problem with strumming

[Vince S.]

Im a beginner at the bass guitar, and I play with an xtra heavy pick. I cant seem to strum fast, and when I try to, it sounds very messed up; like the note comes out very uneven.

Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks.

[Velocimaniac]

Concentrate at first on evenness instead of speed. When you find the speed at which you can hold a steady tempo then practice that for a while and then move up to a little faster. And get yourself a lighter pick. I'm just learning how to use a pick and the thick ones have a harsh tone and are just cumbersome. The thin ones seem to glide over the strings instead of forcing the sound out of them, especially when I play chords.

[Vince S.]

Thanks for the advice. I tried a light pick and now I can strum MUCH quicker, and it sounds more crisp and even.

[Infernal Affair]

Exactly. I started out thinking I'd need a heavy pick on the assumption that bass strings would require something tougher, but upstroking became a real chore. It's much, much easier with a light pick. Though I rarely use a pick nowadays, when I feel like using one I always go for the light range, and if I have to, medium at most.