Does anyone else find it difficult to play bass with a pick?

[russellmania]

It takes practice, just like any other technique.

Exactly. I'm a finger-style player, but there are definitely some benefits to playing with a pick. I've used a pick instead of my fingers while recording some tracks with alot of chords, and fast Black Flag-type picking (I am faster with my fingers, but to get a really even sound I'll use a pick or one finger.)

Just keep practicing, it can't hurt to add another technique to your arsenal.

 

[DJS]

Hey, the guy at Guitar Center told me I was a "real" bass player because I didn't use a pick, so I haven't touched one since.

I wasn't sure if any of you pick guys had heard that, and if not, maybe you should consider switching. It clearly must be true. I heard it at Guitar Center

 

[WhiteKnuckles]

I'm super sloppy pick player...it's sounds like I'm killing kittens with a rubber mallet. I've been playing fingerstyle for 20+ years now, so I doubt I'll ever put any time into actually developing pick technique.

 

[Rilander]

I have always thought the right thing to do is master playing with your fingers AND with a pick to be a complete player. Also slap AND thumb style. Just a personal choice

 

[DeeDee Vicious]

I use both depending on desired sound. I've never thought there was any particular advantge with using one over the other. Nowadoys I mostly combine the two. I use the pick on the lower strings and I'll pop or use fingerstyle on the higher ones. This technique, after much practice, can dramatically increse speed.

Also guys muting w/ a pick is not that hard. Just try lightly touching the string with the bottom of the pick, rather than trying to use palm muting.

 

[Fuzzbass]

It takes practice, just like any other technique.

+1000

I was an anti-pick snob for decades but then came to my senses. Even though I don't use a pick for many songs, I've now built up my hand and wrist strength to the point where I can play uptempo tunes such as "Slither" by Velvet Revolver and "Mudshovel" by Staind. I try to play "Slither" with all downstrokes, sounds better that way to my ears.

 

[Tom Howland]

It takes practice, just like any other technique.

The more you use a pick.
The easier it becomes.
I use one if it calls for that pick sound.
I'm a 70%-30% finger, pick player.

 

[Maxi]

I can't hold a pick properly, so after about a minute, my thumb starts to get really sore. So I just stick to using my fingers.

But to be honest, I think that for the music I play (metal), a pick sounds better.

 

[winstonthecat]

I started out playing w/ a pick, because I switched over from guitar. I forced myself to learn fingerstyle, because that was a better sound for the music I was playing.

In my current band, we play a lot of songs that require that more treble-y and grinding pick sound. I had to go back to using a pick for those songs, and it's taking a bit to get used to it again. I can go faster when pumping eighth's, but I'm not as accurate when doing fast runs and string jumping.

As for the sweaty hands problem, a friend recommended doing a surface cut on the picks w/ a razor blade. This gives it a grooved effect, and I find it is easier to grip.

 

[skwee]

Pick for my acoustic bass guitar, and almost always plucking for the electric.

 

[somegeezer]

I do the same fumbling, but can actually play faster. It's just lack of practise that I keep missing strings though. I get a better feel with fingers. I still use both for different tones though.

 

[mpdd]

i can play either way, but in general i play this way
blues, melodic, or notey songs - fingers
metal, chords, muted strings and harmonics - pick

 

[St Drogo]

Pick and fingers have there ups and downs. personally i like the pick sound you get and fingerstyle. just practice

Actually, picks have ups and downs. Fingers only have ups.

HAHAnotreallyfunny.

 

[St Drogo]

+1000

I was an anti-pick snob for decades but then came to my senses. Even though I don't use a pick for many songs, I've now built up my hand and wrist strength to the point where I can play uptempo tunes such as "Slither" by Velvet Revolver and "Mudshovel" by Staind. I try to play "Slither" with all downstrokes, sounds better that way to my ears.

I used to be a picker exclusively and I find that when you play only downstrokes because of the sound, your upstrokes need work. They should sound the same. Just saying.

I came to my senses about fingers recently and started learning that technique and it's AWESOME. Seriously, it's like the connection with your bass is much more direct than with a pick. I love it. For the first time I feel like a bassist instead of a guitarist who stumbled into the wrong instrument.

Again. Just saying.

 

[anymajordude]

Nope. I play with a pick all the time, and no one knows unless they see me [rare]--and when they do, I get no complaints. That doesn't mean I never use fingers and thumb: it's all there, with the pick in my hand. I never play without it.

What's struck me as funny for many years now is how many players--and I mean really good ones, Geddy Lee, for example--do a really fine job, to my ears, of imitating the sound of the pick with their fingers! Sounds great of course, but I get the distinct feeling they're working a lot harder than I am to play the same stuff.

Reminds me of a quote from some funny writer whose name escapes me:

"I love exercise. I could sit and watch it for hours."

 

[Ric5]

Does anyone else find it difficult to play bass with a pick?

Playing bass with a pick is really really easy for me.

I had to work to learn slapping and tapping and some of the other styles.

 

[Ric5]

I started out playing w/ a pick, because I switched over from guitar.

My first and second instruments were guitars. Then I got a bass.

I approach bass from a guitar point of view. like melodies and solos, but I also know how to groove in the pocket.

 

[ourworldisgrey]

I actually feel like I have alot more control over my attack if I use a pick, especially when I play fast. I find it really hard to use heavy attack on fast fingerpicking lines for very long without my hand getting sore, but with a pick I can get that tone much easier.

 

[NoobOnRoad]

Yes, I have difficulties with a pick, but I love the sounds, and that's the problem. I'm considering using a thumb pick.

 

[elavate7]

i love playing with my fingers. i find it easier to play bass with fingers like guitar being played with a pick. i can play bass with a pick i just prefer not to.