To those whom pick...

[Alan Vorse]

I will be honest: I'm not a fan of the sound of a pick on a bass.

That said, I also think Steve Swallow is one of the most gifted musicians to pick up the instrument (if you don't know him, he's a former upright player who plays electric with a pick).

Anyone who doubts what a pick player can do should watch this: http://www.bassplayer.tv/
Go to Lessons, Bobby Vega, Picks.

Finally, I keep a bag of picks in my gig bag in case someone wants me to play with one. In a covers/rock gig I have, I sometimes use one to play Ramones, Social Distortion and QOTSA songs.

Like I said, I'm not a fan of the sound, but I'm ready for when the occasion arises.

[Infern0]

I enjoy the natural sound of the bass with no treble.

[Qvist]

Originally Posted by SMHP

everytime the the words pick or fingerstyle come up in a post it should be deleted, its ALWAYS a finger player complaining about pick players.
why does it matter so much, to be honest you finger players are missing out on a entire different side to your insturment. I (like many pick players) are equally skilled in pick and finger playing, i think this makes us better players because we are not closed into one style
to be honest i dont think your much of a bass player if you CANT play with a pick, some songs require that bassy sound so use your fingers, some songs would sound awsome with a pick so just grab your pick (oh wait you cant play with one because you dont have the skill yet, that sucks)

sorry just venting im sick of being pushed around because i have the ability to play with a pick and others dont

Wisely said, I completely agree.

To me, it really depends on the song I'm playing. Normally I play with my fingers when I want that "bass, smooth" sound, and when I want to play something sharp and diskant (like playing with distortion pedals or do guitar work :P) I use a pick. It's all about havin' fun for me!

[Lowpro]

I say the same thing but sound overly pretentious and get flamed for it X.x

[whoapower]

Originally Posted by Qvist

To me, it really depends on the song I'm playing. Normally I play with my fingers when I want that "bass, smooth" sound, and when I want to play something sharp and diskant (like playing with distortion pedals or do guitar work :P) I use a pick. It's all about havin' fun for me!

I'm the same way. I even have about four or five hardnesses of picks I use *when* I end up using them. It depends on the song. The majority of songs, I don't use a pick. Sometimes when I'm hooked up to someone else's rig, I might have to adjust and either play with a pick or play with fingers. It just depends. And with each song, and even within the song, it depends where I play: neck PU, bridge PU, thumb with hand on bridge. I like to emulate the sounds I need, where I need it, and if a pick is required, I'm not objected to using one.

[toaster2k3]

I use both. A pick gives a different tone. I've found that fast octaves sound brighter with a pick. Chords are also easier to play.

[tonedeaf99]

although ive been been practicing bass for only a month, i realized that studying both finger style and picking is good(thanks to the opinion of others here!).

it depends on the style of the song. for fast metal songs, on my opinion a pick could be a better option because of its palm muting effect, and its clarity, and its precise speed.

but for funky songs the finger style is the better option, because you can slap and pop.

hey guys that's only my opinion...

[jim primate]

i use a stainless steel pick.

i use it for speed...you know, to cut lines.

i kid.

i pick because i can.

i use my fingers when i feel like it. mostly i pick. i can do a bunch of things with it you and your fingers can't.

mostly: get that pick sound. your finger nails don't sound like my metal pick.

[SunneyBoy]

I am not a pick player. however when i have to lay down staight even 8ths on a rock tune i dig like crazy for the long lost pick in my bag of gear. Eventually someone is going to ask you to play something you dont wanna play in a way you would rather not play it. be flexible flexible flexible.

[diechris]

ive been going back and forth for a while... i would rather just pick one if i could... im very comfortable using 3 fingers so i can keep up with all the faster parts we play in my band(metal) BUT i really like how a pick sounds and i am ALWAYS trying to copy my pick sound with my fingers... i also really like how a pick sounds with an OD pedal.. ive been trying for the past year to set a rig that lets me get that pick sound with my fingers and i just cant do it... i tried EQing with and mild OD and changing up my attack and everything but i just cant... I'm really on the fence but i think i'll be converting to a pick full time soon... its so much less hassel with the style of music i play.

[Pacman]

We've done this enough here. Thread closed.