The present invention relates to a plectrum (1) having two portions (10, 12) being offset transversely but connected integrally by a stepped member (14). One portion (12) may have a tear-drop shaped playing edge (112), while the other portion may have a pointed edge (114) at one corner and another short pointed edge (118) at the second corner. A scallop playing edge (116) is typically joined to the short pointed edge (118). The stepped edge (14) is preferably in the shape of an arc. Other embodiments of the present invention include a plectrum (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) having a planar body (20) with a tear-drop shaped playing edge (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d), a pointed playing edge (114a, 114b, 114c, 114d) and a short pointed edge (118a, 118b, 118c, 118d). A scallop shaped edge (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) may be joined to the short playing edge (118). On the faces of the plectrum is preferably a ridge (201), a groove (202) or a combination of a ridge (201) and a groove (202) on the same or opposed face. The ridge or groove is optionally disposed across the center of the plectrum and is in the form of an arc. The curved stepped edge (14) or the edges of the curved ridge (201) or groove (202) seek to provide a positive grip on the plectrum. The curved edges are also formed to fit comfortably with the curve of the user's thumb or finger.