Reproducing the sound of pick playing

NickInMesa · #1 10-14-2009, 12:38 PM

Besides playing with a pick (which I hate doing, for multiple reasons), I am wondering what different methods I can use to reproduce the sound of pick playing.

On a Jazz type bass, I like to put the bridge pickup at 100%, the neck pickup at 80%, 100% (meaning zero resistance) on the tone pot and play close to the bridge pickup.

I use flatwounds for that type of playing, but it does also work on roundwounds.

What other methods would you suggest (again, besides using a pick)?

lunarpollen · #2 10-14-2009, 12:55 PM

Growing a fingernail longer and using that is about the only way I know of.

Really there is no way to reproduce the sound without using a pick. I mean, even with different gauges/stiffness of picks, there is a pretty noticable range of tone. Fingertips are very different than any pick in terms of softness.

There are ways to emphasize a sharp attack when playing fingerstyle, you seem to have some of them down already, adjusting post-instrument EQ can help too. But it still won't sound like a pick. Until someone invents an effect pedal to artificially simulate it (shouldn't be too hard, there are convincing digital spring reverb simulator pedals out there, so modeling pick attack shouldn't be too difficult in comparison), you are mostly out of luck.

**Eric Perry** · #3 10-14-2009, 12:59 PM

the more you play/practice, the harder your callousses get. That can help with the sharp attack you get with a pick. Nothing (unfortunately) can accurately nail that attack though.

NickInMesa · #4 10-14-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Perry

the more you play/practice, the harder your callousses get. That can help with the sharp attack you get with a pick. Nothing (unfortunately) can accurately nail that attack though.

The question is: does the lambda listener really care if it is not *exactly* the sound of picked strings?

dmusic148 · #5 10-14-2009, 01:03 PM

You could try the Entwistle/Geddy Lee method- low action, and bang the strings off the fretboard. Not the same as pick sound, but it can produce a similar vibe.

dmusic148 · #6 10-14-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

The question is: does the lambda listener really care if it is not *exactly* the sound of picked strings?

Probably not, usually. But then why ask the question?

NickInMesa · #7 10-14-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

You could try the Entwistle/Geddy Lee method- low action, and bang the strings off the fretboard. Not the same as pick sound, but it can produce a similar vibe.

Yes that is something I do on this specific bass (83 Peavey Foundation with the Super Ferrites pickups): very low action with some click sounds.

**Eric Perry** · #8 10-14-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

The question is: does the lambda listener really care if it is not *exactly* the sound of picked strings?

Most don't. For me, a disc like Appetite for Destruction wouldn't have been Appetite for Destruction if Duff played with his fingers though.

NickInMesa · #9 10-14-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Perry

Most don't. For me, a disc like Appetite for Destruction wouldn't have been Appetite for Destruction if Duff played with his fingers though.

I know, I should try to play with a pick, but you know how it goes...

I try... try... fail... say "ah, screw this!", throw the pick and switch to fingers.

Once a month on average.

lunarpollen · #10 10-14-2009, 01:38 PM

Ah, you should try a bunch of different pick gauges, sizes, and shapes. I know when I use a pick that's wrong for me, I can't play for %$#@ and I get frustrated and toss the pick.

BigOldHarry · #11 10-14-2009, 01:47 PM

Sounds like you're trying to get a good "thump" sound, rather than a ringing, picking sound..

If so, what I used to do was do a palm mute and play with thumb. I too hate picks and will do just about anything I can to avoid them...

If you're trying to get that zinging sound that a pick can get with new strings, I think you're outta luck.... Were I doing a song that just flat-out called for that tone, I'd suck it up and "go guitarist" on it.

NWB · #12 10-14-2009, 04:29 PM

I also play guitar and am used to using a pick; even with a bass. However, I don't like it much on bass and will try to avoid using one if at all possible. I found the long fingernails to work well-enough in most situations.

Sometimes though, I just have to suck it up and pull one out to make the sound work.

Lots of good advice has been posted here already and all I can say is to practice it if that's what's called for.

NickInMesa · #13 10-14-2009, 04:35 PM

I may very just suck it up as you say

Yeah, trying to cover Slither by Velvet Revolver, and I can't get that Duff sound without a pick. Trying...

nysbob · #14 10-14-2009, 11:33 PM

Cowboy up and do what's necessary to produce the sound you want. I don't enjoy playing with a pick much, but if it's the right sound for the tune I do it.

NickInMesa · #15 10-14-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nysbob

Cowboy up and do what's necessary to produce the sound you want. I don't enjoy playing with a pick much, but if it's the right sound for the tune I do it.

Well.

I tried the Velvet Revolver song with a pick.

Trying an .88 mm Dunlop (green in color).

Not going to be easy.

Some songs I can make do using the technique described above.

Example: The Middle (Jimmy Eat World). Believe it, I can play much much faster than that with my fingers. Pick? Struggle. I do this one finger style and it works just fine.

Johnny Crab · #16 10-15-2009, 12:34 AM

Callouses, settings like the OP described, and possibly extreme EQ on your amp/preamp. I've got all of the above for a few patches on a Line 6 BassPODXTLive. One patch imitates Dusty Hill on Zz Top's "T-Bird". The other patch imitates Martin Tuner's sound in Wishbone Ash. A third "pick-sounding" patch imitates a Rickenbacker when played with a pick. One of the best compliments(IMO) I've heard is "Are you playing that with a pick?" when actually is is fingers + EQ.

Also, thanks to Amy in Clatter, I've learned about fingernails & attack/pick sound cloning. I don't use her method of fingernails but I have found that cutting your nails close and on an angle allows you to leave part of one edge having a nail piece that CAN hit the strings and create a pick sound when you hand is tilted. Then, if you play with your hand straighter...no nail contact with strings and no pick sound. So you can have both "bassy"/traditional-sounding bass AND/or an attack-edged bass sound depending on the angle of your picking hand.

Tarrbot · #17 10-15-2009, 06:13 AM

Amy rocks in Clatter. Great playing.

nysbob · #18 10-15-2009, 08:13 AM

Like any other aspect of playing, the only way to get proficient and comfortable with it is to do it. If you do it on the gig, you will get better at it a lot more quickly...because you have to.

Randall · #19 10-16-2009, 04:08 PM

To me its all about getting the most tones out of your bass. Play with your fingers for one tone. Play with your fingernails for another tone/sound and play with a pick for a third type of tone. Of course you also have your choice of where you place your "plucking" hand - by the neck middle or bridge all give you more "tones". I suggest trying the fingernail method first and try to use the pick for easier songs and soon you should find it easier to do all three.

Lazarus12 · #20 10-16-2009, 08:36 PM

I am actually going to GC and buying a pair of finger picks tommorow. Because I, like you and many others, love pick sound, hate using a pick! So I will still be using my fingers but getting that pick sound.