Switching between pick and fingers mid song.

dukerutledge · #1 08-29-2006, 10:57 PM

So I just started playing with a pick recently. Before that I was hardcore fingers, but I like the tone of pick playing also. But as I'm playing now I find I have the desire to play finger style and pick in the same song for different sections. Does anyone do this? I've been trying it out and its a bit slow right now jumping between, can it be done smoothly? Does it just take practice?

Poop-Loops · #2 08-30-2006, 12:55 AM

Put the pick in your pocket? Or in between strings on your headstock?

I actually had this idea a few days ago while listening to Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath. I'm a finger player, but the last part sounds like it has to be picked to get that tone. I figure I can pull the pick from in between strings on the headstock when I have to. Umm... I can't put it back though.

thebassclef · #3 08-30-2006, 12:58 AM

Use a thumb Pick. Play with index and middle (or however you play finger style) then just switch to pick mid song. The Pick stays on your thumb the whole time.

Poop-Loops · #4 08-30-2006, 01:00 AM

OOooh, I've seen one of those. You can't shred with one of those. =/

thebassclef · #5 08-30-2006, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poop-Loops

OOooh, I've seen one of those. You can't shred with one of those. =/

beyondhairy · #6 08-30-2006, 01:08 AM

do what i did.. get one of these...

http://samash.com/catalog/showitem.a...ent&GroupCode=

it clips onto ur strap and holds upto 5 picks, so if u can hold onto the pick, then just drop it and pull another off.

my band is covering metallica's Orion right now, and i play it with a pick, but when it gets to the slow melodic part, i switch to finger styleing, well my finger styleing sucks but this is just the song to help me with that problem

BrandonBass · #7 08-30-2006, 01:34 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1VjwciFLAg

notice in this video vai was picking with his fingers then swooped to pick? I think he used the pinky or ring finger's joint to hold the pick underneath. He switched in a split second, think it needs some practise

cowsgomoo · #8 08-30-2006, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukerutledge

So I just started playing with a pick recently. Before that I was hardcore fingers, but I like the tone of pick playing also. But as I'm playing now I find I have the desire to play finger style and pick in the same song for different sections. Does anyone do this? I've been trying it out and its a bit slow right now jumping between, can it be done smoothly? Does it just take practice?

either stash the pick in your palm using your ring finger/pinky to hold it, or if the song ends with fingers, just drop the pick on the floor

in most cases i'd be tempted to play the song one way or the other and try and simulate the change in timbre the best I could... who in the audience is really going to notice in most cases? (apart from 'other bass players')

6-3-2 · #9 08-30-2006, 07:26 AM

If I switch to pick for the end, then I put it in my mouth, works fine.

dukerutledge · #10 08-30-2006, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowsgomoo

who in the audience is really going to notice in most cases? (apart from 'other bass players')

I don't know, I think the audience members would notice. Each technique has its own kind of groove to it and I find each apporpriate for different things. So switching to pick would be to better support the groove. I used a holder, but the pick would always get stuck and then I'd get bogged down pulling it out. The best solution I see right now is to keep it on top of my rig and then tap lines while I'm switching. The vai thing also looks interesting, I wonder if it causes extra strain that should be avoided?

vindy500 · #11 08-30-2006, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukerutledge

I don't know, I think the audience members would notice. Each technique has its own kind of groove to it and I find each apporpriate for different things. So switching to pick would be to better support the groove. I used a holder, but the pick would always get stuck and then I'd get bogged down pulling it out. The best solution I see right now is to keep it on top of my rig and then tap lines while I'm switching. The vai thing also looks interesting, I wonder if it causes extra strain that should be avoided?

nah they can barely hear you anyway. there not paying attention to you

Cubeface · #12 08-30-2006, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyondhairy

do what i did.. get one of these...

http://samash.com/catalog/showitem.a...ent&GroupCode=

it clips onto ur strap and holds upto 5 picks, so if u can hold onto the pick, then just drop it and pull another off.

I think this is the best idea.

vindy500 · #13 08-30-2006, 08:03 AM

or if youre a singer
http://samash.com/catalog/showitem.a...departmentid=2

beyondhairy · #14 08-30-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cubeface

I think this is the best idea.

i think so to

1993gt40 · #15 08-30-2006, 10:18 AM

I switch fingerstyle and picking frequently. I have found various ways to stash picks on my bass close to where my hands rests. For example, on my Ibanez I found I could slide one between the edge of the pickup and the body. I got one in each pickup but rarely need more than the one, when I switch back to fingerstyle in the middle of a sing I can usually slip it back into it's hiding spot or just chomp on it with my teeth.

On my Jazz bass I managed to wedge one in the bridge so look around and see where you might be able to put one. It takes some practice, I play 50/50 fingerstyle/pick, eventually it will be seemless.

dukerutledge · #16 08-30-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1993gt40

I switch fingerstyle and picking frequently. I have found various ways to stash picks on my bass close to where my hands rests. For example, on my Ibanez I found I could slide one between the edge of the pickup and the body. I got one in each pickup but rarely need more than the one, when I switch back to fingerstyle in the middle of a sing I can usually slip it back into it's hiding spot or just chomp on it with my teeth.

On my Jazz bass I managed to wedge one in the bridge so look around and see where you might be able to put one. It takes some practice, I play 50/50 fingerstyle/pick, eventually it will be seemless.

Wow, I'm stupid for not thinking of wedging it places. It fits perfectly in with my J pickups and since I use a silver pick it acts nicely as a thumb rest. Thanks, I think you've solved my problem.

bassist 4 life · #17 08-30-2006, 02:13 PM

Get one of those dunlop pickholders.

tZer · #18 08-30-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1993gt40

I switch fingerstyle and picking frequently. I have found various ways to stash picks on my bass close to where my hands rests. For example, on my Ibanez I found I could slide one between the edge of the pickup and the body. I got one in each pickup but rarely need more than the one, when I switch back to fingerstyle in the middle of a sing I can usually slip it back into it's hiding spot or just chomp on it with my teeth.

On my Jazz bass I managed to wedge one in the bridge so look around and see where you might be able to put one. It takes some practice, I play 50/50 fingerstyle/pick, eventually it will be seemless.

Stole my answer! LOL

Yep - I just wedge it in the pickup hold between the pup and the body - but I do it on the south side of the strings (nearest the G) - that way it does not interfere with my right hand. This works on both my Jazz V and my MMSR5 and has proven to be best place to stash it for eash grabbing, mid-song.

Jeff Martinez · #19 08-30-2006, 02:30 PM

I usually tuck it between the last knuckle of my ring-finger/pinky and the edge of my palm. The only down-side is that I can only pluck with 2 fingers. But, it's very easy to slide the pick into position with my thumb.

If the song ends with an up-tempo fingerstyle part, it's kinda cool to just throw your pick into the crowd. (Yeah, I know it's cheesy...but sometimes an audience digs cheesy)

emblymouse · #20 08-30-2006, 02:49 PM

The true ROCK thing to do is to run a piece of duct tape along the mic stand and stick about 15 picks there ala Rick Neilsen/Cheap Trick. When you're done with it, flick it into the crowd.
If thats not over the top enough, repeat process along the top/front edge of your cab(s).