What size Thumb Pick should I get?

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Are you a beginning guitarist looking for your first thumb pick? Or a veteran player who wants to try something different? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll help you find the best thumb pick for your needs.


Depending on the size of your hand you should pick medium or large size thumb pick. Medium sizes are for fingers between 2” to 2 ⅝”, anything bigger than 2 ⅝’’ will considered large size; you’ll want to pick a size that’s comfortable for you to hold. You can use a large thumbpick and adjust them down. 

In this article, we’ll help you find the right thumb pick for your guitar by providing you with all the necessary information that you need. Let’s jump right in!

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What size Thumb Pick should I get?

What is a Thumb Pick?

A thumb pick is a small plastic or metal pick that attaches to your thumb. Thumb picks are used by guitarists to strum chords or pick individual notes. They can also be used by ukulele players, banjo players, and other string instrumentists.

Thumb picks come in different sizes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your thumb comfortably. If the pick is too large, it will be difficult to hold and control. If the pick is too small, it may slip off your thumb while you’re playing.

The best thumb picks are made of durable materials like nylon or steel. Nylon picks are softer and more comfortable to wear, but they can wear down quickly with extended use. Steel picks are more durable but can be uncomfortable for some players.

Thumb Pick Sizes Explained

Thumb picks are typically sized by their width, which is measured in millimeters. The most common sizes are 40 mm, 50 mm, and 60 mm.

40 mm picks are the smallest size and are typically used by players with smaller hands. 50 mm picks are the most popular size and are a good choice for most players. 60 mm picks are the largest size and are typically used by players with larger hands.

When choosing a thumb pick, it’s important to select the right size for your hand. If you have small hands, a 40 mm pick may be the best choice. If you have large hands, a 60 mm pick may be the best choice.

How to Wear a Thumb Pick?

Thumb picks can be worn on either the right or left hand. If you’re a right-handed player, you’ll likely want to wear the pick on your right thumb. If you’re a left-handed player, you’ll likely want to wear the pick on your left thumb.

Most thumb picks have a small notch or hole that you can insert your thumb into. Once your thumb is inserted, the pick should sit snugly on your thumb without falling off.

If the pick is too loose, it may fall off while you’re playing. If the pick is too tight, it may be uncomfortable to wear and may restrict your range of motion.

Once the pick is in place, you’re ready to start playing!

How do I know what size thumb pick to get?

In order to to choose the perfect thumb pick you have to consider 3 things: the size of your thumb, the thickness of the pick, and the material.

The size of your thumb: 

If your thumb is on the small side, you’ll want to get a small thumb pick. If your thumb is on the larger side, you’ll want to get a large thumb pick.

The thickness of the pick: 

The thickness of the pick will determine how much control you have over the pick. If you want more control, you’ll want to get a thicker pick. If you want less control, you’ll want to get a thinner pick.

The material: 

The material of the pick will determine how durable it is. If you want a durable pick, you’ll want to get a pick made of metal. If you want a pick that’s less likely to break, you’ll want to get a pick made of plastic.

Tips for people who want to use thumbpicks:

If you’re new to thumbpicks, or if you’ve never used one before, here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Thumbpicks come in different sizes: it’s important to choose one that fits your thumb snugly. If the pick is too loose, it will slip off while you’re playing; if it’s too tight, it will be uncomfortable.
  1. Practice with the thumbpick: It takes some time to get used to playing with a thumbpick, so be patient and practice regularly.
  1. Don’t grip the pick too tightly: It’s important to hold the thumbpick lightly, or it will slip out of your hand while you’re playing.
  1. Use the right amount of pressure: When you’re first starting out, it’s tempting to grip the pick too tightly or press too hard against the strings. But doing so will make it difficult to play cleanly. The best way to find the right amount of pressure is to experiment and see what works best for you.
  1. Experiment with different picking techniques: There are many different ways to hold and use a thumbpick, so experiment with different techniques until you find the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should a thumb pick fit?

A thumb pick should fit snugly and comfortably on your thumb, without being too tight or too loose. It should also allow you to move your thumb freely without slipping off.

Is a thumb pick worth it?

Yes, a thumb pick can be worth it if you find one that is comfortable and easy to use. Thumb picks can help you achieve a better sound when playing guitar, and they can also help you avoid finger pain.

How do you make your thumb pick bigger?

If you need to make your thumb pick bigger, you can use a file or sandpaper to enlarge the hole. Alternatively, you can try stretching the hole with a pair of pliers.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the basics of choosing a thumb pick, it’s time to make your selection. As we’ve discussed, the size of the pick will be determined by the size of your thumb. Before you go, we would like to share with you our top recommendations. 

If you have a small thumb, we recommend the Dunlop Max Grip Pick, which is 0.73mm thick. If you have a medium thumb, we recommend the Dunlop Tortex Pick, which is 0.88mm thick. 

And if you have a large thumb, we recommend the Dunlop Nylon Pick, which is 1.14mm thick.

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