Pick playing - pros and cons

[Popbumper]

Disclaimer: I'm just a beginner (three weeks), so have a LONGGG way to go. Maybe to soon to ask, but I will.

I am curious - what are the pros and cons of pick playing? I bought some picks yesterday and absolutely love the feel and clarity of the sound vs. the dull "thudding" of my untrained fingers.

My understanding is that some very well known bass (professional) players are pick users. What can others here share as to their opinion of why or why not it's a good idea?

Thanks!

Chris

[spaz21387]

well its all about personal preference. I prefer picks because with rounds I seem to be able to get more mids in my tone that way. Also you can play faster with a pick im not sure if your into that but thats a plus for me. But then again theres pros out there that can go just as fast with their fingers like Bart Williams.

[picklebarrel]

I'm a beginner too but from what I know it just depends on what sound you like. My friend always played with fingerstyle when I was in bands with him but now he is in a punk/hardcore band and he plays with a pick because that's the tone he is going for in that band.

[HaVIC5]

A lot of people weigh in on the subject of picks vs. fingers with ideas regarding to control of the instrument, speed, stamina, dexterity, etc. In the long run, all things considered for any style of music you'd be required to play, they're about even. What's different is timbre, and a certain "playing mentality," that comes from playing with pick vs. fingers. Ideally, you'd be able to do both, and do both well.

[treekiller]

What other instruments can you play? If you can play guitar, then pick playing is an easy way to get up to speed quickly so you can focus on learning what to play instead of how. I switched from guitar myself and it was a big help. Having said that, try to learn how to play with your fingers asap and slowly work yourself up to the point you can do either. You will be surprised just how quickly you will be able to do it. I prefer playing fingerstyle, but there are some things that I still can't do fast and cleanly enough with my fingers. Good luck!!!

[tangentmusic]

Like everyone has said, it's really a matter of which style feels more natural to you. Granted, you can get a more trebley sound using one, but players like Geddy Lee uses his fingers and gets tons of treble. I have found that it really depends on the style or song you're playing. A laid back blusey tune may sound better with the fingerstyle, while a faster paced rocker may call for a pick. I have used a thumb pick for a long time, which allows you to move between both styles within the same song with out having to worry about dropping it or having to put it in your mouth quickly between changes. Try it, you may like it.

[JustOpenYourMind]

If you want to be a versitile and ''actual'' bass player you absolutly have to learn both fingerstyle and pick, both style complement each other.

Sometimes you want that warm ''cushion'' of bass that fingers bring you and sometime you need the sharp attack of a pick. You absolutly can't do both sounds using one technique.

[guroove]

I have always been more of a fingers player mainly because I never really learned to play properly with a pick. I did play with a pick in a hard rock band many years ago. One thing that was an eye-opener for me was that in the studio, playing a p-bass, I could play aggressively with the pick and not get a nasty clank from the strings hitting the fretboard. On one take, I did it with fingers, then a light bulb went off. I asked the engineer, "Do you want me to play it again with a pick?"

It's definitely a good idea to be proficient with both, as you will encounter people who will want you to learn how to play one way or the other.

[shawshank72]

Take it from a pick player, if it helps you learn quicker and feels comfortable then do it. But PLEASE also learn to use your fingers. I never learned to use my fingers and have always used a pick, and hate myself for being old and lazy now and not wanting to take the time to learn. Now that I am older and my tastes have changed( I still love to play grunge and still am in a band doing so ) there are styles I want to play and using a pick just dosent create the sound I want.

[strozey]

anyone know what the best pick for metal is?

[Ric5]

I really love pick playing but I also really love finger playing.

Master as many styles as you can.

[propel]

Originally Posted by Ric5

I really love pick playing but I also really love finger playing.

Master as many styles as you can.

Exactly. Both are good and what they're good for depends on you. I learned to play almost exclusively with my fingers and I regret it, since it's fun to be able to play with a pick too. Now I'm good with a pick, but it took a while and lots of practice which was frustrating since I couldn't play songs I found easy with my fingers. This is just my opinion, but I'd start a bit more with your fingers since it's harder to get at first. Don't limit yourself! And especially don't listen to people who tell what you can and can't play.

tldr; learn to use both!

[kai]

I play both with fingers and with pick. I've always played guitar as well as bass and I'll echo what everyone has said so far. Do both! Some songs just scream for a pick and others for fingers. Now I can get close to a pick sound while using fingers but only if I'm real calloused up from playing and have my nails at the right length.

Also, some basses force me to go one way or the other. My P-bass is damned uncomfortable to play with a pick (but sounds so good that way). While my Steinberger feels just like a strat in my hands and begs for a pick.

Learn em both! More tools in your arsenal.

[BrainDamaged]

Originally Posted by strozey

anyone know what the best pick for metal is?

I play with both my fingers and a pick - it all depends on the sound I want to achieve (and whether or not I can run my fingers in place fast enough).

[Floyd Eye]

I'm primarily a pick player, but I use my fingers when it's appropriate. I highly suggest learning both ways. It's very hard to pull off Eric Wilson bass using a pick, for example.

[jazzblade]

Originally Posted by BrainDamaged

I play with both my fingers and a pick - it all depends on the sound I want to achieve (and whether or not I can run my fingers in place fast enough).

+++1 What he said.

[Stick_Player]

Watch THIS video. It pretty much explains why, especially as a young player, you may want to learn pick, fingers, and slap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO-zC...eature=related

[Rudreax]

Any reason why you cant learn both? You'll get used to the weirdness of playing with your fingers, might as well get used to it now while you're still green.

[TuckLM]

These are just different techniques and the question of either/or is beside the point. What does the song need?

I prefer fingerstyle because I like the warmth and punch. Fingerstyle also offers more variety than you may think. Pluck a string by the bridge with your fingertips, add a little finger nail if you want to get a nice punch. Move up to the fretboard and pull the string with the side of your finger with a little slap to the fingerboard and get a sound that's warm and loose and makes you think of an upright.

Sometimes the song will call for pick and there are all kinds of ways to approach that technique. Which to use? Well, experience, skill and taste will be your guide.

[MalcolmAmos]

I found - in http://www.smithfowler.org/music/Chord_Formulas.htm the use of front pickup or back pickup interesting.

I normally balance the front two and turn off the third. Opened up some more possibilities.

I use a thumb pick or just my thumb and yes which depends on the song.