Best guitar picks for Gibson ES-335, ES-345, ES-355 and Other Semi-Hollow Guitars
Short summary
The Gibson ES-335, ES-345 and ES-355 are legendary semi-hollow guitars known for their warmth, clarity and versatility. Choosing the right pick can help you get the most from that distinctive sound.
Many players using these guitars choose the ChickenPicks Bermuda III 2.1mm or 2.7mm, although the ideal pick always comes down to personal preference and playing style.
In this guide, we explain why thick, beveled picks can work particularly well with semi-hollow guitars. You can also learn more in our guides to the best guitar picks for acoustic guitars and how pick thickness affects guitar tone.
Why choose a different pick for a semi-hollow guitar?
Gibson ES-series guitars such as the ES-335, ES-345 and ES-355 have a very distinctive character. Their semi-hollow construction combines a solid center block with hollow sections, producing a sound that can be warm, resonant and exceptionally responsive.
That makes the pick an important part of the equation.
A pick that is too flexible can sometimes make the attack feel less controlled, while a very thin pick can introduce additional pick movement between your hand and the strings.
A thicker, well-shaped pick gives you a much more direct connection with the strings.
Of course, there is no single “correct” pick for an ES-335. Every guitarist has different preferences. However, we consistently hear from players who enjoy these guitars that a thick, beveled pick provides the control and precision they are looking for.
Our featured pick: Bermuda III 2.1mm & 2.7mm
The ChickenPicks Bermuda III is a triangular pick with three usable tips, available in 2.1mm and 2.7mm thicknesses. Both provide a more rounded tip and 2 slightly pointy ones, but definitely not too pointy.
Extremely pointy picks
If you love extremely pointed- and triangular picks as well, please check our Bermuda III-P which are both available in 2.1- and 2.7mm as well. “P” stands for Pointy.
Check those Bermuda III-P picks out here.
We see that many guitarists who play Gibson ES-335-style guitars use the Bermuda III, and that is one reason we chose it as the featured pick for this article. Nevertheless, we always recommend remembering that pick choice is personal.
What works beautifully for one ES-335 player may not feel right for another.
Why does the Bermuda III work so well?
The triangular design gives you three identical picking points. When one tip becomes worn or you simply want to change your grip, you can rotate the pick and use another tip.
More importantly, the Bermuda III combines substantial thickness with carefully beveled edges.
Instead of a thin piece of plastic flexing against the string, the pick provides a firm and predictable attack.
The 2.1mm version is an excellent starting point if you want the advantages of a thick pick while retaining a relatively versatile feel.
The 2.7mm version provides even more mass and rigidity.
Players who like a particularly solid attack, strong control and a substantial pick in their hand may prefer this version.
So, if you own an ES-335, ES-345, ES-355 or a similar semi-hollow guitar, Bermuda III 2.1mm and 2.7mm are definitely worth trying.
Common problems people experience
Many semi-hollow guitar players start with standard 351-style picks or other thin plastic picks. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that; however, thinner picks can create several issues depending on your playing technique.
Pick flex
A thin pick bends when it hits the string. Consequently, some of your picking movement is absorbed by the pick instead of being transferred directly to the string.
A much thicker pick remains rigid, giving you a more immediate response.
Inconsistent attack
Because thin picks flex more easily, the attack can vary depending on how hard you pick. A rigid pick provides greater consistency, particularly when alternate picking, playing chords or switching between rhythm and lead playing.
Excessive pick movement
Thin picks can move around between your fingers. This can become particularly noticeable when playing energetic rhythm parts or lead lines.
A thicker pick provides more material for your fingers to hold, which can help create a more stable picking platform.
Rapid wear
Many conventional plastic picks gradually develop rounded or uneven edges. As the edge changes, the way the pick contacts the string changes as well.
This is where the durability of a quality pick can make a meaningful difference.
ChickenPicks are designed to help reduce these common problems by combining substantial thickness, carefully shaped bevels and a highly durable Thermoset material.
We cannot promise that a particular pick will solve every player’s technique or comfort issues, but many players appreciate the increased control and consistency they get from switching to a thick, beveled pick.
What makes ChickenPicks unique?
The biggest difference is not simply thickness.
ChickenPicks are made from Thermoset, a material selected for its combination of hardness, rigidity and durability. Unlike conventional thermoplastic guitar picks, Thermoset is permanently cured during manufacturing.
If you want to understand exactly what that means, take a look at our detailed guide to Thermoset guitar pick material and why it is different.
Thick construction
ChickenPicks are substantially thicker than the typical guitar pick. This gives the pick greater mass and rigidity.
As a result, there is considerably less flex between your fingers and the string.
For players who want a precise and controlled attack, this can make a noticeable difference.
Beveled edges
Thickness alone isn’t enough.
The edge of the pick is carefully shaped and beveled so it can move smoothly across the string. This is particularly important with a thick pick because an unrefined edge could feel too abrupt.
The combination of thickness + bevel + hard material is one of the key characteristics that distinguishes ChickenPicks from ordinary thick plastic picks.
Durability
Another advantage is longevity.
Because the material is extremely hard and resistant to wear, ChickenPicks can retain their shape and edge characteristics for a long time. Therefore, you are less likely to experience the rapidly changing tip shape that can occur with softer picks.
For many players, that means a more consistent playing experience over time.
A more direct connection to the strings
Ultimately, a guitar pick is the connection between your hand and the strings.
A rigid, substantial pick doesn’t flex away from your picking movement in the same way a thin pick does.
For players who value precision, articulation and consistency, that direct response can be a genuine advantage.
Which other Gibson guitars are suitable for Bermuda III?
Although the ES-335 is the best-known model in this category, Bermuda III can be an excellent option for many related guitars.
Consider trying it with:
- Gibson ES-335
- Gibson ES-345
- Gibson ES-355
- Gibson ES-339
- Gibson ES-359
- Gibson ES-330
- Gibson ES-175
- Epiphone ES-335
- Epiphone ES-339
- Epiphone Casino
- Epiphone Sheraton
- Epiphone Riviera
The guitars aren’t all constructed in exactly the same way, of course.
However, they share characteristics that make pick response an important part of the overall playing experience.
Pick Dude’s Pro Tip
“Don’t choose a pick just because somebody else says it’s the best one!”
Your guitar, strings, amplifier, technique and playing style all influence how a pick feels and sounds.
That’s why we recommend experimenting with both Bermuda III 2.1mm and 2.7mm.
If you prefer a slightly more responsive and versatile feel, start with the 2.1mm. If you want maximum rigidity, mass and a very solid attack, try the 2.7mm.
Your hands will tell you which one is right.
Related articles & products
Want to learn more about choosing the right ChickenPicks?
- Best guitar picks for acoustic guitars
- Flexible guitar picks vs rigid picks
- What is Thermoset?
- Explore all ChickenPicks guitar picks
Ready to try a thicker, beveled pick?
If you play an ES-335 or another semi-hollow guitar and have never experienced a 2.1mm or 2.7mm beveled Thermoset pick, this could be an interesting experiment.
You may be surprised by how different your guitar feels with the right pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Thick picks can provide a more controlled and consistent attack, particularly for players who prefer precise picking. The ideal thickness, however, depends on personal preference.
There is no universal answer. Bermuda III 2.1mm and 2.7mm are popular choices among players using ES-335-style guitars. The 2.1mm offers a slightly more versatile feel, while the 2.7mm provides greater rigidity and mass.
They can. A thick, rigid pick produces less flex and can create a more immediate, defined attack.
However, the final sound also depends on the player, guitar, strings, amplifier and picking technique.
Not necessarily. They are different, rather than universally better.
Thin picks can be useful for certain playing styles, while thick picks are often preferred by players looking for precision, control, durability and a more direct response.
ChickenPicks were designed around the idea that thickness, beveled edges and a hard Thermoset material can provide a precise and consistent connection between the player’s hand and the strings.
The result is a very different playing experience from a conventional thin plastic pick.
Designed by guitarist Eppo Franken
Playing guitar since 1979.
Developing guitar picks since 1985.
Founder of ChickenPicks guitar picks since 2010.
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