Using pick question

TRAX · #1 11-22-2005, 04:08 PM

Im using finger mainly right now to play bass but now im trying to get comfortable using a pick. Many people told me that for bass u use a different pick to a normal guitar pick, about 3.0+mm. Is it true??? Ive tried using a jumbo 3mm pick and also some guitar picks that are 0.75-1.2mm. i find it easier to pick with the normal guitar picks but are u supposed to use a jumbo pick?

georgestrings · #2 11-22-2005, 04:52 PM

Although many seem to prefer larger picks, I'd try a few different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses - and go with what works best for you... I've settled on what many use for playing acoustic guitar, in medium... It's decent sized, has 3 points, and gives me just the right attack.... I use a typical guitar pick when playing those - including acoustic - and also in medium...

- georgestrings

McHaven · #3 11-22-2005, 04:59 PM

I use heavy guitar picks, which are about 1.0 millimeter. Anything has too much pick attack sound i think.

georgestrings · #4 11-22-2005, 05:07 PM

Something like this, in medium work works well for me - only mine aren't white...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/110542/

They give me a decent grip, and the multiple points *can* come in handy - although I usually just use one point....

- georgestrings

paul n · #5 11-22-2005, 08:31 PM

I use Fender mediums on bass and heavys on guitar. gives a bit less clicky sound.

~Paul

gottawalk · #6 11-22-2005, 08:38 PM

I used a pick in bands when I used my Rick. I used Dunlop 1mm, nylon. Worked just fine. Good attack, but just enough give and I came at the string at a slight angle to the pick and it would "slide" across it somewhat, instead of hitting it directly.

Spector_Ray · #7 11-22-2005, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gottawalk

I used a pick in bands when I used my Rick. I used Dunlop 1mm, nylon. Worked just fine. Good attack, but just enough give and I came at the string at a slight angle to the pick and it would "slide" across it somewhat, instead of hitting it directly.

+1
But I use the Dunlop Tortex picks that are 1mm. I think the important thing is that the pick gives a little bit against the trememdous tension and mass of bass strings versus guitar strings.

Keeaumoku · #8 11-22-2005, 10:11 PM

I use a thumb pick. Don't know why, always have... that is, on those songs where I use a pick.

I've never dropped a thumb pick... kinda hard to do that... whereas, I've used "regular" picks before, and I've dropped a few of them. Don't know why, just have...

SullyB · #9 11-22-2005, 10:51 PM

Hey guys,

I have used picks as thick as 3.00mm and as light as .73. Steve Clayton makes acetel polymer picks in a number gauges, and I currently use the 1.25mm. I have found that, usually, the lighter the gauge the more "pop", but the less bottom. However, Byron Stroud from Fear Factory uses a Dunlop Tortex that's .73 (the yellow one

).

The bottom line is use one that's comfortable for you. Also, I found that when I use the rounded triangle shape as opposed to the standard shape and "choke up on it" so that the majority of the pick is held between my fingers adn only the very tip is exposed that I have greater control over it. And a little Gorilla Snot helps keep my pick in place.

Keep rockin'

,

SullyB

TRAX · #10 11-23-2005, 02:08 AM

thx for ur replies everyone. now i know its not necessary to use a jumbo pick. i find the 1.2mm comfortable so im gonna use that one. any more info about picking on bass would be great.

clanner · #11 11-23-2005, 02:33 AM

try some dunlop jazz III's they're addictive, I've gotten six guitarists hooked on them and I use them on the rare occasion that i play guitar.

Gene Leone · #12 11-23-2005, 07:40 AM

I use both finger and pick styles.

For picks I like the standard Fender 351 shape in extra heavy. I don't know the millimeter since Fender doesn't use that information. Extra Heavy are hard to find and often have to be ordered. These are my fav pick for a nice sound and quick attack.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/110500/

For a little more subtle attack and a little more "finger" type sound I like these. Either the 1.0 or the 1.14. These are cool with flatwound strings.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...ase_pid=110040

Fret

aquateen · #13 11-23-2005, 07:49 AM

buy a bunch of different picks and try 'em all. they're cheap and you can try as many as you'd like.

'teen

The Hammer · #14 11-23-2005, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquateen

buy a bunch of different picks and try 'em all. they're cheap and you can try as many as you'd like.

'teen

+100, just try a bunch and find the ones you like. I love Dunlop Gator 2.0mm, they're like playing bass with a poker chip

Mon Rominee · #15 11-23-2005, 08:33 AM

Dunlop Nylon .88 over here.

and isn't this a
technique" forum topic?

dannoman · #16 11-23-2005, 10:46 AM

Dunlop Tortex 1.mm Triangle for me.

ss81 · #17 11-23-2005, 10:57 AM

I prefer Dunlop or Fender tortex .88 (the green ones), just because when I started playing bass I read that Kim Deal uses them. Seems to do the job just fine, anything much lighter does sound too weak and click-y.

Bassosaurus · #18 11-23-2005, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gottawalk

I used a pick in bands when I used my Rick. I used Dunlop 1mm, nylon...

Dunlop black nylon 1.0 for me too. I use the grey med guage (.75{?}) for guitar. I like these because of the grip - dosn't slide around in your fingers.

I'll add too that the Ric is my fav bass for playing w/ a pick - w/out a doubt!

A friend swears by the big triangle Fender type - Buy a bunch - they're cheap. Find what works for YOU.

Coop Soup · #19 11-23-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clanner

try some dunlop jazz III's they're addictive, I've gotten six guitarists hooked on them and I use them on the rare occasion that i play guitar.

Yeah, they rock!

AndrewShirley · #20 11-23-2005, 07:14 PM

I use the back of my pick and avoid the sharp side. A little less treble that way.

- A