"Real bass players use their fingers"

[ChorusPedal88]

Ok so I was gigging with my band last night, and while they were preparing for the next song, they gave me a chance to show off, so I did, and me and the drummer did a little Jam to "O Fortuna", then some guy in the crowd (I don't know looked around 24/25) heckled "You suck, use your fingers, its what real bass players do" yes I do use a pick, wanting to punch the idiots lights out, I switch the effects on, and pull out one of the most angry and demonic solos I've done, so I channeled my anger through my playing

This is only my 6th or 7th gig, so I couldnt help feel disheartened for the rest of the night, the crowd didnt notice, but the band sure did as it effected my playing and I was fairly quite on the way home, and its made me some what lose inspiration for picking, so I'm looking to the guidance of TalkBass members lol :P

Anyways
/rant.

[mikethecannibal]

eh hes just jealous he cant do it dude, i played with a pick for a while, i still do, i use meh fingers to, i get the bassists use their fingers thing once in a while to... so i give the guy a finger if you know what i mean

[MellowTone]

Nah man, **** him.

There are many different ways of making 'your' sound. Some songs or styles call for fingers, some call for picks, whatever fits. Deep and mellow, hard and grinding, it's up to you.

Don't feel disheartened, mate.

Just out of interest, what sort of stuff do you play?

[idoru]

"O Fortuna" as in Botch? Who the hell heckles a Botch song?

c-

[ChorusPedal88]

Oh I'ma Tech Death Metal, we have weird time signatures in our stuff, so I guess you add a little Math Metal inspiration, I know the guy from Atheist and DEP are big influences on my playing, And of corse, Alex Webster, one of my all time heroes.

[bassforce]

"Real bass players use their fingers" is the biggest crap i've heard ... since the U2

Play as you like. You must enjoy your playing, not some idiot in the crowd

[rob4001va]

Originally Posted by ChorusPedal88

Ok so I was gigging with my band last night, and while they were preparing for the next song, they gave me a chance to show off, so I did, and me and the drummer did a little Jam to "O Fortuna", then some guy in the crowd (I don't know looked around 24/25) heckled "You suck, use your fingers, its what real bass players do" yes I do use a pick, wanting to punch the idiots lights out, I switch the effects on, and pull out one of the most angry and demonic solos I've done, so I channeled my anger through my playing

This is only my 6th or 7th gig, so I couldnt help feel disheartened for the rest of the night, the crowd didnt notice, but the band sure did as it effected my playing and I was fairly quite on the way home, and its made me some what lose inspiration for picking, so I'm looking to the guidance of TalkBass members lol :P

Anyways
/rant.

Uhh...like this guy was actually up there performing himself? Most likely he was just mouthing off for his friends so he could show how "cool" he is.

Oh...and Chris Squire (or fill in the blank picker) is less a "real" bass player than Geddy (or fill in the blank finger-style player) ? I think not.

I mainly play with a pick, but use my fingers when it suits the music, my tone, and the speed I want to play with. In different bands I've done different things

Be secure in what you do. This guy surely wasn't.

Alternatively, you could take this approach with idiot hecklers:
http://my.break.com/Content/view.aspx?ContentID=522368

[fearceol]

When you think of it there is no such thing as "a real bass player". Everyone has there own style and technique. Dont let someone like that ruin your night/gig.

Chances are you'll always get someone like that.

My advice is ignore him and keep groovin'.

[Tapout73]

Shove the pick up his ass, you will be forced to play with your fingers, then you'll both be satisfied.

[MysticMichael]

Oh no, not this again: The ol' "pick vs. fingers" pseudo issue. It comes up on TalkBass only about every other day...

Listen: If you're going to allow every brain-dead cretin who can put two syllables together to get under your skin - especially to the degree that it affects your playing - then you've got a lot to learn. IGNORE those people. When they pop off, tune them out. Do not get angry. Do not allow them to affect you in any way. Period.

And on the substance of the "issue": No, for the last time no, there's nothing wrong with using a pick. Or your teeth. Or a Coke bottle. Or any other technique - IF it allows you to get the tone you want, and it actually works for your style of music. There are no rules. OK?

MM

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by Tapout73

Shove the pick up his ass, you will be forced to play with your fingers, then you'll both be satisfied.

I doubt if the heckler will be.....

[tmart937]

You should have shown him the finger.

[namraj]

cos phil lynott wasn't real at all, he was just a figment of our P bass loving, Irish imagination

[RED5]

Originally Posted by ChorusPedal88

Ok so I was gigging with my band last night, and while they were preparing for the next song, they gave me a chance to show off, so I did, and me and the drummer did a little Jam to "O Fortuna", then some guy in the crowd (I don't know looked around 24/25) heckled "You suck, use your fingers, its what real bass players do" yes I do use a pick, wanting to punch the idiots lights out, I switch the effects on, and pull out one of the most angry and demonic solos I've done, so I channeled my anger through my playing

This is only my 6th or 7th gig, so I couldnt help feel disheartened for the rest of the night, the crowd didnt notice, but the band sure did as it effected my playing and I was fairly quite on the way home, and its made me some what lose inspiration for picking, so I'm looking to the guidance of TalkBass members lol :P

Anyways
/rant.

So if this guy was, say Jeff Berlin? I'd feel crushed too, but more than likely he was a Pro Poolboy, or maybe the #1 Drywaller in the building at the time. Insert Grain of salt here. It can be daunting when you paly in public, but you sound like you were cooking? Go with that. Rise up!

[Montsegour]

Well you should've just gave him the FINGER

[CraigG]

You gotta just ignore hecklers. The world is full of critics and if you're going to be out there for everyone to see you're going to have people critiquing. Just wait till you run into your first arrogant musician who belittles you for the way you do something! That can get under your skin a lot deeper than some ignoramus in the crowd.

[whitedk57]

Real bassists use more cowbell...

[Paul M]

I thought real bass players used a bow

Play the way you want. I like the tone you can get from a pick but I've never been comfortable using one, so I use my fingers.

[fretlessman71]

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Oh no, not this again: The ol' "pick vs. fingers" pseudo issue. It comes up on TalkBass only about every other day...

Listen: If you're going to allow every brain-dead cretin who can put two syllables together to get under your skin - especially to the degree that it affects your playing - then you've got a lot to learn. IGNORE those people. When they pop off, tune them out. Do not get angry. Do not allow them to affect you in any way. Period.

And on the substance of the "issue": No, for the last time no, there's nothing wrong with using a pick. Or your teeth. Or a Coke bottle. Or any other technique - IF it allows you to get the tone you want, and it actually works for your style of music. There are no rules. OK?

MM

+1. Technique is just a word that means "how something is done". So use a pick. You probably get a grittier tone with a pick, and for what you're doing, it's perfect. It worked for Roger Waters - try playing "Money" with and without a pick, and you'll see what I mean. Tell him to snuff it next time.

[lunker]

If I saw an upright player using a pick, I might want to cry... unless it sounds good, then whatever gives bouyancy to your vessel.