Since 1981, Tortex® Picks have redefined what guitarists expect from their playing accessories, moving far beyond their original purpose as a premium tortoiseshell alternative. Jim Dunlop’s groundbreaking innovation didn’t just fill a gap in the market—it created an entirely new benchmark that continues to influence pick design and manufacturing today.
The distinctive turtle logo and vibrant colour coding system have become universally recognised among musicians worldwide. Walk into any music shop and simply ask for “Green Picks” or “Yellow Picks,” and you’ll likely be handed Tortex .88mm or .73mm varieties respectively. This colour-coded system has become the industry’s unofficial standard for communicating pick thickness and feel.
Musicians spanning every conceivable genre and playing technique have made Tortex their pick of choice, cementing its position as more than just another guitar accessory. The revolution Jim Dunlop started with Tortex fundamentally changed how players approach their craft, proving that sometimes the smallest components can have the most significant impact on musical expression.



