Only with pick

[cire113]

Is there anyhing wrong with playing just with a pick? I mean I play all styles and perfer a pick.. I broke my arm in 5 places 10 years ago and my finger tendons are broken I cannot use my fingers without having pain...

I'm just kinda bummed I can't use my fingers

[BigOldHarry]

If you have a physical issue that make pick playing your most comfortable option, then use a pick. I always play fingers, always taught fingers... But you do what you gotta do.

The thing is - years ago, many players like me were REALLY rigid against picks - - mostly, I think, because we disliked all the frustrated guitar players we knew saying "Hey, I play guitar - bass is EASY!!" (they, of course, used picks). Anymore, I think we all pretty much recognize that some music sounds better with a pick, some does not.

But you don't have a choice - so why stress? At least you're playing!

[javier69]

Really (IMO) it's a matter of punch an definition, I like to use it when I'm playing in home for fun and when I want to jam with friend (i Like that treble sound an definition) but in time to play other stuff (as a musician on shows) the finger style give me the right punch and color I need on stage...

[Jefenator]

I was fingerstyle for a long time. I tried to start using a pick a few times and it never caught on... until recently. For some reason, now I'm really hooked!

IMHO pick is awesome. Pay no attention whatsoever to the haters - just pick away and enjoy!!

[Orangeclawhamme]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

But you don't have a choice - so why stress? At least you're playing!

+ a big bunch. Playing os way better than not playing.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by Jefenator

IMHO pick is awesome. Pay no attention whatsoever to the haters - just pick away and enjoy!!

+1

Pick/not to Pick?

[edbass]

I think what's best is whatever you prefer, and a pick gives you some tonal options that you don't have with fingers and vice versa.
Of course in your situation you don't really have much of a choice, but a felt pick can give you a more muted "finger" type tone than a conventional pick.
When I play with a pick my hand cramps up after a few songs, and I feel like I don't have full control over my bass. So, I personally don't use one much, although to my ear certain basses just sound better with a pick; Rics and octave tuned 8 and 12 string basses for example, while a P with flats just doesn't sound right to me unless it's plucked with fingers.


It's personal preference, not a "right" or "wrong".

[Tylerrr51]

In your case, picks are definitely acceptable. If finger style causes pain due to your arm accident, then don't do it. you cant enjoy the bass if its causing pain.

[jpTron]

Do what you gotta do. I play with my fingers, but I totally appreciate the really cutting tone I get when I mess around with a pick.
The bassist before me in the band I'm in used a pick and the tone and sound he was getting was pretty awesome. I like the sound 'I' get while playing with my fingers in the band (and in general of course) and I'll stick to it, but I won't fault the guy for doing what he did

[aledeville]

For some styles it is imho better to play with the fingers, but if it hurts that way there is no reasonable explanation why picking shouldn't be as good as fingering.

Many different sounds are possible when you change the pick, the place where you hit the strings and how you hit them.

I loved my precision with flats and pick, slightly overdriven and loud as hell.

[Muaguana]

Originally Posted by cire113

Is there anyhing wrong with playing just with a pick?

Music is an art, not a science. IMO, all these stigmas regarding playing style, technique, number of strings, etc., do nothing but impede artistic diversity. I would bash my head against a bass repeatedly while fretting with my foot if it gave me the sound I wanted. So I see nothing wrong with pick playing, especially since attempting other techniques would result in pain.

Also, as stated in another thread, if anyone says bass players don't use picks, just say "Chancellor, Squire" and leave it at that.

[RobertPaulson]

Fingerstyle and pickstyle are just two different tools in your arsenal. Neither is better. I think anybody that completely discounts one or the other is only serving to limit their tonal possibilities.

[plangentmusic]

I play with a pick when it calls for it, but I'm mostly a finger player.

A while back I cut my finger and had to play a gig entirely with a pick.

I'd say 80% of the stuff came off pretty much the same.

Maybe 10% didn't sound as good.

And 10% actually sounded BETTER.

[FritoBandito]

I have always played with a pick and never thought anything about it. If it sounds good (which it does) and is comfortable to you, then why not?

[plangentmusic]

Originally Posted by FritoBandito

I have always played with a pick and never thought anything about it. If it sounds good (which it does) and is comfortable to you, then why not?

Do you play fast walking bass with a pick?

[JimmyM]

if you have an injury that makes you play with a pick, that's fine. if you don't have an injury that makes you play with a pick, that's fine. if someone gives you any crap about it, raise your broken middle finger to them and flip them a crooked bird.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

Do you play fast walking bass with a pick?

carol kaye and steve swallow are two pick only bassists who do fast walking basslines in a jazz context. i've never heard anyone complain about them.

[infamusblkdeath]

definatly not, no. alot of bassists can be ignorant and close minded when it comes to playing with a pick but unless your really self concious, who really gives a flying **** about what mr. "funkster" thinks??

IMO, pick and a brand new set of rounds is the only way to get the bass's true tone. i guess i'm tone deaf when it comes to slapping cause most basses when slapped sound exactly alike to me... :shrug:

[ridgeback]

never had an issue with pic playing.when i played in a covers band i used to use gigs as practice using different methods to play songs,fingers. picks,or using my thumb (not slapping) pics sometimes made boring stuff interesting and fun..tried different things as a pick from creditcards to coins when need be..(coin is quite nice when your muting with the side of your hand..)little tricky but it works..give everything a go the more you try the more you learn..

[plangentmusic]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

carol kaye and steve swallow are two pick only bassists who do fast walking basslines in a jazz context. i've never heard anyone complain about them.

Where has Kaye played fast walking bass?