What mm pick for beginners? Choosing the Right Guitar Pick for New Players

So, you've just picked up a guitar and you're eager to start strumming away. Awesome! One of the first things you'll need to get your hands on, besides the guitar itself, is a guitar pick. But walk into any music store, or browse online, and you'll be met with a dizzying array of picks, all different shapes, sizes, and, most importantly, thicknesses. This leads to a very common question for new guitarists: "What mm pick is best for beginners?" Let's dive deep into this and figure out what will set you up for success.

Understanding Guitar Pick Thickness (Gauge)

The thickness of a guitar pick is often referred to as its "gauge." This is usually measured in millimeters (mm). The thinner the pick, the more flexible it is. The thicker the pick, the more rigid it is.

Common Pick Thickness Ranges:

Thin Picks: Typically under 0.70mm. These are very flexible and offer a brighter, lighter tone.
Medium Picks: Generally between 0.70mm and 0.90mm. They offer a good balance of flexibility and stiffness.
Heavy Picks: Usually 1.00mm and above. These are very stiff and provide a warmer, more powerful tone.

Why Does Pick Thickness Matter for Beginners?

For beginners, the right pick can significantly impact your learning experience. It affects:

Ease of Holding and Control: A pick that's too thin can feel flimsy and difficult to grip consistently. A pick that's too thick can feel unwieldy and make it harder to get a clean strum.
Sound Production: A pick that's too stiff might produce a harsh, unwanted sound if you're not yet accustomed to controlling your attack. A pick that's too thin might sound weak and lack the definition you're aiming for.
Learning Curve: The right pick can make practicing more enjoyable and less frustrating, encouraging you to stick with it.

The Best mm Pick for Beginners: A Detailed Recommendation

For the vast majority of beginner guitarists, a medium-gauge pick is the sweet spot. Specifically, we're looking at picks in the range of 0.70mm to 0.90mm.

Why Medium Picks are Ideal for Beginners:

Here's why this range is generally recommended:

Versatility: Medium picks are incredibly versatile. They work well for a wide range of playing styles, from strumming chords to picking out individual notes. This means you won't outgrow them too quickly as your skills develop.
Good Balance: They offer a nice balance between flexibility and stiffness. You'll have enough flexibility to produce a pleasant strumming sound without the pick bending excessively and getting lost in the strings. At the same time, they're rigid enough to give you some control and a clear tone when picking individual notes.
Comfortable Grip: Most medium picks have enough substance to feel comfortable in your hand. They're not so thin that they feel like they'll slip, nor so thick that they feel awkward to hold.
Forgiving Tone: The tone produced by a medium pick is generally pleasing and forgiving. It's not as bright and potentially sharp as a very thin pick, and it's not as bass-heavy or aggressive as a very thick pick. This makes it easier to get a decent sound even if your technique isn't perfect yet.

Specific Recommendations within the Medium Range:

If you're looking for a starting point, consider these thicknesses:

0.73mm: A very popular and solid all-around choice.
0.80mm: Slightly stiffer than 0.73mm, offering a bit more control and punch.
0.88mm: Leaning towards the heavier side of medium, but still very manageable for beginners.

Many brands offer picks in these exact gauges. You'll find them in materials like celluloid, nylon, and Tortex, which we'll touch on briefly.

Should I Try Other Thicknesses? Absolutely!

While medium is the recommended starting point, it's crucial to understand that everyone's hands and preferences are slightly different. Once you get comfortable with a medium pick, it's highly encouraged to experiment with other thicknesses.

When Might You Consider Thinner Picks (Under 0.70mm)?

If you find yourself struggling to get a bright, ringing strum, or if you prefer a lighter, more jangly sound, you might try a thinner pick. These are great for:

Aggressively strumming open chords.
Achieving a more delicate, airy tone.

However, thinner picks can be harder to control for single-note picking and can produce a less defined sound.

When Might You Consider Thicker Picks (Over 1.00mm)?

As your technique improves, you might find yourself drawn to thicker picks for:

Increased control and precision when picking individual notes (especially in lead guitar playing).
A warmer, fuller tone with more attack and less pick noise.
Genres like rock, blues, or metal where a heavier feel is desired.

Thicker picks can sometimes feel a bit clunky for fast strumming initially.

Beyond Thickness: Material and Shape

While thickness is the most significant factor for beginners, remember that pick material and shape also play a role:

Material:

Celluloid: Classic feel, produces a warm tone. Can wear down over time.
Nylon: Flexible, durable, and often have a textured grip.
Tortex (Dunlop's brand): Very durable, good grip, offers a bright, snappy tone. A popular choice for many.

Shape:

Standard (Teardrop): The most common shape, comfortable for most.
Jazz Picks: Smaller, often with a sharper tip for precision.

Don't get too bogged down in these details at first. Focus on finding a medium thickness that feels comfortable. You can explore materials and shapes later.

Tips for Beginners When Buying Picks

Buy a Variety Pack: Many manufacturers offer "variety packs" or "sample packs" that include picks of different thicknesses and materials. This is an excellent way to try out several options without committing to a large quantity of any one type.
Feel it in Your Hand: When you get a pick, hold it. Does it feel secure? Does it feel too flimsy or too stiff?
Listen to the Sound: Strum a few chords and pick a few single notes. Does the sound produced feel good to you?
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: The "best" pick is subjective. What works for one person might not work for another. The journey of finding your favorite pick is part of the fun!

Where to Buy Guitar Picks:

You can find guitar picks at virtually any music store, both online and brick-and-mortar. Major retailers like Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and Amazon are good places to start your search.

Conclusion: Start with Medium, Explore from There

In summary, if you're a beginner asking "What mm pick should I use?", the most straightforward and widely recommended answer is to start with a medium-gauge pick, typically between 0.70mm and 0.90mm. This range offers the best balance of control, versatility, and a forgiving tone that will support your learning process.

Don't stress too much about finding the "perfect" pick right away. Get a few different medium-thickness picks, play around with them, and see what feels best. As you gain experience and develop your playing style, you'll naturally gravitate towards thicker or thinner picks that suit your evolving needs. Happy playing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I tell if my pick is too thin?

If your pick feels very flexible, bends significantly when you strum, and produces a thin, weak sound, it's likely too thin for your current needs. You might also find it difficult to control for picking individual notes.

Why do beginners often struggle with very thick picks?

Very thick picks (over 1.00mm) are quite rigid. Beginners may not yet have the fine motor control to manipulate them effectively, leading to a heavier attack, a less clear tone, and difficulty with strumming. They can also feel a bit chunky for new players.

How many picks should I buy as a beginner?

It's wise to buy a small pack of 3-5 medium-gauge picks in slightly different thicknesses (e.g., 0.73mm, 0.80mm, 0.88mm). This allows you to compare and see what feels most comfortable without a large initial investment.

Does the material of the pick matter for beginners?

While thickness is the primary factor, material does influence feel and tone. For beginners, common materials like celluloid or Tortex in a medium gauge are good starting points. As you progress, you can explore how different materials affect your sound.