Pick or Fingers

[4stringsrenough]

I use my fingers all the time But Paul McCartney uses a pick so there you go it's all good!

[TBird1958]

With the band for about 99% of the time I use a pick, I get much better attack and I feel like I ride in the mix better.
At home, upstairs in my rehearsal room there's nothing more satifying than sitting down and playing fingerstyle, it feels really good, often I'm just learning something for the pleasure of it - makes me happy I play the bass

[Pet Sounds]

Both, I suppose, but learning fingerstyle is critical. I'd been a guitar player, so I started with a pick. I came to find it very limiting. For me, it's hard to "swing" with a pick.

[RedMoses]

Started with a pic, been playing fingers only for a long long time. A pick is a little easier to get going with, fingers take more practice but are much better for nuances. At some point the way you want to sound will change and what will emerge is "Your" sound, follow your ears.

[ThePbassGuy]

You should learn both styles.

[Interius]

Originally Posted by IronLung1986

I used to have that problem but now I stick one of those spring-loaded pick holders on the back of the headstock of all my basses.

A good solution, but I'd rather use my fingers.

[Schpector]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Penis

I laughed so hard I cried

[jellymax]

i a a finger guy. started out as a pick guy. i never practice on pick, but i use a pick
anyways, on 2 or 3 songs. when i come around, dancin with myself, & blister in the sun
mainly. otherwise i play 3 sets with fingers

[monti2889]

Originally Posted by TakeAPebble

Go on guys and girls!

You tell me!

I'm learning so would like to know what you recommend?

Simon

In all reality most the previous posts are right on...as far as...learning both or all styles (ie...finger, pick, slap, thumb...etc). However, if you were to focus solely on one technique, I would recommend finger style, as this provides the most versatility and is somewhat applicable to upright bass as well, if you're looking to get into a jazz band or bluegrass styles.

[Erich Bruning]

I exclusively played finger style for years. Thought playing with a pic was for failed guitarists. Then, after I revisited the styles for some of the music I loved years ago (played by Severin, Gallop, etc..) I discovered that there is a place where a pick works quite well. Not very good at it, but getting better.

[EatADeadGoat]

THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE WAY TO PLAY THIS INSTRUMENT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlfSf2Ebn8A

[Aussie Player]

I started with a pick and changed over to fingers exclusively. These days I can't hold or use a pick and detest the sound. The fingers are the main contributor to my sound.

[vegas532]

Another vote for both, and always let the song dictate which approach you use.

[exidor]

99.999 of the time fingers or thumb or thumb & fingers

[ethanbowen666]

Isn't there a bazzilion threads on this already?

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by TakeAPebble

Go on guys and girls!

You tell me!

I'm learning so would like to know what you recommend?

Simon

The answer, of course, is Yes.

[Jeff K]

I MUCH prefer playing fingerstyle, and do so at least 99% of the time. I force myself to use a pick sometimes, but don't enjoy it as well. But I was thinking one time, "What if I smashed my fingers in a car door or something?" Thought if that were to happen, I might still be able to use a pick; so I started forcing myself to play both styles. You just never know. And some songs really do sound great with a pick.

[spiritbass]

I haven't used a pick in so long, I would have to re-learn how to utilize one...

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by TakeAPebble

I understand you guys get it all the time, but I've had conflicting advantages and disadvantages so was curious what you guys recommend... go easy I'm new lol

No really, both.

It can be good to know a variety of techniques. I play with both finger style and pick style. Often in the same band, sometimes during the same song.

[mpdd]

middle fingertip just became extremely vulnerable to finger style recently, weird blisters, holes, friction type pink spots, seems find since i haven't played for five days now, going to try the loud amp/light touch method when i get back to LA tomorrow night