Defending From Pick Prejudice?!

[Modern_Myth]

Hello everyone,

i was just wondering, for those who use picks, have you ever recieved abuse for using one?

For example, the other day in school ( I'm 14 ) me and my friend (on guitar) started to jam when a girl i know, who is currently taking bass lessons, says
'Are you actually using a pick? REAL bassists never use them' I literally couldnt think of what to say, apart from naming many famous bassists that have and continue to use picks, i think i suprised her with a couple of them, but anyway...

Has anyone else ever had a similar experience?
Is there TRULY anything wrong with using a pick, or are people just ignorant?
And, just so you know, i can use fingers to, but i just love picking!

[AltGrendel]

Two names for me:

Chris Squier
Paul McCartney

I use fingers or pick. Depends on the song.

Some people are just ignorant.

[evenintheshower]

Ignore her. Play how you want to play. Who gives a crap what she thinks?

You'll find LOTS of bassists around here who play with a pick. I rarely play fingerstyle. I love the tone I get from using a pick.

REAL bassists never use picks? Really? I guess we'll have to let Paul McCartney know that then.

[Tsfender]

She's just starting out, and is probably insecure of her abilities so she tries to bring better bassist down. Ya feel?

[Schizoid75]

She could also be spouting off info she got from a teacher. She hasn't had time to investigate for herself, so she's just repeating what she's been told.

It's been said countless times before, but I'll say it again: who cares. I do what I do, I like what I do, my band likes what I do, and the sound guy doesn't have any issues. What more is there?

[Rickengeezer]

Ask her:

If a majority of bass players play fingerstyle, does that mean pick players aren't REAL bassists?

Then ask her:

If a majority of bass players are male, does that mean females can't be REAL bassists?

See what she thinks.

[BigOldHarry]

There is no defense.....

[Corey Y]

If you're 14 now is as good a time as any to come to grips with the idea that people talk out of their backside...a lot. Keep posting on internet forums to continue your education in this subject

[pie_man_25]

Originally Posted by Corey Y

If you're 14 now is as good a time as any to come to grips with the idea that people talk out of their backside...a lot. Keep posting on internet forums to continue your education in this subject

+1, I'm frequently one of those people too.

[BigOldHarry]

I didn't notice that the OP is 14...

at age 14, he should be learning both Pick & finger-style. At this point, he's not a player, he's a student and should be focused on LEARNING. My my opinion.

[Pilgrim]

Ignorance is universal; skill is not.

Learn both, use both.

[Modern_Myth]

Thanks everyone for the responses, And i agree i shouldn't really care what she or others say, it just got to me for some reason, probably because she is learning the bass, and i usually get it from people that can't play anything, i just thought she would have been more open minded on all techniques, oh well, she'll learn one day!

[tdub0199]

It's just ignorance... How many times do you think people made unjustly comments about Jimmy Hendrix playing a right handed guitar strung up backwards? Don't Believe the Hype!

[tZer]

She's right. Quit now.












Or not.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Modern_Myth

Hello everyone,

i was just wondering, for those who use picks, have you ever recieved abuse for using one?

For example, the other day in school ( I'm 14 ) me and my friend (on guitar) started to jam when a girl i know, who is currently taking bass lessons, says
'Are you actually using a pick? REAL bassists never use them' I literally couldnt think of what to say, apart from naming many famous bassists that have and continue to use picks, i think i suprised her with a couple of them, but anyway...

Has anyone else ever had a similar experience?
Is there TRULY anything wrong with using a pick, or are people just ignorant?
And, just so you know, i can use fingers to, but i just love picking!

Whats a real bass player? I have been playing bass guitar for about 45 years and until 1 year ao I always used my fingers.

I switched to using a pick. I can get more out of a pick with less effort.I love it.

[Konigstiger22]

I use both. Actually I have been told this line before, "OMG why don't you play with a pick?!" I always reply sometimes I do, just depends. So my theory is use a pick, use your fingers, use your fingers as a pick, slap it, pop it, flick it, smack it and whatever else you need to do to get a sound you like!

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by Modern_Myth

Is there TRULY anything wrong with using a pick, or are people just ignorant?

No.
Yes.

Originally Posted by evenintheshower

Ignore her. Play how you want to play. Who gives a crap what she thinks?

Wrong.
Care what she thinks.
Care a lot.
Chicks are the reason you started playing right?
I mean no one plays bass because they LIKED bass right????

Short story....
I played flute (yes FLUTE) all through elementary school, jr. high and into the first few years of high school.
And I was good. REAL good.
But all my buddies would give me crap over it so I started playing guitar/drums/bass and dropped flute like a used rubb.....well, you know.
Anyway, went from sitting surrounded by (at least in my school) HOT chicks to hanging out in the basement with a bunch of guys.......

So, when she's around, ditch the pick.
Or is it ditch your pri....
or prick the bitc.....
Nevermind- getting too close to being hit with an infraction!

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by Konigstiger22

, slap it, pop it, flick it, smack it and whatever else you need to do

Wow, this thread could go south REAL fast.....I better get outta here!

[bkbirge]

You are both wrong, this is the way to do it...
Proper Bass Technique

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by evenintheshower

Who gives a crap what she thinks?

The OP, because he's 14, and it was a girl, and she plays bass.


Nothing wrong with using a pick, though. I used them for my first 8 years playing bass before I transitioned to using fingerstyle.