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Am I severely limiting myself by pick playing?
- Thread starter Pablo Fanque
- Start date
Like what?
Play what is comfortable and develop your own sound. The world has enough clones.
I would say no 
At first I was thinking bad about Jason Newsted using a pick all the time, but when I heared in a interview he couldn't pluck with his fingers, because his fingertops bursted open, even when there were thick layers of callus on his fingertops I thought : hey, who am I to judge?
Anyway, back to the topic : I think that you should do what you prefer. If for example you like it cause it makes you bass more alive, then why not? Or if you band request that kind of bass lines, made with a pick, then do it!
No one that can stop you for doing what you enjoy!
At first I was thinking bad about Jason Newsted using a pick all the time, but when I heared in a interview he couldn't pluck with his fingers, because his fingertops bursted open, even when there were thick layers of callus on his fingertops I thought : hey, who am I to judge?Anyway, back to the topic : I think that you should do what you prefer. If for example you like it cause it makes you bass more alive, then why not? Or if you band request that kind of bass lines, made with a pick, then do it!
No one that can stop you for doing what you enjoy!
In the three and a half years since the OP, maybe they have found out nothing limits a player but their imagination.
In the three and a half years since the OP, maybe they have found out nothing limits a player but their imagination.
Wha...but...wow. I didn't notice that at all!
My knee-jerk response to the question would be "NO". My first few years as a performing bass player I used a pick exclusively. There are legions of professional bass players who use a flat pick in live performances. Currently, I start off with finger picking but will go to a flat pick if I feel a need to be louder... before I start turning my amp up... or if the style of bass I'm covering requires it.
Of course there were always those who came up to me and said "You know you should be using your fingers, not a pick." My response was usually "Thanks. And I'll be glad to pass that info onto Paul McCartney too. He'll be glad to know he's got it all wrong."
As a teacher I would introduce different techniques and exercises for each one, but would never insist a student work on things that were uncomfortable... just be aware of the different playing techniques as options to get different sounds. When I first started playing kit drums the "matched" grip (of holding drum sticks) was still frowned upon. The traditional grip was the "proper" way.
Of course there were always those who came up to me and said "You know you should be using your fingers, not a pick." My response was usually "Thanks. And I'll be glad to pass that info onto Paul McCartney too. He'll be glad to know he's got it all wrong."
As a teacher I would introduce different techniques and exercises for each one, but would never insist a student work on things that were uncomfortable... just be aware of the different playing techniques as options to get different sounds. When I first started playing kit drums the "matched" grip (of holding drum sticks) was still frowned upon. The traditional grip was the "proper" way.
It's easier to do beginner stuff with a pick.
Then it's easier to do the next level with fingers.
Then there's a level that's really hard to do with fingers but a decent pick player can handle it.
Then there are the super monsters like Vic Wooten who almost invariably use fingers.
so, whatever.
Then it's easier to do the next level with fingers.
Then there's a level that's really hard to do with fingers but a decent pick player can handle it.
Then there are the super monsters like Vic Wooten who almost invariably use fingers.
so, whatever.
Ding ding ding!
I play 98% of my basslines alternating between my index and middle fingers. It feels right, and I think it usually sounds better. My band has about 20 original songs, and one of them has one part that I just have to play with a pick. It's a fast 16th-note riff up at the highest range of the G-string, and it just doesn't sound right when I fingerpick it.
You need to develop your own signature style, while also being open to trying new things... unless you want to be in a cover band or be a studio player, in which case you need to master every technique under the sun.
After 20 years of playing fingerstyle bass, I'm just starting to spend more time learning to use a pick. There's a whole range of tone and feel that I've been missing out on. I imagine, however, that I could say the same about fingerstyle if I spent the last 20 years only playing with a pick. To answer the OP's question I think that even if you're used to one approach, you should have at least a basic knowledge of as many others as you can. I wish I used a pick sooner.
I've been a musician for a long time—and if I know one thing for sure, it's this: Just about any instrument, amp, accessory, or technique is just fine, but the thing that always makes the most difference is practicing.
If you want to use a pick, use a pick—but you must practice using a pick for it to make a difference.
If you want to use a pick, use a pick—but you must practice using a pick for it to make a difference.
This is the 57th post so I'm sure nothing new will be added by my post, however, IMO nothing wrong with pick, fingers, thumb, slap or whatever you use to make the sound. If it sounds good it's good.
Kick-starting an already kick-started zombie thread....ok I'll bite.
I guess if you're looking to be a does-it-all hired gun type of player using only a pick could limit the number of calls you get....but then NOT playing with a pick might too. But if you're looking to develop a personal voice and the pick is what you hear and feel there's not a damned thing wrong with using it exclusively. If there is you should let Carles Benavent know that he ****ed up big time. Maybe on your way back from Barcelona you can swing by upstate New York and clue Steve Swallow in too...
I guess if you're looking to be a does-it-all hired gun type of player using only a pick could limit the number of calls you get....but then NOT playing with a pick might too. But if you're looking to develop a personal voice and the pick is what you hear and feel there's not a damned thing wrong with using it exclusively. If there is you should let Carles Benavent know that he ****ed up big time. Maybe on your way back from Barcelona you can swing by upstate New York and clue Steve Swallow in too...
Justin Chancellor would say no.
A pick is a tool, and you should use it when you need it. There are certain things I prefer a pick for, certain things I just can't play properly with a pick. There are other things that just don't work with fingers. It may be easier to do certain techniques without dealing with a pick. Billy Gould of Faith No More uses both.
A pick is a tool, and you should use it when you need it. There are certain things I prefer a pick for, certain things I just can't play properly with a pick. There are other things that just don't work with fingers. It may be easier to do certain techniques without dealing with a pick. Billy Gould of Faith No More uses both.
