When playing the guitar, you’ll find numerous musicians who like to use thumb picks as part of their playing style. You can also find many great players who have always used a flat pick for their playing needs.
Both options allow a stringed instrument to sing notes and chords in specific ways. A thumb pick is almost always necessary when your goal is to create tone and note qualities like Chet Atkins.
You can also be a virtuoso like John Renbourn and never use one.
Once you understand the differences between thumb picks and flat picks, you can make an appropriate choice for your playing needs.
Thumb Picks vs. Flat Picks: What’s the Difference?
The thumb pick is similar to a flat pick for guitars and other stringed instruments. The primary difference is that the former option can be worn like a ring, freeing up more fingers for additional playing options. It is also possible to pivot a thumb pick slightly to give it a better angle of attack.
When looking at the differences between thumb picks and flat picks, there are three good reasons to consider using either product.
Some musicians might decide to have both available to have options for almost any playing environment.
| Reasons to Use Thumb Picks | Reasons to Use Flat Picks |
| A thumb pick delivers a more focused attack, creating a louder note than a flat pick, plucked string, or a fingernail. | You won’t get the same clicking noises when playing the guitar when using a flat pick over a thumb pick. |
| It can still get used as a flat pick in the middle of a composition.The angle of attack for the thumb is lower, almost parallel to the instrument’s strings. | It’s easier to match the bass tones in acoustic or bass guitars with the treble in an electric guitar with flat picks. |
| That’s why it’s easier to mute the guitar while playing without compromising the tone quality from each play. | You can still play the instrument even if the item breaks, which isn’t always the case with the ring-style wearing requirement of the thumb pick. |
Many musicians decide to use a thumb pick when standing since sitting changes the instrument’s angle. It’s much easier to get the tone quality needed for a well-rounded note in a chair with a flat pick.
When standing, you don’t need to worry about having the flat pick fly away when you have a thumb pick secured to your hand.
Although you’ll need to find a product that fits and remains comfortable, it only takes a little time and experimentation to decide what you like – or if you even like using a thumb pick.
How to Find a Good Guitar Pick to Use
The guitar pick is likely the smallest piece of gear that you’ll use to play the instrument. Although it seems like a humble component, picks have more of an influence on your sound and technique than you likely realize.
That’s why it is essential to choose a thumb pick or a flat pick carefully, especially when you’re first starting to play.
The best flat picks offer three features that you’ll need to carefully examine to ensure the size, style, and design meet your playing needs.
- Non-slip grip. You don’t want your pick to fly out of your hands in the middle of a song. The best products deliver a gripping surface that maintains contact with the skin, even when your hands start getting a bit sweaty and wet. Ernie Ball uses Delrin for this purpose, which is an acetal homopolymer.
- Beveled edge. Flat picks need to have beveling along the edges to deliver control and speed to the musician. Without this feature, the instrument’s tone tends to be a bit hollow.
- Machined point. When the pick comes to a sharp end, you’ll get a better attack when plucking strings or strumming chords.
Flat picks come in many different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. If you’re just starting your journey of playing the guitar, it helps to have a good mixture of each type to find out what you like to play.
That’s why I highly recommend the Fender Premium Picks Sampler. It delivers up to four dozen picks to use with three different gauges, creating a warm and well-rounded tone for almost any guitar.
Each one is made from celluloid, with numerous colors in the box to help you match your specific playing needs.
■ What about Finding a Thumb Pick to Use?
The best reason to use a thumb pick when playing the guitar involves your playing style. It’s a bridge between plucking and strumming that removes the possibility of losing the pick during a performance or practice.
You can find thumb picks in several different sizes, shapes, designs, and gauges. When you shop online or in stores, you’ll find plastic or metal options, although composite materials are typically the best to use.
A thumb pick is relatively similar to a flat pick, but it has a pinch band or loop that you slide the thumb into for playing. It has a protruding edge that you’ll use to hit the strings when playing a note.
There isn’t a correct position to wear a thumb pick. It all depends on the shape and size of your thumb.
If you’re interested in trying this option, here are some tips to consider to ensure you find an appropriate model for your playing needs.
- Avoid cheap thumb picks that are manufactured by no-name companies. These products don’t have a history of reliability, even if the online reviews give the product five stars. It’s not worth saving a few bucks to get something mediocre.
- It takes time to adjust to the playing style with a thumb pick. Don’t get discouraged if the process feels uncomfortable. Your hand and thumb might experience cramping and soreness after the first few sessions.
- Find a product that works with your thumb. People stop using these picks because the fit is improper and painful. Since each brand has slightly different sizing, you’ll want to try a few on whenever possible.
- If your thumb swells when playing, try to soak the product in hot water to reshape it for your hand before using it again.
I’m a big fan of the Golden Gate Mock Tortoise thumb picks. You’ll get the look and feel of the natural product, but without the potential harm to the environment.
They’re excellent for bluegrass and plucking, but you can experiment with other styles since you can reach the third and fourth strings.
You’ll get a tight fit with the Golden Gate picks, but it isn’t uncomfortable. You’ll receive stability and control in one affordable package.
Guitar Pick Thickness Guide
When you shop for new guitar picks, you’ll find that they come in a few different thickness options, depending on the manufacturer. Fender typically gives you three with their multipacks, while Ernie Ball offers four.
Here is the information you’ll need to know to make sure you’re purchasing the appropriate pick gauge for your playing needs.
| Thin Picks .48mm to .60mm | • This option is an excellent choice for acoustic and classical guitars. • It also works well for 12-string electrics or anyone who prefers an intricate playing style. • They offer more treble to the tone while gliding across the strings, but this benefit comes at the expense of control. • Expect lots of flexing and bending. |
| Medium Picks .73mm to .88 mm | • Most guitarists use these picks. • It’s a good compromise since you get the flexibility for rhythm or strumming while having enough material stiffness to handle the lead work when it arrives. • You’ll get a decent mid-range without having too much emphasis. |
| Heavy Picks 1mm to 1.14mm | • When you have plenty of solos to play, this gauge is a better option to consider. • It’s also the pick thickness of choice for metal and heavy rock. • You get a lot of attack control on the strings and more harmonics, especially when hitting the notes hard. |
| Extra Heavy Picks 1.5mm to 2mm | • This choice delivers a mellower sound with extra warmth. • It’s better for blues and jazz musicians who need something darker and deeper when playing. • Some metal players love this thickness because it delivers the most control over the attack. • If you like to play quickly, consider adding some of these to your collection. |
This guide is for informational purposes. It shouldn’t be treated as a specific set of rules that all musicians must follow.
Some guitarists love using thin picks all the time. Others like using an extra heavy one with their acoustic instrument.
It is also common to find yourself using different picks for specific needs, like playing a solo or delivering power chords.
A Final Thought on Thumb Picks vs. Flat Picks
Thumb picks and flat picks are often made from cellulose, nylon, or exotic materials. The first option is more brittle, but it delivers notes with extra bite. With nylon, you’ll get a softer tone and a more consistent grip. Exotic picks provide specific outcomes based on unique playing requirements, but at a significantly greater cost.
I’ve never been the biggest fan of thumb picks just because my fingers tend to be larger than average.
It’s always been a challenge to fit the ring on, even when the product is adjustable. I even buy larger flat picks to accommodate my hand size.
What I will say about thumb picks is that I enjoy the extra control they offer. Since I’m right-handed, the learning process was relatively simple. I can’t imagine how hard it might be for a lefty to work on this technique, even with a custom guitar.
If you’re just getting started on your journey with the guitar or bass, I highly recommend trying both picks to see what you like. Each one comes with specific advantages that require consideration.
Once you’ve settled on the style you prefer, stock up on the picks when they’re a great price because they tend to get lost. It’s like having socks that go into the dryer and never come out.
Thumb picks vs. flat picks will always be a debate, but it’s up to you to decide what you prefer. There isn’t a wrong answer here.
That’s why music is such a beautiful thing. You’re always putting your spin on the melody and rhythm.