For bassists who switch between pick and fingers

[Nicholai91]

I was thinking today.. for a bassist who switches between using a pick and using fingers... Wouldn't it make sense to purchase those thumb picks (some call them banjo picks). That way one can easily make the transfer between pick and fingers without fumbling with the pick.

[Sahm]

I suppose if you have the need to switch in the middle of a song, then yeah that would make some sense. However, I don't like they way they feel and would rather just have a pick holder on my mic stand, and drop the pick if I needed to switch. That and they're more expensive. Given that I always lose picks and my guitarist gets us a bunch of free ones, I just stick with the traditional kind!

[HappyCakeOven]

To be honest, I think I wouldn't be able to play as fast and dexturous with those as with regular picks.

[Amitio]

Depends, if your going from pick to fingers, just lob it on the floor, pick it up after!

[Madcity Fats]

Originally Posted by Nicholai91

I was thinking today.. for a bassist who switches between using a pick and using fingers... Wouldn't it make sense to purchase those thumb picks (some call them banjo picks). That way one can easily make the transfer between pick and fingers without fumbling with the pick.

It makes sense to me. So much so, that I already do this (well, for one band anyway).

[Relic]

Since I switch back and forth a lot, I've tried it.
The thumb picks are horribly uncomfortable to me. I tend to pick hard, so there this constant twisting of my thumb as I pick. I much prefer the standard pick, I just keep a few tucked under the edge of the pickguard (P and jazz basses) for when I need them.

[Greyvagabond]

In some songs I actually switch between pick and fingers; when I do, I just hold the pick with my index and thumb, then pluck with just my middle finger pseudo-jamerson style! Never used a thumb pick, but I dig in pretty hard, so might not work for me...

[artdrtr]

Do you loosen the screws to the pickguard?

Originally Posted by Relic

Since I switch back and forth a lot, I've tried it.
The thumb picks are horribly uncomfortable to me. I tend to pick hard, so there this constant twisting of my thumb as I pick. I much prefer the standard pick, I just keep a few tucked under the edge of the pickguard (P and jazz basses) for when I need them.

[Scot]

My Fender Heavy gets stuffed half-way under the pickguard too. No need to loosen the pickguard screws. It's always there for that 1% of the time that I need it. Some seem to like the thumb picks. I guess it would make sense for those that like to switch from fingerstyle to pickstyle mid-song, which I almost never do.

[jgroh]

I have always played with a pick up until late last year. I have whipped my fingers into shape that I can use them on a lot of songs I probably wouldve picked on. But, I still use the pick often and just thought last week at practice about how I could switch efficiently between the two techniques...but I dont think the thumb pick will work for me. Anyone know if they make something to say hold a pick ON your bass? I could always use some 2 sided tape of course, but I was thinking something that wouldnt harm your finish/pickguard.

[Scot]

Originally Posted by jgroh

Anyone know if they make something to say hold a pick ON your bass? I could always use some 2 sided tape of course, but I was thinking something that wouldnt harm your finish/pickguard.

There's this:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...1&src=3SOSWXXA

I got one at NAMM a couple of years ago. They work great if you have a case to transport your bass but they just don't stay on in the gig bag so I had to ditch it.

[fenderthrupeave]

I use this with some velcro to I can take them on and off my bass when I put them in my case. Works well and you can load like 8-10 picks in them. I switch up alot between songs so its nice to have them there.

[nohbudi]

I play with gators primarily, and in varying thicknesses, but when I switch to fingers, I usually just stick them in my mouth, which might be considered gross, but since I don't loan out my picks, I'm not worried about anyone getting my germs from them. It works out perfectly for me since they stay moist, and stick to my fingers when I need them again.

[Green Mind]

Tried the banjo thing, feels weird and has an odd shape the them.

[jgroh]

Originally Posted by Scot

There's this:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...1&src=3SOSWXXA

I got one at NAMM a couple of years ago. They work great if you have a case to transport your bass but they just don't stay on in the gig bag so I had to ditch it.

Thanks for that link, that looks like what I was envisioning so I am going to order one. And yeah, I would hold it in my mouth too sometimes, but I didnt like that and if I (rarely) pitch in on bg vox I will end up sounding like mushmouth!

[dropbass]

Originally Posted by nohbudi

I play with gators primarily, and in varying thicknesses, but when I switch to fingers, I usually just stick them in my mouth, which might be considered gross, but since I don't loan out my picks, I'm not worried about anyone getting my germs from them. It works out perfectly for me since they stay moist, and stick to my fingers when I need them again.

cool im not the only one...

[Moreau]

Pretty sure the cat from Huey Lewis and The News uses a thumb pick to alternate between fingers and picking, but i found that when i try it, i cant dig in like i normally do fingerstyle, and the picks not in the right spot when i pick...

[vindy500]

but whaddabout when you wanna slap

[Coeball]

I think the pickguard solutions sounds like the best one.

[Scionreality]

I have a pick holder on my mic stand, but most often I just palm the pick. I don't finger pluck very often. I just shift it into my last two fingers on the fly. It's very inconspicuous, and very easy for me.

I secretly hope someone will ask me about it after a show one day, but alas, no one seems to notice.