Plectrum

A thin flat object that guitarists (and other stringed instrument players, such as mandolin players, bass players, and others) use to pluck an individual string or strum a chord across multiple strings – although there are, of course, other ways to sound a note. Today, the word plectrum has been replaced in common usage by the word “pick.” Most plectrums are made from mylon or plastic, though other materials have been used, such as stone and metal. Some guitarists prefer unusual plectrums. For example, Brian May uses a sixpenny coin, and Billy Gibbons uses a peso, so by definition, these coins would be considered plectrums.