Short summary
This guitar pick size chart explains how different pick dimensions, thicknesses, and grip surfaces affect comfort, control, and tone.
It compares the sizes of various ChickenPicks models and highlights how their beveled edges and thermoset material create a smaller effective grip area, despite larger overall dimensions.
The guide also explores how pick material, thickness, and shape influence playability, durability, pick noise, and string response, helping guitarists choose the right pick for their playing style and instrument.
Guitar pick dimensions
Find out what our picks differ from the rest.
As a result of many questions about our picks, we will describe what’s so special to ChickenPicks guitar picks in relation to other brands.
Guitar Pick Size vs. Thickness: What Is the Difference?
Guitar pick size and guitar pick thickness are not the same thing. Size normally refers to the overall length and width of the pick, while thickness describes the distance between its two flat surfaces, usually measured in millimeters. Shape is another separate factor. A small Jazz-style pick, for example, can be considerably thicker than a larger standard 351-style pick.
Generally pick thickness is measured like a so-called “common classification” which you may see in the table below.
| Pick thickness | Common classification | Typical characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ~0.45 mm | Extra Thin | Very flexible; often used for light strumming |
| ~0.45–0.70 mm | Thin | Flexible; popular for acoustic strumming |
| ~0.70–0.85 mm | Medium | General-purpose balance of flexibility and control |
| ~0.85–1.20 mm | Heavy | Stiffer feel, stronger attack and increased control |
| ~1.20–1.50+ mm | Extra Heavy / Thick | Very little flex; often chosen for precision and control |
| 2.0–3.5 mm | Very Thick / Boutique | High rigidity and mass; commonly paired with shaped or beveled edges |
Material
The material we use is completely different from standard guitar picks, because the use of a thermosetting plastic, which is also called Thermoset.
The material we use
Our picks are made of Thermoset polymer. This is a thermosetting plastic, while all other plastic guitar picks are made of thermoplastics.
As a result, this already makes a big difference as well in sound as playability and it will lessen pick noise because edges won’t get jagged, which we may see with picks made of softer plastics.
Because the words Thermosetting and Thermoplastics may sound unfamiliar with you, we will explain the differences between the two.
What is the difference in material?
First of all, thermoset is a polymer that, once hardened by heat won’t melt anymore.
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, thermosetting plastics (or thermosets) are synthetic polymers that solidify into a permanent shape through irreversible chemical reactions.
Unlike thermoplastics, which can be repeatedly melted and remelted.
The material is extremely rigid, incredibly strong and durable, while thermoplastics are softer and less durable.
According to an article at Sweetwater.com many players find that heavier picks make it easier to vary their dynamics than lighter guitar picks do.
Common Guitar Pick Sizes and Shapes
Standard / 351 shape
The familiar teardrop-style guitar pick used by many players. It provides a relatively large gripping area and works for both rhythm and lead playing.
Small / Jazz-style picks
Smaller picks place the fingers closer to the playing tip. Many players prefer this format for accurate single-note playing, alternate picking and faster passages.
Triangular picks
Triangular picks provide a larger gripping area and multiple usable tips. They are popular with some guitarists, bass players and mandolin players.
Pointed triangular picks
A triangular body combined with sharper tips provides the larger gripping area of a triangle while offering a more precise point of string contact.
Regardless the brand or shape of the pick, it remains important that your pick stays stable and does not slip or turn between your fingers. Gripperzz are small soft rubber grip stickers in the shape of a guitar pick.
Extremely soft material
Thermoplastics as a material category are not necessarily “extremely soft.” Thermoplastics encompass materials with a huge range of mechanical properties.
Thin conventional guitar picks often flex as they pass across the strings. The amount of flex depends on the pick’s thickness, material and shape. A thicker, more rigid pick flexes considerably less, which can create a more immediate connection between the picking hand and the string.
According to a video by @DanielSeriffMusic a guitar pick that bends causes too much delay in your picking attack.
For lead playing, many guitarists prefer a stiffer pick because reduced flex can provide a more immediate attack and greater picking precision. However, there is no minimum thickness that every lead guitarist should use; pick choice remains highly personal.
Secondly, softer materials will wear much faster because the steel strings of your guitar are much harder. As a result of this wearing out, you need replace your guitar picks faster. Besides this, a used pick produces more pick noise, because the edges may be jagged a bit. Manufacturers of boutique guitar picks use different materials, which in many cases may help to have less pick noise.
Does Guitar Pick Material Affect Size and Thickness?
Well, 2.0 mm of one material cannot automatically be assumed to behave like 2.0 mm of another material, because rigidity, hardness, friction, edge finish and wear characteristics also matter.
Thermoset is the material used by ChickenPicks and you may read this for more information about Thermoset.
Boutique guitar picks in general
All of our picks classify for boutique guitar picks, which is a term for picks with a certain shape and made out of special materials.
When you want to know more, read the article about the benefits of boutique guitar picks in general.
Breaking strings more often
With lighter and softer guitar picks, you need to hit your strings harder. This may result in string breakage more often.
When using heavier picks that have more mass, you don’t need to hit that hard to get a full tone.
Another benefit of thick guitar picks is that they mostly come with beveled edges, which allow you to glide on- and off the strings very easily.
Finally, a result of this all is less string breakage as well with thicker picks.
That’s about it in short regarding the difference of materials, beveled edges and thicknesses of boutique picks.
In another blog we wrote some useful guidelines for choosing the best picks for acoustic. The same applies to bass guitar picks.
What about the guitar pick dimensions?
Please find the exact pick sizes (in mm) for ChickenPicks guitar picks in the table below.
The 1st column shows the outer measuring of the picks from top to bottom.
And the 3rd column shows the outer width from the left- to right shoulder. For buying ChickenPicks guitar picks, click this link.
Grip surface is smaller
Because all picks have beveled edges, there’s a difference in the size of the grip surface and the final edge. With both standard- and small sized picks these differences occur.
To understand this, we added 2 extra columns in the chart, showing the measuring of the grip surface. And we added some images showing the differences with measuring lines.
Thickness of the pick in the last column
And of course, in the right column you will find the thickness of the pick in millimeters (mm).
Important to know is that all picks classify as good picks for bass guitar and mandolin picks as well.
Why a 2–3.5 mm Pick Does Not Feel 2–3.5 mm Thick at the String
Pick thickness describes the body of the pick, but it does not tell the whole story. With a thick beveled guitar pick, the string contacts the shaped edge rather than meeting the full thickness of the pick at a 90-degree angle.
ChickenPicks use precision-beveled playing edges to create a relatively narrow point of string contact. This allows the pick to retain the mass, rigidity and substantial grip of a thick pick while releasing smoothly from the string.
- Pick model
- Light 2.2
- Regular 2.6
- Shredder 2.4
- Shredder 3.5
- Badazz III 2.0
- Badazz III 2.5
- Badazz III 3.2
- Bermuda III 2.1
- Bermuda III 2.7
- Bermuda III-P 2.1
- Bermuda III-P 2.7
- Bermuda III-XL 2.1
- Top to bottom
- 31.6 mm
- 31.6 mm
- 27.5 mm
- 27.5 mm
- 26.4 mm
- 26.4 mm
- 26.4 mm
- 27.2 mm
- 27.2 mm
- 28.0 mm
- 28.0 mm
- 33.0 mm
- Grip surface
- 27.6 mm
- 27.5 mm
- 24.0 mm
- 22.0 mm
- 22.4 mm
- 22.3 mm
- 22.1 mm
- 25.3 mm
- 25.2 mm
- 23.0 mm
- 22.9 mm
- 30.0 mm
- Shoulder L to R
- 27.2 mm
- 27.2 mm
- 24.0 mm
- 24.0 mm
- 25.5 mm
- 25.5 mm
- 25.5 mm
- 28.6 mm
- 28.6 mm
- 30.0 mm
- 30.0 mm
- 23.0 mm
- Grip surface
- 24.2 mm
- 24.1 mm
- 20.0 mm
- 19.5 mm
- 22.2 mm
- 22.1 mm
- 22.0 mm
- 24.9 mm
- 24.8 mm
- 25.0 mm
- 24.9 mm
- 27.0 mm
- Pick Thickness
- 2.2 mm
- 2.6 mm
- 2.4 mm
- 3.5 mm
- 2.0 mm
- 2.5 mm
- 3.2 mm
- 2.1 mm
- 2.7 mm
- 2.1 mm
- 2.7 mm
- 2.1 mm
ChickenPicks guitar pick sizes in relation to other brands
Our picks are larger than standard guitar picks from other brands, when you measure them throughout the outer sizes.
Many people think that isn’t very comfortable.
Because of the thickness, you don’t have to grip too firmly.
So it feels like you don’t need to put that much effort to play cool licks.
The sound is clear and bright, so these picks help you on how to make your guitar sound better.
A-B comparison: gripping surface is smaller
Although the ChickenPicks Light 2.2 has a larger outer body than a conventional 351-style pick, the precision bevel reduces the usable flat gripping area. This is why its 2.2 mm thickness does not necessarily make it feel oversized between the fingers.
You may check this in the chart below.
Pick Dude’s Pro Tip
Don’t judge a guitar pick by its thickness alone!
A 2.0mm or 3.0mm pick may sound huge if you’re used to a 0.73mm pick, but thickness is only part of the story.
Shape, grip surface, material and especially the bevel can completely change how a pick feels between your fingers and how smoothly it moves across the strings.
My tip: choose with your hands and ears, not just the number printed on the pick.
The right pick is the one that gives you the control, comfort and tone you’re looking for.
- Measurements
- Top to bottom
- Left to Right
- Dunlop 351 Medium
- 30.5 mm
- 26.0 mm
- ChickenPicks Light 2.2
- 27.5 mm
- 24.1 mm
The gripping surface is the part of the pick that finally is in your hands. Because of the fact the gripping surface is smaller than the standard 351 medium pick, our picks don’t feel very large. Finally our picks are smaller.
It is the same with a Dunlop Jazz III in relation to our Badazz III pick.
Why ChickenPicks Can Feel Smaller Than Their Outer Dimensions Suggest
The guitar pick size chart above shows that the actual gripping surface size of our picks is smaller.
When you try our picks you will notice how easy they play.
Which ChickenPicks Size Should I Choose?
| If you prefer… | Good starting point |
|---|---|
| Familiar standard 351 shape | Light 2.2 |
| Standard shape with more mass | Regular 2.6 |
| Small pick with rounded tip | Shredder 2.4 |
| Very thick small pick | Shredder 3.5 |
| Small pick with sharp tip | Badazz III 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.2 |
| Rounded triangular shape | Bermuda III 2.1 / 2.7 |
| Triangular shape with pointed tips | Bermuda III-P 2.1 / 2.7 |
| Larger triangular format | Bermuda III-XL 2.1 |
Our recommendation: If you’re new to thick picks and normally use a standard 351-style pick, the Light 2.2 mm is a logical starting point. Players who prefer smaller picks can start with the Shredder or Badazz III, while players who like a larger gripping surface may prefer one of the Bermuda models. There is no universally “best” guitar pick size — hand size, technique, instrument, string gauge and personal preference all matter.
What others say about ChickenPicks guitar picks
Musikhaus Thomann
Chicago Music Exchange
Guitarpickreviews.com
Conclusion
ChickenPicks guitar picks seem large and bulky, but they definitely aren’t.
The gripping surface is the part you definitely grip onto, so that is what you feel in your hands.
Because the gripping surface is smaller than a standard medium guitar pick, they feel very comfy.
The combination of high rigidity, additional mass and a precision-beveled edge can produce a firm, percussive attack with a full yet articulate tone. The audible result also depends on the guitar, strings, amplification, playing technique and where the string is picked.
Money wise, these picks will be cheaper than average guitar picks, because they last much longer. Unless you lose these picks of course.
So, why not giving them a try.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guitar Pick Sizes
What guitar pick size is best for beginners?
Medium-sized guitar picks are often the best choice for beginners because they provide a comfortable grip and balanced control. A larger pick can also be easier to hold, helping new players develop confidence and accuracy while learning basic techniques.
Does a larger guitar pick improve playing control?
For many players, a larger guitar pick offers increased stability and grip, especially during fast passages or extended playing sessions. However, the ideal size depends on personal preference, hand size, and playing style.
How does guitar pick size affect tone?
Pick size can influence how the pick contacts the strings. Larger picks often provide a more secure grip and consistent attack, while smaller picks may allow for quicker movements. Tone is also affected by factors such as pick thickness, material, and edge shape.
Should lead guitar players use a different pick size than rhythm players?
Many lead guitarists prefer picks that offer precise control and accurate string targeting, while rhythm players may prioritize comfort and strumming efficiency. The best pick size depends on the techniques you use most often and your individual playing preferences.
How do I choose the right guitar pick size for my playing style?
Start by considering your grip comfort, musical genre, and technique. Players focused on speed and precision may prefer a different size than those who primarily strum chords. Testing several pick sizes is the most effective way to find the option that feels natural and delivers the tone and control you want.
Is a 2 mm guitar pick too thick?
No. A 2 mm guitar pick is considerably thicker than a conventional thin or medium pick, but many guitarists deliberately choose picks of 2 mm or more for their rigidity, control and reduced flex.
A precision-beveled edge can also make a thick pick release smoothly from the string.
Ultimately, the ideal thickness depends on playing style, technique and personal preference.
What is the standard guitar pick size?
There is no official standard guitar pick size, but the 351-style shape is widely considered the most common. A typical 351 pick is roughly 30 mm long and 25–27 mm wide, although dimensions vary between manufacturers.
Smaller Jazz-style picks offer a more compact gripping area, while larger and triangular picks provide more surface area for the fingers.
What is the standard guitar pick thickness?
There is no single standard guitar pick thickness. Conventional picks commonly range from around 0.40 mm to 1.50 mm, while thick and specialty picks can be 2 mm, 3 mm or even thicker.
Thin picks offer more flexibility, whereas thicker picks generally provide greater rigidity and less flex.
The best thickness ultimately depends on playing technique, musical style and personal preference.
What guitar pick thickness should I use?
The best guitar pick thickness depends on your playing style and personal preference.
Many players prefer thinner, more flexible picks for strumming and thicker, more rigid picks for lead playing, alternate picking and greater control. However, these are guidelines rather than rules.
Material, shape, size and edge bevel also influence how a pick feels and responds to the strings.
Does guitar pick thickness affect tone?
Yes, guitar pick thickness can affect tone and attack, although material, shape, bevel and picking technique also play important roles.
Thin flexible picks tend to bend more as they cross the string, while thicker rigid picks can produce a more immediate and percussive attack.
The resulting sound also depends on the guitar, strings, amplifier and where and how the string is picked.
Are thick guitar picks easier to play?
They can be for some players.
Thick guitar picks generally flex less, which can provide a more direct connection between the picking hand and the strings. Some guitarists find this helpful for accuracy, alternate picking and controlling dynamics.
However, switching from a thin pick to a thick one can require a short adjustment period, and no single thickness is easier for every guitarist.
