Can a pick sound like fingers?

Keith R. · #1 07-22-2009, 07:57 PM

Hello all,
Here's the problem: I play classical guitar, but I also love playing bass. For guitar, I need my right hand nails intact. Playing bass with fingers damages them, but I'm not too crazy about the sound of a pick on bass for most of what I do.

So, is there any particular material from which I might make a pick, or some other way to create a sound that is more finger-like than a typical pick sound?

--kr

ducknturtle · #2 07-22-2009, 08:00 PM

the answer is: not really. You can get somewhat close by playing up the neck.

Keith R. · #3 07-22-2009, 08:04 PM

"Somewhat close" may be close enough. I'm open to any suggestion. Thanks for that one.

--kr

alangoldstein · #4 07-22-2009, 08:07 PM

http://www.mysimon.com/prices/planet...le-insert-pick

alangoldstein · #5 07-22-2009, 08:10 PM

i only know of it, cuz when i bought my last planet waves cable, it came with it inside as a free gift / sample

i dont use picks ever on bass tho. just on guitar. but i tried it out and it was cool on bass i think this is WHAT U SEEK! good luck,

alan

SpamBot · #6 07-22-2009, 08:16 PM

Don't bother. Just use a pick. It's not going to sound the same, but it can still sound every bit as good.
It's like the whole P vs. J debate. Fingerstyle and pick playing are both perfectly usable and pros use both methods.

Gasman · #7 07-22-2009, 08:22 PM

I've seen rubber picks somewhere. I imagine they would sound pretty finger-like. Sorry I can't be more help.

SpamBot · #8 07-22-2009, 08:24 PM

Don't get a rubber pick, they shed bits of rubber all over. It's disgusting.

Keith R. · #9 07-22-2009, 08:50 PM

Yeah, I know it will never sound the same, and I know there are pros out there doing both. I just thought, why not experiment with some different materials? They definitely make a difference on guitar (the non-classical guitars, that is).

I'm willing to waste a few bucks on experimenting. Maybe I'll try those that Alan suggested.

--kr

Nedmundo · #10 07-22-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpamBot

Don't get a rubber pick, they shed bits of rubber all over. It's disgusting.

You're right. I have some, and they're a pain. One of my guitar teachers played bass too, and he used some kind of felt pick to get a sound closer to fingerstyle.

I get closest by playing close to the neck, and instead of striking the string, using more of a plucking approach, i.e., placing the pick on the string, then pulling and releasing. That's difficult with fast passages, but for slower parts it works well.

SpamBot · #11 07-22-2009, 08:58 PM

Another thing to try is fretting over the fret as opposed to behind the fret.

Itshollywoodyo · #12 07-22-2009, 08:58 PM

dunlop gator grip 1.14

lbwdog · #13 07-22-2009, 08:59 PM

Your post and profile tells us nothing about the style of music your playing, whether you're gigging or recording, etc. So it makes it a tad more difficult for recommendations.

That said, whenever I have to use one, I'll use a medium gauge nylon pick such as Dunlop or Herco. They feel more comfortable and sound closer to a finger than a traditional hard plastic one like Fender, etc.

If you ever do any session work for others, the producer or artist will sometimes request a picked bass. Twenty years ago, I severed four tendons and the ulnar nerve in my right wrist, so it's difficult to grasp and control a pick for an extended period. On some studio sessions I've been able to placate the producer by plucking close to the bridge with my little finger. That bears some resemblance to a "plucked with plectrum" sound.

alangoldstein · #14 07-22-2009, 09:02 PM

im sure u will find a material whether its a "pick " or not, u can cut it once u find the right material to a pick size and shape.

look around maybe the hardware store or something ? lol

try those picks i linked u cant hurt to try.

Sevenstringer · #15 07-22-2009, 09:08 PM

Not sure as I have never tried it....How aboout a felt pick. They are white and about 1/8 inch thick

http://www.elderly.com/images/accessories/PK/PK8011.jpg

SpamBot · #16 07-22-2009, 09:11 PM

IME those also shed. Major turn-off for me.

BigOldHarry · #17 07-22-2009, 09:15 PM

uh.... I suppose... but that rather defeats the purpose, yes? A pick can get a tone that fingers have a hard time with - and while I don't play with a pick myself, I have heard some very cool bass lines that were picked - -

my advice is that if you play with a pick, learn to play with your fingers too.

Keith R. · #18 07-22-2009, 09:17 PM

lbwdog,
I appreciate the suggestions. Nothing even close to professional going on with me. Just recording stuff for fun in my spare-bedroom studio.

Felt might be interesting. The hardware store might be interesting, too.

Harry, I can play with my fingers, but as I said, classical guitar requires the nails and those nails don't take too kindly to bass strings.

--kr

**fourfinger** · #19 07-22-2009, 09:53 PM

Things to try might include:
1) Flatwound strings, if you're currently using rounds
2) 15 inch speakers, if you're currently using 10s
3) sometimes stopping notes with palm or fingers on picking hand, rather than with the fretting hand alone.

electracoyote · #20 07-22-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevenstringer

Not sure as I have never tried it....How aboout a felt pick. They are white and about 1/8 inch thick

+1

They actually come in all shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. I use them for ukulele, which is pretty common. Not much attack, much like flesh. I haven't noticed a big problem with shedding, nothing like rubber anyway.