Finding the right guitar pick for your playing style is one of the most important decisions you can make as a guitarist, and also one of the most challenging. There are so many different picks made out of so many different material and come in so many varying shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. This is a quick guide for anyone searching for the best guitar pick for them, and a quick way for anyone to possibly discover picks they've never seen before.
Acoustic
For acoustic, I recommend picks that have enough flex so that they bend a slight amount when you strum a chord. This gives the guitar a very percussive sound and most gel picks (such as the Dunlop ones) bring out the brighter sound of your guitar strings. Also, Primetones are awesome as well, probably the best sounding guitar picks I have found but they dull fast for those of you who pick or strum hard.
Jazz
Jazz musicians have to play relatively fast at times as well as have lots of control with their dynamics. The ideal pick for this situation would be a pick that's small but not so much that it's difficult to hold onto, pointed, and has some kind of grip. Jazz XL III's would be a good starting point. The thickness comes down to whatever you prefer. I would also suggest the ones with the Max Grip so you don't drop and lose them constantly to the invisible void every guitar pick seems to find. Big Stubby picks are also pretty good for those who like a thick pick and have a light touch.
Metal/Hard Rock
Like jazz musicians, if you're playing anything that requires a lot of speed and dexterity you're going to want to use something that's pointed and not too large. Jazz III's suite these styles well and also I have found these really awesome guitar picks by Gravity Guitar Picks called the "Sunrise" shape. If you're into really thick picks by the way, check out their site because they have some really interesting/versatile shapes that you can order anywhere from I think 1mm to 6mm. They also have the option of adding different shaped holes for a better grip.
Rock/Classic Rock
Honestly just about any standard size and shape pick will be good for this kind of music. Dunlop is always a great go-to pick brand.
Stone
These picks can be hand made at home or ordered online for a reasonable price usually, and they have a very solid feel that normal picks don't have.
Glass
I haven't had any personal experience with these, but I've heard that they're pretty cool. Apparently they glide across the strings much easier than most other picks (just don't drop it!).
Metal
I didn't find out that these things existed until a few months ago and I've been playing for quite some time. The advantage to having a metal pick is that you'll probably only need one for a very long time due to the fact that they last so long (unless you lose it!). Also, I have found that they typically have a much brighter attack that is very present in your tone, which you will either love or dislike.
F*CKING DINOSAUR BONE!!!
How is this not just completely badass? These picks can be a bit pricey, but man they're cool. Check out this company called Stoneworks.
