If you like playing the guitar, you probably know how easy it is to misplace a pick. Whether losing your favorite pick is a simple inconvenience or a life-shattering occurrence, 3D printing could offer a solution!
With 3D printing, replacing a lost pick is as simple as running off another print. Got time? Print five so you have some spares!
Even better is the sheer number of possibilities 3D printing your picks creates. No longer are you stuck with basic materials and designs; you can customize to your heart’s content! Colors, textures, shape, and performance can all be tweaked with some simple CAD work, or you can print one of many great pre-existing designs.
If you see one of the picks here that you’d like printed, or have a special pick in mind, consider checking out Craftcloud.
Now, let’s get into our top picks (pun intended) for 3D printable guitar picks!
Plain and Simple
To start our list, we thought it would be best to go with something plain and simple. About the only thing that’s special about this pick is which color you choose to print it in.
Naturally, you can always adjust the STL file in order to add a bit of customization. For something free and easy, we recommend Tinkercad.
The creator of this pick suggests using PLA over ABS, as the latter may be too flexible and easily break. The good news is that, either way, it only takes five minutes to make a replacement.
Who made it? warpaint
Who printed it? There are 18 posted Makes with various colors and customizations plus 8 remixes.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Better Grip
If you need a pick with a bit more grip to it, this model with an aesthetically pleasing hexagonal pattern is sure to please. It’s easier to grab since it has a wider body than traditional picks, and the pattern gives you that extra grip for all your long solos.
This pick was printed with ABS and it’s recommended to use 0.1 mm layer heights. Since the pick is designed to print in only two layers, values above that will diminish the resolution and you won’t get the desired result.
Who made it? Hagster
Who printed it? With 16 prints so far, 2 out of 3 say that this pick has become a favorite.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
With a Twist
Here’s a twisted guitar pick, designed to make strumming across strings a more comfortable experience. The indent for your finger and the slightly angled tip should help you never miss a string.
The creator recommends that you print the model vertically. To avoid it detaching from the bed, use rafts and support material, and print slowly. Anything higher than 40 mm/s and 0.2 mm layer height will cause the print to have issues.
After printing, you’ll need to sand it to remove any support material residue and assure that all sharp edges are smooth.
Who made it? Alexandrepetersen
Who printed it? There are 19 downloads of this model so far. Be the first to share a make!
Where to get it? Cults
Comfort Rules
Do you have trouble handling a pick for long periods of time? So did this maker. His solution was to design a pick that wraps around your finger, saving your nails and cuticles.
According to the maker, the curvature of this pick distributes the forces evenly, making it more comfortable than other designs. It’s a combination of a flat pick and a thumb pick, and was designed to be both flexible and resistant.
It’s recommended to print it at a 0.2 mm layer height, with a 0.4 mm extrusion width. You don’t have to worry about supports since this has already been taken care of in the design. Just print it slowly and with a slightly higher extruder temperature to increase layer adhesion.
You may want to scale it to your thumb size and might have to do a few trial prints to get it just right.
Who made it? LoboCNC
Who printed it? There are 2 makes and 2 remixes of this simple print.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Let Your Fingers Flow
Here’s a simple ergonomic pick with a molded position for your fingers. It’s thick enough for you to play hard on those guitar strings without worrying that it’ll snap or fly out of your grip.
The creator recommends that you print it in two parts, sand them, and glue them together. Print it slowly with small layers, and you’ll have a neat and elegant pick in no time.
Who made it? Seneca
Who printed it? 15 people have posted Makes and there are 3 remixes available. One of the remixes even has extra dots for a better grip.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
In Memoriam
Fan of AC/DC? And what about Malcolm Young, Angus’ brother? This is a replica of the pick which was given out at Young’s funeral in 2017 to all the attendees. If you weren’t invited or didn’t have the chance to attend, here’s your opportunity to get your hands on this iconic pick.
If you print it in two colors, the effect you can achieve is awesome. This might be one of those you picks you’ll want to keep with you at all times.
Who made it? The Messenger RG
Who printed it? This model has been downloaded more than 10 times, but nobody has shared their prints yet.
Where to get it? PrusaPrinters
The Nail Saver
Save your nails and fingers from all that strumming! This pick was designed with the goal of keeping your fingers happy. If you like to have your hands manicured to perfection, this print a great choice, as it mimics having a long thumbnail.
It’s been printed in PLA on a Prusa MK3, so we know it’s printable. You may want to adjust the scaling to fit your finger before printing.
Who made it? CharlieWickham
Who printed it? Over 100 users have downloaded this model.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Always In Your Pocket
This print is for anyone who’s always losing their picks. Since we always leave home with our wallets, this credit card-shaped print is the perfect backup to keep with you. Emergency picks on the go!
The creator gives us the possibility to print the holder and picks in the same material or separately with a dual extruder. Dual extrusion lets you print the picks and holder in different colors or even different materials.
If you happen to have some filament samples lying around, this is the perfect opportunity to use them.
Who made it? Yepher
Who printed it? With more than 250 downloads, this print seems to be a popular one!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Six Pack
If you don’t know how thick you want your picks, no problem! This amazing collection gives you picks in a range of thicknesses, from 0.4 mm up to 3 mm, all ready for you to print.
The thickness of each pick is marked, so it’ll be easy for you to figure out which thickness suits you best. All of the corners have been filleted, so there are no sharp edges to worry about.
It’s recommended to print them with 100% infill and with 0.05 mm layer height. As a tip from fellow user Sheerun, it’s advised to print the picks one-by-one to avoid them detaching from the bed.
Who made it? Poiler
Who printed it? Even though there’s only 1 Make, these look amazing and useful!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Music Inspiration
Looking for some inspiring designs on your picks? The designer of this collection gives you the possibility to choose the pick that hits the right chord for you, or even remix your own with the provided blank!
As with all the other picks here, print these with low layer heights to achieve the best results. If you picked one with more details, printing them slowly should also help ensure good results.
Who made it? Digitang3D
Who printed it? There are more than 1,000 downloads of this design.
Where to get it? Cults
Extra: All About That Bass
If you play the bass, the other picks on the list might not satisfy you. We’ve found an extra special bass pick just for you! It’s larger and thicker so it can handle those base strings. Like the previous pick, you can even choose the blank model file and add a custom design.
Printing with 100% infill and 0.1 mm layer height is recommended, as is sanding prints to remove any rough edges from the curvature. No supports are needed for this pick design.
Who made it? BrunoBellamy
Who printed it? This design has been downloaded more than 7,000 times and has 10 Makes posted.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Lead image source: Digitang3D via Cuts
License: The text of "3D Printed Guitar Pick: 10 Amazing 3D Models" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.