Fingers vs. Pick?

[ihatethebeatles]

I just recently took up bass after years of playing guitar. I'm used to hitting the 6 string with a pick, and that is how I have approached the bass. I find that using my fingers to strike the strings causes alot of cramping. So I have stuck with the pick. Is there any benefit that I am missing out on by playing this way?

John

[Adam Barkley]

Pick - Usually Trebly, very distinct
Fingers - Rounder, softer,

There is no best technique for playing, but knowing many different styles of playing is a plus. Decide for yourself how versatile of player you want to be. Good luck

I am trying to get my picking up to speed because I am mainly a fingerstyle player. One technique that I am experimenting with (took this from you Jauqo) is putting a pick in between the knuckles of my middle and ring fingers, so that I can still play slap and add quick pick bursts to it.

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by abark000

I am trying to get my picking up to speed because I am mainly a fingerstyle player. One technique that I am experimenting with (took this from you Jauqo) is putting a pick in between the knuckles of my middle and ring fingers, so that I can still play slap and add quick pick bursts to it.

Abarkooo what Gauge pick do you use?I use Dunlop Nylon .38mm

[Adam Barkley]

Little bit thicker, .88 Dunlops, all I had laying around

Still trying to perfect it though .

[Matt Till]

Personally, I usually play my bass with a watermelon, but that's just me.

Use whatever the song calls for. If at all possible, be able to play all techniques. Each one is like an extra tool in the toolbox.

[Matt Till]

Oh and I'm sure the Beatles hate you.

[BustinJustin]

Originally Posted by StupidMatt

Oh and I'm sure the Beatles hate you.

sure do...

[watt]

john,

it takes practice to build up the fingers so you gotta give yourself some time. when I went back to pick for some tours w/j mascis + the fog, my hand was cramping up cuz different muscles are used for each way of playing.

if you do start w/the fingers, don't give up on the pick though - I think it's best to know how to play w/both fingers and a pick. there's things you can do w/each technique that are singular to each. experiment - I know a cat who plays w/both a pick and fingers at the same time!



on bass, watt

Originally Posted by ihatethebeatles

I just recently took up bass after years of playing guitar. I'm used to hitting the 6 string with a pick, and that is how I have approached the bass. I find that using my fingers to strike the strings causes alot of cramping. So I have stuck with the pick. Is there any benefit that I am missing out on by playing this way?

John

[crazybassplyr]

Originally Posted by watt

I know a cat who plays w/both a pick and fingers at the same time!

Is this uncommon?
When I took on the bass after several years of playing guitar, using a pick and my fingers at the same time sort of just came naturally to me.
I hold the pick in the standard fashion between my thumb and index finger then use my middle and ring finger for additional plucking and popping(my pinky is a weak little thing that I never have been able to get to cooperate).

[Adam Barkley]

I have never seen anybody do it, sounds cool though

[Spanky]

Originally Posted by StupidMatt

Personally, I usually play my bass with a watermelon, but that's just me

I thought I was the only one who did that?! Kewl!

[crazybassplyr]

Originally Posted by abark000

I have never seen anybody do it, sounds cool though

Maybe I am just a mutant......

[Matt Till]

It's not common, but a guitarist I jam with can do it. I don't know, it doesn't seem that... useful to me. But, whatever works.

[ironmaidenisgod]

I switched over from playing guitar too.But plucking comes more naturally to me.

[scientist_rock]

I guess everyone has their own way of playing which is easy for them.
Most people have trouble using the pinky on their fretting hand, but I use mine all the time. I use my pinky instead of the finger to the left of my middle finger most of the time, like for creating the power-chord shape and stuff.
I even find it easier making that shape when strumming power chords on a guitar.
Everyone always remarks upon how painful it looks and must be, but it feels perfectly natural for me.
At first it was treally painful but now I find it wasy easier to stretch my hand further down the fretboard.
I say - if it feels right and it sounds good, then do it!