Is it really really wrong...? am i the only one?

[jugoziithouu]

Well i normally alternate my picikng... depending on the rythm i vary the way i pick (sometimes right sometimes left)

Ive noticed mos of the of the pickers just pick one way

Ive heard that it has to do with changin the note or smthn...

Should i change my style?

[bolt_thrower]

If you are talking about using a plectrum, then there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Alternate picking (up and down) can be done much faster and helps when switching strings. Downpicking (1 way only) gives a really even, "solid" feel that is sometimes lost when alternate picking. I would say that knowing how to alternate pick is very important, but sometimes a bassline will call for downpicking only to sound good. Knowing how to do both is your best bet.

[rythmicillusion]

+1

The angle of pick attack, amount of force exerted, location of the attack and muting can differ between the two motions.

If you have the facilities, record yourself playing the same bassline twice; once alternate picked, the other just one direction. Get the rhythm to line up as much as possible in order to allow for an A/B with minimal variables.

If you've really honed your technique (Anthony Jackson comes to mind), you may not notice much of a difference. Or the difference may not be enough to warrant changing your style. I would only "upgrade" your technique if what you hear bothers you.

[MEKer]

Absolutely get on with alternate picking. Your movements around the fretboard will pick up flexibility, speed when needed, fine motor skill alterations of intensity, etc. One-direction picking is like running with one leg IME. If it matters to you, go to my site here
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...&content=music
and listen to me playing "Double A"---alt picking the whole song on double stops. Actually all the songs are alt picking, but Double A is a real concentrater. The intro and outro to "Looking Past the Edge" is impossible with one-way picking as well. I know, I know---but who wants to play like that?...I do!

[MyUsernameHere]

Play with your fingers...like a MAN!!!!!




















Just kidding, alt picking is fine.

[bolt_thrower]

Originally Posted by MyUsernameHere

Play with your fingers...like a MAN!!!!!

Just kidding, alt picking is fine.

Although, in all seriousness, knowing how to fingerpick can give you a whole new tonal and technical palette to work with. You should look into that as well.

[jugoziithouu]

Originally Posted by MyUsernameHere

Play with your fingers...like a MAN!!!!!




















Just kidding, alt picking is fine.

I save my fingers for the lady

jk

On a more serious note i do use my fingers i just find the sound quite subtle and i can go fast with three fingers but just not woth it im not gonna sacrifice them dont want arthritis or anything

I think im going to learn to downstroke more often since indeed gives a much more solid sound, but for other stuff other than crazy fast punk or metal ill still alternate just to give it kinda color

I may even try thumb picks and finger picks... just to experiment a little

so yea thanks

[Mr_Sore_Fingerz]

Originally Posted by jugoziithouu

I save my fingers for the lady

jk

On a more serious note i do use my fingers i just find the sound quite subtle and i can go fast with three fingers but just not woth it im not gonna sacrifice them dont want arthritis or anything

I think im going to learn to downstroke more often since indeed gives a much more solid sound, but for other stuff other than crazy fast punk or metal ill still alternate just to give it kinda color

I may even try thumb picks and finger picks... just to experiment a little

so yea thanks

Don't get me wrong, I love the sound of a hot p-bass being picked hard through a warm, tube amp just as much as the next bassist...but if you aren't putting any time into being a proficient finger picker as well, I would seriously consider developing it more.

If you're doing it "right" (IMO, that means you do it frequently and dont walk away with a hand-ache after playing like that for about a few months) then you shouldn't have problems plucking. Just because you are proficient in something doesn't mean you always need to use it...I CAN double-thumb (not like Mr Wooten of course, but I CAN do it) but that doesn't mean I'm doing sweep thumbing in all my band's songs...same story with pop/slap. But nobody is telling you to quit or stop picking, just make sure you're not limiting yourself because knowing those other techniques can really contribute to an awesome ambiance to your playing.

Oh, and IMHO....alt. picking FTW!!

[scrotimusprime]

If your music sounds the way YOU want it to, don't change a thing.

Play with your technique and see what different sounds you can make. You'll know the right time to use your current or any other techniques.

[jugoziithouu]

Originally Posted by Mr_Sore_Fingerz

Don't get me wrong, I love the sound of a hot p-bass being picked hard through a warm, tube amp just as much as the next bassist...but if you aren't putting any time into being a proficient finger picker as well, I would seriously consider developing it more.

If you're doing it "right" (IMO, that means you do it frequently and dont walk away with a hand-ache after playing like that for about a few months) then you shouldn't have problems plucking. Just because you are proficient in something doesn't mean you always need to use it...I CAN double-thumb (not like Mr Wooten of course, but I CAN do it) but that doesn't mean I'm doing sweep thumbing in all my band's songs...same story with pop/slap. But nobody is telling you to quit or stop picking, just make sure you're not limiting yourself because knowing those other techniques can really contribute to an awesome ambiance to your playing.

Oh, and IMHO....alt. picking FTW!!

Hmm...good advice ive been reading the "Floating Thumb Technique" thread lately and ill give a shot at playing a couple of cure songs with my fingers i guess ur right its not supposed to hurt ,still love my picking, but yea its better to pllay right in both techniques