learn with pick or fingers ?

[*RooT*]

Hi, starting to learn bass and wondered if you guys think it's better to use a pick or fingers. e.t.c.. What do you suggest for Metal- funk. thanks.

[BigOldHarry]

Fingers. Just fingers.

There. I said it. Let the flaming commence!

[JimmyKickButt]

Learn with both, with and emphasis on fingers.

[redefine dave]

It's my opinion that the single most important factor to your tone isn't something that you can buy. It's your fingers. I think it also helps you lock in with your instrument in a way that you can't with a pick.
I would learn fingerstyle and if you want to learn with a pick later, do it then.
As you progress you'll be able to get the pick sound with your fingers, but no pick in the world will give you the sound you get with your fingers.

[M0ses]

Whichever one you like better. Although I detest playing with a pick, don't let anyone tell you it's wrong, or that bass players only use fingers. It seems that metal players like fingers generally, but do what you want. It's your bass.

[ryanRHCP]

I learnt with a pick and played with that for a year or so...
Found it quite hard when i decided to play with my fingers.
I would think its better to vary when you play, but of course some songs are better played with fingers, some are better with a pick.

Its entirely up to you

[Noseferatu]

I use both, but I use a pick more frequently. That's because I play mainly rock. Don't let anyone say that fingers are necessarily better automatically. I learned to use my fingers after I learned with a pick. There's different applications for both. It all depends on which genre you're in.

[Time Consumer]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Fingers. Just fingers.

There. I said it. Let the flaming commence!

Dude, I've seen you in other threads lately, your such a troll.

That said learn both, it'll make you a much more versatile player. I use about 50/50 finger and pick in my cover band.

[stepswork4me]

Learn both.... real musicians don't discriminate against playing styles.

[*RooT*]

Thanks so far....

[PJSShearer]

Learn both, there are pros and cons to either of them, not least the different tones you can get (try soft and hard picks for more variation). Even if you favour using your fingers, being able to use a pick means that when the fingers on your picking hand get sore, you can switch to a pick to give them a rest. I don't play enough any more between gigs to get or retain calluses, so switching to to a pick when I begin to feel the "tingle" means I can play a gig the following night as well with no adverse effect (ie. Blisters!!).

[Lucho.Metal]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Fingers. Just fingers.

Fingers

[varunkapahi]

both

[Essen]

Both.
Don't limit your self, both are rewarding in their own way.

[standupright]

learn to use the search function

[Gordon of Eden]

Both both both both and for good measure.....both!!!!

[Technicolor]

Originally Posted by *RooT*

Hi, starting to learn bass and wondered if you guys think it's better to use a pick or fingers. e.t.c.. What do you suggest for Metal- funk. thanks.

Learn it all. Become a jack of all trades, then a master of one.

[Sam Hain]

When I 1st started I thought for sure using a pick was for me because I also play guitar. Eventually I just started using my fingers on Bass. From that, on guitar I started finger playing a lot more.

Anyways...now I use whatever feels right for the song.

[nsmar4211]

Just had this discussion with someone at a gig who was wanting to learn bass......

Fingers. Start learning with your fingers. You can always add a pick in later.

My bass teacher told me that , I listened.......glad I did. Yea it's a pita the first few times you use a pick, but you'll adapt. Easier to use less than more

[mcm]

fingers- the only way