Weird question, DB with a pick?

moody · #1 08-06-2008, 10:07 PM

This is a really weird question.

I have a double bass which I haven't really played and needs some work before it is really playable.

At the same time, I have some pretty bad tedonitis in my right wrist, it is controlled but it limits what I can do. One of the things is that I can play electric bass for hours with a pick, but not more than about a minute finger style. I have no problems with my left hand.

Regardless of whether it will be possible to play or not I will be fixing up this bass - either to play or to sell - but I want to know if anyone has attempted or even considered playing Upright bass with a pick? I know the angle would be a bit weird, but I have played Electic bass in a nearly upright angle and I have found that possible (slightly up the neck though).

Audiophage · #2 08-06-2008, 10:25 PM

I've played around with a pick on my DB from time to time. It doesn't really work as far as getting much of any sound.

Andrew McGregor · #3 08-07-2008, 12:05 AM

Bass pizz is radically different from EB fingerstyle anyway; you might not have a problem, if you get your technique right.

pwrmax · #4 08-07-2008, 12:06 AM

I just tried that right now. The angle is very awkward and the sound was very quiet.

**Matthew Tucker** · #5 08-07-2008, 01:21 AM

Not sure if you know how fingerstyle on a BG and fingerstyle on a DB is different? You might be able to get away with very reduced wrist movement playing upright bass in the classic style. Fingers pointing downwards, use the whole arm, pluck with the side of the index finger.

cheers Matthew

Jason Sypher · #6 08-07-2008, 02:16 AM

There are large felt picks that are used to play folk instruments. That might work for awhile...

http://www.surreymusic.co.uk/acatalo...a0801161131241

moody · #7 08-07-2008, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

Not sure if you know how fingerstyle on a BG and fingerstyle on a DB is different? You might be able to get away with very reduced wrist movement playing upright bass in the classic style. Fingers pointing downwards, use the whole arm, pluck with the side of the index finger.

cheers Matthew

I have actually considered that, I really don't know (the bass is a fingerboard and bridge replacement away from being playable so I haven't really done anything with it).

bassist1962 · #8 08-07-2008, 03:51 AM

I use a pick on EB, tried it on DB. It doesn't produce any sound.

littlebill · #9 08-07-2008, 06:46 AM

I've experimented with a small thumbpick on my forefinger and that might be an option for you. It allows you to play the ub in normal position with the forefinger pointed down. It would be less awkward than a flat pick. You might need to use a pickup or mic to get the volume though.

MingusAmongUs · #10 08-07-2008, 07:47 AM

There is much less bend in the wrist playing DB vs BG. I don't think you would have the same problem. You'll know when you get it fixed up. Get a good teacher before giving up. With good technique and good wrist use you might be fine. Personally I would think playing with a pick is going to fall flat. The meat of your finger(s) on the string is probably half the sound (and fun) of DB.

Andrew McGregor · #11 08-07-2008, 03:31 PM

There is of course another option... just use a bow. Might be a bit weird if you're talking about Jazz, but the style is flexible enough that it could work.

moody · #12 08-07-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

There is of course another option... just use a bow. Might be a bit weird if you're talking about Jazz, but the style is flexible enough that it could work.

I have no problem with trying a bow, but I haven't played jazz in years. Currently in an aussie rock covers group doing ACDC/angels/midnight oil/aussie crawl etc. so I don't think it would really fit.

Andrew McGregor · #13 08-08-2008, 01:49 AM

I always thought that bow plus a bit of distortion would make an awesome metal sound...

Anyhow, upright pizz is totally different from EB, it's straight wrist pretty much, so give that a go and see how you go.

nathanmcnathan · #14 08-08-2008, 08:52 AM

Try proper DB pizz, the angle is a lot easier on your wrist.

mattfong · #15 08-08-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

I always thought that bow plus a bit of distortion would make an awesome metal sound...

http://www.myspace.com/stringmetal

no DB player, but cello and violin. Very cool band.

damonsmith · #16 08-09-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

Bass pizz is radically different from EB fingerstyle anyway; you might not have a problem, if you get your technique right.

+1, much more of an arm thing. I use an ebony bass mute to get a real harsh sound from time to time, I got the idea form Peter Kowald, you can see us doing it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHxQKZ6E7oI

Rebop · #17 08-09-2008, 07:53 PM

I've seen a video of Medeski Martin and Wood, where at some point, Chris Wood uses a pick on his upright. I can't remember how it sounded though.