An audition requires you to play with a pick. Why?

[uethanian]

No, incorrect, they want a pick because they want the sound of a bass played with a pick. I don't see why this is even an issue. If a funk band was auditioning a bassist, would anybody call foul if they asked for somebody who would slap/pop a lot? It's part of what the band wants out of a bass player's sound, a solid pickstyle rock bass tone. No matter how soloed the bridge pickup is, it won't equal a pick.

but what if thats not the case? it is much more likely that these guys know nothing about bass and require a pick because of an image they are trying to cop. and perhaps they can't hear the sound difference between a pick and fingers, its just a concept that they've convinced themselves is 'the right way to do things.'

now, if it was a funk band, it would not be unreasonable at all to require slap. but in a punk band (and i'm guessing thats what this is, because it sounds like something a punk band would put out), fingers and pick can serve the same musical function. yes, they sound different, but they also both sound in context.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

I was replying to an ad and it says something like "if you don't play with a pick don't reply".

What the heck. I never really was interested on playing with a pick as I think it was too bright. Besides If I want to sound bright I can change the tone and play with the bridge PU. Kind of like Jaco.

This might go in that sticky pick or no pick thread.

But c'mon a requirement to be "must use pick" is ridiculous.

Why? Because some people are, well, idiots. Pickstyle playing is cool and all, but the absoluteism represented by the requirement "if you don't play with a pick don't reply" is infantile.

Best to you.

 

[Mushroo]

but what if thats not the case? it is much more likely that these guys know nothing about bass and require a pick because of an image they are trying to cop. and perhaps they can't hear the sound difference between a pick and fingers, its just a concept that they've convinced themselves is 'the right way to do things.'

now, if it was a funk band, it would not be unreasonable at all to require slap. but in a punk band (and i'm guessing thats what this is, because it sounds like something a punk band would put out), fingers and pick can serve the same musical function. yes, they sound different, but they also both sound in context.

So let me get this straight, *you* can hear the difference between finger and pick ("yes, they sound different"), but if someone else prefers the sound of pick to fingers, they "know nothing about bass and require a pick because of an image they are trying to cop"???

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

So if Mutt Lange, Quincy Jones, Danial Lanois, Bob Rock, <insert your favorite producer here>, called any of you and asked you to play a session with a pick, you'd turn them down??

It's irrelevant because those guys are pros and they would never say "if you don't play with a pick, don't reply."

Best to you.

 

[Mushroo]

It's irrelevant because those guys are pros and they would never say "if you don't play with a pick, don't reply."

Best to you.

True, because none of those producers are placing bassist-wanted ads in Craigslist or the local weekly, LOL!
And if they were producing a track with, say, a 70s Carol Kaye/Joe Osborn sound, they would hire a good pick player every time.

 

[jaywa]

^^

Seems to me they are doing potential applicants a favor. If you don't play with a pick they don't want you. It's their call and they don't have to waste their time OR yours.

That's pretty much my take on it too. In a lot of markets there are more bands than there are good bassists to service them, so let this band have their pick player and wait for a situation that's a better fit for you.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Fun thread. So much cluelessness in the world. No offense but that's what it appears to be IMO.

I don't play with a pick... even though I've been a big Chris Squire fan for decades. Taking offense to someone laying out as simple a requirement as this is just flat out childish. Let alone unprofessional. If I read the ad I'd immediately say to myself in a calm, rational, non-judgemental and adult voice: I guess this one's not for me. Oh well. Next.

You know what else sounds like playing with a pick?

Answer: playing with another pick.


Whether it's a big time producer or a local yocal, he who hires the band calls the shots. Don't like it? Don't take the damn gig. Duh.

Was that harsh?


Should everyone learn how to play with a pick? IMO no... only if you want to or you're after work that requires it. If this kind of thing pisses you off, congrats... you're a stereotypical musician. But there's hope. You can change.

 

[ErebusBass]

but what if thats not the case? it is much more likely that these guys know nothing about bass and require a pick because of an image they are trying to cop. and perhaps they can't hear the sound difference between a pick and fingers, its just a concept that they've convinced themselves is 'the right way to do things.'

You'd want to be in a band that dictated the way their members play for the purpose of an image? I wouldn't. Bands that spend all their time trying to look good never sound good. And IMO, the ones that look good, usually look good because they sound good.

I play with a pick. I can get some sick tones with a pick if I need to. I prefer to play with my fingers, but if I'm playing with my (metal) band, I use a pick because I'm more accurate and consistent with one.

 

[Brad Johnson]

If any of those guys called and said they needed me to play with a pick, well they have the credentials and if they want a pick then they gets a pick. Some local losers who insist on a pick before even hearing you is a different story.

Andy

Last I heard everyone starts out local. Even the pros. That's how you start getting credentials.

 

[Pacman]

So let me get this straight, *you* can hear the difference between finger and pick ("yes, they sound different"), but if someone else prefers the sound of pick to fingers, they "know nothing about bass and require a pick because of an image they are trying to cop"???

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

True, because none of those producers are placing bassist-wanted ads in Craigslist or the local weekly, LOL!
And if they were producing a track with, say, a 70s Carol Kaye/Joe Osborn sound, they would hire a good pick player every time.

True, but they would also never say, in Craigslist or anywhere else in print or in person, "if you don't use a pick..." IMO...

 

[Pacman]

True, but they would also never say, in Craigslist or anywhere else in print or in person, "if you don't use a pick..." IMO...

No, they'd just call a player known for their pick playing ability. And then they'd say "play it with a pick."

 

[Marcury]

OP BTW, why do you care?

 

[Lorenzini]

It's not ridiculous. They want a pick player!
Similar to if they said, slappers only or something.
Or fat, balding white guys only.

 

[JimmyM]

Boy, a lot of you really seem to think the world begins and ends with you. To think that you have the right to tell someone off or question their motives because their band wants a pick player and you don't like it just shows me the insane level of egotism in YOU. Grow up and stop being such babies.

 

[HaVIC5]

Why? Because some people are, well, idiots. Pickstyle playing is cool and all, but the absoluteism represented by the requirement "if you don't play with a pick don't reply" is infantile.

Jeez, "absolutism?" It's a creative choice, jeez. Some people like the sound of "sloppy", heavy-touch pizzicato, some people like "touch-bass" light-touch pizzicato. And some like the sound of a pick. Think of it in terms of guitar. Would you get up in arms about a band that posted an ad saying "guitarist wanted, must use distortion?" I don't see the problem with liking something over another.

 

[kraigo]

Boy, a lot of you really seem to think the world begins and ends with you. To think that you have the right to tell someone off or question their motives because their band wants a pick player and you don't like it just shows me the insane level of egotism in YOU. Grow up and stop being such babies.

My vote for the best response in this thread. Thanks Jimmy.

KO

 

[JimmyM]

LOL, thx Kraigo!

 

[Easy8]

My vote for the best response in this thread. Thanks Jimmy.

KO

+1

Just my $0.02

 

[EADG mx]

Why does this thread exist

they don't want you and you don't want them. Who cares?

I've seen lots of ads like that

must play a 5 string
must have long hair
must have attitude

If they don't get what they're looking for or pass up an amazing player, it's their problem not yours.