Playing with a pick

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Whats the best way to practice playing with a pick?, ive played using mainly fingers for about 3 years, but in the last 4-5 months ive been trying to get up to speed playind with a pick, but im alot more inconsistant, hit some strings harder than others, and seem to start inadvertantly playing the pick at an angle which gives a scratchy souds

[xshawnxearthx]

scales. allternating ups and downs

ive been doing this in reverse actually because im trying to get faster with the fingers.

[johnvice]

Originally Posted by xshawnxearthx

scales. allternating ups and downs

ive been doing this in reverse actually because im trying to get faster with the fingers.

The above quote is excellent advice! Once you are good with scales, try specifc technquies, upstroke, downstroke, alternating strokes. Teh alternating up/down stroke is a great way to build up speed.

But, first get good; then get fast

[DaftCat]

Playing closer to the bridge make fast playing easier, but the tone is different. The closer to the bridge the less the string will move(aka vibrate) and makes fast playing a little easier.

Find a happy medium.

[Mon Rominee]

Originally Posted by DaftCat

Playing closer to the bridge make fast playing easier, but the tone is different. The closer to the bridge the less the string will move(aka vibrate) and makes fast playing a little easier.

Find a happy medium.

Yup...but having the side of your hand ANCHORED on the bridge is a cure-all for consistency. As you would anchor your thumb on a pup for fingerstyle, so goes the side of your hand on the bridge for pickstyle. Hold the pick between your thumb and pointer finger, tip almost perpendicular to your thumb. this should keep it in line with the strings for proper attack. Now the benny of playing with your hand anchored on the bridge is you can shift your hand forward a tad to slightly mute the strings if the attack is too harsh for the music.

Takes practice. use your wrist motion, not arm motion when picking.

[lefty]

what`s that?

[Mon Rominee]

What you do to your nose...

[HunsBassist]

Originally Posted by xshawnxearthx

scales. allternating ups and downs

ive been doing this in reverse actually because im trying to get faster with the fingers.

This is good advice. I play with both fingers and pick but I'm probably better with a pick. The main thing to remember about alternate stroking with a pick is don't give up. It's very frustrating and you'll wanna give up. But one day you'll pick up the bass and just get it. Good luck on your progress.

[The_Ryst]

If it can't be done with your fingers, don't do it