I want to use my fingers, but a pick is just SO easy

Tripp · #1 06-23-2007, 08:05 AM

So, I've been a guitar player for 20 years. Total time of bass playing before 3 days ago is about 15 minutes.

I bought a Fender p-bass and I'm having a blast. I've been using my fingers because it seems like that's what I'm supposed to do. I also finger pick guitar, so it's not completely foreign to me. I've been studying different techniques to find out which is best and I've been doing some lessons on my own. I'm not uncomfortable playing with my fingers, just clumsy at the moment.

But here's the thing...when I play with a pick, it's instantly and infinitely easier. It's so much more natural and I'm sure it's because of years of playing with a pick on guitar. It's also more enjoyable at the moment because I can instantly play songs. Of course, the sound is very different than finger plucking.

So, I guess my question is should I learn to play bass using a pick or learn fingerstyle? It seems the overwhelming majority of bass players use their fingers. Will I bee LESS of a bass player (in the context of picking vs. fingerstyle) if I mainly use a pick? I suppose this same question can be reversed for finger pluckers.

Anyway, I'd love to hear your suggestions or ideas for this newbie!

BTW, this is my first post. I'm glad to be here and thanks for your help!

Rick_no7 · #2 06-23-2007, 08:11 AM

I'm having the opposite problem with my guitar. I want to do simple guitar backing tracks on my SG, but I am SO clumsy with a pick its rediculous.

But back to your question.

It depends on your music playing really. I would say that fingers are definitely more versatile because its sort of a stepped progression. Getting the hang of fingerstyle opens up so many paths. Learning triple finger technique to get super fast. Or maybe you learn to do some funky slap, which could turn into double thumping super-speed playing. You can also go from finger style to tapping. Combine them all with some flemenco guitar styles and you can do this.

Where as with a pick, you learn pick and are stuck with pick. Which isn't a bad thing at all. Tons of rock, and definitely the heavier rock music almost requires a pick.

moogboy · #3 06-23-2007, 08:19 AM

learn both of them. it will help.

Tripp · #4 06-23-2007, 08:28 AM

Thanks for the feedback!

Yes, I want to be able to learn both. I suppose, since I can already play well with a pick it would be better to start off using fingers and strive for that as my base (pardon the pun) technique.

Speaking of 3 finger plucking, I've already started do that a little since I do it playing guitar.

Here's a question (just because I'm curious), are there folks that play with a pick and fingers...AT THE SAME TIME? I do this all the time on guitar, but it may be impractical on bass.

middy · #5 06-23-2007, 08:56 AM

I was in the same situation as you a few months ago. 20 years of guitar, picking was really easy, but I wanted to learn fingerstyle too. I adopted the "floating thumb" technique (see sticky at top of this forum), which seemed a lot easier than learning to use the ring/pinky on the right hand to mute. It was! After only a few weeks I was a pretty decent fingerstyle player! It's really not hard at all.

Edit: The basic exercises at studybass.com help a lot!

ColoradoBass · #6 06-23-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tripp

Here's a question (just because I'm curious), are there folks that play with a pick and fingers...AT THE SAME TIME? I do this all the time on guitar, but it may be impractical on bass.

I do that all the time, comes in handy.

ryco · #7 06-23-2007, 10:56 AM

I'm the opposite of you. I can hardly play guitar beyond the basic chords. I've been playing bass for years and use fingerstyle + slap/pop,

I've been a studio situations a few times where the engineer has asked me to use a pick. Some engineers prefer the crisp, sharp attack pickstyle offers.

Every once in a while I pull out a pick and try using it. The things tend to roll around in my fingers and I just end up dropping 'em. I.ve tried using textured picks and picks with the sticky grip to no avail.

Anyway, I agree with moogboy. Learn and use both styles. It's another color for your musical paintbox.

One question: do you use all downstrokes?

BrandonBass · #8 06-23-2007, 11:09 AM

Only draw back playin with the pick is prolly you cant slap and pop with it. With proper eq, you can get a tone similar to fingerstyle while playin w a pick...

As for people who say pick players = lesser players thats bullcrap. I play w fingers but many of my favourite players are pickplayas

check out Tetsu of L'arc en ciel, he plays with a pick and has awesome tone and style.

Matt freeman of Rancid and Chris #2 of anti-flag too

Robbiethebassis · #9 06-23-2007, 11:14 AM

Use your fingers, its a bass.

Tripp · #10 06-23-2007, 11:32 AM

Thanks again for the feedback.

I'm trying out the floating thumb and it's working quite well because that's what I do when playing guitar.

When I use a pick (on bass or guitar) I always use alternating picking.

When playing guitar, you can do what's called chicken pickin'. You of use the pick (or none at all) and then you also pop the other strings with your other fingers, like the ring finger or pinky. I would guess you could do the same thing the bass.

One thing I've noticed is that when I use a pick, I SOUND like a guitar player. I revert back to my guitar licks and runs, normally in a pentatonic manner.

So, using my fingers I find that I'm playing more bass like. I'm pretty sure I'm going to use my fingers to start learning, but I'm going to experiment with the pick as well...since I already know how to use it. I don't have the problem of dropping it or anything and it feels natural.

Thanks again for everyone's help!

Poop-Loops · #11 06-23-2007, 11:33 AM

If you're just learning, then try using the floating thumb technique:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPVMBPmrblU

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbiethebassis

Use your fingers, its a bass.

What's that got to do with anything?

coolrunner989 · #12 06-23-2007, 11:54 AM

Yeah - definately learn both, be comfortable with both. I started with my fingers then my guitarist convinced me to use a pick one time and I've been doing both ever since. I dont do pure slap, but even when I'm using a pick I can still do pops and slaps with my fingers, its just a matter of getting the hang of how to shift the pick around.

Has definately opened up my playing style, I'm glad I picked up a pick. lol.

Goodluck! And have fun!

MammaryVest · #13 06-23-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbiethebassis

Use your fingers, its a bass.

Wrong...wrong wrong wrong

Using a pick makes you NO less of a bass player. After all, it is a bass GUITAR, and a lot of people think it sounds better with a pick anyways.

ColoradoBass · #14 06-23-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbiethebassis

Use your fingers, its a bass.

SKA-KID · #15 06-23-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tripp

Thanks for the feedback!

Here's a question (just because I'm curious), are there folks that play with a pick and fingers...AT THE SAME TIME? I do this all the time on guitar, but it may be impractical on bass.

Matt Freeman of Rancid does, some bass players do..

Poop-Loops · #16 06-23-2007, 01:26 PM

Ask Jauqo. He plays using both at the same time. He has a weird style, though.

TheBassBetween · #17 06-23-2007, 11:44 PM

Well, I think if you have a solid pick foundation already, then you should try using your fingers on the bass. I'm sure it'll help your guitar playing in some fashion too.

Or maybe it won't. Who knows?

ibnzneksrul · #18 06-23-2007, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MammaryVest

Wrong...wrong wrong wrong

Using a pick makes you NO less of a bass player. After all, it is a bass GUITAR, and a lot of people think it sounds better with a pick anyways.

+100

Experiment, experiment, experiment. With different styles, sounds, techniques. What you learn will make you a more complete player. And add to the fun of playing the bass.

Bo_H · #19 06-23-2007, 11:54 PM

Learn both, it comes in handy. For example, last week I slammed my middle finger on my right hand in the door of my work truck. Because I force myself to practice with a pick (even though I use my fingers), I was able to make the switch with minimal effort. Learning to use a pick on bass saved the gig for me.

Jim Breece · #20 06-24-2007, 12:13 AM

Interesting world, where the recording engineer dictates the technique you should use. I've been there, but it's kind of like having the waitress tell you what sandwich you can order. As far as technique, the more the better, but if you've got a gig next week, play however works best for you.
I swore I'd quit posting at 2am after gigs with beer involved, but yet, I'm...about...to...hit..."post quick reply"...