjos. Thanks to the materials used for their construction, durability shouldn’t be a problem.
What’s also great about this particular pack is that it also includes a 15-grid storage box that will help you keep them organized. Moreover, the box proves to be of great help if you travel a lot and you’d like to take a few spare finger picks with you without worrying that you might lose them.
Pros
Including fifteen picks and a storage box, this product is worth adding to your list of options if you often engage in guitar playing sessions and you need quality picks that will keep up with extended use.
The pack includes five celluloid thumb picks, five celluloid finger picks, and five stainless steel picks, which means that it should help you play for a long time before buying new ones.
Given the materials used to make them, the picks shouldn’t break anytime soon, even if you use them often.
The items come in various colors, so you can easily find picks that match your preferences or even your instrument.
The storage box included will help you keep the picks organized and safe; this addition proves to be a nice one, especially if you’re on the road a lot.
Cons
It is best to check out the size of the picks included in this pack as they may run a bit small.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($11.98)
3. SUNLP Thumb & Finger Picks Plectrum
Whether you’re on the lookout for finger picks for your guitar, banjo, or mandolin, this set from Sunlp might be right up your alley as it includes various finger and thumb picks designed to meet such needs. The pack comes with three thumb picks, nine finger picks, and eight guitar picks.
Furthermore, you will also receive a case that will help you transport them easily and comfortably. Not to mention that you can thus keep all of them in one place and no longer worry about losing them. What also makes this product worth considering is the material used for the pick construction.
The celluloid employed can be adjusted to fit various finger sizes. Even if the items can be adjusted to suit your fingers and thumbs comfortably, the picks are designed to stand the test of time. Plus, they feature a smooth surface as well as clean edges to make sure that employing them for a long time won’t hurt your fingers.
Pros
If you want a set of finger and thumb picks that can be used not only for guitar playing but also for other instruments such as banjos and mandolins, this bundle might be cut out for you.
You will get various finger and thumb picks as well as guitar picks to cover your needs and do so for a long time.
The picks are paired with a case that ensures easy storage and transportation, an addition that proves to be of great help if you travel a lot.
Thanks to the celluloid material used for their constructions, the picks are not only durable but also adjustable to provide the user with comfort.
The way the picks were design and the smooth surface should keep you comfortable even if you play for hours on end.
Cons
Adjusting them might be needed as they run small even if you have small hands; make sure you follow the instructions properly in order not to damage them.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($6.09)
4. ULTNICE 15 Picks With Storage Box
If durability and comfort are the benefits you want your next set of finger and thumb picks to provide you with, this pack shouldn’t be left unchecked. It includes fifteen picks made of a durable material that should stand the test of time and keep up even with heavy use.
The picks come in various colors to add a bit of variety to your stage gear and are paired with a quality storage box for easy transportation. The box will also help you keep them organized and reach the one you need with ease. Plus, it will prevent any pick loss by keeping them in one place.
Despite the durable material used for their construction, the picks are lightweight and thin, which should enhance your comfort. This proves to be a nice feature, especially if you often employ them for your gigs. Given their design, the picks can be used for guitar and bass playing.
Pros
With this set of finger and thumb picks, you can play your guitar or bass for a long time and do so comfortably.
The picks were designed to prevent your fingers from hurting even when you engage in long practice sessions or gigs.
Thanks to the materials used, the items should serve your needs for a long time before breaking.
The picks are available in various colors and they are coupled with a storage box that ensures easy and comfortable transportation.
Even if the material employed for their construction is durable, it is lightweight, which adds to the comfort the user gets to enjoy; what’s more, the picks are thin.
Cons
Check out the picks’ dimensions before buying as they may run small even though they might be described as being medium-sized.
The metal picks are thin and putting too much pressure on them might make them bend.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($10.99)
5. Dunlop 33P.0225 Nickel Silver
Finger and thumb picks should help you play your string instrument more comfortably and that’s what Dunlop had in mind when creating this model. The picks were designed with a quality material to keep up with extended use and help you achieve a classic and bright sound.
The pack comes with five picks in different gauges. You will thus receive picks measuring .013, .015, .018, .020, .0225, and .025 inches. Four of them are finger picks whereas the fifth item is a thumb pick, so you can cover all of your needs.
They can be used for banjos and resonator and acoustic guitars. Thanks to the way they were designed and the material employed for their construction, they can be adjusted to fit your fingers and thumbs comfortably. Check out their dimensions carefully, though, before buying to make sure that they suit your needs even after you adjust them a bit.
Pros
Whether you’re into banjos or acoustic guitars and you need new quality finger and thumb picks to help you engage in long practice sessions and gigs comfortably, this pack from Dunlop might be cut out for you.
The set includes four finger picks and a thumb pick in different gauges to suit the needs of various players; what’s more, the picks are adjustable for enhanced comfort.
Given the material used to make them, they should stand the test of time and serve your needs even if you employ them frequently.
The items were designed in such a way to help musicians achieve a classic and bright sound; therefore, they won’t just make long playing sessions more comfortable but will also contribute to the sounds you produce.
Cons
If you have large hands, they still might not fit comfortably and be a bit tight even if you shape and adjust them.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($7.2)
6. Fred Kelly Picks D7FF-L-3
Playing the banjo or the guitar for hours might end up with your fingers getting hurt, yet that shouldn’t be a problem with these picks as they were designed to prevent that and enhance your experience and comfort. The items were built to act as your fingernails and thus protect you while playing.
Thanks to their style, the picks should help you increase your volume and enable you to frail back and forth across your string instrument. They can be employed for banjos, guitars, and other similar instruments. What’s great about these particular picks is that they can be customized according to your needs.
Due to the material they feature, the picks can be shaped to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Adjusting them is of great importance as you will thus keep them in place even when playing more aggressively. The picks were designed to provide a natural and soft sound.
Pros
A good option for both banjo and guitar players, these picks will help you achieve the sonic results you want without hurting your fingers.
The items were designed to replace your fingernails and thus prevent any discomfort when engaging in long practice sessions.
The material used is appreciated for delivering a soft and natural sound; moreover, it can be shaped to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
You can either trim or cut them to suit your fingers or expose them to hot and then cold water to shape them according to your needs.
The picks will allow you to frail back and forth on your string instrument and help you increase the volume.
The picks are available in various sizes, so you can easily find the one that meets your needs.
Cons
The items might still run small even in large sizes; therefore, consider their dimensions carefully and the size of your hand before buying.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($12)
7. Non-square Fingerstyle Pick Set
Designed to help guitar, ukulele, and banjo players improve the clarity and quality of the sounds they produce, these picks are worth considering if you’re on the lookout for durable and comfortable ones. The items can help you improve the sounds you achieve while keeping your fingers comfortable even when you play for hours.
The pack includes nine finger picks, three thumb picks, and six guitar picks. Given the number of items included, the set should serve your needs for a long time. Moreover, the picks are coupled with a box to help you store and keep them organized and safe during transportation or when not in use.
The finger picks can be slightly adjusted for a comfortable and secure fit. The guitar picks come in various colors, so you can easily match them with the rest of your gear.
Pros
Ideal for guitars, banjos, and ukuleles, this set of picks should cover your needs for a long time since it includes a variety of items.
You will receive three thumb picks, six guitar picks, and nine finger picks as well as a box that ensures easy and safe transportation; the box can also be used as a gift box, given its nice design.
Considering the way they were designed and the material employed for their construction, the picks can help you increase the volume when playing and improve the sound clarity and quality of your string instrument.
The guitar picks are available in various colors and the finger picks can be slightly adjusted to fit your fingers comfortably and securely.
Cons
Check out the pick sizes and consider your hand size before buying as they might run a bit small.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($7.99)
8. Canomo Guitar Accessories Kit
Using quality accessories such as finger and thumb picks when playing the guitar contributes significantly to your overall experience and these items from Canomo were designed with such ideas in mind. This bundle stands out thanks to the variety of items it includes.
You will receive six metal thumb and finger picks, four metal ring finger and thumb picks, six celluloid guitar finger picks, two celluloid guitar thumb picks, five heart picks, five finger protectors as well as a storage box. Thanks to the box provided, you can easily keep all the items organized and safe when traveling.
The metal picks can be adjusted to fit your fingers comfortably and securely. You just need to bend them a little to achieve the desired size and shape. The items are comfortable and will help you play for hours without hurting your fingers. The picks are suitable for guitars, banjos, and other string instruments.
Pros
If you like to explore various musical realms and you don’t play just the guitar but other string instruments as well, this set of picks might be of interest as it includes items suitable for a variety of instruments.
The various finger and thumb picks included should meet your playing needs for a long time; what’s more, you also receive finger protectors and ring picks.
The box provided will make it easy for you to organize and transport the items; it will also prevent them from getting lost by keeping them in one place.
The metal picks can be slightly bent for a secure fit; all the picks are designed to protect your fingers and keep them comfortable.
Cons
The finger protectors might be a bit small; it is best to get as much information about their size as possible before buying to avoid any issues.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($10.89)
9. Fred Kelly Picks P7FF-M-3
Playing the guitar for hours on end might hurt your fingers, yet with a set of finger picks such as this one, that shouldn’t be a problem. The items were designed with string instrument players in mind and their purpose is to enhance the user’s comfort when engaging in practice sessions of gigs.
This set includes three medium-sized picks made from polycarbonate. The material used produces a brighter sound than Delrin, another material this manufacturer uses to create finger picks. Furthermore, it keeps the player’s fingers comfortable and should stand the test of time even if the picks are frequently used.
The items can help you increase the volume and allow you to frail back and forth across your string instrument as they simulate long fingernails. They are suitable not only for guitars but also for banjos and other instruments in this category.
Pros
In case you don’t limit your musical experience only to guitar playing and you’re also interested in other string instruments, this set of picks shouldn’t go unnoticed as it serves various needs.
You can employ the picks for different instruments in the string category and, given the material used for their construction, you should be able to use them for a long time.
The set includes three picks made from polycarbonate, a material that produces bright sounds and that will also help you increase the volume.
By simulating long fingernails, the picks will help you frail back and forth across your string instrument.
This set includes medium-sized picks, yet you can find other sizes for the same picks from this manufacturer.
Cons
The picks might be a bit uncomfortable at first because of their thickness, yet that should no longer be a problem after a few practice sessions.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($12)
10. Alaska Adjustable Picks With Box
Guitar picks are designed to enhance the players’ comfort and prevent their fingers from getting hurt, and this set is no exception. The picks are adjustable to make sure that you get a comfortable and secure fit. What’s more, they are available in both adult and child sizes.
The pack comes with six medium-sized finger tips and two large-sized thumb picks. Plus, they picks are paired with a storage box to help you keep them organized and reach the ones you need with ease. The sturdy material employed for their construction shouldn’t break anytime soon.
To make sure that they fit your fingers comfortably, you can shape the picks with a nail clipper. Considering their design, the picks are suitable for a variety of string instruments including bass, classical, and acoustic guitars as well as banjos and ukuleles. They are available in beige.
Pros
Built to suit a variety of string instruments, these finger picks are worth adding to your list of options if you’re interested in durable and comfortable picks that will serve your needs for a long time.
What’s nice about this set is that it includes two large-sized thumb picks and six medium-sized finger tips, so it should help you engage in many practice sessions before buying new ones.
The pack also comes with a storage box, which proves to be of great help, especially if you travel a lot and need to keep all of them safe and within reach.
Since practice sessions can stretch over hours, the picks feature a sturdy material that should keep up with extended use.
The picks can be adjusted with a nail clipper for a secure and comfortable fit.
Cons
Even the large-sized picks might run small and feel tight; plus, if you try to put too much pressure on them, they might break.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($5.99)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
When playing the guitar or some other string instrument, beginners might be tempted to pay attention to more expensive accessories and gear such as effects and amps. Finger picks might be the last items on the shopping list. These small and apparently less important accessories do play a significant role as far as the sounds produced and your comfort are concerned, though.
Finding the best finger picks for acoustic guitar or other string instruments you’re interested in playing might not be that simple with so many finger pick models available for sale. Here is a short list of factors to consider when looking for quality finger guitar picks.
Finger pick size and thickness
You might get the best finger pick models money can buy, yet if the size is not the right one, they will be useless; therefore, start your shopping session by keeping this aspect in mind. Finger picks come in various gauges and their description should include information regarding their size.
Consider this factor carefully before hitting the button order. Moreover, if there’s a particular finger pick for guitar you’d like to purchase, yet the size you need is not available, check out if it can be adjusted. Depending on the material used and the shape, some finger picks for acoustic guitar and string instruments can be adjusted for a comfortable and secure fit.
While some finger picks for guitar can be simply trimmed with a nail clipper, others can be exposed to hot and then cold water to change their shape. However, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the adjustment process.
Don’t overlook the thickness of the guitar finger picks you want to buy as it will directly limit or enhance your comfort when playing. Inappropriate size and thickness may lead to various unpleasant effects such as poor blood circulation in fingers if the picks are too tight. If they are too large, they won’t stay in place.
Material used
Finger picks come in various versions as far as the material used is concerned. Just like size and thickness matter greatly, so does the material used for their construction. The market offers different options, yet the most popular ones are metal and plastic finger picks.
The first thing that might come to one’s mind when the term material is mentioned is probably its durability, but in this case, the finger pick material also affects the sound produced. Metal finger picks tend to create a brighter sound while plastic ones produce a softer tone. It is best to try them out before your purchase.
If you can’t reach a musical instrument store, read a finger picks review to see what other users say about the overall performance of a certain finger pick model. Keep in mind that cheap finger picks may feature less durable materials and thus may not keep up with extended use.
Texture
While most finger picks feature the same design, you will find options that come with unique specs. Finger picks should help you play your string instruments comfortably and achieve the desired sound while employing them.
Texture and design play a significant role when it comes to the comfort delivered by a certain model of finger picks. Most affordable finger picks should feel comfortable and stay in place even when you engage in more aggressive playing. A smooth surface and clean edges are preferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are finger picks good for beginners?
The answer depends on your particular interests and how your fingers feel when playing. The first guitar lessons won’t be easy on your fingers. Until they get used to the new movements, you might find yourself with them hurting. There is no straight answer to this question since guitar players are different and so are the ways they use to explore their instrument.
Some players might actually find it difficult to control the finger picks. Others can’t get their fingers to produce a certain sound or might find it too painful to play the guitar without some extra help as the one ensured by the picks.
Still, practice makes perfect, and a beginner’s challenges come in plenty. The first few months of guitar playing may bring all sorts of frustrations. However, they should not last. Once you advance, it is best to try both fingerstyle and pick style techniques.
Q: What is the difference between flatpicking and fingerpicking?
As a beginner, you might wonder about the best guitar playing style. While some musicians go for flatpicking, others feel comfortable playing this instrument using their fingers. There is no right or wrong here. Flatpicking and fingerpicking are simply two different styles of playing the guitar or another string instrument.
Flatpicking involves the use of a pick, also known as a plectrum. A pick is a small flat tool made of wood, nylon, plastic, or other materials that are durable yet flexible. When flatpicking, you keep the pick between your thumb and index finger and strike the strings of the guitar, banjo, or mandolin with it.
As the name suggests, fingerpicking refers to a playing style that involves direct contact between your fingernails or fingertips. You simply pluck the strings on your guitar using your fingers. The use of one of these playing styles depends on the musical genres you’re interested in, your comfort, and the sound you want to achieve.
Q: Do famous guitar players use finger picks?
The stage of music has witnessed both the use of picks and fingers in guitar performances. Choosing between these two ways of playing the guitar depends greatly on the player’s preferences, comfort, and musical genre involved. While some genres can hardly be played without the use of picks, others sound better when the fingers are used to pluck the strings.
Although a rock guitar player, Mark Knopfler is known for not using a pick, except for when playing solo. Wes Montgomery, an American jazz guitar player, did not use a pick either, and the list could go on.
On the other hand, many guitarists used a pick even when playing classical guitars or engaging in a musical genre that usually does not require a pick. Among famous musicians who used a guitar pick, there’s Yngwie Johan Malmsteen, John McLaughlin (a jazz guitarist), Eddie Van Halen, Steve Morse, and James Hetfield.
