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Can a pick sound like fingers?

K

Keith R.

Dec 8, 2006
9
0
#1
Hello all,
Here's the problem: I play classical guitar, but I also love playing bass. For guitar, I need my right hand nails intact. Playing bass with fingers damages them, but I'm not too crazy about the sound of a pick on bass for most of what I do.

So, is there any particular material from which I might make a pick, or some other way to create a sound that is more finger-like than a typical pick sound?

--kr
 
#5
i only know of it, cuz when i bought my last planet waves cable, it came with it inside as a free gift / sample

i dont use picks ever on bass tho. just on guitar. but i tried it out and it was cool on bass i think this is WHAT U SEEK! good luck,

alan
 
#9
Yeah, I know it will never sound the same, and I know there are pros out there doing both. I just thought, why not experiment with some different materials? They definitely make a difference on guitar (the non-classical guitars, that is).

I'm willing to waste a few bucks on experimenting. Maybe I'll try those that Alan suggested.

--kr
 
#10
SpamBot said:
Don't get a rubber pick, they shed bits of rubber all over. It's disgusting.
Click to expand...

You're right. I have some, and they're a pain. One of my guitar teachers played bass too, and he used some kind of felt pick to get a sound closer to fingerstyle.

I get closest by playing close to the neck, and instead of striking the string, using more of a plucking approach, i.e., placing the pick on the string, then pulling and releasing. That's difficult with fast passages, but for slower parts it works well.
 
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#13
Your post and profile tells us nothing about the style of music your playing, whether you're gigging or recording, etc. So it makes it a tad more difficult for recommendations.

That said, whenever I have to use one, I'll use a medium gauge nylon pick such as Dunlop or Herco. They feel more comfortable and sound closer to a finger than a traditional hard plastic one like Fender, etc.

If you ever do any session work for others, the producer or artist will sometimes request a picked bass. Twenty years ago, I severed four tendons and the ulnar nerve in my right wrist, so it's difficult to grasp and control a pick for an extended period. On some studio sessions I've been able to placate the producer by plucking close to the bridge with my little finger. That bears some resemblance to a "plucked with plectrum" sound.
 
#14
im sure u will find a material whether its a "pick " or not, u can cut it once u find the right material to a pick size and shape.

look around maybe the hardware store or something ? lol

try those picks i linked u cant hurt to try.
 
#17
uh.... I suppose... but that rather defeats the purpose, yes? A pick can get a tone that fingers have a hard time with - and while I don't play with a pick myself, I have heard some very cool bass lines that were picked - -

my advice is that if you play with a pick, learn to play with your fingers too.
 
#18
lbwdog,
I appreciate the suggestions. Nothing even close to professional going on with me. Just recording stuff for fun in my spare-bedroom studio.

Felt might be interesting. The hardware store might be interesting, too.

Harry, I can play with my fingers, but as I said, classical guitar requires the nails and those nails don't take too kindly to bass strings.

--kr
 

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