We tested a bunch of banjo thumb picks for quality and durability in order to create this list. In doing so, we were able to outline the distinct benefits of each pick to give a good indication of which picks would be good for which players. Hopefully this helps give you some insight into what is out there on the market right now, and what banjo fingerpicks would be a good fit for you! So let’s jump into it…
Last update on 2023-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Golden Gate – Heavy Duty
If you’re looking for a high quality, solid, and durable thumb pick for your banjo, we recommend Golden Gate (specifically the GP-10). Golden gate is among the premier banjo thumb pick manufactures, and this particular model offers a particularly robust yet ergonomic design. The thumb pick is made from grained ivoroid, has three different sizes, and comes in packs of 12.
Dunlop – Feel
Another premier manufacturer, Dunlop is among the gold standard when it comes to banjo picks. They have plenty of quality metal finger picks, including the Dunlop Nickel Silver Finger which we will be reviewing today. An important aspect of playing thumb pick banjo is having a pick that isn’t too flimsy (making it difficult to play effectively) but also isn’t too firm (making it difficult to play dynamically). The Silver Finger absolutely nails this sweet spot, it feels great to play and has just the right amount of rigidity. The pick is made of nickel and delivers a bright and classic sound, perfect for a variety of banjo playing styles. The pick is sold in 6 different size gauges (0.013 – 0.025) and comes in packs of 20.
D’addario – best budget
If you’re looking for a decent plastic thumbpick and want to spend as little as possible, the D’addario 5CSH6 is a great option. Made from celluloid, the pick creates a warm, fat tone and feels balanced. Overall, this pick offers great value for the price you’re paying. It \ comes in a large size (there is also a medium but you’ll have to do a separate search on amazon) and the pack includes 5 picks.
Black Mountain – Coolest Design
I’ll admit this is a personal preference, but I love the look and feel of the black mountain medium gauge. The spring tension feels really comfortable to me and the pick is very well made and durable. If you’re looking for a more unorthodox choice and care about the aesthetic appearance of your pick, check out the black mountain.
Conclusion
If you spoke to 10 banjo players, you’d probably get 10 different answers as to what the best banjo thumb pick is. It really just comes down to preference, everyone has different hands and different feel when it comes to playing. Hopefully this list points you in the right direction, but you’ll most likely have to try a few options to truly find banjo finger picks that fit your style.
