Wooden Guitar Picks: Tone, Feel and How They Compare to Plastic

Most guitarists start with thin plastic picks, but more and more players are discovering wooden guitar picks. They look beautiful, feel natural in the hand, and change the sound of your guitar in a way many acoustic players love. Here's what to expect.

How do wooden picks sound?

Wood is softer and less bright than most plastics, so a wooden pick tends to give a warmer, rounder tone with less of the clicky attack you hear from thin celluloid picks. On an acoustic guitar that often means a mellow, woody strum; on electric it can soften harsh treble. Because wooden picks are usually thicker than standard plastic picks, they also produce a fuller, more controlled sound.

How do they feel?

A wooden pick is thicker and more rigid than a typical plastic pick, so it doesn't flex. Many players find that gives them more control for single notes and a steady, even strum. The natural surface also warms up in your hand and is less slippery than glossy plastic. If you're used to very thin, floppy picks, give yourself a few practice sessions to adjust.

Wooden vs plastic picks at a glance

• Tone: wood is warmer and softer; plastic is usually brighter.
• Flex: wood is rigid; plastic comes in thin to heavy gauges.
• Grip: wood has a natural, less slippery feel.
• Looks: every wooden pick has unique grain, and can be laser-engraved.
• Wear: wood wears gradually at the tip, like a heavy plastic pick, and can be lightly re-sanded.

Choosing a wood

We make our personalised wooden guitar picks in four woods, each with its own character:

• Walnut: a deep brown, dense wood with an elegant dark grain. Engraving is subtle and classy.
• Rosewood: a rich red-brown wood traditionally used for fretboards, warm in colour and tone.
• Olive: golden with dramatic, wavy grain, so no two picks look alike.
• White Oak: pale and light, giving the highest contrast for engraved names and designs.

Are wooden picks good for beginners?

Yes, especially for acoustic players. The rigid feel can make strumming more even, and a personalised pick is a lovely motivation to keep practising. That's why an engraved pick is such a popular gift for someone who has just started learning.

How to look after a wooden pick

• Keep it dry, and wipe it clean after playing.
• Store it in a pick box so it doesn't get lost or scratched.
• Don't leave it in direct sunlight or a hot car for long periods.
• If the tip wears, a very light sand with fine sandpaper smooths it again.

Make it personal

Because wood engraves beautifully, a wooden pick is ideal for personalising with a name, a date or a design. Explore our personalised guitar picks, or read our ideas for what to engrave on a guitar pick.