Another take on picking.

baddarryl · #1 10-28-2008, 07:04 PM

I just saw Opeth Friday night and was inspired to play again. After 7 years of a miserable marriage that is the fist show I have been to in probably 5. Quite enjoyed it. So I am starting to play the bass again after many years. I was originally a guitar player so the pick is quite natural to me. I want to be a complete player so I want to develop finger technique. Problem is I play 10x better with a pick. I haven't played in years so I really need to work on left and right hand techniques. I was adequate, but never very good. I want to become good. I guess my question is how much effort would it take to get a good 2 finger technique going and would concentrating on that hold me back from advancing vs. just going for it with the pick and doing best I can with fingers. I'll be picking up a used Ibanez sr300dx and practice amp tomorrow. Stoked!

Bassman316 · #2 10-28-2008, 07:15 PM

Glad to hear you're getting back into it, man. I've been playing for eight years and when I first started, I just naturally played fingerstyle. I listen to a lot of Widespread Panic, Phish, Dead, etc., which all feature bassists who play mostly with a pick. I love the attack that comes with a pick, but I've yet to play strings that I like with a pick. To me a pick with roundwounds sounds too zingy (most likely because I suck at playing with a pick and I'm somehow doing it wrong). Read somewhere that Mike Gordon uses Ken Smith Slick Wounds. Might pick up a set of those...

Getting back on topic, I understand where you're coming from with wanting to develop both techniques to become a complete player. I've always used my index and ring fingers, and just recently I've started using my middle finger, too, so I'm developing my three-finger technique. At the end of the day, I enjoy playing more fingerstyle than I do with a pick. That's what matters, bro. What you enjoy more. If you enjoy playing with a pick, then by all means, rock on with a pick, man! It's been a while since you've played by the sounds of it so just practice and be patient with your fingerstyle if you want to take it there, too.

WyrdoBass · #3 10-28-2008, 07:17 PM

One thing- just remember that there is no "right" way to play bass. Picking is just as good as fingerstyle, despite what some may say...

I understand wanting to be a complete player, that's why I'm trying to get half decent with a pick!

Fingerstyle came more naturally to me from previous cello experience, but I still had to learn to alternate fingers. I just concentrated with slow tempos at first, trying to remember to alternate index and middle fingers. Just kept doing this, usually with one note at first (bunch of good rock songs to practice this with- 8th note root basslines) then doing more complex combinations and rythyms.

*One thing that I believe helped me was actually "walking" my fingers, even without the bass. (then again it may have been more of a placebo effect

)

Svend-DK · #4 10-28-2008, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddarryl

I just saw Opeth Friday night and was inspired to play again.

Who wouldn't get inspired by Opeth? They'r amazing! I have seen a band play that tight at live gigs!

Where did you see them?

Stumbo · #5 10-28-2008, 11:19 PM

You might want to check out the following TB thread:
Excercise sticky

I always played with a pick since I started on guitar. Never gave a thought about it. No one ever complained 'cause I always had great tone (Sunn 2000s/Fender '64 Jazz).

I wouldn't let it hold you back. IMO, move forward as fast as you can with the pick and get back into your bass playing. Then set aside 15 min. a day to practice finger style. It's a process. Don't get impatient or down about it.

Make it fun. You play better and learn more.

baddarryl · #6 10-29-2008, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Svend-DK

Who wouldn't get inspired by Opeth? They'r amazing! I have seen a band play that tight at live gigs!

Where did you see them?

I saw them on Raleigh on the 24th. Let me tell you something, I have been going to shows since seeing the Stones in 81. At least a couple hundred shows. Best band I have ever seen play. Hands down. Their time and style changes were mind blowing.