Hey, guys! I’m just getting started with mando, and I was wondering what type of pick I should use? Ive been hearing that thicker picks are better suited for mando, but others say that thin ones are better. Any tips or suggestions would be much appreciated! 
Mando picks
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Hello @B-Dub! I hope you are enjoying the mandolin, I find it a very fun instrument to play. I started playing a couple years ago and I personally have always liked thicker picks. I feel like you can get a much richer tone with them. Plus, when you are chopping through all 8 strings, a thicker pick will help with a “barkier” (more groovy) chop (at least from my experience). I have tried several different kinds, but my favorite so far is a pick my brother had for guitar-the BlueChip stp60, which is 1.5mm. (I seem to like 1.5’s).
It is medium size which is easier to hold then the bigger ones in my opinion. It is the one I have been using for the last several months, but I would like to try out some more sometime as well. I’m not an expert at this, but I thought I would share what I have been using and I hope this is helpful for you.
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Also, when I use a thinner pick there is more pick noise, which I really don’t like.
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For bluegrass, thicker seems to be the norm (and I agree with it). Personally I am not worried about a particular thickness, just a lack flexing. My favorite mandolin pick is the BC TPR 40, but there are bunch that I like. I also used a CT-55 for a while, but that migrated to one of my guitars. Primetone has a bunch of picks that are nice and are reasonable which I find good for trying out different sizes and pick profiles.
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Hey @B-Dub I’ve tried different shapes (rounded and triangle) for mandolin, between 1.0 to 1.5 thickness. You might do the same and try different shape and size pics to find what you like.
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Hey, @Rebekah_Fell! Thank you so much for your pick suggestions! I will definitely check out the Bluechip stp60 1.5mm pick. You have been very helpful!
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I totally agree with the thicker picks for mando { it makes it sound less twangy! } thanks for helping @Mike_R!
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I like 1.5mm thickness as well, like others said you get a warmer tone with a thicker pick. My favorite is the ToneSlabs Torlon 1.5mm. I’m using the Tweener size currently (similar to the BlueChip CT size) but I also like the mini (similar to BlueChip TP size)
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I would also recommend the Toneslab picks! The David Benedict model is a great option- it’s a tad bit thinner but has great tone. I also like the bluechips (TP60) and Token picks are great as well!
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