Finger Picks

Finger picks give your fingers the attack and volume of a pick while you keep playing fingerstyle. They are standard kit for banjo, and they are common on resonator guitar, lap and pedal steel, and loud acoustic fingerpicking. This collection includes metal and plastic finger picks from Dunlop, Planet Waves, Ernie Ball and Recording King, plus Alaska Piks in four sizes.

Metal picks give a bright, cutting attack and are the traditional banjo choice. Plastic picks sound warmer and feel softer, which many guitarists prefer. Fit matters as much as material. A pick should sit snugly without cutting off circulation, and metal picks can be gently bent to shape your finger. Buying two or three sizes and keeping the ones that fit is a common way to start. Not sure which suits you? Call our team on 03 4151 5751 or visit us in Footscray. Stock at the store changes, so call ahead if you want to see a particular pick.

Common questions

Which finger picks are best for banjo?

Most banjo players use metal finger picks on the index and middle fingers, because their bright attack suits the instrument. Try a couple of sizes and gauges to find the fit you like.

Metal or plastic finger picks?

Metal is brighter and louder and can be bent to fit. Plastic is warmer and softer on the strings. Banjo players tend to choose metal; fingerstyle guitarists often choose plastic.

How should finger picks fit?

Snug enough that the pick does not twist or slip while you play, but not so tight it is uncomfortable. The blade should follow the pad of your finger.

Do finger picks work on nylon-string guitar?

They can, but most classical players use their own nails instead. Finger picks are more common on steel-string instruments.