Thicker guitar picks (or plectrums) create a sharper more defined (heavy if you will) sound then a lighter pick. All shapes and sizes are available. But the shape of the tip has the most influence on the sound. A pointed tip produce a brighter more focused sound while a rounded tip produce a softer less defined sound. Most of today’s guitar pick shapes were created by a company that made the first plastic pick in 1922, D’Andrea.
Picks are usually gripped with two fingers. Dunlop Nylon Max-Grip picks are great for the intermediate player, as they stay put.
Picks made of nylon don’t split or break as easily as when I was young. However it’s a matter of personal preference and many guitarists use different styles of picks.
Many famous players use all kinds of things for string plucking. Some of the best picks are Dunlop Tortex Flex .73 mm for acoustic playing and .66 mm for electric guitars. They are made out of a product called Derlin and never ever break or split.
These picks do not have any kind of grip so on cold days it might get away from you. A pick holder of some sort is a good idea.
Guitar picks started with guitarists shaping bone, shell, wood, metal, amber, stone or ivory to get the desired shape. Some incredible players just use their fingers. The list of styles, sizes, and shapes is almost endless. Should you do decide to play with a pick most of the time try them all! Then always keep one in you pocket. Eventually you’re going to need it. The correct pick is your sound, your staple, your tone, and your comfort zone if you will.
Try using Finger style on acoustic and picks with electric guitars. Some artists such as Steve Lukather uses what is called hybrid picking. It is a technique where the guitarist plays with fingers and a pick at the same time.
Hybrid picking is difficult for some musicians unless you start that way from the beginning. Me, I’ll play one way or the other but not both at the same time. Hybrid picking does produce an incredible playing ability. Another picking style is known as Chickin’ Pickin’. Chickin’ Pickin’ uses fingers or finger picks. It is mostly a country music style.
Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mack used only his fingers ever! But he is an incredible rock guitarist. So, the moral is, try it all and use what suits you. There is no right or wrong in guitar playing.