Jim Dunlop Guitar Pick Tortex Standard Pick 0.50mm – The Industry Standard for Bright, Snappy Tone
The Pick That Revolutionized the Industry. Still Made in the USA.
Tortex Picks are highly durable with great memory and just the right amount of flexibility for a snappy, fluid attack that's bright and crisp. Whether you're playing searing electric leads or strumming acoustic passages, the appeal of Tortex as a sonic paintbrush is universal. First released in 1981, Tortex Picks were originally intended to be a high-quality replacement for tortoiseshell. Jim Dunlop's trail-blazing creation became so much more than that, however, establishing its own identity and becoming the new standard by which all other picks are judged.
The Story Behind the Legend
Building on the precision, consistency, and color-coded gauge system he introduced with Nylon Picks, Jim resolved to create a pick with a bright and snappy attack, superior memory and durability, and an improved grip. He chose Delrin as his base material and then spent more than a year developing a special treatment process to draw out its full potential. This treatment process is what sets Tortex Picks apart from all others, providing their unique grip-enhancing matte surface and aggressive attack. Finally, Jim expanded on his previous picks' color-coded gauge system to create the bright and timeless palette that has become an industry standard. Because we stick to Jim's original formula, Tortex Picks remain our bestselling pick line. And we still make them at the Dunlop HQ in Benicia, California.
The .50mm Gauge – Light and Flexible for Expressive Playing
The .50mm Tortex Standard Pick is the lightest gauge in the Tortex lineup, identified by its iconic red color. This thin, flexible pick is perfect for players who want a snappy, fluid attack with plenty of give. The .50mm gauge is ideal for:
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Acoustic Strumming: The light flex allows for smooth, effortless strumming with a bright, crisp tone.
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Rhythm Playing: The snap and responsiveness make it perfect for chord work and rhythmic grooves.
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Expressive Techniques: The flexibility enables dynamic control and expressive playing styles.
Why Tortex Remains the Standard
With Tortex, Jim Dunlop launched a revolution, and the world of picks has never been the same. The turtle logo is instantly recognizable, and the vibrant Tortex palette has become a gauging shorthand for guitar players. Go into any music store and ask for Green or Yellow Picks—chances are, you'll be shown a pack of Tortex .88mm or .73mm Picks. Countless musicians across the world, representing every genre and playing style, have chosen Tortex Picks to help them do what they love.
Key Features
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Bright, Snappy Attack: Delivers a crisp, articulate tone that cuts through any mix
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Superior Memory and Durability: Maintains its shape and performance far longer than standard picks
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Grip-Enhancing Matte Surface: Special treatment process provides a comfortable, non-slip grip
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Color-Coded Gauge System: Red color indicates .50mm gauge for easy identification
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Light and Flexible: Perfect for acoustic strumming, rhythm playing, and expressive techniques
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Industry Standard: The pick by which all others are judged
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Original Formula: Still made using Jim Dunlop's original recipe
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Made in the USA: Crafted at the Dunlop HQ in Benicia, California
Specifications
You'll Love These Picks If You Want:
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A bright, snappy attack with a crisp tone
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A light, flexible pick for strumming and rhythm playing
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Superior memory and durability
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A comfortable, non-slip grip
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The industry standard for guitar picks
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A pick made with the original Tortex formula
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A pick made in the USA
Why Choose the Jim Dunlop Tortex Standard Pick .50mm?
For guitarists who want the legendary tone, feel, and durability of the original Tortex pick in a light, flexible gauge, the .50mm Red Tortex Standard Pick delivers. Its bright, snappy attack and expressive flexibility make it perfect for acoustic strumming, rhythm playing, and dynamic techniques. The special treatment process provides a grip-enhancing matte surface, while the Delrin construction ensures superior memory and lasting performance. Whether you're performing live, recording in the studio, or practicing at home, Tortex picks help you do what you love.
The original. The standard. The legend.
