Setting the Standard Since 1981
Originally designed to replicate the feel of a tortoiseshell pick, Dunlop’s Tortex line has since outgrown its iconic tortoise mascot, revolutionizing the world of guitar picks for over 40 years. Before Tortex picks came along, guitar players could only choose from a limited selection of plectrums that often came in only three ambiguous sizes: light, medium, and heavy. Jim Dunlop sought to provide a solution by arming players with a complete range of thicknesses standardized to the 100th of a millimeter and easily recognizable by Dunlop’s signature color-coded system. Excellent durability, perfect grip, and snappy tone have made Tortex the industry-standard pick for guitar players around the world. Whether you’re a pro or just beginning your musical journey, you can be sure that there’s a Tortex pick for you!
Signature Tortex composition and durability
Jim Dunlop strove to provide guitar players with the best pick possible, constantly refining his materials and processes until he arrived at Tortex’s signature composition. Tortex picks are designed with a grip-enhancing surface that naturally feels “just right” — there's enough texture to firmly stay in your fingers without ever feeling sticky. Constructed from a highly durable plastic called Delrin, Tortex picks are resistant to the constant wear and bending that guitar picks are subjected to; in other words, they offer a long shelf life even with heavy playing. And, of course, Tortex picks are renowned for delivering a clear and articulate sound that’s ideal for electric, acoustic, and bass guitar playing across the entire spectrum of musical genres.
Dunlop standard pick shape: the standard for versatility
A jack of all trades, the Dunlop standard is the most common pick shape. There's a wealth of specialized picks that excel in their own way, but Sweetwater guitarists find that the sheer versatility of the standard is unmatched. It's the standard for a reason!

Dunlop Tortex Standard Picks Features:
- Dunlop's standard pick shape has unmatched versatility
- Sharp point for maximum speed and accuracy when picking
- Tortex material is highly durable and resists normal wear and tear from playing
- Bright and articulate tone works well for electric, acoustic, and bass guitar across a wide variety of genres