plektrum

A plektrum, also called a plectrum or pick, is a small, flat object used to pluck or strum the strings of plucked string instruments such as guitars, basses, mandolins, and bouzoukis. The term is widely used in several languages to describe this accessory, which substitutes for the fingers or nails in producing sound.

Most plektrums are made from plastics such as celluloid, acrylic, nylon, or Delrin, but other materials—metal, wood, stone, or composite blends—are also used. Typical shapes include teardrop, triangle, and circular forms, with varying sizes and thicknesses. The edge can be rounded for a smoother attack or pointed for greater precision and faster picking. Thickness categories such as light, medium, and heavy help players select a feel and tone.

Handling and technique vary by style. The plektrum is usually held between the thumb and index finger, sometimes with the middle finger providing additional support. The material and shape influence tone, attack, and dynamics: thicker picks tend to produce louder, brighter tones with stronger articulation, while thinner picks yield lighter, mellower sounds. Plectrums are favored for rapid alternate picking, precise single-note lines, and certain chord voicings. In genres where fingers are common, a plektrum offers an alternative approach for players seeking specific tonal characteristics or picking efficiency.