Plectrum

A plectrum is a small flat tool used for plucking or strumming of a stringed instrument. For hand-held instruments such as guitars and mandolins, the plectrum is often called a pick and is held as a separate tool in the player's hand. Players of lap steel guitar and bluegrass style banjo music often wear a fingerpick, a style of plectrum that clips onto or wraps around the end of the fingers and thumb. In harpsichords, the plectra (traditionally made of crow quill) are attached to the jack mechanism.