Finger Picks roundup
The Best Finger Picks for the Money
Most finger picks cost between £2 and £12 per individual pick or small set. The price range is narrow enough that brand and material choice matters more than budget for most players. The following covers the options that consistently deliver good value.
Budget Options
Dunlop's plastic finger picks at 0.013 or 0.020 gauge are the most widely available entry point, sold individually or in multipacks and costing under £1 each. They are functional for most acoustic guitar and folk applications and provide a useful introduction to the accessory without significant investment. For the thumb, the Dunlop 9010 celluloid thumb pick is similarly priced and widely stocked. These are not premium options, but they are reliable and consistent enough that many players use them indefinitely rather than upgrading.
Mid-Range: National and Fred Kelly
National's metal fingertip picks are the standard recommendation for resonator guitar and banjo players who want a traditional bright attack. They are sold individually for around £2–3 each and are adjustable by gentle bending. They last well unless over-adjusted. Fred Kelly produces several designs — the Slick Pick has a smooth finish that reduces friction, and the Speed Pick uses a different blade angle that some players find reduces hand fatigue over long sessions. Both are in the £2–4 per pick range and are worth trying alongside National if you are finding the fit or angle of one design uncomfortable. The full overview of types is in the guide to finger picks.