A guitar pick might be one of the smallest accessories in your case, but it can make a huge difference to how your guitar feels, responds and sounds. The thickness, material, grip and flexibility of your pick all affect your attack, tone and control.
For many players, Jim Dunlop picks are the standard. From the instantly recognisable colour-coded Tortex range to the classic feel of Nylon Standard picks, Dunlop has helped generations of guitarists find the right pick for their hand, instrument and playing style.
In this guide, we’ll compare three of the most popular Dunlop pick families: Tortex Standard Picks, Nylon Standard Picks and Tortex Flex Picks. We’ll look at what makes each one different, what the various gauges are for, and which playing styles they might suit best.
Why Dunlop Tortex Picks Became So Popular
First released in 1981, Dunlop Tortex Picks were originally designed as a high-quality replacement for tortoiseshell picks. But Jim Dunlop’s creation quickly became much more than a substitute. Tortex developed its own identity and became one of the most recognisable and widely used pick ranges in the world.
Tortex Picks are made from Delrin and treated with Dunlop’s special process to create their famous matte surface. That surface gives the pick a dry, slightly textured feel that is easy to grip, even during long gigs or heavy playing sessions.
Tonally, Tortex picks are known for their bright, snappy attack, strong durability and excellent memory. “Memory” refers to the way a pick returns to its original shape after flexing. That makes Tortex a great choice for players who want a pick that feels consistent and reliable.
The colour-coded gauge system is another reason Tortex has become so iconic. Many guitarists don’t even ask for the gauge by number anymore. They’ll simply ask for the “yellow ones” or the “green ones”.
Dunlop Tortex Standard Picks
Dunlop Tortex Standard Picks are the classic option. They have the familiar standard pick shape, a matte gripping surface, and a crisp attack that works across acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass.
They are especially popular with players who want definition. If you like your notes to pop, your chords to sound articulate, and your pick to feel stable in the hand, Tortex Standard is a great place to start.
The standard Tortex gauge range includes:
| .50mm | Red | Light strumming, acoustic rhythm, beginners wanting easy flexibility |
| .60mm | Orange | Strumming, rhythm guitar, lighter electric playing |
| .73mm | Yellow | Great all-rounder for acoustic and electric guitar |
| .88mm | Green | Rock rhythm, lead lines, tighter picking control |
| 1.0mm | Blue | Lead guitar, heavier rhythm, bass, stronger attack |
| 1.14mm | Purple | Fast picking, heavier riffs, jazz, bass and precise control |
The .73mm yellow Tortex is one of the great all-round picks. It has enough flexibility for strumming but enough body for single-note work. The .88mm green Tortex is another favourite, especially for electric players who want more control and a stronger attack.
If you play heavier rock, punk, metal, lead guitar or bass, the 1.0mm and 1.14mm Tortex picks give you less flex and more immediate response.
Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks
Dunlop Nylon Standard Picks were Dunlop’s first-ever pick offering, and they still have a loyal following today. Where Tortex feels crisp and snappy, Nylon Standard picks feel warmer, smoother and more flexible.
Nylon has a softer attack than Tortex, which can be especially useful for acoustic guitar, clean electric tones, funk rhythm playing or any style where you want the pick to glide across the strings.
These picks feature a familiar standard shape and a raised logo gripping surface, which helps keep the pick secure between your fingers. The rounded edge also gives the pick a smooth string release, making it very comfortable for strumming.
Common Nylon Standard gauges include:
| Gauge | Best Suited For |
| .38mm | Very light acoustic strumming, soft dynamics, beginners |
| .46mm | Light strumming, folk, pop and relaxed rhythm playing |
| .60mm | General acoustic strumming, softer electric rhythm |
| .73mm | Versatile rhythm and lead balance |
| .88mm | More control for electric guitar, blues and rock |
| 1.0mm | Lead playing, stronger attack and more precision |
| 1.25mm | Players wanting extra thickness with nylon warmth |
The lighter Nylon gauges, especially .38mm and .46mm, are ideal for players who want a very flexible pick for open-chord strumming. They can help smooth out your playing and reduce pick noise, particularly on acoustic guitar.
The medium gauges, such as .60mm and .73mm, are excellent everyday options. They still have that classic nylon give, but with a little more control.
Thicker Nylon picks, such as .88mm, 1.0mm and 1.25mm, suit players who want the warmer feel of nylon but need more precision for riffs, lead lines or stronger rhythm playing.
Dunlop Tortex Flex Picks
Dunlop Tortex Flex Standard Picks sit between the other two ranges. They combine the familiar textured grip of Tortex with the warmer tone and smoother flexibility associated with nylon.
In simple terms, Tortex Flex is for the player who likes the shape and grip of Tortex but wants a slightly softer feel and a little more warmth in the tone.
They still have the familiar standard shape, so they feel instantly comfortable if you already use regular Tortex picks. But compared with Tortex Standard, they have more give and a slightly thicker tonal character.
Tortex Flex Standard gauges include:
| Gauge | Best Suited For |
| .50mm | Light strumming with a smoother feel |
| .60mm | Acoustic rhythm, pop, folk and general playing |
| .73mm | Versatile acoustic and electric playing |
| .88mm | Rock rhythm, blues, alternate picking and lead work |
| 1.0mm | Stronger riffs, bass runs and lead guitar |
| 1.14mm | Heavier playing, fast picking and maximum control |
Tortex Flex is a great choice if you find regular Tortex a little too sharp or rigid, but you still want a pick that grips well and responds consistently. It is also a smart option for players who switch between acoustic and electric guitars and want a single pick that works for both.
Which Dunlop Pick Should You Choose?
Choosing among Tortex Standard, Nylon Standard, and Tortex Flex comes down to three main factors: feel, tone, and playing style.
If you want a bright, crisp and articulate pick, go for Tortex Standard. It is ideal for players who want strong note definition and reliable grip.
If you want a warmer, smoother and more flexible pick, go for Nylon Standard. It is especially good for acoustic strumming, clean tones and players who prefer a softer attack.
If you want something in between, go for Tortex Flex. It gives you the grip and familiarity of Tortex with a warmer, more forgiving feel.
What Pick Gauge Is Best for Beginners?
For most beginners, a medium-light pick is the easiest place to start. Something around .60mm to .73mm gives you enough flexibility for strumming while still offering enough control for basic riffs and melodies.
Acoustic beginners may prefer a lighter pick, such as a .50mm Tortex, .60mm Tortex Flex, or .46mm to .60mm Nylon Standard. These gauges are comfortable for chord strumming and are more forgiving while you build your technique.
Electric guitar beginners may prefer something slightly firmer, such as a .73mm Tortex, .73mm Tortex Flex, or .73mm Nylon Standard. These gauges offer a good balance for both rhythm and lead playing.
Best Dunlop Picks for Acoustic Guitar
For acoustic guitar, lighter and medium gauges are usually the most comfortable. They allow the pick to move across the strings easily and help create a smooth, even strumming sound.
Good acoustic options include:
Nylon Standard .38mm or .46mm for soft, gentle strumming.
Tortex Standard .50mm or .60mm for brighter acoustic rhythm.
Tortex Flex .60mm or .73mm for a warmer strum with a more controlled feel.
Players who like a stronger acoustic attack may prefer .73mm or .88mm, especially for flatpicking, country, bluegrass or more defined rhythm playing.
Best Dunlop Picks for Electric Guitar
Electric guitar players often prefer medium to heavier gauges because they offer greater control and a stronger string response.
Good electric options include:
Tortex Standard .73mm for a versatile everyday pick.
Tortex Standard .88mm for rock rhythm, lead lines and stronger attack.
Tortex Flex .88mm or 1.0mm for riffs and solos with a warmer feel.
Nylon Standard .88mm or 1.0mm for players who want more control but a softer edge.
If you play fast alternate picking, heavier riffs or more technical lead guitar, moving up to 1.0mm or 1.14mm can help the pick feel more stable and predictable.
There is no single “best” guitar pick for every player. The right pick depends on your instrument, your hand, your attack and the sound you are chasing.
Dunlop Tortex Standard Picks are a brilliant choice for players who want brightness, grip and consistency. Nylon Standard Picks are perfect for players who prefer warmth, flexibility and a smooth release. Tortex Flex Picks offer a great middle ground, combining the familiar Tortex feel with a softer and warmer response.
The best way to find your favourite is to try a few different gauges side by side. A small change in thickness can make a big difference to your playing feel, especially when moving between acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass.
Visit Colemans Music in Melbourne or shop online to explore our range of Dunlop guitar picks, including Tortex Standard, Nylon Standard and Tortex Flex options.
