The invention relates to a plectrum for playing a stringed instrument. The plectrum is adapted to be securable relative to a finger (or thumb) of an instrument player, and it has a string engaging portion and a finger engaging portion. The finger engaging portion (or at least a part of it) has a spiral configuration which can secure the plectrum relative to the finger (or thumb) when the plectrum is positioned with the spiral at least partly wound around an end or portion of the finger (or thumb).